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Just For all those who think that if we give the anti-gunners just a little,
they would be satisfied and go away. Maryland Cease Fire now says there is no
difference between a so-called “assault weapon” and any other firearm. They are
now pushing for a ban on all LONG GUNS!!!
The idea of giving in a little here and there in hopes of satisfying some
opponent is an old idea called appeasement. It never works. Winston Churchill
was talking about the failed policy of appeasement in 1940 when he made this
famous statement, “Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the
crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before
their turn comes to be devoured.” To paraphrase Sir Winston’s words – “the only
way to defeat a storm is to remain united” (by “storm” Churchill meant German
aggression). Europe, in 1940, comprised countries of different sizes, strengths,
interests, and abilities, and Churchill recognized that to sacrifice any one of
the countries would only appease, and eventually would lead to the destruction
of the whole.
Gun owners can be compared to the European countries in 1940 – they have
different interests and the groups they belong to are of different size and
ability. For the largest groups to throw the smallest groups to the anti-gun
wolves will only lead to the defeat of all. It is a plan of the anti-gunners to
divide and conquer. We must not let that happen. Let me give you a concrete
example of what I mean: the anti-gun Joyce Foundation has donated $650-million
to the Freedom States Alliance (parent organization of the GunGuys’ Web site),
who, in turn, funded the .50CaliberTerrorism and LicenseToMurder Web sites, as
well as others. Another group funded by the Joyce Foundation is the Illinois
Coalition on Handgun Violence – look at the names – these groups’ only objective
is to segment gun owners and turn them against each other. If that happens, the
anti-gun crocodile will definitely win. We must stay united. I want us to be the
crocodile, not them.
In a few short weeks Illinois voters will choose the course of state government
for the next four years; the stakes are high for everyone in Illinois, and gun
owners top the list. The question is, what are gun owners willing to do to
protect their freedom and the freedom of future generations? Voting, although
very important, is only a small part of the fight for Second Amendment. A
popular bumper sticker that states, “I’m the NRA and I vote” is definitely a
step in the right direction, but this time it just won’t be enough. If I were to
come up with a bumper sticker for the upcoming election, it would be less catchy
but more appropriate, it would read: “I’m Proud to be an ISRA Member and I
Engage in Political Activity,” hmm… not very stimulating and way too long –
probably it would require two bumper stickers to fit the car. No, it won’t
happen, but the idea is there.
If you are not already a member of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA),
join today. To join or for more information, call the ISRA office at
815.635.3198 or visit our Web site at
www.isra.org.
If voting is but a small part in the fight for our freedoms, then getting
involved in political activity is where we must deliver and what will make a
difference. Political activity is energizing, not only for you but also for
others. It is getting your friends and family to vote your sport. It is
registering to vote, going to the polling place, and casting your vote for a pro
Second Amendment candidate; it is giving to the ISRA Political Victory Fund
until it hurts, taking two pain pills, and giving some more. It is getting out
of your easy chair, volunteering your time, money, and effort into the upcoming
election above all else – until the 8th of November!
If we are successful in the 2006 election, we will not have everything handed to
gun owners on a silver platter. Our success will make it possible to push our
agenda forward, but it will still be difficult and expensive. If gun owners are
unsuccessful in the 2006 election, we won’t quit or stop fighting for gun
owners’ rights – we will never stop!
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