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Misc
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Written by Mike Kinsey
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Friday, 29 December 2006 10:46 |
It is that time of year when each of us take stock of what we have done, where we are, and what we would like to accomplish in the coming year. This reflection usually ends up in a list of resolutions. I am drawing up two lists this time and hope that you will do the same. The first is my perennial list: Lose ten pounds, Exercise every day, Call my mother more often
Perhaps I should save myself some time and photocopy last years.
With that, I will move on to my second list. This is the one that I plan on taking much more seriously so that I wont feel too badly about skipping a morning run every now and then. Below are a few things that I will do my absolute best in trying to accomplish in 2007:
- Do not remain silent so that only anti-gun voices are heard. Whether it be an editorial in the local paper or chatting around the water cooler at work, I plan on trying to educate all that I can about the need for safe and responsible firearm ownership. This is not really for the benefit of those presenting their victim disarmament views. Rather, it is for the quiet guy in the corner that does not know much about the issue and needs to hear the truth.
- Take new people to the range. Strangely, I have found that strapping someone to a chair and force-feeding them the arguments for our Second Amendment rights is not always the best way to recruit people to our side. It works for some, but not all. However, it is very rare that I take someone to the range and they dont enjoy it! I have witnessed even the most ardent of anti-gunners at the firing line with a .22 in their hands and a big grin on their face. Once the safety and responsibility aspects of firearms are understood, it dawns on them that shooting can be quite an enjoyable sport!
- Take at least one handgun training course every year. There is nothing like the anticipation of a couple days of formal training. My carry gun gets pampered with unnecessary cleanings and my ammo/gear gets packed weeks in advance. In addition to all of the fun involved, it is important for each of us to continue to improve our skills and knowledge. There are several excellent trainers listed in the OFCC Trainer Guide and hopefully one is near you. If not, make a long weekend out of it!
- Become a Rifleman. I have informally plinked my entire life but have never had any training with a rifle. This year, I want to compliment my handgun skills with some long arm abilities. There is nothing wrong with having a few more self-defense tools available if the need for them should ever arise.
- Support those that support my Second Amendment rights. I realize that money is tight for everyone nowadays. I do my best to budget a little something every year for those groups that organize our battles. However, I also realize that this isnt a possibility for everyone. When cash isnt available to give to groups like the NRA or OFCC, alternative avenues of support are possible. Perhaps one can write twice as many letters to their representatives or donate their time to an organization's activity.
I resolve to try my best to accomplish these goals. What would you like to see happen? Together, we made great strides in 2006. I am confident we can achieve even more in 2007! I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and sincerely thank you for your hard work! |
