Zumbo Letter to CCRKBA

[1911Tuner]

Zumbo

Mr. Zumbo's awakening may have come like mine did in the form of a mega-dollar Westley Richards double .600 Nitro. I often wondered what anybody would want with such a thing...and then I was priveleged to fire two rounds through it. At about 50 bucks a whack, the owner was both financially blest and generous.

I touched off the first round...

Then I understood. I've coveted the thing ever since.

 

[Dave Workman]

Re; Thylacine

About the "link." Gosh, I'm sorry, I don't have that right now but I'm guessing it will be posted soon on the CCRKBA website, which is www.ccrkba.org.

I will say this. I've known Zumbo for maybe 20 years, maybe more. This is NOT the guy that the Brady Bunch wants to have pissed off at them so much that he has become a gun rights activist.

I've spoken to Zumbo a few times since this erupted. He knows he stepped in it up to his neck and he really has had something of an epiphany. He says it is his intention to right the wrong he committed, and I believe him.

 

[Cheeseybacon]

While I am relieved sorta that Zumbo has retracted his statements and supposedly "seen the light" I too am sorta suspicious as to why he did a total 180 and instantly became an adamant 2nd ammendment advocate practically overnight. Sure, maybe Ted really did show him the light. Maybe he really has been converted, maybe he really does see the the error in his ways. Maybe he honestly does believe that what he did was wrong and that the 2nd ammendment and consequently hunting is in danger. Or maybe this is all just "damage control" that is necessary to salvage his reputation.

Whichever the case may be, I don't think any of us should pass judgement on Zumbo yet until we've had some time to examine what actions he's taken over the long term. If he still continues to maintain his present actions and frame of mind years from now, then to me that says he was genuine about redeeming himself and geninuely concerned with the 2nd ammendment. However, if his present actions are a merely a passing phase, done only to get everyone off of his back before he resumes his previous existence in 2nd ammendment oblivion after everything has blown over, then Zumbo truly deserves everything that has been inflicted on him thus far.

For now at least, I think it's too early to tell.

 

[Waitone]

I hope the change is permanent and sincere.

Perhaps Mr. Zumbo could adopt the role of instructor of second amendment issues to the hunting community since there is evidently a lack of appreciation of the finer points of firearms freedom.

A second role Mr. Zumbo could well assume is that of combatant against pro-ban groups. . . .the very same groups that will preserve and transmit his unfortunate blog.

Any damage that Zumbo did to the cause of firearms rights is dwarfed by the horrible impression made by many in the gun rights community. The explosive reaction to Zumbo's statement simply confirmed the opinion of many people that gun owners are irrational extremists who keep their hatred on a hair trigger. To cast out a long-time supporter and ruin his career over a single episode was a wild overreaction.

I characterize the reaction as the shooting community having reached a tipping point. We have no choice but put up with that nonsense out of government. We do not have to put up with it out of one of our own and it was our own who caught it full face.

 

[MattC]

I've sent a letter to the editor of OL expressing my gratitude and support of Mr. Zumbo's turn, as well as encouraging Mr. Zumbo to make a strong push towards the popular media to let him say a few more things--this time with a little more education.

How did he make a sudden 180 spin, and should we believe it?

When you get a punch inthe face like he did, you either open your eyes or cower and cry. His natural reaction, like all of ours would be, was defensive, as shown in his first written apology. But instead of cowering, he opened his eyes and put his fists up. Then, instead of taking a swing back at us, he looked around and realized he'd earned it. Fight's over. Let's have a drink and talk about what's next.

What's next is using his energy as a catalyst for ourselves and others to show unified support for the rights made explicit in the Second Ammendment.

 

[1911Tuner]

re:

Quote:

>Then, instead of taking a swing back at us, he looked around and realized he'd earned it. Fight's over. Let's have a drink and talk about what's next.<
************

I'll buy that. Welcome back, Mr. Zumbo. Let us proceed.

 

[Thylacine]

Posted by: Dave Workman
About the "link." Gosh, I'm sorry, I don't have that right now but I'm guessing it will be posted soon on the CCRKBA website, which is www.ccrkba.org.

It wasn't posted there when I asked, that's why I asked.

I do hope it will be posted soon. There are and will be those that doubt the authenticity of this letter until credible sources can be linked.

 

[Dave Workman]

Thylacine:

I've just learned that it will be posted on www.KeepAndBearArms.com, probably tomorrow, which is owned by CCRKBA and the Second Amendment Foundation. My bad..thought it was going to go to the other website.

But the text of the letter as posted here is legit, if that's what you're wondering. I've got a copy on my desk, and I spoke to Zumbo for an interview.

 

[44Brent]

Dave, any possibility that you could get Jim to go whack Bob fRicker for us?

Also, cross-posted to http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1795719/posts

 

[Molon Labe]

I have a hard time swallowing the idea that he experienced such a total, overnight conversion

A near-death experience can have a profound & immediate effect on a man.

 

[GLOCK19XDSC]

Good on 'im. I'm glad he's now fighting the good fight regardless of past mistakes.

 

[Hawk]

Realizing that what I wrote catered to this insidious attack on fellow gun owners has, one might say, “awakened a sleeping giant within me, and filled him with a terrible resolve.”

