Alex - you forgot me. I haven't applied yet either.
I didn't forget you; you stated that you planned to turn in your application when you return next week to pickup another firearm permit.
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?
In an interogation, this is what detectives call "deflection." But I'll play along: I was in the sandbox. Where will I be when the fruits of all of this labor are realized? Probably BACK in the sandbox and no longer a resident of Hawaii. Yet I am still here, fighting for our Constitution and the rights of those of you who will remain in Hawaii long after I'm gone.
ETA: What are you doing during those 20+ hours? This IS NOT an insult or cheap shot, but a genuine question to see if there is anything that I (or anyone else who might be interested in assisting the HRA) can do to help. It might also help HCCW identify areas that we have not thought about yet.
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.
I would argue that, if this is such a huge concern of yours, and you still haven't found a solution to get people motivated, maybe it's time that you consider changing your tactics. As Chris stated earlier, the new generation is much more direct and generally appreciates honesty and openness. Furthermore, younger people sometimes need to be pushed more before they act...this is not only true when they don't want to do something, but even with things that they DO want to do.
So, where is your outrage over those that couldn't find the time to submit testimony?
As I've said countless times, I'm VERY new to this and am constantly looking for ways to help the 2a cause. When I first joined this site, I was literally as clueless as one can be when it comes to being an "activist." During the last legislative session, I didn't have a damn clue about what it meant to submit testimony. Maybe the reason that you guys have such a difficult time finding help and assistance is that you keep everything so close to the chest. If you aren't willing to pass on information to people, how can you expect those people to help? In regards to getting people to submit testimony, what exactly did the HRA do to reach people other than go to closed BOD meetings and have a little spot in the Rifleman? I can tell you that the vast majority of people out there think that when you say "testimony" it means that they have something "official" to say about it. Very few people realize that you simply want gun owners to speak their mind so that the politicians realize that it's not just one or two wackos out in the woods. Furthermore, the vast majority of people are not aware that submitting testimony only takes a few clicks of the mouse. Speaking of which, since the HRA has already completed it's plans for the upcoming legislative session, how about you guys let us know NOW what bills/issues we should begin formulating our testimonies for, instead of waiting until it does become a hot issue and people conveniently "can't find the time."
If you had any idea how many people that I have personally spoken with who have felt completely rejected by the push back that they have received from the HRA on things, then perhaps you would understand my ire. On more than one occasion I have felt that way, however, my stubbornness has been what kept me around. Several times in the past few months, before Chris came through with this CCW initiative, I asked myself why I continue to fight
against other able-bodied Americans to help them get rights that I will never see. Whether you guys realize it or not, you put a damper alot of people's spirits and willingness to help. That is a FACT.
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 Amendment rights than Chris or you. Are you more "active" at this point in time? Maybe, but pissing off some of your staunchest supporters is counterproductive to your overall efforts.
And as I said earlier, everything is coming to a head RIGHT NOW. All the time, effort, and money that you all have given throughout the years has come to a head at this point in time. Perhaps you don't see it that way; if I'm wrong, I would genuinely like know what I'm missing. As I also said earlier, we are flying by the seats of our pants and doing the best we can. We have repeatedly asked for ANY assistance that anyone can give. In return we either receive silence or are told to slow down. We can't even get one person from the HRA BOD to come to the HCCW meetings and provide guidance, information, or simply support. This whole argument is stupid really...as yourself and others have said in the past, we shouldn't be lobbying against each other.
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.
Where, EXACTLY, did I insult anyone? Stating facts that others don't want to hear might make me an asshole, but is not an insult.
Also ETA: You're right we DO need all the help we can get to get this moving...that has been my point from the beginning. Perhaps you should reread your last sentence and ask yourself if you're alienating US, this goes back to what I was saying earlier about people feeling rejected after looking to help out the HRA. While I'm sure it's not deliberate, you guys have a knack for making people say "Fuck it."
- Alex