An Open Letter To American Rifleman Magazine
As a Life member of the NRA I wanted to say thanks for the pieces in the Feb. ’22 issue of “American Rifleman” regarding the pistols of Pres. Geo. Washington.
Everyone can appreciate the history and beautiful craftsmanship.
And I mean everyone. Such items are the legacy of every American, and is anchored in the Second Amendment. Self-defense is foundational in our Republic. Founders fought for those rights. We believe they are for everyone.
But the NRA isn’t interested in reaching everyone, is it? For a generation since Charlton Heston, the organization has been a slave to the vision of polarization. I was nauseated (once again) to flip past author after author in this issue who’s only apparent objective is to ignite deeper distrust and even hate – against their fellow Americans. Simply put: Unconcealed bile.
There is no us and them. Only us.
So it falls to someone like myself remind us of the adage: “One attracts more bees with honey than vinegar.” (Origin of the saying is an Italian author in 1666 – at the height of terror by plague. Link to historical citation, here.)
The politics of polarization is another deadly, toxic plague. And domestic terrorism is a byproduct. As a Life Member I need the NRA to hear this: I want to reform the vision for how we celebrate and enjoy the 2nd Amendment.
The NRA must become so much more than it is. Or it will eventually evaporate as a blindly partisan lobby just as other non-inclusive agencies have in our past. I can’‘t be the only one that sees this!
The old south failed out of stubbornness and rage … polarization didn’t work in the 1850’s before the Civil War. Have we failed to learn from that irrationality? Is what we experience now a simple reverberation, or are we fomenting another conflict?
We can befriend and value fellow citizens with calmer voices. Using a bullhorn to harangue the American people isn’t helping.
Besides, cultish politics is beneath American Rifleman. Patriots rise above, fellows. They refuse to wallow.
Is the NRA fomenting something abhorrent? The Stars and Stripes have been abducted by extremists in recent years, labeling themselves patriots. But real patriots believe the flag truly represents those who will patiently overcome this indignity. We believe that our symbol of freedom is more powerful and permanent than current desecration by bigotry and hate.
I quit attending my church because of the outrageous political commentary (lies) spewing from the pulpit. Since 2015 I have avoided public shooting sports ranges because of assholes in red hats. It’s beyond disgusting, it’s become dangerous.
Think about it, please?
Narrow Way Cafe 