Television Documentary

[Keith B]

He is interested in exploring why families feel it's important to raise their kids around guns.

I read this to actually say "He is interested in why in the world families feel it's important to foolishly raise their kids around evil guns".

I think sometimes we are too cynical and don't trust anyone. Like any new situation in unfamiliar surroundings, this should be approached with caution. However, don't throw out the baby with the bath water just because it is a documentary. Catherine may be being totally honest and want to show the good side.

I happened to be at a gun range the other day and a large group of Asian men who were here on work visa's were there to do some shooting. They are fascinated with getting to shoot since handguns are not allowed in their countries unless you are military or law enforcement. They were having a blast (pun intended) and it was a team building exercise.

This may be an opportunity to show a positive light on how the family has a good time shooting together and how it brings them together. Some of the best memories I have with my Dad were getting my first rabbit and deer when we were hunting together. It really built a strong bond. My Dad was an NRA Hunter's Safety Instructor and Scoutmaster, so he taught the fun and safe side of hunting and shooting and we really enjoyed the time together.

Before being filmed or interviewed, question the folks in depth and make sure of their spin on this. If you do interview or get filmed, make sure it is all positive and light so it would be difficult to paraphrase or edit it to show anything but an enjoyable, fun and safe sport. Remember, they have shooting in the Olympics!!

My 2.5 cents.

[shaggydog]

He is interested in exploring why families feel it's important to raise their kids around guns.

I read this to actually say "He is interested in why in the world families feel it's important to foolishly raise their kids around evil guns".

I think sometimes we are too cynical and don't trust anyone.

I'm not sure how one can be "too cynical" when it comes to the media of any ilk. Granted, there are the infrequent fair and unbiased cases however the operative word here is infrequent.

[ElGato]

This subject made me recall that even though we are so close to Mexico and Canada and have lot's of legal alien's from there, the most legal resident's and new Citizen's that I get in my classes are by far from Australia, England or Ireland.

[AEA]

That's because most of the immigrants from Mexico are Illegal and those from Canada have a "built in" distaste for guns in general (other than "sporting" ONLY).

[Keith B]

He is interested in exploring why families feel it's important to raise their kids around guns.

I read this to actually say "He is interested in why in the world families feel it's important to foolishly raise their kids around evil guns".

I think sometimes we are too cynical and don't trust anyone.

I'm not sure how one can be "too cynical" when it comes to the media of any ilk. Granted, there are the infrequent fair and unbiased cases however the operative word here is infrequent.

Understand the hesitation to engage in discussions with media. Sometimes once bitten, twice shy applies and it seems the media is always looking for the dirt these days.

However, I feel it is our job to continually use any opportunity we have to promote our sport(s) and hobbies. An opportunity not taken is possible positive press missed. If we don't take the opportunity, then there will be only the media's side of the picture. We get viewed as a dark, mysterious clan that keeps to themselves and won't talk about their rituals. Over time, we become non-existent to the public or a strange bunch of people who are non-social and secretive. And, without exposure and being out front, we will be pushed aside when it comes time to make rules and laws. Be out there, be heard and be a good ambassador. This forum is a good example of promoting ourselves and the positive side by allowing us to share information and shed a good light on shooting and CHL. Thanks Charles!!!!

The rest of my nickel. Now, off of my soap box.

[NcongruNt]

That's because most of the immigrants from Mexico are Illegal and those from Canada have a "built in" distaste for guns in general (other than "sporting" ONLY).

I wouldn't go as far as generalizing like that about the entire population of Canada. I know plenty of Canadians who love to shoot and are proactive in protecting their loved ones. A gun is a tool to them, just as it is to us. They simply don't have the freedoms regarding firearms that we do.

[stevie_d_64]

Sorry this is so long-winded. The answer your director seeks is that to some of us, guns symbolize political freedom, independence, personal responsibility, and the ongoing choice to act for the good of our society.

It can be defined as an empowerment that facilitates the individuals ability to resist oppression and tyranny...

"I do not fear my government, but I do fear the tyranny of good intentions." -- Steve

If the gun-control crowd and liberal/socialist elected officials wish to use these types of statements in a way that makes me look like some kind of retro dork, thats their problem...

Maybe thats what keeps them doing what they do...So be it...

I still have my guns...

[AEA]

That's because most of the immigrants from Mexico are Illegal and those from Canada have a "built in" distaste for guns in general (other than "sporting" ONLY).

