Things haven't gone so well recently in my relationship with the NFOA. Having met and shaken hands with some members at Cabela's last week, I thought our minor disagreements on the forum were history, and we could move on with promoting our 2A cause. That was apparently not the case. It seems certain individuals are just looking for something in my comments they can criticize. One post had to do with a newer member having gotten a CHP and wondering what type of gun would make for a good carry weapon. Numerous members posted information and pics of their favorite guns. One of the first ones pictured was a 1911-style 45 semi-auto that was nearly identical in size and shape to my Kimber. In fact, most all full size 1911s are nearly identical; certainly not different enough one could tell the differences through clothing. A number of others also posted pics or described 1911s as a good gun to carry. However, when I posted a pic of my Kimber, an immediate response was that it was far too big and bulky with sharp edges and a huge front sight that would make it a poor choice for concealed carry.
Another topic was quotes to live by. A number of people posted their favorite quotes from noted historic figures like Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Samuel Adams, Kennedy, Einstein, and others. It was like reading a history book, and somewhat boring. For a little humor, I posted "If it feels good, do it" - Unknown Author. The next comment criticized the quote and related it to doing heroin or something, and that was followed by another who agreed he hated the quote. When I responded that I was just trying to lighten the mood, I got "blah, blah, blah" from the next commenter.
There are many more examples, but the point is I was getting tired of being targeted and having negative comments directed at me personally. I had not, to that point criticized any individual in the group, and stuck to debating issues. I made my feelings clear and am now waiting to see how the group reacts. I'd like to think there were enough rational members who would support my right to disagree with other members and put a stop to the personal attacks by anyone. However, I am prepared to separate myself from the association if that fails to happen. I have already taken the link to their web site off my blog, as I cannont in good faith recommend anyone join the group given the current situation. We'll see how it all pans out soon, I'm sure.
On another front, I'm still waiting for some information and materials from the NRA regarding the EVC position I accepted. I am now listed as the EVC on the NRA-ILA web site, and I've even gotten one email from someone hoping to get some interest by the NRA in local gun issues here in Lincoln and Nebraska. This endeavor may turn out to be a bust, too, if my NRA contact doesn't follow through like I would have hoped. I'm not going to continue in this capacity very long if I have no support from those I am trying to help.
The good news is I'm off from work until the day after Labor Day! I'm seriously thinking about doing some camping. I'm just not sure where a good place for primitive camping with three dogs would be. I want access to the water (might do some fishing) so the dogs can swim and practice retrieving, but I also would like some trees for shade and some nice paths to hike. Some hilly country would be nice, and some small game like rabbits and squirrels would make it ideal. Anyone have an idea?
2 comments:
Hmmm, too bad things have taken a turn for the south with some membership of the NFOA. You mentioned having made contact once at Scheel's with fellow members. Perhaps you should meet more of the membership in person?
It's hard to fully understand someones written communication on the computer, and misunderstandings are easy. We lack non-verbal body language and facial expressions, so we thus fill in the gaps with (at times over-active) imaginations.
I think as long as you pay your dues you should have the right to argue and defend your opinions on a forum of like-minded citizens.
Moreover, as I have noticed, there is a pervasive affliction of American politics that leads to binary thinking. I.e., "if you are not completely with us, you must be against us." For instance, educating people about their constitutional rights when dealing with police and authorities doesn't imply that they are pro-criminal, anti-law & order, etc.
In a world full of political correctness and sheepishness about standing up for what you believe in, thanks for having the courage to fight for what you think is right and best. Although I know much NFOA is quite macho, petty harassment such as this is downright cowardly. Hopefully nothing leads to use of your beloved firearms!
Of course people will try to get you to "flame" online by pestering you with rude comments, but reacting to their provocation just rewards their behavior and feeds a repeating cycle of provoke-infuriate-provoke.
Yes, I would have preferred not to create a controversy with people who generally want the same things I do. I was hesitant to join in the first place and conveyed my feelings to the president of the organization. I read a lot of things on their web site before deciding this group was the right place for me; however, I had not ventured onto the forum to see what the rank and file members were saying. Had I been able to do that (you had to join first), I may have never joined in the first place.
I agree, the harassment is both uncalled for and cowardly, especially in an on line, anonymous circumstance such as this. One of the things that irritates me the most is how the same people who claim to have such mighty principles that they will never abandon or compromise are such hypocrites. They go through all the same red tape to get their permits and purchase and carry their firearms as everyone else. And yet, they are afraid to walk down the street openly carrying a firearm, which is legal with no permit or license. They love it when other people do it, as they say it promotes the idea of open carry, yet they're too afraid of getting "hassled" by the cops to do it themselves.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind of person who shows up at Obama's town hall meeting carrying an AR15. I think that is ridiculous, and only turns people against gun owners. On the other hand, if I want to walk my dogs at night and feel secure that I can defend myself against muggers or viscious dogs running loose, I'll carry, concealed or not, without any worries about the law.
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