Printable View
So I was wondering what is it that the NRA is doing that makes them so successful that we may be able to adopt or emulate in SA.
It's early days, but here's some interesting reading I found so far:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amyshowa...with-politics/
http://www.sociology.org/featured/th...the-gun-debate
From briefly reading those articles: A sense of collective identity; polarisation of discourse; realisation that they are facing a very real threat in the form of antis.
The post office would be the governments first line of defence against mass correspondence.
If I may be so bold as to say that that's kinda what GOSA is trying to do: empower each member to effectively discuss and debate topics of gun control with people in their own sphere of influence. As opposed to leaving it all in the hands of a 'committee'.
Indeed but its hard to see the NRA being so effective without a committee.Quote:
Originally Posted by PeaceOfficer
Agreed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tweedledee
The point being though that it's not just the committee but each member of the rank and file taking action.
Yeah just among friends and family there is so much fail in terms of knowing your rights as well as simple s*^t like finger off the trigger while moving etc. Slowly slowly catch the monkey...Quote:
Originally Posted by PeaceOfficer
Better get this thread back on track :D
We need both.Quote:
Originally Posted by PeaceOfficer
We really need to focus a lot on ourselves as individuals. I encountered a proper hoplophobe on the weekend - took all her FA education from the media and was terrified to even look at one. However, after some calm discussion she's agreed to go do some shooting and learn about guns. The more we spread the rational argument out there, the less effective GFSA's message is.
However, the likes of the NRA provide the mechanism to go beyond what we can do in our individual capacities. The key for GOSA would be make its primary message one of ensuring each FA owner, or interested party is required to do their thing too. The NRA can co-ordinate stuff like class actions and make loads of noise in the media.
In order for GOSA to be successful, it mustn't be the case of creating a committee and then the community lets them get on with it. The message must be that the community does the work, GOSA is there as a gathering point for research, for class-actions and for marketing purposes.
If everyone has the message, and can deliver the message, then the work of any committee, be it SAGA, BGOSA (if they still exist?) or GOSA will be light.
If we delegate everything to a committee and sit back and let others do it for us, its the same principle as giving up your gun and delegating your security to the police. I need not go further ;)