The
NRA is the most successful lobby in history. But what's
it all for? Moreover,
is it possible to curve
popular support for this radically unregulated industry by creating a
new governmental
program, capable of
not only satisfying
the populace but also
exceeding
their expectations? What
changes might affect
the breaking-news? In so many
words, how can we slow things
down? How can we compromise
with honor?
Why do some Americans believe it's okay to live in the twenty-first
century while sporting twentieth century equipment designed to kill
people? One cannot own a SAW but it's okay that everyone can have the
civilian-equivalent of the M16. Both are serious infantry weapons of
war: arms. For now, the NRA's core issue is maintaining the sale of
firearms, aka guns. But even they will not dispute the logic of
denying an F-22 Raptor or a M60 to just anyone who can afford one.
For
those who wish to fire a fully-automatic
BAR,
why not an M4 or an Abrams Tank?
Here's a radical
idea:
let's
simply give
the crazies what
they want; let's arm these
'freedom-fighters' with
real weapons
of war. How
does that even
make sense? A Constitutional
compromise, aka well-regulated militias for
everyone!
What
if states create real militias with real guys and
gals who are
passionate
about all this stuff? Imagine
blasting a round from a
real tank,
triggering a
battleship cannon, or
even initiating
the detonation of a large,
remote
bomb? Of
course, only with
government approval–
background checked, tested
proficient, and clearly
labeled competent without
mental compromise; like
halfway joining the military (all the benefits, none of the
commitment, but at a
real cost).
Allowing
the population formal
training and
regulated access
to the toys of war fulfills
the Founders' intent.
Originally,
the Second Amendment was
established to create a
defensive, engaged,
capable, impenetrable,
and vetted force
of the People.
Imagine if every Tom, Deshaun, Hernandez, and
Fahad where invited to be
trained, qualified, and allowed limited access to
the experience of firing these fun-canons.
Real-life,
down-to-earth,
well-regulated militias
help in two ways.
One:
providing an outlet for
all that pent-up, animal
rage, stemming
from the
modern-day, sedentary lifestyle.
Imagine the typical,
human, engaged
in a semi-productive,
community/governmental-based activity
while
simultaneously venting
accumulated, civilian
stress via literal explosions
and vigorous exercise.
This will not only relieve
America's waistline but focus
and filter many
volatile components of
America's character.
Think war-camps
for adults; or, amazing
weekends playing games with the coolest gear. All those 'enthusiasts'
will explore their fantasies in new ways while sharpening their
skills, experiencing
discipline, mastering team communication, and feeling a sense of
ownership for their freedom; in
short, becoming better citizens.
Two:
support for the real troops
via pay to play. Want to shoot the big gun? Want
to be a part-time hero? Want
to bond
with actual heroes?
Instead of a years-long
commitment to the National Guard, a
minimum donation or fee to
support the military
assures these
less-than-weekend warriors'
fun not
only pays for itself but also funds
our Nation's
defense directly, financially.
Furthermore,
participants will
treasure their
many memories
of enjoying all the greatest
guns America has to offer. Plus,
they will have a
deep and abiding
knowledge that if their country every needs
them to fire these
weapons towards the invaders, they might
actually do a good job–
because after all,
this won't
be their first rodeo.