So what are YOU willing to do?

[85MikeTPI]

Unfortunately when you work for a living instead of voting and protesting for a living, you have little free time to even enjoy the sport and hobby we're trying to protect. I do try to volunteer as a RSO as much as I can, but not everyone can day trip to Annapolis or deal with politics.

 

[HauptsAriba]

I heard there were some 22,000 registered users of MD Shooters. How many MSI members? How many MSRP members or AGC? Being a member of the forum is great, but the other local groups are mostly the ones with the rubber on the road in regards to doing more than talking. It is hard to find the time to contribute, this is true, but everyone can afford the $50 bucks a year it costs to be an MSI member and or MSRP member.If we had 22,000 paying members in MSI, things would be different already in the State. Different how? Not sure, but with that level of membership, it would have a positive impact.


If the average gun owner spent 10% of what they annually spend on guns and accessories on gun rights, we would be fighting on the offense, not defense.

 

[Mr H]

Larger MSI membership would allow for greater foot presence across the state.

It's been a long term goal, but commitments have been difficult to secure (from outside center-state) on an effective scale.

 

[Schipperke]

I heard there were some 22,000 registered users of MD Shooters. How many MSI members? How many MSRP members or AGC? Being a member of the forum is great, but the other local groups are mostly the ones with the rubber on the road in regards to doing more than talking. It is hard to find the time to contribute, this is true, but everyone can afford the $50 bucks a year it costs to be an MSI member and or MSRP member.If we had 22,000 paying members in MSI, things would be different already in the State. Different how? Not sure, but with that level of membership, it would have a positive impact.


If the average gun owner spent 10% of what they annually spend on guns and accessories on gun rights, we would be fighting on the offense, not defense.

Dan & George ?

 

[teratos]

I don't even think we necessarily need everyone to be MSI members, but if we could get 10,000 people into Annapolis it would most certainly make a lot of legislators think twice. E-mails are easy, having a few hundred constituents in your office is something none of them have dealt with.

 

[Schipperke]

I don't even think we necessarily need everyone to be MSI members, but if we could get 10,000 people into Annapolis it would most certainly make a lot of legislators think twice. E-mails are easy, having a few hundred constituents in your office is something none of them have dealt with.

During the SB218 carnival, I emailed my three delegates individually twice, as well as sending each letter by US Mail. Never a reply. The letter was half page and not abrasive, just asking not support bill, as it was another law that would do nothing but hurt legal gun owners and do nothing against crime.

I can imagine these people receive their emails from a white list. As far as my delegates never answering either electronic or US Mail from me, it all comes down to my view is such a minority in my District 15, it does not matter.

 

[teratos]

During the SB218 carnival, I emailed my three delegates individually twice, as well as sending each letter by US Mail. Never a reply. The letter was half page and not abrasive, just asking not support bill, as it was another law that would do nothing but hurt legal gun owners and do nothing against crime. I can imagine these people receive their emails from a white list. As far as my delegates never answering either electronic or US Mail from me, it all comes down to my view is such a minority in my District 15, it does not matter.

Have 2-300 people visit the office. That has an impact.

 

[Mr H]

Have 2-300 people visit the office. That has an impact.

This is the sad irony of the situation...

The core support of most of the .orgs is center-state. The real problems we face are from center-state legislators.

The real challenge is in how to reach those constituents who are both Pro-2A and in problematic districts, and get them to turn out without fear of reprisal.

We know they're out there. PeeGee, Monkey, Baltimorgue... but how to not only activate them, but keep them engaged??

 

[shootin the breeze]

My son and I took the hunters safety course 20 months ago. Haven't had any luck with anyone following through on helping me out and I'm not into aimlessly wandering the woods, so...

I haven't asked yet so I can't complain but if you want to wander together we could do that...

 

[Schipperke]

This is the sad irony of the situation...

The core support of most of the .orgs is center-state. The real problems we face are from center-state legislators.

The real challenge is in how to reach those constituents who are both Pro-2A and in problematic districts, and get them to turn out without fear of reprisal.

We know they're out there. PeeGee, Monkey, Baltimorgue... but how to not only activate them, but keep them engaged??

My wife is a residential architect. I would estimate the vast majority of contractors she works with are not anti 2A, and in fact know a few that are hunters and shooters. The clients they both share in the county are mostly strong left leaning, so nary a republican sticker let alone any 2A propaganda to be seen or mentioned publicly. I believe in self preservation of income, and do not go out of my way to lose clients espousing political views contrary to theirs.

 

[BeoBill]

This is the sad irony of the situation...

The core support of most of the .orgs is center-state. The real problems we face are from center-state legislators.

The real challenge is in how to reach those constituents who are both Pro-2A and in problematic districts, and get them to turn out without fear of reprisal.

We know they're out there. PeeGee, Monkey, Baltimorgue... but how to not only activate them, but keep them engaged??

An OP said they were too busy to vote because they work. I'm sure others have also seen those who said they wouldn't vote because they "didn't like any of the candidates" and/or "thought their vote wouldn't count."

