I think there may be other factors involved. What happens when a new activist comes here to share information about an organization he's involved with? Let's see:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?101103-Missouri-open-carry-association
That was some welcome! When I commented on the "Open Carry in Missouri" Facebook page, showing the logical flaws in the proposed open carry bill in Missouri, what was the response I got?
"Brent Hartman, you are way behind on the history of OC. So much so I can't even begin to explain it too you."
While I'm not surprised that supporters of a logically flawed bill would engage in logical fallacies when their proposed bill was criticized, I'm not sure that is the most productive way to move forward. Do you think that creates a desire in me to work with a person that implied that I was too ignorant to have something explained to me?
Now, back to the topic of the OP, is anyone planning on attending the open carry lunch in Liberty? That's over an hour away from me, so if no one is going, I think I'll take my lovely wife out to eat somewhere closer. If one other person wants to show up, then that is worth it to me to make the drive. Even if it's someone that thinks I'm a moron, if you support open carry, I'd like to have lunch with you.
Anyone is welcome to participate in the OC legislative process. Over the past few days I've been emailing and been on the phone with other activists and elected officials from Jeff City (Office holders).
There are political realities and there are "wants". "WE" want preemption, "we" want constitutional carry. Great, eventually I do believe we will have preemption, perhaps as early as 2015, but certainly not in 2014, that's reality. There will be no amendments accepted to the 2nd Amendment Preservation Act in the Missouri House - That's a fact! Personally I'd like to see an emergency clause built into it when it leaves the Senate, if we get that we've done well and the odds are not with us.
Anyone can call, write, Email or visit their rlected officials and seek anything they want, and I wish you good luck. OK, I don't handle critics very well. I catch it from all sides. I've been at this political stuff for over a decade hot and heavy since I was a candidate for the Missouri house. That and the work I've done for elected (and some not) officials has given me and others a lot of latitude for inside "chat".
The "system" is not easy to learn, contacts take time to make and trust must be earned. There are others on this forum besides myself who have given much for the OC effort. NO, I don't just throw my arms out to everyone who wants to work with me. Loose lips sink ships, and this has never been more true then in politics. I and the foolks I work with or have worked wityh from this forum have been a great help, and "YES" we started off making some BIG mistakes with some very powerful people both in and out of the "official" political spectrum.
There are new people coming around who will go to Jefferson City for hearings and who are establishing a good 2A relationship with House and Senate members.
A lot, most of what happens is NOT posted here, it is done through PMs and Emails. "WE" know the "Media" and those who are against any 2A action watch this and other sights every single day.
"WE" have our contacts too.
The political process is not an easy one. The idea of getting what anyone wants to become a bill that becomes a law is a very long and difficuly process by design.
With over 2,000 bills introduced every year, few ever become law, that is by design.
It's a tough road, step by step we go.............Caution and being smart are important. Contacts and how to use them are absolutely essential.
Every step in the right direction is a good step, we've had a few steps back ward, but we are getting better every year.
Firearm rights are not popular in every circle.... Have an idea, feel free, go for it...............
