I have tried hard to stay out of this, and I probably should.
I just want to say that I have been a big gun nut my whole life (Well, lets say about 48 of my 55 years.). I especially adore shotguns. I have been the President for four years of one of the best and busiest gun clubs in the U.S. I have been or am a member in probably 20 different gun clubs. I have been on various boards and the like. But, I do have some problems with the NRA. They are a polorizing organization. I wish they were not.
Yes, I understand that they are at the forefront of the RKBA. But, they are a reactionary group. Ted Nugent does not speak for me.
I have spent too much time at gun clubs listening to idealogs expouse their dogmatic one sided views of all things, especially the complex subject of guns (including Saturday night specials and more modern small guns designed to kill people at close range).
Both liberal and conservative lovers of freedom need to understand and support the basic freedom of gun ownership.
I believe we need to educate the uninitiated in the importance of gun rights. The second amendment would be meaningless if guns were only allowed in a militia. If the government and military have complete control of guns, there is no ultimate recourse if those with the political power decide to control the minority with force.
It is certainly possible that politicians and power brokers who are perceived as politically "conservative" could restrict the freedoms and liberties of "la gente." Take away folks rights to trial, gather "evidence" of crimes against the State by unreasonable methods, use propaganda and the like. Imagine the danger if they could also legislate (or declare in the name of National protection)an end to private gun ownership. It happened in Germany and lots of other countries.
As has been suggested, I teach kids (and occasionally adults) to shoot. And, I take every opportunity to reasonably speak out, including in political and social forums, about the importance of gun ownership. But, I welcome all folks on my bandwagon. The NRA does not. I don't need to create enemies on the other side. And, some of their arguments have a point.
RCC
Last edited by Jakearoo; 04/22/07 09:20 PM.