I wouldn't go as far as generalizing like that about the entire population of Canada. I know plenty of Canadians who love to shoot and are proactive in protecting their loved ones. A gun is a tool to them, just as it is to us. They simply don't have the freedoms regarding firearms that we do.

I lived there for 13 years and know of what I speak.

[NcongruNt]

That's because most of the immigrants from Mexico are Illegal and those from Canada have a "built in" distaste for guns in general (other than "sporting" ONLY).

I wouldn't go as far as generalizing like that about the entire population of Canada. I know plenty of Canadians who love to shoot and are proactive in protecting their loved ones. A gun is a tool to them, just as it is to us. They simply don't have the freedoms regarding firearms that we do.

I lived there for 13 years and know of what I speak.

Tell that to my Canadian friend who is here with his family on a work visa and wishes he could buy a gun for the defense of himself and his family. He has neither a distaste for guns nor opposition to their use in a defense situation.

[AEA]

Well.....he is obviously not in the Majority that I spoke of........
Ask him yourself what the Majority feeling in Canada is.......

[GeoJAP]

Hi all, thanks for the messages.

As I say, I'm happy to answer any queries. Understand caution from over your side of the ocean.

The director grew up around guns, so doesn't have a negative slant on their use. He is interested in exploring why families feel it's important to raise their kids around guns.

Hi C_FF,

Thanks for stopping by the forum and checking us out. I don't think I will make myself available for taping, but I can offer some comments which may assist you in your research.

My girlfriend and I do not have any children yet. I'm 36, originally from Texas, and in charge of development and management for many of the computer systems at a large, electronics-manufacturing, multinational, corporation's facility here in Austin. My girlfriend is of Chinese descent, originally from Hong Kong, speaks five languages, and teaches Mandarin at the local college. It took her 7 years to become a United States citizen but she endured the bureaucratic process to become an American the legal and proper way. She oddly enough votes Democrat in American politics, but coming from Hong Kong she is a devout capitalist who believes completely in the right to self-determination and Liberty.

She had never been around firearms in the past, but once I showed her my collection of 20 or so guns, explained to her my philosophy about them and why I believe it is important to take our Constitution's Second Amendment seriously, she understood the logic and does not have an aversion to them at all. Quite the contrary, she likes that I have them around, likes that I know how to use them safely, and she likes to shoot them with me. She especially likes to shoot my SLR-95 Bulgarian AK-clone (because the rifle is very easy to shoot for a new shooter and small person) and my Browning Hi-Power pistol. She called the Hi-Power, "a very nice gun." I have to admit that I think that she has good taste.

When we have kids, I will teach them that the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights sets us apart from other countries and gives Americans the inalienable right to self-determination and the ability to protect our Liberty. The Bill of Rights is to be studied, cherished and safeguarded, lest we lose the fundamental tenants of freedom that make us American in the first place. Not every person values every amendment in the Bill of Rights equally, but every American shares equal responsibility to protect every single amendment with equal vigor, because the 10 amendments as a whole in the Bill of Rights protect the right of self-determination for American society.

The Second Amendment is but one of ten in the Bill of Rights. It is of utmost importance, but no more or no less important than any of the other nine. The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. In my opinion, the text is very plainly clear and an interpretation would be incorrect which would distort the obvious meaning that would have been understood from a first reading.

That is what I teach my family. I will teach my children how a firearm works, how to handle and operate it safely, and how to shoot it. If they want to continue to shoot with the rest of the family, then they will be encouraged to do so. But their level of interest will of course determine their own participation.

[SkipB]

Very well said GeoJAP

[Photoman]

Never talk to the media. NEVER.

[dihappy]

That's because most of the immigrants from Mexico are Illegal and those from Canada have a "built in" distaste for guns in general (other than "sporting" ONLY).

I wouldn't go as far as generalizing like that about the entire population of Canada. I know plenty of Canadians who love to shoot and are proactive in protecting their loved ones. A gun is a tool to them, just as it is to us. They simply don't have the freedoms regarding firearms that we do.

Id have to agree. Coincidentally, 3 friends of mine from Mexico each told me their dad has a gun in their home.

1 Person however, from deep down in Tabasco was appalled i owned a gun. But maybe being a woman in Mexico had something to do with that.

[seeker_two]

Never talk to the media. NEVER.

Then how are they ever gonna LEARN anything?....

It's not like we've got any AMERICAN filmmakers asking, here......