2004 Volume 1

No Reply?

I have noted that various members of the SA Firearms Forum have reported no reply from some political parties to questions about their firearm policy. I have had none either from one specific party for which I have worked and voted. It is my considered opinion that they dare not support us because some of their senior hierarchy are in the gun-free camp, but dare not admit it for fear of a backlash at the polls. So they are keeping quiet and hoping the issue will go away.

It may explain some of the performance in the portfolio committee. Although some committee members did some good work, the important point is that many parties have carefully avoided any acceptance of the citizen's right to armed defence, or the ownership of firearms generally. I think the time has come to recognise that many parties are never going to support any right to firearms. It is not as if they haven't been told the facts or warned of the possible backlash.

The ACDP's willingness to stand by the right of the citizen to armed defence in their Election Manifesto 2004 is in sharp contrast, and will consequently get my vote. As it is, such a declaration of citizen's rights is a first in SA history and worthy of support. In particular the ACDP's boldness in committing itself to what is seen as a high political risk issue is itself worthy of support.

I have personally fought this battle for firearm ownership for ten years and I shall regard the election results achieved by pro self-defence parties as the barometer of whether we are going to make a difference or not in the immediate future of our country.

Trust in God but keep your powder dry.