TexasCHLforum.com

The TexasCHLforum is five years old today. Some of our senior members have heard this before, but I created the TexasCHLforum as a refugee camp for people fleeing one of the news groups. We wanted a place where we could discusses issues in a friendly and respectful atmosphere, without the ever-increasing hostility, profanity and personal attacks. We also wanted to strongly encourage women to get involved in shooting, with a special emphasis on self-defense. Another goal was to become a resource that parents would feel comfortable referring their kids to so they could learn about firearms and their safe usage. To this end, we initially didn't have any specific rules and lived by what came to be known as the "Ten Year Old Daughter Rule." The concept was simple, if you wouldn't want someone saying something in front of your 10 year old daughter, then don't post it on the Forum. This worked for a good while, but as we grew in numbers we had to adopt specific bright-line rules that also have worked well.

I expected we would top out around 200 members, but as others have noted we now have 6001 members on our fifth anniversary. Initially, I was the only moderator but as we grew, I was blessed with the best crew of Moderators a guy could want. They work tirelessly to maintain the "family" atmosphere we have enjoyed since the beginning of our online community. And you our members have made that job much easier than anyone could expect. I receive a lot of complements about the TexasCHLforum and I quickly respond by saying "all I did was install the software and hit the 'go' button. The members have made the Forum what it is today, not me."

As we go into the most important election and legislative session we will have for ten years (due to the national census and redistricting), I want you to know that I will continue my efforts to protect and promote the rights of gun owners and the TexasCHLforum will be a big part of that effort. It has proven to be an invaluable communication resource when we need to get the word out and issue calls-to-action.

On behalf of the Moderators and myself, I want to express our appreciation for your dedication to the TexasCHLforum and its mission.

Regards,
Chas.