I think a valid question of "What we can do to fight this trend on an individual basis?" needs to be raised here. One of the disturbing things I have noted over the years is the appalling lack of basic firearms knowledge within the general public. The antis of course prefer to keep it that way and that's why they have so vehemently fought against traing programs for adolescents such as the NRAs Eddie Eagle program. The antis along with unions like the ultra-libera teachers union have made sure that the remaining high school marksmanship programs have been eliminated.
I along with my wife who is also an avid shooter combat this ignorance trend every chance we get by trying to educate people. We have found that there is a genuine interest in understanding firearms as long as you approach the subject in a diplomatic and low key manner. We have taken many people over to our local gun club some of whom have never handled a firearms before in their lives. Most of these people come away with at least a better understanding and generally a far more positive outlook particularly when they see how strongly firearms safely is stressed. I believe it is also very positive for these individuals to see whole families there shooting together.
We had a very interesting event at our club a couple of weeks ago that I personally have never seen before. A twelve year old celebrated his birthday by having a shooting session at the club with around a dozen of his male and female friends and two parental chaperones. Our club staff provided assistance and supervision and the kids all seemed to be having a great time. It sure beats the heck out of a Chuck Cheese pizza party as far as I'm concerned.
Jim
