Post-Election Commentary

Friends;

Now that the 2002 election cycle is over, we can relax just long enough to smile a bit and savor our advances. Yes, the pro- civil rights and pro-firearm community has made some progress. We see progress nationally, but especially here in Maryland. I think this is the most positive election result I have seen in my 30+ years of voting.

Enough for the celebrating, now we need to GET BACK TO WORK.

Our first step should be to build on the momentum gained and to cultivate future positive results. I think we can all see some new "targets" starting to pop up for the next election cycle, but right now there is something that needs to be done. Please, go back to the recently elected or re- elected pro-firearm legislators and tell them how you have and will continue to support them. May I suggest the following outline of a "One Minute Letter" you can send to the many pro- firearm rights elected officials you know of. Start with the governor and then delegates, senators, county officials, etc. Even if they are not representing you directly, send them a note of support. Make it pleasant, short and to the point. Use some effort, change each one around a bit, make them a pleasure to read, but with a strong message.

Tell them;

1) that you supported them and how you did so,
2) why you supported them,
3) what issues are important to you and your stand on the issues.

It is OK to use a type written letter, but it should be hand signed with a personal hand written embellishment or PS and in a hand addressed envelope please. It will have more impact that way.

Might I be so bold as to outline a letter I intend to send to Governor elect Bob Ehrlich and Lt. Governor Michael Steele.

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To Governor elect Mr Bob Ehrlich
and Lt. Governor elect Michael Steele;
8600 LaSalle Road
Suite 105
Baltimore, Md. 21286

Gentlemen;

I congratulate you on your impressive victory on November 5th. Not only have we changed the party of political leadership in Maryland, but I can be sure we have changed the moral philosophy of the leadership, a change at least 8 years, if not 30+ years overdue.

I must congratulate you further on your courage to stand up to the issue I hold dearest, my Constitutional civil rights as a firearm owner. That right is the basis for my self defense and defense of my home and community and country. I think I can speak for others whey I say that I, as an individual, have and all ways will stand to defend the Homeland. Homeland Defense is the duty of the individuals, even more so than that of some overburdening government. If terrorists or any other individual or group for that matter, come to attack an individual or a congregation of citizens, what better way to stop the attack than by an effective point defense at the scene of the attack. We, the victims, should also be the defenders, we are the first on the scene of an attack.

I have told you this to explain why I consider self defense, in all its forms including Concealed Firearms, to be a rational and moral stance. Who can say that I should not be allowed to defend myself? That position is morally indefensible. If someone posits that he should not use armed self defense, then I say to him, "I applaud your convictions, but you may not impose on me your ideal, as I consider it wrong". I do not intend to yield to so called "gun control" as a control of my civil rights to Life and Liberty.

I apologize for being so long winded in this matter, but I wanted to be sure you understood my personal strong convictions in this matter. I and scores of thousands of other voters, through considerable restraint, did not press this issue for the past half year, knowing the political liability it held at a sensitive time. You experienced that after your relatively mild statement of truth regarding inspecting the efficiency and fairness of existing laws. We, firearm owners in Maryland have much factual and personal information which will be of value. We look forward to your visiting with us to learn and understand our heritage and life style so that you may represent true freedom in the future.

As always, voting Freedom First, I remain yours Truly,

Robert Culver, MCSM

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O.K. So, this is a ten minute letter, but it gets the main point out. In this case that Personal Protection is a Personal Responsibility.

Get active today. Fight the easy fight today by encouraging support in elected officials, rather the hard fight later when a new law is being pushed and you do not have the votes to stop it or have not given the legislators the ammo to vote the right way.

Thanks for your support, now GET BACK TO WORK.


Bob Culver
Montgomery Citizens For A Safer Maryland