I'm tired of hearing the whiney excuses. Let me point this out, loud and clear:

FIELD TRIPS TO LAWYER'S MALL ARE NICE, BUT VOTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE MGA. I SAY AGAIN - THE ONLY WAY.

2A Tuesday is a good civics exercise, but it won't change any faces in the next session. "Mike-Squared" won't be forced out or out-shouted unless many of the MGA players change, and that's done by voting in new people and voting the bums out. The operative word here is voting. iF WE COULD GET 10,000 NEW PEOPLE TO THE POLLS, IT WOULD CHANGE MARYLAND POLITICS FOREVER. Understand now?

/rant

 

[Mr H]

I'll assume you're not challenging my understanding, and go from there...



You're correct that voting matters most, but that only happens every 4 years. In fact, Mike Busch finished 3d in his own district, which is just one example of how the tide is shifting.

In the interim, we truly are having an effect in establishing face time with the critters. In that, pressure must be maintained, and the "Three Makes" must be pushed.

Make them know your name.
Make them know your face.
Make them fear your vote.

 

[Mark75H]

"Mike-Squared" won't be forced out or out-shouted unless many of the MGA players change, and that's done by voting in new people and voting the bums out. The operative word here is voting. iF WE COULD GET 10,000 NEW PEOPLE TO THE POLLS, IT WOULD CHANGE MARYLAND POLITICS FOREVER. Understand now?

/rant

3,000 votes is enough to knock Busch completely out of the park.

He is the weakest in his district of all the GA leadership.

 

[johnnyb2]

RoadDawg
"The fact is that it is not easy. The anti-gunners have been at this since before the greatest anti-gun propaganda film ever made was first introduced to the children of America in the most innocent and tear jerking fashion in 1942. It taught children just how horribly mean and nasty their fathers were for going out and killing Bambi's mother. They have our children's eyes and ears... And most of us don't even think twice about it... Watch the children's films WITH your children and see just how the man with the gun is portrayed... Odds are YOU won't like the mope with the gun either... But think about how it looks to a child... a young emotionally influenced innocent child, who is watching the "terrible hunter kill that poor innocent little animal"... "



What film are you talking about? I am 57 years old, and I remember a film somewhat like this when I was very young, in elementary school. But just snippets from it. There was also a camera taken through a gun scope...of a CUTE little ground hog.. or some varmint :-) and then...BANG...flesh, blood, parts go flying all over the screen...EWWwwwwww! hahahaha I remember that TOO. Quite CLEARLY, to this day, 48 to 50 years later. Except, I kinda found it funny :-) ( hmmm what does that say about me growing up :-)

So yes, they do have an impact, a BIG IMPACT unfortunately. I do not have kids, and forgot all about this until just now. But, I wonder if they are still showing films like this, which would not surprise me. When I think of school today, I think of that poor little boy, who got suspended for wearing a NRA shirt to school a few years back. What a bunch of A _ _ HOLE political hacks running that school. I would love to force them to wear hanging signs around their necks stating " I AM IGNORANT & MISINFORMED, PLEASE HELP ME" for about 2 weeks. :-)

I have engaged many anti people and attempted to have a conversation with them, at least a intelligent one. But, that has not happened too often. 98% are just soo closed minded, but, ya have to know when to just walk away.

My proudest moment was with a friend of mine's son. I started working on him in junior high about the military. His father did not serve, and he had no one to talk to about it ( just like me, which i regret to this day but that was RIGHT after the V.N war, different time period ) and for several years I would bring it up at holidays, cook outs, when ever I would see him. Then, and I like to think I had just a little influence, after high school he joined the Coast Guard!!! But after a year and a half, when the Afghany war was winding down several years ago, they were offering a early out for many people, to thin the ranks and he was considering it. Man, I hammered and hammered ( but in a nice and smooth way :-) and he decided to stay and complete his 4 year term!!! He is now enrolled in College up in Boston, outside near the C.G. station he was last at, getting his 4 year degree in nursing. I am of that young man. With a 4 year degree in nursing, he can start at $35-50K depending on where he is hired, and make even MORE money and see the world with "TRAVELING NURSES" who station them all over the globe after a few years experience. Man, do I wish I would had gone this route way back when...or something close to it, Oh well.....

My little success story, or, so I like to believe :-)

 

[BeoBill]

I'll assume you're not challenging my understanding, and go from there...



You're correct that voting matters most, but that only happens every 4 years. In fact, Mike Busch finished 3d in his own district, which is just one example of how the tide is shifting.

In the interim, we truly are having an effect in establishing face time with the critters. In that, pressure must be maintained, and the "Three Makes" must be pushed.

Make them know your name.
Make them know your face.
Make them fear your vote.

Completely agree. But it seems that we're devoting most of our resources to the once a year 2A Tuesday effort to the detriment of building a fired-up voter base. Without the "growing" and "sustainment" efforts we'll fall flat during the next local (city and state) voting cycle. We can't forget that if we are to succeed next time around.

