Except under certain circumstances, machine guns have been outlawed in the United States since 1934. Where it is legal, it can be about as interesting as trying out a golf club on a professional course or driving a sports car on a real race track. For constituents, it could be a litmus test as to how 2008 candidates really feel about the right to keep and bear arms [and a lot of other issues] and what they really understand or don't understand about Original Intent of the Founding Fathers.
"The issue of personal guns goes to the core of all other issues in the United States," says author and columnist John Longenecker. "Some believe that shooting a gun at a range is to cozy up to the Gun Lobby, but constituents look to Candidates for support of their rights, where politicians don't stand up to a lobby, but where it is the lobby standing up to the politicians."
Longenecker believes this is a fabulous opportunity to do what republicans do worst - to stand up for what you stand for.
"Whoever shows up to shoot a machine gun could win the election purely on patriotic grounds and political guts," says Longenecker. "This belief that patriotism is to be toned down is intimidation. In 2008, the whole country could use that man or woman who's not so intimidated."
This could even work nationwide for lower office. The GOP in New Hampshire, where the Shoot is sponsored August 5th, would meet any candidate, I'm sure, with courtesy, dignity and most of all, welcome. A lot of politicians own weapons and understand why they must. Why we all must.
Check out Longenecker's analysis at www.GoodForTheCountry.com and contact Jerry Thibodeau at the Manchester Republican Committee at 603-867-6191.
