Second Amendment

Pete Brownell, the third-generation Brownell to be president of Brownell’s, a major gunsmithing and firearms supply firm, posts an important message for firearms enthusiasts.

September 26, 2008
Pete Talk About Guns

Dear Folks,

This year we’re facing one of the most pivotal Presidential elections in our country’s history and certainly one of the most hotly contested races in modern memory. These next 2 weeks are weeks of “Last Chances” as the election comes even closer on November 4. As all of you know, if you’re not registered you can’t vote. (Some states do allow same-day registration but to stay on the safe side, I’d go ahead and get it done if you haven’t already.)

If the past two Presidential elections are any indication, this years race will almost certainly come right down to the wire once again. The days of Reaganesque landslides are over. When you hear folks say that they don’t vote because their one vote won’t make a difference well…they do and just a handful of votes have decided who won the Presidency. Get out and register: it doesn’t matter if you affiliate yourself with the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Independents or any other party. Register and take a good hard look at each candidates views on the issues that impact you, and our industry the most. One of the most valuable items you’ll ever receive in your lifetime is that voter registration card.

Read the rest of Pete’s remarks.

Get your fellow sportsmen and shooters to register and vote – It’s really important this time.

Cross-posted at The Wandering Minstrel.

The postman delivered a couple of things in the mail that weren’t the usual ‘opportunities’ for low-interest credit cards, ‘answer this important survey and send money’ or ‘call now for information on cremation.’ Yes, those came today, as usual, but today I received two items I actually enjoyed getting.

First, my Utah CCW permit came in the mail today. Not that it does me any good in California. It’s sort of like when Ralphie of the classic “A Christmas Story” gets his long-awaited “Little Orphan Annie Decoder Ring” only to find out that the decoded messages were only “crummy commercials.” At least my “decoder” works in a lot of other states that I visit. We generally plan our vacations to places where we can carry.

The second item was a packet of materials and a certificate declaring that I am now a Distinguished Life Member of the National Rifle Association. The last time I renewed my membership, I only renewed for two years since it would only take that long to become eligible for the “Distinguished” part of the membership. You see, “distinguished” means that you have to be over 65 years old.

Maybe “Extinguished” would be a better word . . .

. . . just kidding. I’m proud of my age and proud of my continued vitality. I still feel 25 years old most of the time without the associated reckless abandon and that’s a good thing.

Mandatory reading – paperweight optional.

I’m enjoying reading “Effective Handgun Defense” (ISBN: 0-87349-899-2), by Frank W. James, who points out in the book that he is no kin to the 19th century outlaw brothers. The book is more than just tactics and has a very interesting history section. It’s amply illustrated and filled with plenty of good information.

The Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling today, that the Washington DC gun ban is unconstitutional. Five justices got it right that the constitution and the Bill of Rights are precious. So to honor the good court’s precious decision, I present you with my precious . . .