Here's a VERY condensed version of an EXCELLENT article by Tim at gunnuts.net:
Being a Good Ambassadorhttp://www.gunnuts.net/2013/01/10/being-a-good-ambassador/ January 10, 2013
While the political environment doesn’t currently look very favorable for the future of gun ownership, I’ve encountered a number of reasons for hope in the last few weeks. My phone has been buzzing it’s little heart out with a steady stream of communication from people interested in getting their first firearm, getting some instruction in the use of the firearm, and even…gasp…carrying the firearm.[…]
To these people, I’m now your ambassador. To them, I’m the gunniverse. Whether you want me to be or not, I’m now the guy who is going to define what gun ownership is about…what you are about…to these folks. I remember my grandfather telling his church one time “You’re the only Bible some people will ever read.” as an exhortation for his parishioners to live the principles of the faith that they talked about in public. […]
The anti-gunners love to caricature gun owners as a bunch of disaffected losers who “cling” to guns because they can’t hack it at life. When you see the NRA mentioned in popular media the implication is typically Angry White Guy with insecurities about his sexual adequacy. It’s utter nonsense…but
caricature has power. Caricature is all many people will ever see, and pretty soon caricature becomes definition. You can’t challenge that process by becoming a dead-ringer for the propaganda used by the other side to marginalize you. Cooperating in the labeling process by becoming the label that the evil ones are trying to slap on your forehead is counter-productive. […]
We can be a good ambassador in our personal lives and still be feared in the halls of power. Not because we’re a threat to domestic order, but because we’re citizens who will call to account those who attempt to trample our freedom. We won’t be distracted by what’s on TV. We’ll show up in off year elections when the other side is begging unions to bus people in to try and make the vote look close.[…]
Right now people are saying all sorts of ridiculous things because, I suppose, it makes them feel better. Well you know what feels really good? Actually winning.
By being reasonable I’ve managed to bring people into the fold. That’s what we need if we’re going to actually protect our freedom…more people in the fold. Zeal is fine, but it is no substitute for good tactics. Be a proud ambassador of our freedoms, but if you really love them then by gum be a good one.