Gentlemen,
It's nice to read a civil and reasoned discourse on the subject. I don't see mob panic, in shops or at shows. What I do see and hear on my 'Net travels, is a fierce determination that the individual in this country will not be subject to mob rule in favor of the lowest common political denominator.
That denominator may be ordinary criminals,thriving in an increasingly 'thug friendly' environment. Or, it may be a government in power, which wishes to mask economic and cultural decay, resulting from the cumulative generational philosophies of it's party policies.
However, the uniquely American viewpoint remains, after seven or so generations, that a Government is a limited entity, which may not have power over basic human rights. The foremost right one has is the right to self-defense, individually and as in a voluntary union. The Second Amendment has, in true legal fact, it's roots as a Right of Obligation.
No other country on earth has had this Right formalized in it's fundamental documents and founder's personal philosophies.
I do believe that the buying being seen and reported upon, is indirect response to the legislative record, well documented as widespread and of long duration, within the new administration. This not made-up propaganda, nor cited as an inflammatory fact. It is simply a reality, as is the public reaction to such, which crosses party lines.
It may be difficult to apprehend this national outlook from abroad. Even with the best of intentions and unlimited time, how can one express the historical and cultural heritage regarding the right to own ourselves, that is made implicit in the 2A?
It's true that there are unprecedented and quality resources to learn on the 'Net. Gunscholar.org provides a good place to start, for the inquiring mind from abroad. But, a few hours of reading is no substitute for having lived that Right.
How can one comprehend a society, as so much of America still is, where gun ownership was as casual and non-threatening as having any other agricultural or recreational tool? In fact, historically, gun use and ownership among all classes was not out of the ordinary. Nor did it require any one's permission, save in a few urban zones.
I don't know if this will add to the International confusion, or not. However, it is apparent that a good many Americans are reacting to the widespread proposed legislation concerning this issue. 'The people' are expressing their vision of possible futures, by their present expenditures.
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Now, I need to find cyber-savvy folks, who can contribute time and expertise. If one wishes to step up to a line in the sand, now is the time. You are needed.
Please...please...please; I am not ashamed to put it so -- check in here. See Terri, the Webmaster, and she'll fill you in on 'vacancies'.
http://secondamendmentforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=287#p1233
