Kids And Guns In San Antonio

[dwaldrip]

The author of this article is also an Election Volunteer Coordinator with NRA's Institute for Legislative Action.

A very good example to follow.

-David

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http://www.effectivedefense.com/freedom/resolution.html

Friday, 31 December 2004


Fredd Bergman, SAL Freedom Commentary

Help keep America strong--take a kid shooting.

I don’t usually make New Years’ resolutions. I liken them to lottery tickets. They’re kinda’ like wishes. People make the resolutions and then hope they can manifest their own destinies to include the elusive desire.

That’s too loosey-goosey for me. I like getting as close to a sure thing as I can, so I set my sights low. Ambition.

In 2002, I was appointed a Senior Training Counselor, in the Basic Firearms Training Program, by the National Rifle Association (NRA) Training Department. It feels and sounds pretty good, but it takes an extra $2 to get me a cup of coffee.

To be appointed a Training Counselor, one must perform as an NRA Firearms Instructor for at least two years, and then pass a review. Training Counselors train instructors. Senior Training Counselors train Training Counselors.

Suffice to say, I have been instrumental in the marksmanship and safety training of hundreds of law-abiding Americans, young and old. Having trained many trainers, it has been my privilege to perpetuate and extend my belief system, one of freedom, beyond what one person can realistically accomplish.

Recently, on the way back from the range, my daughter, Elizabeth, and I were listening to talk radio. She asked me what “Communism” means. My explanation was brief and, I believe, effective. It ended with, “…it doesn’t work, and Ronald Reagan killed it.”

Perhaps not a thorough, or particularly accurate explanation. “China’s is broken,” I added.

Elizabeth went on to share that her Texas history teacher explained to her class the balance of power between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of our government. I told her that her teacher left out one aspect of the balance of power--the Republic.

The people of America are what make America great. The Bill of Rights lies quietly at the ready. The Bill of Rights is something very precious.

Of the inalienable rights enumerated in that addendum to our Constitution, our Forefathers highlighted Rights one and two: the right to speak freely and the right to bear arms. They put them right at the top of the list.

I’m proud to say I make my living at both.

Urbanization and secularism have diluted the integrity of the American ethic, and it is my opinion that Hollywood and the “mainstream” media have over-extended the First Amendment to adulterate the minds and hearts of our most precious national assets--our children.

The Second Amendment is being gnawed on, steadily.

During NRA Instructor training, it is emphasized, to the Instructor Candidates, that marksmanship and firearms safety training are important for the shooting sports, the shooting community, and the community at large. As Instructors, it is our duty to make it so.

In a nation wherein nearly half of all homes contain guns, it is ironic that the NRA has only between three and four million members, depending on the day of the week and which way the political wind blows.

Yet, the “gun vote” speaks loudly and clearly from within the voting booth--or terminal, as it is.

Within the shooting community, American hunters stand as the largest division of that greater body. It is American hunters who have ultimately been the guarantors of the Second Amendment, and, thereby, all others.

I am on the National Advisory Board for an organization called Students for the Second Amendment (SF2A), and I am the primary trainer for SF2A’s Collegiate Firearms Instructor Program (CFIP). Regular readers will recall my repeated mention of the organization and program.

In academic year 2003-2004, the SF2A CFIP was directly responsible for the marksmanship and safety training of over 3200 American youths. Believe me, it’s a very rewarding feeling.

In attempt to bring this rant back around the barn, I offer you one suggestion and my New Year's resolution:

In 2005, make the conscious decision to take one child that you love to the shooting range, for the benefit of the shooting sports, the shooting community and the community at large. If you don’t have one, or don’t love one, borrow one. And remember, if the UN doesn’t like it--you know it’s a good thing.

My New Year's resolution? I’ll see to it that 500 more kids get trained in the safe and responsible use of firearms.

It’s do-able.

Happy New Year. God bless America.