Sunday, March 16, 2008
Grassroots. That's the American way. Neighbors helping neighbors, Americans helping Americans, uniting together for like-minded causes that we really believe in and deeply care about.
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If there is one defining all-American, self-evident truth that has galvanized good families across this country since the inception of this experiment in self-government, it surely is our God-given right to keep and bear arms for self defense.
If there is one glaring, lame, irresponsible condition that conscientious American citizens also agree upon, it is that being unarmed and helpless is a surefire recipe for victimization.
After all, that is why brave people in Europe escaped slavery and tyranny almost three centuries ago — to come to the Brave New World in search of freedom.
We the people are members of the National Rifle Association, and our goal is to sign up as many members as we can to celebrate this wonderful constitutionally guaranteed right. You can't do this in France.
In upcoming days a grand celebration of freedom will ensue: Moms, dads, sons and daughters, grandparents and families from every imaginable walk of life will join in "Friends of the NRA" banquets and gatherings.
Here in Waco we proudly prepare for our second such event at the Lions Den, Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
These non-political NRA events raise millions of dollars that stay in the local communities in which the events take place.
Law enforcement and civilian firearms safety and training programs benefit, as do regional gun-range development and improvements, Eddie Eagle youth firearms safety courses, hunter education, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America, Woman on Target and more.
Propelled by volunteers like this year's chairman Charles Smith of the Hewitt Gun Shop and others like Leo Bradshaw, the Friends of the NRA event provides a great night for the whole family celebrating a wonderful cause, good eats, great camaraderie, valuable prizes and auction items.
Most importantly, it affirms that good families stand unmovable for an irrefutable truth: Our right to keep and bear arms is bestowed upon us by our creator. Freedom is a beautiful thing, and we shall never allow it to be taken away or watered down.
Today in the war on terror, courageous men and women are dying for just such freedom, and our standing up together shows that we appreciate their dedication and sacrifices. It is the least that we can do.
A recent USA Today poll showed that a whopping 98 percent of Americans understand that gun ownership, like all the else in the Bill of Rights, is a God-given individual right.
That soulless politicians and liberal cultists would attempt to claim otherwise is one good reason to become a member of the NRA.
I am convinced that as goes our right to defend ourselves, so goes America.
If you believe that a free man has such rights, bring your family, friends and neighbors to this great local Friends of the NRA event.
You will be surrounded by fine, law-abiding Texans proud of the great gun-owning heritage in the Lone Star state.
For more information, call Bradshaw at 772-8224. I hope to see you there.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host. Contact Ted directly at tednugent.com.