I made a mistake. But those who would use my remarks to further their despicable political agenda have made a bigger one. I hope to become their worst nightmare

My personal bet is that he could indeed prove to be their worst nightmare.

This is a sorry day for Sarah and Tom and I derive comfort from that observation.

 

[Sharp Phil]

The explosive reaction to Zumbo's statement simply confirmed the opinion of many people that gun owners are irrational extremists who keep their hatred on a hair trigger. To cast out a long-time supporter and ruin his career over a single episode was a wild overreaction.

That's utter crap. The "explosive raction" confirms that gun owners will ardently defend their Second Amendment rights. That's not "hatred" and I resent the assertion that it is. As for being a "long-time supporter," nobody who's been a "long-time supporter" of gun rights calls for gun bans.

 

[HuntCast]

As for being a "long-time supporter," nobody who's been a "long-time supporter" of gun rights calls for gun bans.

Not so, Sharp Phil,
He didn't call for them to be banned, as has been pointed out THOUSANDS of times (even though some close their eyes every time it is) but he called for their ban in HUNTING. There are LOTS of guns banned from hunting. Every state has rules on what you can and can't use.
I'm not saying it wasn't a stupid thing to say, but get your facts straight.

 

[Brian Dale]

The man's character shows.

Good.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

My personal bet is that he could indeed prove to be their worst nightmare.
This is a sorry day for Sarah and Tom and I derive comfort from that observation.

Agreed. The "sleeping giant" is likely going to be our mouthpiece with one booming voice. I personally couldn't be happier about that. I figured he'd go whole hog once he saw the light, and that's the type that makes the best and loudest activists.

 

[MikeFF]

Its better to have him With us than against us, In my opinion he seems like now he is on a mission, We will see how it turns out.

 

[Baba Louie]

Jim Zumbo's hoof 'n mouth episode and renaissance awakening should also be the catalyst for ALL American Gun Owners to awaken, arise and speaking together as a thundering herd, let each and every politician in DC and in each state capitol hear, learn and know what the Democrats found out in November of '94.

Freedom is not to be infringed. Those that trifle with it can and will lose. Like Mr. Zumbo, one or two of the intelligent politico's will learn from their mistakes by stopping and undoing any damage they may have in mind.

'Twas a good letter Mr. Z penned. I'd rather have him on our side using all the tools he is able to muster helping out. Use of the "Pen... Mightier than a Sword", combined with the internet... could be an excellent way to let our beloved elected representatives know exactly how we feel.

Well, that and money.

 

[Jeff Timm]

Reminds me of a classic Terrorist. First machinegun a bunch of children. Then surrender and demand a lawyer.

Geoff
Who is not a terrorist, but owns a couple of black pistols, my Assault Weapon (according to FL law) has a wood stock.

 

[grampster]

Well, I just joined CCRKBA. Signed up for 5 years. I think Mr. Zumbo has seen the light and his actions are speaking up for him. If he truly was other than a fellow who was ill informed, I'm sure he would not be taking the steps he is. At his age, and with the income he has earned, I'm sure he's not hurting financially. I'm sure he has many, many friends so his time certainly would continue to be well spent. He didn't need to react the way he ultimately did. Just think for a minute what bloviating and denial we get from a typical politician when they are caught with their pants down. (literally and figuratively )

He has reacted to the outcry from his words exactly the way a man of honor would act when confronted with the monumental error in judgment that he made. He didn't have to, you know. He could have reacted harshly and lashed back. He didn't.

To those who are suspicious of him I say that I understand your feelings. But I think it's time to cease castigating him and offering to at least quiet down and watch and wait if that is what you need to do.

Sounds to me he's seen the light. There are a lot of people who are his friends who were seriously angered and offended by his words, but defend his character. That says much about the man. It's tough to be knocked down a peg when you are a famous, or at least quite a public persona. Usually guys like that have monumental egos and are unable to humble themselves.

Often times a lot of good comes out of a bad situation. Let's see to it that it works out that way.

Dick

 

[Trigger Tamer]

Zumbo's sin was essentially ignorance, stubbornly held for two prior "apologies."

Ignorance is easily cured, and once cured, can easily be forgiven.

I hop he can explain to millions of ignorant hunters what the second amendment is really about. And then motivate them to vote.

I believe he "gets it" now, and deserves my forgiveness and acceptance.

 

[JWarren]

I was one of Zumbo's strongest critics. I'm ready to let it go. I said all along that I wanted to see ACTION behind his words, and I think we are seeing the beginnings of this.

I truly belive that he has been educated and understands what we face as gunowers-- not just EBR owners. Let's give him a chance to do the work he is doing. We may well have developed a strong voice in Zumbo.



John

 

[davhina]

Sick of Zumbo

 

[Guntalk]

If Dave Workman says it's so . . . it's so. Workman is not only one the finest JOURNALISTS in the firearms field, he also works for SAF and CCKRBA.

Good groups.

Truth in advertising -- I'm a director of CCKRBA.

 

[Titan6]

This is good

I hope the Bradys continue to quote his old Blog until they get busted publicly and drawn into an open debate.

Their craziness can't survive public scrutiny.