I am an avid shooter and much of my interest in politics, public policy, and liberty are intertwined with the right of law-abiding people the world over to forever keep and bear arms without prejudice and incumberance. It is a natural right of any creature of the earth, including human beings, to defend themselves against harm with the tools best suited to that need. The best tool suited for that need for human beings is the firearm. I am unmoving and without doubt of this natural right; those of religious faith will ascribe it to a God-given right of self-defense. No matter the parlance, it is a basic human truth. All arguments to the contrary, and I've heard them all, are founded in ignorance or malicious intent, or some combination of the two. It is undeniable. I respect many people who disagree with me on this, but I never respect their opinion of disagreement. I vote my belief, and I live a life in support of the right. I regularly petition my local, state, and federal representatives to support pro-gun, pro self-defense policies. I financially support candidates who believe as I do.
I have shot firearms of all types since I was 12 years old. I bought my first firearm at age 15, with the help of a family friend. I am an NRA Endowment Member and an active NRA certified firearms instructor in two disciplines. I am a certified Range Safety Officer for shooting ranges. I assist in the teaching of classes that qualify Maine residents for the concealed weapons carry permit. I assist in the training of youth shooters at many events. I am an active sponsor of new members to the club where I shoot. I compete in combat style, self-defense oriented shooting competitions, winning a medal a few years ago at a regional shooting championship.
I carry a concealed Glock 26 9mm handgun pretty much everywhere I go, except where it is prohibited by law. One place that it is prohibited by law is the country of Canada, where we visit every couple years or so, usually by motorcycle.
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I learned today from an NRA update that our good friends to the north in Canada have wisely decided to abandon their hair-brained idea of long-arms registration. Well done brothers!
From the NRA Update:
"This week, the Canadian Senate voted 50-27 to abolish their useless long-gun registry. The passage of Bill C-19 means that registration records for seven million ordinary long guns are to be destroyed.
In the wake of many hours of debate and anti-gun rhetoric from the opposition and lobbyists, the Conservative party has successfully laid the registry to rest. Few issues have prompted so many Canadians to sound off on the shortcomings of a Canadian law.
Congratulations to our neighbors to the North on this hard-fought victory!"
