I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Bama Carry Freedom Rally, a Second Amendment event in my home state, Alabama. I wanted to share the conference details with others in my community and nearby cities, so I posted about it on a local Facebook page where people share various events, activities, and neighborhood goings-on.
No sooner than I had posted the information, one person decided to share his distaste for the event, stating, “No way I’m attending. Too many nuts.”
I thought his comment was rude. And I immediately wondered if he meant gun supporters in general or just people attending this particular event. No matter. I prepared myself for my part, and I went to the conference with an open mind.
It did get me thinking, though…about all the “nuts” in the firearms industry. It reminded me about all the instructors and trainers I’ve had, all those helpful, well-intentioned, kind-hearted, smart people who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others learn safe, effective skills for protecting themselves. (That’s pretty wacko, right?)
It reminded me of the people I’ve interviewed for magazine articles or blog posts, all the experts who have spent years in the military or in law enforcement, fighting for our freedom and protecting our country. (I’m shaking my head in disbelief as I write that. I mean, those people are just the nuttiest of the nuts.)
It reminded me of the new shooters I have been able to talk to, teach, and (hopefully) inspire, those eager folks with all of their concerns and questions, their sincere desire to learn the rules, to be safe, and to live responsibly armed. (Totally insane.)
It reminded me of the shooters I’ve met and competed with in various IDPA, Steel Challenge, or 3-gun matches, all these men and women who have shared helpful tips, loaned me their gear, given me ammo, cheered me on when I was doing well, or spoken words of advice and encouragement when I was at my lowest. (What craziness!)
Well, I’ll have you know, I experienced more of those same “nuts” at the Freedom Rally. In fact, the people there were kind and genuine and grateful for the opportunity to participate and learn. And the event itself began with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer that included both a heartfelt statement that thanked God for the ability and the freedom to protect ourselves and a sincere plea that we would never have to use our firearms and that we would be protected from evil. The rally continued with informative messages about political concerns, local gun laws, patriotic ideals, and a love for America as well as several challenges to share our knowledge with others, stand strong in our beliefs, and remain supportive of our 2A community. (I know…it’s hard to imagine the lunacy.)
I’m sure that many of you understand what I am talking about here (and I hope you overlook the sarcasm) because I know that you have experienced those same kinds of “nuts” yourself. And you may have found that those “nuts” are oftentimes the most kind, thoughtful, careful, experienced, and responsible people around.
So, to the internet troll who had nothing better to do that day than make a negative comment about an event I was part of, put on by an organization I am a member of, within the firearms community I support…my response was simple. “There are going to be ‘nuts’ just about everywhere you go,” I stated. “But for me, at least, I prefer to spend my time with the ones that came from the same tree.”
