(Oh, boy. Can Dennis spell "trepidation"? You bet! But here goes...)
If we believe in our Rights, should we support those beliefs?
Those who believe in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA) frequently
become Gun Rights Activists. How *honestly* do we try to support our
movement?
Recently we had a great opportunity to win converts. Rosie O’Donnell made two
huge and very public gaffes. The first involved imprisoning gun owners and the
second was her over-exuberant attack on Tom Selleck
1. Surely even on the “feel good, be happy” Rosie bulletin board there are people
who own guns, or there are people whose loved ones own guns. It doesn’t take
much thought to realize that many of her fans would not agree with putting people
in prison for owning a perfectly legal, inanimate object that could save their lives
and the lives of their children.
2. Surely, *especially* on Rosie’s boards, there will be Rosie fans who like
(adore?) Tom Selleck. Surely some of them would *feel* Selleck was treated
improperly whether they voiced their opinions or not.
(By the way, Selleck apparently HAD been warned about the upcoming subject
matter. He COULD have prepared by readying an argument or by declaring the
subject off-limits. He did neither, choosing instead to play the “victim”. He is an
actor as well as a person - a person I admire. Whether he failed to prepare or
played a role doesn’t matter to me. I sent him kudos by e-mail and snail mail for
his stand long before it was requested by Rich.)
Let’s move on. When it comes to voicing opinions, we on TFL have rules.
(QUOTE)
There are only four rules for participation:
1) All Topics and Posts must be related to firearms, accesories or shooting.
2) Language that would be inappropriate in the polite company of strangers is
quite unwelcome here.
3) No trolling, flaming or other personal attacks, be they acrimonious or veiled in
humor. If you take issue with a Member's position, by all means speak your mind.
If you have a problem with a Member's religion, creed, national origin, sex,
politics, associations or personal hygiene, take it to email.
4) As we can never convey a philosophy through a few rules, we reserve the right,
in our sole discretion, to edit or delete posts and/or to revoke Membership. No
Second Chances; No Argument; No Trial; No Way. At best you will receive one
warning.
(UNQUOTE)
Some months ago these rules were adhered to a bit more strictly than currently but
TFL is not “my” bulletin board. I don’t own it. I am not an “enforcer”. In fact, I
have stated repeatedly that I am deeply grateful to Rich Lucibella for providing this
wonderful opportunity to learn; to exchange views; to develop unity, dedication,
and action for the RKBA movement; and for the fellowship of more than 1400
similarly-minded people from around the world. (I’ll omit the 200 or so lines of
amazement and compliments that I truly feel for TFL.)
Rich has expounded upon his reasons for founding TFL. As recently as April,
Rich stated (in this excerpt “...” indicates omitted text):
(QUOTE)
Seems that I had the misfortune of retiring at an early age and found much of my
time dedicated to reflection of events occurring in the USA. .... Frustration led me
to various RKBA related sites. Various RKBA sites led me to greater frustration
over the pettiness, lack of intelligence and general lack of professionalism therein.
In late September, I decided to put together a group to do it better. ... Our goal is
to be the premier firearms discussion site on the internet. A place where expert and
novice, LEOs, military and "civilians" can all come together to learn from each
other.
(UNQUOTE)
Back in November, the “powers” on TFL decided a forum for “LEOs only” would
tend to divide the RKBA movement rather than unify it. I voiced no opinion but
felt proud that you recognized Americans should stand together rather than be
divided into smaller, less effective groups.
Have we forgotten these rules and goals?
I ask you to read again Rich’s Rules Number Two and Three. Good rules. Rules
which ensure the free exchange of ideas without the extraneous, supercilious
distractions of personal attacks (open or implied).
On TFL, there are varying opinions concerning the details of the Right to Keep
and Bear Arms, but in the name of Unity, we try to “get along” with each other.
However, many entries on TFL proclaim those who do not agree with and support
our beliefs are somehow “less human”, their intellect less developed than those of
us who “understand”. Like it or not, this is similar to the liberals demonizing their
opponents but, when we do it, “we’re only telling the truth”, or “They are too
weak or stupid to comprehend.” It is similar to the Nazi tactic of demonizing the
Jews, unionists, and homosexuals, but “We’re only kidding” when we threaten to
kill our opponents. “WE” are good. “They” are bad. It’s all so simple. It’s black
and white.
You’re wrong.
When you demonize our opponents, and verbally destroy them like shooting fish in
a barrel, you may win the argument. You may win the “battle”. But are you
winning the war?
“A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”
Many of our opponents vote. (How else could Clinton be elected? TWICE!)
