Kestryll |
12-06-2006 11:17 PM |
A Reminder
As the end of the year approaches and we look back on the ground we've gained, the victories we can claim and the ones we see ahead let's remember something before we get too carried away.
As we have seen our actions and words have consequences and impact.
There have been good things that have come from our efforts and discussions. How many OLLs are in California now? How long ago was it that individual gun owners, grassroots movements and National organizations all were able to work together to have the impact we've had? When was the last time the DOJ was called to account for their actions and inactions to the people they are suppose to represent?
There have been some bad things that have come out of our words and expressions. There were many smaller consequences but the biggest one brought on by our words was the near loss of Calguns itself. No one has shown that the DOJ contacted Ramon but many suspect it and with good provocation.
We know for sure now that we are being watched and that our posts are being read. Given how many people we KNOW about, how many more are there that haven't been revealed?
As I have said before and it is becoming more true now, we are being perceived as the face of California firearms enthusiasts by much of our State Officials and Legislators. The impressions we give are watched and judged and will be used to our detriment if we give them a chance. Or we can force them to realize that we are not the rabble and unwashed masses they have been lead to believe by being what we are. People of every race, age group, gender, tax bracket, education level and creed, all working toward a goal of ensuring our freedoms are able to be passed down to our children and grandchildren.
This doesn't mean we have to agree with those Officials and Legislators but it does mean that we should treat them with the intelligence and professionalism we want them to treat us with. At worst we will still fight and scrape to secure those freedoms but we will do it with dignity and honor. At best we may find less opposition then we expect or at least a passive resistance. All for the cost of exercising our intellect, integrity and honor. Pretty cheap isn't it?
Calguns will remain, and we will continue to fight for our rights and freedoms but remember when you speak (post) you're not just speaking for yourself. This is the cost of stepping into the light and standing on the front lines.
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