The Day I’ll Join The NRA – An Open Letter To Ted Nugent

[RHenriksen]

One of the more rewarding experiences I've had was in preparing a friend for his first visit to the range. I met him at his house for a good 30-60 minute visit about gun safety, proper handling, etc. His girlfriend sat in on it as well, though she didn't go to the range w. us (boy's trip w. several friends from out of town).

I heard afterwards that she was really impressed w. my presentation. One of the things I did which I haven't seen done elsewhere was field strip the pistol early on, and hand around the different components. I think it really demystifies the Evil Firearm when you disassemble it and they can see it as a collection in inanimate parts. The barrel in particular, I think, was intriguing for them. I also dropped a round into the barrel (while it was a stand-alone part!) so that they could see what it looked like when there was a 'round in the chamber'.

Holding just the frame (without slide) made the training on proper grip much more comfortable for them.

It was a pleasure to give them a good first experience, and one I'd be happy to repeat in the future. Is there any kind of a 'mentors' list here, or w TSRA, or the NRA, that I can throw my hat into the ring for? I'm guessing that for any *RA association, I'd have to go through some kind of instructor training program first.

[RHenriksen]

I don't like it either but I don't see that as the same as somebody that collects and enjoys firearms as a hobby. Part of almost every hobby is sharing your collections and pieces with others. I understand that the antis attach a negative morality to guns and our goal as responsible gun owners should be to promote guns as just another tool. Part of that is showing that the vast majority of firearms enthusiasts appreciate them for the same reasons car enthusiasts appreciate their machines.

Now the use of the word "porn" in describing images of guns? I don't care for it myself. Perhaps we agree more than we disagree. I originally objected to the idea that because I have an appreciation for firearms, I may have a "scary" personality.

Sorry for getting off topic from the original thread, I hope this is at least tangentially related.

I'm glad to hear it - I'm not throwing stones at people who can appreciate fine machinework, smooth actions, walnut grips, etc. But the 'gun porn' expression does dovetail with the fetish angle of the more extreme gun-fondlers. I'm just trying to raise awareness that as a community we present two very different faces to the non-gun crowd. The more we're aware of the benefit for us, *and our community as a whole*, to emphasis the more sober approach than the fetishist or in-your-face activist approach, the better off we'll all be.

[SQLGeek]

I see where you are coming from now. Sorry if I inferred something you did not intend to say.

[LarryH]

The whole concept of "gun porn" or "guitar porn" or "muscle car porn" is unfortunate at best. I enjoy looking at pictures of all three, but calling them "porn" is an idea that should never have hatched. The word has too many unpleasant connotations.

[seamusTX]

I agree the term porn is unfortunate, but it isn't going to go away.

Firearms have been the object of a high level of craftsmanship and proud ownership for at least 300 years. You don't see many filigreed, gold-inlaid hammers with mahogany stocks. It's part of the message that we have to present. It can be done.

- Jim

[GOP]

I enjoyed the spirit of the letter, but to not join the NRA for any of the reasons given seems ludicrous. No other organization has done more over the last 140 years to promote responsible gun ownership and lead the way in securing rights granted by the 2nd Amendment. While my wishes may mirror many of the points listed in this letter, we can't forgo lesser legal victories with some inane ideology.

[sawdust]

.....I've never seen 'fire extinguisher porn' threads, or 'seat belt porn' threads, of people posting lovingly staged beauty pictures of their car's seat belts, or fire extinguishers, or insurance policy documents. Not that there'd be anything WRONG with that... but given that the whack jobs responsible for mass shootings probably exhibited fetish-like behavior over their firearms, it's a troubling parallel. And I can't really throw stones at anti-2A people who key on that parallel.

So... let's focus on the *people*. Our family members, our neighbors, our friends. Not the tool, but about the individuals' lives that the tool has been used to protect. ......

Quilt collector
Antique car collector
Coin collector
Stamp collector
Gun Collector

Which description elicits an almost atavistic reaction in many, if not most, people? Only one can be construed to be a danger to others. (Although,I guess in some instances, it would be possible to be "stamped" to death)

Regardless of what one may desire, words have emotional impact, and there are certain words that have considerably more impact than others. "Drat" will promulgate a different emotional stance than other stronger epithets. The phrase, " I am going to get my fire extinguisher", will automatically generate a completely different effect than "I am going to get my gun", even though both actions could result in the saving of lives. Perceptions play a part in creating reality. Politicians know this. Change the perception, change the reality. By participating in this forum, I have already established where I stand regarding the use of firearms in self-defense, yet I, too, have a slightly negative reaction when I see the slavering over the (ten thousandth ) picture of a production firearm that has no particular distinguishment about it. For me, a firearm is a tool, nothing more. And as its use can have serious consequences, I do want as much information concerning the entire issue as I can find. This forum is great for that. Plus it is great for the insightful comments and explanations that all of you provide. Plus, plus, it is tremendously entertaining.

[gigag04]

The author doesn't have a point, he lives in a dream world with no idea how things work in Washington. If his proposed tactics worked, then GOA would have achieved everything he wants. What has GOA accomplished? Nothing, not one single thing.

Chas.

Agreed 100%.


Furthermore, in response to these "tactical units" that are masquerading around as paramilitary units - they are vital to this nations security and some of the best trained law enforcement officers of any nation. I'd put HRT or FAST up against even other military units like GSG 9 or the french COS. You may feel this in effect proves the point of them being paramilitary - but that is one of the keys to their success. Having teams that cross train with delta, seals, marine snipers, and SAS and yet are chartered to operate on and enforce the laws of the United States is a vital resource. To disband these would send us back years as far as answering the major crises of our day.

Ruby Ridge and Waco were messed up situations from the get go. I've read numerous first hand encounters and memoirs - call it a hobby if you will. Don't forget that a former green beret and his cohorts killed a deputy US Marshall in Ruby Ridge - all because he did not want to face charges for purchasing two sawed shotguns...There have been countless operations that have gone off with just as high a stakes and more favorable resolutions....the prison riots, dealings with the CSA (that's twice I've been able to bring them into a post in a week!), and many other radical group and hostage scenarious that anyone from the JPFO or you nor I will ever know about.

[Dragonfighter]

The whole concept of "gun porn" or "guitar porn" or "muscle car porn" is unfortunate at best. I enjoy looking at pictures of all three, but calling them "porn" is an idea that should never have hatched. The word has too many unpleasant connotations.

100%. The word comes from the Greek porneias (transliteration) which is where we get the latin word fornicationis which has then been transliterated into the English "fornication". It is immorality in general and sexual immorality in most contexts. Pornography is literally a graphic representation of sexual immorality. IOW to stimulate such desires in the viewer/reader. Calling something porn because one enjoys reading about it or looking at pictures (guns, cars, guitars or in my case - airplanes) is to assign a perverse association with such activity. Often what we jest about casually has deep consequence.