Is the path of correct thinking about gun ownership and the culture surrounding it so narrow that someone who calls attention to excesses within that culture must be suspect?
I know Ryan. He and I have had several conversations on topics that we agree and also on topics that we disagree. IMO, his positions on some issues are correct. His positions on others are wrong.
All of us allow our perceptions and experiences to shape the direction of where we express ourselves politically and who we support. Ryan Busse’s experiences with gun industry leadership and GOP legislators have influenced him to view Democrats as being the best avenue for affecting change on issues that matter to him. He doesn’t try to hide that.
Is he more partisan than I am personally comfortable with? Yes. Is he working on some nefarious schemes to ensure that our guns are taken away? Absolutely not.
From my perspective, I would WAAY rather live as neighbors to Ryan Busse than Wayne LaPierre.
Ryan is the guy that I would argue with vehemently about social issues over coffee and would walk away knowing that if my family had a need, he would be there to do whatever he could.
From my perspective, I would ask why we should try to call into question the validity of his experiences and besmirch his personal motivations rather than addressing the real issues of the how gun culture in America is not always patriotic or healthy for protecting our freedom?
I guess it’s easier to eliminate the canary than it is to get clean air in the coal shaft.
My dad was an alcoholic. Dried out when I was a younger, never touched the stuff the rest of his life.
Went to a few meetings with him.
We talked a lot while driving to hunts, etc about that lifestyle.
The most obnoxious people I've seen, were in those meetings(a small minority). It wasn't enough that they changed their life, repaired relationships, etc. They were now loud aggressive "evangelists".
I don't know Ryan, figured some here would. I didn't cast judgement either. And no I won't read the book unless it's in my library.
But I do know Kimber. I also know that the 1911, is second only to the AR for tactical parts, pieces, upgrades. It would be fair to say it has fulfilled the warrior fantasies of a lot of dudes. And Ryan as I've read, was not just some low level dude.
He made his living selling that "fantasy".
It doesn't seem unfair to question a guy who did that, did it so well, that he won industry awards, yet now is writing books pointing fingers.
As a one time BHA member, we were asked to expand our circles. Expand our groups. Embrace Yvon, despite Patagonia. Embrace Land, despite his public politics. Reach out to the groups we agree with sometimes. But it's a pretty big ask, to embrace someone who isn't just not wild about a plastic gun, but who also embraces national registration.Nor to look at a group in which he was not just in leadership, but a very vocal member, with a little scrutiny.
I'm not a member, but I've tried to maintain that big tent idea.
I doubt you or I make enough to live in Wayne's neighborhood.
