Alex - you forgot me. I haven't applied yet either.
Let me fill you in on a few things. HRA is an ALL volunteer organization. Most of the active members have been at this for many years. And while we all appreciate Chris' efforts, I can tell you that I routinely put in 20+ hours a week on volunteer activity directly related to gun rights issues, and have been for several years now. Others put in similar time and effort. If not for HRA, you would not have the ability to have a handgun in the state of Hawaii right now. Yeah, that's right, we'd be in a similar situation as DC and Chicago in terms of handgun bans. In addition, you'd have to re-register your guns yearly, there would be a .50 cal ban, ammunition marking, firing pin marking, etc. Where were you when we were fighting for your rights for these very important issues?
No one is questioning your willingness to change things, but I would strongly suggest you temper your remarks, especially about individuals who may not have "performed" as you would have hoped. I personally lamented the lack of support for submitting testimony for gun related issues over the years. In reality, submitting testimony is much, much easier than completing the CCW application and going to HPD to submit it. So, where is your outrage over those that couldn't find the time to submit testimony? My point is that folks will do what they can and that you need to be more accepting of those that may have problems following in your footsteps. Tom, over the years has devoted more time, energy, and money toward supporting our Second Amendmednt rights than Chris or you. Are you more "active" at this point in time? Maybe, but pissing off some of your staunchest supporters is counter productive to your overall efforts.
I am all for being "to the point" and have frequently been told I am too blunt and politically incorrect. But you have moved beyond "blunt" or "calling a spade a spade." You have moved into insults and questioning the motives and desires of fellow 2A supporters. You need all the help you can get to get this initiative moving. I would further suggest that pissing off folks who are otherwise sympathetic to your cause and efforts is not in your best interests.
Aloha,