Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Illegal Origami

Last year (2012), there were stories about kids being disciplined for symbolism associated with guns.  One child, whose ASL (American Sign Language) name symbol resembled fingers held like a gun, was told to essentially change the name symbol.  Today, it seems, we have reached a new low:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/fifth-grader-reprimanded-bringing-paper-gun-school-181022936.html

A little girl carries a folded sheet of paper and is called a murderer.  She is  threatened with arrest,  and this by a school authority figure.

Let's look at some facts. 

1.  Can anyone be arrested for carrying a piece of paper folded to resemble the shape of a gun?  Even for an adult, the answer should be no.  For a child, that seems to be the height of ridicule. 
2.  Was the little girl breaking the law?  Are you kidding?
3. Did the little girl deserve the treatment she got?  No way.

The paranoia and vilification of gun owners is reaching new heights.  The manifestations are bordering on mass hysteria.   And, on the backs of this, legislation is being written.  Some interesting parallels in history come to mind:

1. The Salem Witch trials.
2.  The Russian October Revolution.
3.  The burning of the Reichstag.
4.   Kristallnacht.

We look at these as criminal hate acts, and that is exactly what is happening towards gun owners today.  Each of these acts of hatred resulted in legislation that we consider evil.

Allowing such hatred and hysteria to exist in our society is not only endangering our freedoms, but is endangering innocent and lawful members of our society.  Yet the media and some politicians insist on whipping up the frenzy rather than applying calm and reason.

Exactly why this is happening is a mystery.  The fact it is happening is now indisputable.  Keeping in mind what the other acts of hatred listed above led to, this is very scary.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Why Blog?

The first question that comes to mind is why blog.  The reason is actually simple.  In spite of the fact there is a website that explains what American Safety & Defense does, how we do it, and what the basic logistics are, people who look at our website contact us and say they want more detail.
A reasonable request.  During the interaction with most folks, however, it becomes clear that apart from wanting to knw about the background and experience of a specific instructor, they also want to get a feel for who we are, how we think, what our philosphy and, dare I say it, politics are like.  This blog is designed to offer insight into all those things.
Since the issues are complex, and simple answers don't really suffice, I hope a series of blog posts sheds light on the subject. 
To begin with, we are very ardent supporters of the 2nd Amendment.  We also believe in safety and competence as a way to ensure that accidents are minimized, if not eliminated.  As a result, we teach.  We do it because we believe in it. 
All of our instructors are seasoned (over 40).  All have more than two decades of shooting experience, combining recreation, competition, and hunting.  We all love our God, our freedoms, and we all love America. 
In all our classes taught to date, we have not been rated less than 4 out of 5 by any student (5 being the best possibel score).  The people who come to our classes learn and have fun.
Blog posts on this page will not be regular - we're more likely to say something when we have something to say.  So, check back with us - events unfold that are likely to stimulate our desire to comment.