Be the Change You Want to SeeBY TIM SCHMIDT - USCCA FOUNDER |
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"Maybe hot-topic debates would be settled more successfully if we all focused more on what WE need to change about ourselves instead of how OTHERS need to change themselves." I don't know about you, but I find it much easier to see the faults in others than I do in myself. In fact, I think we can all relate to that. After all, it's human nature. After I read my friend's quote, I began to ask myself some questions: Are there any holes in my personal value system? Are there any important topics that I'm not seeing the full picture on? Is there anything I need to change about myself if I want to have a positive influence on society? Naturally, I began to think about issues like gun rights, laws, and the myriad of gun-related stories and debates happening across the nation today. I know what I believe and why I believe it, but I wanted to seriously ask myself if there were any areas in my value system that I needed to change so that others might be positively influenced by my beliefs in the future. Well, as it turns out, we all have room to improve, and I'm no exception! One area that I believe we can all improve in is how we represent ourselves to those who oppose us. Don't get me wrong: I'm not suggesting we change who we are or become "PC" to appease anyone, but I do believe that how we present our message can improve. One way we can do this is by focusing more heavily on personal responsibility and preparedness. When people ask me why I believe it's my right to own and carry firearms, I never tell them, "because of the 2nd Amendment." One thing I do regularly tell people is that I believe it is my personal responsibility to protect my loved ones, myself and even strangers from harm if it is in my power to do so. I believe in the natural born right we all have to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and I believe that part of that pursuit is protecting innocent life at a moment's notice. You see, sadly, many people fail to think of folks like you and me as being responsible, trustworthy citizens. Those who oppose us often alienate and stereotype us as if we are wild, trigger-happy cowboys. You and I know that this is a false accusation, but simply knowing they're wrong isn't enough. It's up to us to show them. I'll leave you with this: What is one simple, practical way you can change so that you help others to see what it looks like to be a self-reliant, trustworthy, responsibly armed citizen? Take Care and Stay Safe,
Tim Schmidt |
