Appreciate those from the left side of the fence when they do the right thing.

[lokidog]

I posted this on another thread but thought it deserved one of its own.  The members of this site are very diverse.  Most probably reside predominantly on the right side of the fence, some reside mostly on the left and some hop back and forth depending on the issues.

One of the things I see frequently is that those that do not necessarily agree on certain social/economic issues are often brow beaten because of those differences.  This, IMHO, is too much for a hunting/pro-gun site.  We need to show support for those of us that agree on important gun/hunting issues whether or not we would be happy sitting across from each other in a social situation.

Gun owners were supported by, I think, four Democratic Senators.  I believe three (two from Alaska, and one from Montana) may be up for reelection this year and simply started their campaigning early seeing that this would not be passed even with their vote.  This, of course, is complete speculation, not that that stops a lot of folks around here.     The fourth, a Mz. Heitkamp, from North Dakota, was just elected last fall and has no political reason, other than her own convictions and/or constituents' opinions, to vote against the background check ammendments.

I sent her a message via Facebook to show my appreciation for her vote, especially when my state's senators would have sold out the Constitution.


I agree this is good news.  However, instead of continuing to alienate those from the "other side", we should show appreciation to those who, against their party lines, upheld what is right.  They are, I am sure, getting hit hard by the left for their decision to vote no.  One of these mambers, who is not up for reelection next year (and therefore probably did this out of conviction not for campaigning) is the Senator from North Dakota, Heidi Heitkamp.  I sent heer the following message on her Facebook page:

Mz. Heitkamp,   Though I am not from your state, I thought I would send a note of appreciation from a law-abiding gun owner.  It took great integrity for you and the other Democratic Senators to stand up to your party in defense of the Constitution of the United States.  Those of us in states where our legislators don't have the courage to stand up for what is right and to uphold the Oath of Office they swore should show appreciation for those of you who understand that without all of our Constitution being supported, none of it will be.  There are many other avenues to help ensure these hideous acts of gun violence are not repeated by mentally unstable people in the future.  These are the paths that need to be followed rather than restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens of our country.  Thank you!

[pd]

Good for you, LokiDog, for posting this.  I appreciate that you recognize differences in opinions, and that this forum is ill-suited for political debates.  I personally learn so much from the seasoned hunters here (as do many, even those who do not share the same political persuasion of the thread authors), and I would hate to see forum members dissuaded from participating due only to different viewpoints on non-hunting related topics.

Here is an example of a viewpoint that is vastly different from yours on the Senate gun control bill.  Swallow that mouthful of coffee before you read it. 

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/112946/gun-control-failure-2013-who-responsible?utm_source=The+New+Republic&utm_campaign=e94b6f9fbe-TNR_Daily_041813&utm_medium=email#

And, whatever happened to that wayward boat of yours, seen traveling by itself in Puget Sound?

[Special T]

There seems to be trouble some politicians in both parties IMO. Washington USED to have a Democrate history that made more sense than it does today.  On the right and the left it seems that each has a desire to insert their "brand" of government involvement in peoples lives. Since I would classify myself as more of a Libertarian who votes for Conservative/republicans even tho they do not "fit" 100%.  I am apprehensive about Left leaning candidates because I get less fact based arguments from them in most cases.  I really don't care who does what in their private time, or what their personal issues are from their activities. Unfortunately we are far down the slippery slope and because gov is so big we argue about who's stuff in gov is getting cut instead of pruning the tree back to the core.
People used to do more handshake deals than today. Trust is a key element that is lacking everywhere including Gov. I have heard from people on the R or L that they don't "trust" the Gov! So why do we want more of it in our lives? I sure as Hell Don't!
I THINK part of the Lefts problems is that many of them do not really understand that decisions, and inaction have consequences. ANY problem you may tell me the GOV has to fix i can give you a way to eliminate the problem on your own, or greatly reduce its impact... Most people R or L Want to have their cake and eat it too, and are unwilling to make the hard choices... I think our country is at this point because we have taken the path of least resistance for too long. On this site i hear LOTS of people upset for one reason or another, which is GOOD because its motivating them. The bad part it not too many are thinking things out. 

Don't get your panties in a wad Loki We still love ya even tho your a hippy living on an Island Commune! 

[lokidog]

Thanks for the input Special T, though not where I was going with the OP.  My point was that, even when we do not agree with a politician's platform, on either side, we should let them know when they do something right.  This reinforcement may lead to better things in the future from that politician.   

[washelkhunter]

There is no right or left political spectrum.

[notellumcreek]

Good post Loki, we need to band together and use the positive stuff out of things, rather than dwell on the negative(stuff we have no real control over anyway). It needs to start here on this site too. I'm disgusted with the mindless posts about political issues. I have honestly lost respect for a lot of members on here that make ignorant, dumb comments that are nothing but negativity.

[Special T]

I do agree with you basic premise... Even here in the liberal Wa state we had 4 or 5 democrates hold up a gun bill because they went after private transfers...

Never be afraid to give just critizem and praise ANYONE who does the right thing.