Weekly Politics Thread

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[u/drain-angel]

So I posted this about 2 weeks ago and didn't get an actual response besides "Reddit full of Libs" (I know) but given that these discussions continue to be a reoccurring theme I'm going to rehash & expend on it a little.

The discussion on electoralism in firearm politics here always skews one way as previously aforementioned. Barring the obvious that some of these takes are bad-faith personal opinions/views construed in a way to present them as political reality, in contradiction to current polling data, political results & precedent ; quite frankly it doesn't provide any real solutions to stop the community from bleeding (or progressing in positive conditions through "rights"), but just suggests we should maintain an ever regressing status quo - which I'd assume most would agree is unacceptable not only now but since May 2020 or C-71. Not only that, but I've seen comments being reductive to the point of just having bolt actions and shotguns is somehow an acceptable end.

If the issue is being upset with the current political partisanship (or conduct) of advocacy groups and/or representatives, why not actually make a change? If you live in (or near) a riding where you have, say, a NDP/BQ/GPC vs LPC split riding (many of those in suburban areas), why don't you go and try to offer canvassing & volunteering support (for NDP/BQ) in turn for their support for the firearms community?

It's a hell of a lot more productive than blabbing about a complete reorganization or eviction of ingroups of existing parties/advocacy groups. And/Or if you can't bring yourself to vote Conservative, then spoil the ballot if this issue is enough to bother you (or vote for another party that closely aligns with your views). Because it wasn't that long ago that NDP MPs were permitted to dissent on the LGR vote (2 did), the BQ transitioning to a more rural base, and even the GPC is considering adopting a pro-gun position (barring a membership vote), so clearly it's not impossible to gain from that front. Not to mention, this can even work provincially and push for provinces to move on certain issues as well (such as adopting their own CFO, removing the range requirement for RPALs, and a less hostile CFO in general as we see in AB/SK).

(And this applies to the Conservatives living in these ridings too where the CPC has no chance.)

There are also plenty of other non-partisan ways of supporting the community as well, for example supporting your local Wildlife Associations/Federations, supporting current litigation (such as the ATRS legal battle), writing to the Senate/your MP for positive amendments for things such as C-21, or something as simple as taking someone ignorant out for a range day and/or educating them.

Speaking of which, I'd also like to bring back the accessibility discussion as well. Over the last few weeks, trying to help a gun-curious friend in the GTA get his PAL, there has been so much insane barriers for someone who has no IRL connections into the community at all, it's basically impossible for him to find a place to shoot a gun unlicensed without insane time & cost or having to wait months and months on end alongside with an absurdly expensive CFSC course. Ranges, advocacy groups, you & I should not only just be taking people out shooting for the whole "hearts and minds" shit but also be opening up to the public more (who don't have a gun owning friend but are curious) with supervised shooting sessions for those who don't really have an "in". Like some of those bigger National Range Day events but more common and frequent.

Ultimately, at least I hope, many of us are on the same side. But if the current options of aid are unacceptable to your terms, there are plenty of many other ways to do so without compromising your personal choices, and it'd be a lot more productive than rolling over.

Unrelated, but I also highly recommend watching the most recent Silvercore Podcast, which had some excellent points and perhaps even deserves a subscription to Calibre Magazine to help support the GunVote project as mentioned around 1Hr 1Min which I think would very much help in regards to canvassing/getting the vote out (link to TL;DW)