If we verbally destroy our opponents, even if we destroy them with logic, they will
increasingly hate both us and our movement. Frankly, most of us “couldn’t care
less” what they think of us - I surely don’t care on a personal level. However, if
we present ourselves in a verbally violent and insulting manner, we merely fulfill
the stereotype of the terrifying, redneck gun owner as depicted by Sarah Brady and
her ilk. We fulfill her “I told you so” description of us as reckless, irresponsible,
needlessly violent and requiring government intervention and control.
Destroying the opposition verbally may win the battle, but it is a Pyrrhic victory.
Such “wins” alienate rather than win converts. We solidify our opposition. In
effect, we become recruiters for Sarah Brady by increasing their numbers and
provoking (and supporting) their anti-RKBA stance and activities.
By this point, if anybody actually reads this post, many of you have found
weaknesses in my argument and flaws in my presentation. They are there. I am
not sufficiently accomplished as a writer to compose “bulletproof” presentations.
So, in the name of Liberty, let me ask a favor of you. Let me actually beg, if I
must do so.
Rather than pick my efforts apart, simply ask yourself one question before you
post your comments for thousands of people to read:
Does my entry serve to advance the Right to Keep and Bear Arms?
If your comment supports that worthy goal, make your entry. However, if your
entry tends to weaken, separate, or divide our RKBA movement, or tends to
alienate those whom one of us might be able to convert, please re-think both your
post and your reasons for writing it. Read again Rich’s rules for TFL - they are
good rules! They apply everywhere! Yes, even on Rosie’s touchy-feely bulletin
board. Those rules can support our efforts and weaken the opposition.
Although you may consider people like Rosie’s fans to be the opposition, there are
both members and “lurkers” there whom someone else might be able to convert to
our cause. If you think the task is too difficult or even impossible, leave it alone!
Don’t make the job more difficult for one of our colleagues. Don’t increase the
dedication of the opposition. Don’t drive the currently uncommitted into the
warm, fuzzy, welcoming arms of Sarah Brady.
If we believe in our Rights, let’s support those beliefs. Let’s stop fighting
counter-productive ad hominem arguments that gratify our egos but make our final
goals more difficult to achieve. Let’s remember the words of Rev. King, “Keep
your eyes on the prize!” Let’s work together, with restraint, maintaining the moral
high ground, and set our facile and petty personal gratifications aside. Let us strive
to win converts to OUR cause, to develop support for OUR cause, to provoke
action favorable to OUR cause, and to win OUR war - for it is yet a bloodless war
- for Liberty and Freedom.
With Respect,
Dennis
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited May 26, 1999).]
If we believe in our Rights, should we support those beliefs?
Those who believe in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA) frequently
become Gun Rights Activists. How *honestly* do we try to support our
movement?
Recently we had a great opportunity to win converts. Rosie O’Donnell made two
huge and very public gaffes. The first involved imprisoning gun owners and the
second was her over-exuberant attack on Tom Selleck
1. Surely even on the “feel good, be happy” Rosie bulletin board there are people
who own guns, or there are people whose loved ones own guns. It doesn’t take
much thought to realize that many of her fans would not agree with putting people
in prison for owning a perfectly legal, inanimate object that could save their lives
and the lives of their children.
2. Surely, *especially* on Rosie’s boards, there will be Rosie fans who like
(adore?) Tom Selleck. Surely some of them would *feel* Selleck was treated
improperly whether they voiced their opinions or not.
(By the way, Selleck apparently HAD been warned about the upcoming subject
matter. He COULD have prepared by readying an argument or by declaring the
subject off-limits. He did neither, choosing instead to play the “victim”. He is an
actor as well as a person - a person I admire. Whether he failed to prepare or
played a role doesn’t matter to me. I sent him kudos by e-mail and snail mail for
his stand long before it was requested by Rich.)
Let’s move on. When it comes to voicing opinions, we on TFL have rules.
(QUOTE)
There are only four rules for participation:
1) All Topics and Posts must be related to firearms, accesories or shooting.
2) Language that would be inappropriate in the polite company of strangers is
quite unwelcome here.
3) No trolling, flaming or other personal attacks, be they acrimonious or veiled in
humor. If you take issue with a Member's position, by all means speak your mind.
If you have a problem with a Member's religion, creed, national origin, sex,
politics, associations or personal hygiene, take it to email.
4) As we can never convey a philosophy through a few rules, we reserve the right,
in our sole discretion, to edit or delete posts and/or to revoke Membership. No
Second Chances; No Argument; No Trial; No Way. At best you will receive one
warning.
(UNQUOTE)
Some months ago these rules were adhered to a bit more strictly than currently but
TFL is not “my” bulletin board. I don’t own it. I am not an “enforcer”. In fact, I
have stated repeatedly that I am deeply grateful to Rich Lucibella for providing this
wonderful opportunity to learn; to exchange views; to develop unity, dedication,
and action for the RKBA movement; and for the fellowship of more than 1400
similarly-minded people from around the world. (I’ll omit the 200 or so lines of
amazement and compliments that I truly feel for TFL.)