 

[RoadDawg]

RoadDawg
"The fact is that it is not easy. The anti-gunners have been at this since before the greatest anti-gun propaganda film ever made was first introduced to the children of America in the most innocent and tear jerking fashion in 1942. It taught children just how horribly mean and nasty their fathers were for going out and killing Bambi's mother. They have our children's eyes and ears... And most of us don't even think twice about it... Watch the children's films WITH your children and see just how the man with the gun is portrayed... Odds are YOU won't like the mope with the gun either... But think about how it looks to a child... a young emotionally influenced innocent child, who is watching the "terrible hunter kill that poor innocent little animal"... "



What film are you talking about? I am 57 years old, and I remember a film somewhat like this when I was very young, in elementary school. But just snippets from it. There was also a camera taken through a gun scope...of a CUTE little ground hog.. or some varmint :-) and then...BANG...flesh, blood, parts go flying all over the screen...EWWwwwwww! hahahaha I remember that TOO. Quite CLEARLY, to this day, 48 to 50 years later. Except, I kinda found it funny :-) ( hmmm what does that say about me growing up :-)

So yes, they do have an impact, a BIG IMPACT unfortunately. I do not have kids, and forgot all about this until just now. But, I wonder if they are still showing films like this, which would not surprise me. When I think of school today, I think of that poor little boy, who got suspended for wearing a NRA shirt to school a few years back. What a bunch of A _ _ HOLE political hacks running that school. I would love to force them to wear hanging signs around their necks stating " I AM IGNORANT & MISINFORMED, PLEASE HELP ME" for about 2 weeks. :-)

I have engaged many anti people and attempted to have a conversation with them, at least a intelligent one. But, that has not happened too often. 98% are just soo closed minded, but, ya have to know when to just walk away.

My proudest moment was with a friend of mine's son. I started working on him in junior high about the military. His father did not serve, and he had no one to talk to about it ( just like me, which i regret to this day but that was RIGHT after the V.N war, different time period ) and for several years I would bring it up at holidays, cook outs, when ever I would see him. Then, and I like to think I had just a little influence, after high school he joined the Coast Guard!!! But after a year and a half, when the Afghany war was winding down several years ago, they were offering a early out for many people, to thin the ranks and he was considering it. Man, I hammered and hammered ( but in a nice and smooth way :-) and he decided to stay and complete his 4 year term!!! He is now enrolled in College up in Boston, outside near the C.G. station he was last at, getting his 4 year degree in nursing. I am of that young man. With a 4 year degree in nursing, he can start at $35-50K depending on where he is hired, and make even MORE money and see the world with "TRAVELING NURSES" who station them all over the globe after a few years experience. Man, do I wish I would had gone this route way back when...or something close to it, Oh well.....

My little success story, or, so I like to believe :-)

Bambi... The greatest anti-hunting/anti-gun propaganda film ever perpetrated on the unsuspecting 2A community who just thought it to be a children's story.

 

[44man]

My wife is a residential architect. I would estimate the vast majority of contractors she works with are not anti 2A, and in fact know a few that are hunters and shooters. The clients they both share in the county are mostly strong left leaning, so nary a republican sticker let alone any 2A propaganda to be seen or mentioned publicly. I believe in self preservation of income, and do not go out of my way to lose clients espousing political views contrary to theirs.

damn.

I am quite the opposite. I wont work for antis. I don't want their money. I preach the second amendment and the constitution to everyone around me and I leave no doubt in anyone's mind how I think and vote and what I believe. hell I regularly fire new hires the office sends me if they are antis. I don't want that filth around me. but to each his own. everyone must do as their conscience lets them.

hell, money just doesn't mean that much to me. I guess I was raised differently than most.

 

[dblas]

I don't even think we necessarily need everyone to be MSI members, but if we could get 10,000 people into Annapolis it would most certainly make a lot of legislators think twice. E-mails are easy, having a few hundred constituents in your office is something none of them have dealt with.

This, and the kicker is, the majority don't have to want to exercise their 2A rights.

Yep, that's right, The President of MSI just said that......

They simply have to be concerned with their own personal protection and owning a tuning to do so. The two can be mutually exclusive, but also mutually beneficial in spades.

 

[dblas]

This is the sad irony of the situation...

The core support of most of the .orgs is center-state. The real problems we face are from center-state legislators.

The real challenge is in how to reach those constituents who are both Pro-2A and in problematic districts, and get them to turn out without fear of reprisal.

We know they're out there. PeeGee, Monkey, Baltimorgue... but how to not only activate them, but keep them engaged??

I am starting to look at this from a different angle, and perhaps others should as well.

Instead of constituents that are Pro-2A, why not constituents that their only concern is personal protection and wanting a firearm to do so?

Wouldn't that do two things?

1. Open up the pool of constituents to reach out to and turn out.

2. Make it harder for politicians to say they they against personal protection as opposed to the 2nd Amendment?

 

[dblas]

My wife is a residential architect. I would estimate the vast majority of contractors she works with are not anti 2A, and in fact know a few that are hunters and shooters. The clients they both share in the county are mostly strong left leaning, so nary a republican sticker let alone any 2A propaganda to be seen or mentioned publicly. I believe in self preservation of income, and do not go out of my way to lose clients espousing political views contrary to theirs.

So, instead of talking about the 2nd Amendment, how about discussing personal protection?