TheBluesMan
Moderator Emeritus
What I mean by "Convert" is simply to open someone’s eyes to the fact that our Right to Keep and Bear Arms is in peril, and to get them more active in supporting our rights.
Background: I have an acquaintance who owns several guns. Some are simply collector’s items, a couple are modern hunting rifles. He also has a shotgun or two and, I think, about three pistols. He is a reluctant member of the NRA, (a relative signed him up) he reloads and doesn’t vote. He thinks that I am some kind of "gun-nut" because I know and care about the state of the RKBA in our great country.
I have another aquaintance who owns one shotgun and goes hunting twice a year. It’s a hobby for him, like golfing or fishing. He is a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, likes to talk about modern machine guns, .50BMG rifles, and grenade launchers. He is worried about me climbing a tower with an AK-47.
These guys know that I keep up-to-date on civil-rights issues, write my congressional representatives, circulate petitions at gun shows, belong to NRA, GOA, OFCC, etc.
Often while sitting around the campfire, others will bring up subjects that are political in nature, sometimes regarding Second Amendment related rights. I usually have pretty well thought out opinions on these subjects. (Thanks to all the members of TFL) I am also usually the most "right-wing" of our little group. (I even temper my comments... Go figure!) Invariably, these two guys in particular will express their concerns over my involvement with "gun-nuts."
Statement: These guys should be easy to convert, right? They are already gun owners, they say they believe in the RKBA, but they don’t think that there is a problem with infringement yet. Neither are opposed to background checks or waiting periods, and neither owns a self-loading rifle. (aka: assault weapon) They both say that they are against registration, but that the government can’t, by law, keep a list of gun owners, so they’re not worried about it. I’m sure many members know people like these two, perhaps you’ve gone hunting with their type. I think that many of the good people that lurk here at TFL fit into this mold.
Question: How do you open their eyes, just a crack, to let them see what is happening? How do you convince them that de facto registration is already the law. We’ve had conversations in the past regarding RKBA, but they don’t "believe" in the cause. I’d be happy just to get the first guy to vote, but he doesn’t think it makes any difference. Ideally, I’d like them to get politically active, and do their part in preserving our rights.
I would appreciate any and all input on this subject, just give your two cents worth. Hopefully we can collectively come up with some ideas that will help each other to "convert" folks like these.
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RKBA!
"The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security"
Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 4 Concealed Carry is illegal in Ohio.
Ohioans for Concealed Carry Website
Background: I have an acquaintance who owns several guns. Some are simply collector’s items, a couple are modern hunting rifles. He also has a shotgun or two and, I think, about three pistols. He is a reluctant member of the NRA, (a relative signed him up) he reloads and doesn’t vote. He thinks that I am some kind of "gun-nut" because I know and care about the state of the RKBA in our great country.
I have another aquaintance who owns one shotgun and goes hunting twice a year. It’s a hobby for him, like golfing or fishing. He is a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, likes to talk about modern machine guns, .50BMG rifles, and grenade launchers. He is worried about me climbing a tower with an AK-47.
These guys know that I keep up-to-date on civil-rights issues, write my congressional representatives, circulate petitions at gun shows, belong to NRA, GOA, OFCC, etc.
Often while sitting around the campfire, others will bring up subjects that are political in nature, sometimes regarding Second Amendment related rights. I usually have pretty well thought out opinions on these subjects. (Thanks to all the members of TFL)
I am also usually the most "right-wing" of our little group. (I even temper my comments... Go figure!) Invariably, these two guys in particular will express their concerns over my involvement with "gun-nuts."Statement: These guys should be easy to convert, right? They are already gun owners, they say they believe in the RKBA, but they don’t think that there is a problem with infringement yet. Neither are opposed to background checks or waiting periods, and neither owns a self-loading rifle. (aka: assault weapon) They both say that they are against registration, but that the government can’t, by law, keep a list of gun owners, so they’re not worried about it. I’m sure many members know people like these two, perhaps you’ve gone hunting with their type. I think that many of the good people that lurk here at TFL fit into this mold.
Question: How do you open their eyes, just a crack, to let them see what is happening? How do you convince them that de facto registration is already the law. We’ve had conversations in the past regarding RKBA, but they don’t "believe" in the cause. I’d be happy just to get the first guy to vote, but he doesn’t think it makes any difference. Ideally, I’d like them to get politically active, and do their part in preserving our rights.
I would appreciate any and all input on this subject, just give your two cents worth. Hopefully we can collectively come up with some ideas that will help each other to "convert" folks like these.
------------------
RKBA!
"The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security"
Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 4 Concealed Carry is illegal in Ohio.
Ohioans for Concealed Carry Website