Mr H
Banana'd
First-of-the-Month bump... and some thoughts...
We are in a unique position in modern history.
As responsible gun owners, and free citizens, we are being looked at as the face of problems in the country, for no reason other than a loose association to maniacs and evil-doers, connected by nothing other than inanimate tools.
But the opposition--while the minority--is highly vocal, and plays dirty through the media.
Our responsibility--as upstanding citizens--is to counter the outcry with facts, to show ourselves with respect, and to speak our peace calmly yet firmly.
Excuse a bit of a ramble here, but I've found myself answering email and posting about several of these things this morning, and I might as well put it all in one place.
When communicating to your representatives (and even the media), be polite but firm. Use facts instead of an abundance of emotion. Make your points clear and concise, and with language that can be understood at about a 12-grade/college freshman level. Be respectful, even though we disagree with many of those with whom we are communicating. Salutations showing that respect (Honored Delegate, Esteemed Senator, etc.) go a long way to getting your letter read.
We will need to be visible, as well. This may be the most critical piece, and will require the most attention to detail.
When attending group events, we will need to present our position as responsible, respectable, and respectful citizens. The opposition wants nothing more than to paint gun owners as rogue militia, or hicks, or camo-clad paranoid renegades, who are wanting to stockpile for armageddon. Dress to impress. Not necessarily suits and ties (unless that's your norm), but clean-cut, neat, and tidy makes a huge difference. Avoid "hunting apparel", gun-logo shirts/hats, camo, or anything "tactical". We want to win on substance, of course.
If visiting lawmakers, or being interviewed for the news, this presentation is a huge step to moving our positions forward. Also, be well-versed in your position, and that of the movement.
Should you be part of a larger "rally", we should take a clue from the "Tea Party" example. Name-calling, destructive behavior, rudeness, insults, and filth are the hallmarks of the other guys' events. Signs can be honest, clean, and straightforward, and informative without creating animosity. Carry a couple of plastic bags in your pockets, and pick up trash as you go. Our whole message should be about a kinder, safer society, and living it will take [metaphoric] bullets from the other guys' gun.
Just a few thoughts...
And away we go...........
We are in a unique position in modern history.
As responsible gun owners, and free citizens, we are being looked at as the face of problems in the country, for no reason other than a loose association to maniacs and evil-doers, connected by nothing other than inanimate tools.
But the opposition--while the minority--is highly vocal, and plays dirty through the media.
Our responsibility--as upstanding citizens--is to counter the outcry with facts, to show ourselves with respect, and to speak our peace calmly yet firmly.
Excuse a bit of a ramble here, but I've found myself answering email and posting about several of these things this morning, and I might as well put it all in one place.
When communicating to your representatives (and even the media), be polite but firm. Use facts instead of an abundance of emotion. Make your points clear and concise, and with language that can be understood at about a 12-grade/college freshman level. Be respectful, even though we disagree with many of those with whom we are communicating. Salutations showing that respect (Honored Delegate, Esteemed Senator, etc.) go a long way to getting your letter read.
We will need to be visible, as well. This may be the most critical piece, and will require the most attention to detail.
When attending group events, we will need to present our position as responsible, respectable, and respectful citizens. The opposition wants nothing more than to paint gun owners as rogue militia, or hicks, or camo-clad paranoid renegades, who are wanting to stockpile for armageddon. Dress to impress. Not necessarily suits and ties (unless that's your norm), but clean-cut, neat, and tidy makes a huge difference. Avoid "hunting apparel", gun-logo shirts/hats, camo, or anything "tactical". We want to win on substance, of course.
If visiting lawmakers, or being interviewed for the news, this presentation is a huge step to moving our positions forward. Also, be well-versed in your position, and that of the movement.
Should you be part of a larger "rally", we should take a clue from the "Tea Party" example. Name-calling, destructive behavior, rudeness, insults, and filth are the hallmarks of the other guys' events. Signs can be honest, clean, and straightforward, and informative without creating animosity. Carry a couple of plastic bags in your pockets, and pick up trash as you go. Our whole message should be about a kinder, safer society, and living it will take [metaphoric] bullets from the other guys' gun.
Just a few thoughts...
And away we go...........
Last edited:
...Well done.
