Thank you to all the forum members for showing steadfast respect for the constitutional freedoms we enjoy, and for keeping these freedoms alive with informative and intelligent discussions about the history and technology of your collections. I appreciate having an opportunity to read stories and comments from true caretakers of history, often first-hand knowledge that would otherwise be lost with the passing of this generation.
This thread comes at an auspicious time for me to comment that I feel strongly that there cannot be enough said regarding the defense of the freedom to protect oneself, and country. Sometimes we forget how close to home these things really are, so I will make a point.
Tonight after work, some co-workers and I stopped at a local pub-resturaunt for a holiday libation and celebration. Durring our friendly discussion we were attacked by what I can only presume was a local gang of some sort. What ensued was bloody "hit and run" by the gang, who seemed to be out looking for a situation or simply random violence. Equally appaling as the act itself was the complete apathy of other patrons. After repeated requests for someone to simply call police for help, no one would. I was able to break away and get to my cell phone. The 911 opperator I got on the phone chastised me for talking too loudly into my phone while asking for help, and complained that I should not have used a cell phone to make the call.
The lesson here seems to be that no one cares unless it happens to them. In making the case for preserving the freedom for personal protection I would cite that I can only hope that we don't end up living in a place where only criminals have guns. This could have happened to anyone. Tonight it was a group of caucsian, suit wearing businesspeople. I am scared. Tonight it was me, surrounded by sheeple who wouldn't get involved.
I see the resolution to this as informing, educating, and not being afraid to speak up or get involved. I am not ashamed or afraid to stand up for my constituional freedom. I support others who hold this value as well. <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />