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When I was first in the
military service taking Morse code on a mill (typewriter set up
specifically for Morse code) we used a phrase for practicing, "It
is now the time for all good men to come to the aid of our
country." This
sentence has always had meaning to me.
However, the term "now," in this context, usually defines
a moment in time that is more important than another.
I believe that we all need to aid our country on a continuous
basis, though there may be times that our direct involvement is more
important than at other times. To do just that, I am going to
discuss three specific ways (in the next three issues) which are
integrally related in bringing aid to our country.
They are: (1) Why you should support the 2nd
amendment without exception; (2) How you can help the various sports
associated with Western-action shooting grow; and (3) How you can
engage in activities that are specifically designed to promote
juniors in the shooting sports.
Supporting the 2nd
Amendment -
Many people involved in the
various Western-action shooting sports have come in with a
negative view of firearms even to the point of being
anti-gun. Even
today, there are some people that participate in these
sports but feel that owning guns that are not "Western"
is something that they are uncomfortable with.
Here is my opinion.
The right to keep and bear arms is an individual
right just as is the right to freedom of speech and freedom
of religion. When
even a partial infringement is put on that right, it paves
the way for other portions of the Bill Of Rights to be
infringed upon for political, cultural, or ideological
reasons. Remember
this if you feel that cowboy guns are okay, but not
so-called assault rifles, or semi-autos, or firearms that
hold 10 rounds or more in the magazine, for you are
proposing an infringement upon everyone's right to own and
use a firearm, including your cowboy gun. The language in
various laws, especially gun laws, can, and often is,
interpreted differently than intended.
Your hunting firearm is at risk, your cowboy gun is
at risk, and any infringement on the personal use of
firearms for personal protection or shooting sports is a
slow infringement on your sport. The right to keep and bear arms was intended to keep this
nation and its people free.
Support it and vote for it!
Without it, your individual freedoms are in jeopardy
for all other Rights in the Bill of Rights rest on the 2nd
amendment. This
is my deciding factor when considering the election of any
political or legal candidate, even when the politician
favors most other aspects of my political positions.
If he or she doesn't support this right, and the
right of everyone to protect themselves and family with the
use of a firearm, in my opinion, they are wrong!
I have heard some people say, "Well, you don't
need a fully automatic assault rifle, we should make laws
against having them," or "What do you need more than 10
rounds in a magazine for, it only takes a couple to shoot a
deer." Some
of you may not know we have had laws on the books since 1934
to control the ownership and use of fully automatic firearms
(Note: By definition an assault rifle is capable of fully
automatic fire and that is NOT what the assault rifle ban
has in any way pertained to.) You can't own a fully automatic firearm if you have not
passed an extensive background check and successfully
applied for a special permit, a Class III License.
But guess what?
You can, if you go through the proper procedures.
Editorial
Continued
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