Rich has expounded upon his reasons for founding TFL. As recently as April,
Rich stated (in this excerpt “...” indicates omitted text):
(QUOTE)
Seems that I had the misfortune of retiring at an early age and found much of my
time dedicated to reflection of events occurring in the USA. .... Frustration led me
to various RKBA related sites. Various RKBA sites led me to greater frustration
over the pettiness, lack of intelligence and general lack of professionalism therein.
In late September, I decided to put together a group to do it better. ... Our goal is
to be the premier firearms discussion site on the internet. A place where expert and
novice, LEOs, military and "civilians" can all come together to learn from each
other.
(UNQUOTE)
Back in November, the “powers” on TFL decided a forum for “LEOs only” would
tend to divide the RKBA movement rather than unify it. I voiced no opinion but
felt proud that you recognized Americans should stand together rather than be
divided into smaller, less effective groups.
Have we forgotten these rules and goals?
I ask you to read again Rich’s Rules Number Two and Three. Good rules. Rules
which ensure the free exchange of ideas without the extraneous, supercilious
distractions of personal attacks (open or implied).
On TFL, there are varying opinions concerning the details of the Right to Keep
and Bear Arms, but in the name of Unity, we try to “get along” with each other.
However, many entries on TFL proclaim those who do not agree with and support
our beliefs are somehow “less human”, their intellect less developed than those of
us who “understand”. Like it or not, this is similar to the liberals demonizing their
opponents but, when we do it, “we’re only telling the truth”, or “They are too
weak or stupid to comprehend.” It is similar to the Nazi tactic of demonizing the
Jews, unionists, and homosexuals, but “We’re only kidding” when we threaten to
kill our opponents. “WE” are good. “They” are bad. It’s all so simple. It’s black
and white.
You’re wrong.
When you demonize our opponents, and verbally destroy them like shooting fish in
a barrel, you may win the argument. You may win the “battle”. But are you
winning the war?
“A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”
Many of our opponents vote. (How else could Clinton be elected? TWICE!)
If we verbally destroy our opponents, even if we destroy them with logic, they will
increasingly hate both us and our movement. Frankly, most of us “couldn’t care
less” what they think of us - I surely don’t care on a personal level. However, if
we present ourselves in a verbally violent and insulting manner, we merely fulfill
the stereotype of the terrifying, redneck gun owner as depicted by Sarah Brady and
her ilk. We fulfill her “I told you so” description of us as reckless, irresponsible,
needlessly violent and requiring government intervention and control.
Destroying the opposition verbally may win the battle, but it is a Pyrrhic victory.
Such “wins” alienate rather than win converts. We solidify our opposition. In
effect, we become recruiters for Sarah Brady by increasing their numbers and
provoking (and supporting) their anti-RKBA stance and activities.
By this point, if anybody actually reads this post, many of you have found
weaknesses in my argument and flaws in my presentation. They are there. I am
not sufficiently accomplished as a writer to compose “bulletproof” presentations.
So, in the name of Liberty, let me ask a favor of you. Let me actually beg, if I
must do so.
Rather than pick my efforts apart, simply ask yourself one question before you
post your comments for thousands of people to read:
Does my entry serve to advance the Right to Keep and Bear Arms?
If your comment supports that worthy goal, make your entry. However, if your
entry tends to weaken, separate, or divide our RKBA movement, or tends to
alienate those whom one of us might be able to convert, please re-think both your
post and your reasons for writing it. Read again Rich’s rules for TFL - they are
good rules! They apply everywhere! Yes, even on Rosie’s touchy-feely bulletin
board. Those rules can support our efforts and weaken the opposition.
Although you may consider people like Rosie’s fans to be the opposition, there are
both members and “lurkers” there whom someone else might be able to convert to
our cause. If you think the task is too difficult or even impossible, leave it alone!
Don’t make the job more difficult for one of our colleagues. Don’t increase the
dedication of the opposition. Don’t drive the currently uncommitted into the
warm, fuzzy, welcoming arms of Sarah Brady.
If we believe in our Rights, let’s support those beliefs. Let’s stop fighting
counter-productive ad hominem arguments that gratify our egos but make our final
goals more difficult to achieve. Let’s remember the words of Rev. King, “Keep
your eyes on the prize!” Let’s work together, with restraint, maintaining the moral
high ground, and set our facile and petty personal gratifications aside. Let us strive
to win converts to OUR cause, to develop support for OUR cause, to provoke
action favorable to OUR cause, and to win OUR war - for it is yet a bloodless war
- for Liberty and Freedom.
With Respect,
Dennis
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited May 26, 1999).]
