What is unfortunate about this present campaign for the United States presidency is that the major focus has been on the state of our faltering economy and the war on terror. Lost in the debate has been issues like multiple-use access to public lands, hunting, fishing, the Endangered Species Act and nary a word has been uttered about the Second Amendment.
John McCain and Sarah Palin are on our side when it comes to understanding the American lifestyle and heritage of outdoor sports and recreation. America voices its pride in being a tolerant and diverse society but in this campaign an ugly head has risen in the mix. We have become witness to the intolerance of those seemingly different, quick to cast judgment on Americans with a different lifestyle. Barack Obama has labeled many of these people as being bitter Americans, clinging to guns and religion.
Much of the difference between the team of John McCain and Sarah Palin and Barack Obama and Joe Biden, is saying what you mean and meaning what you say. McCain and Palin have a track record of supporting gun rights, public land access, hunting and fishing. In this campaign, anyone can easily listen to what they say, then do a little research to find out they mean what they say and it is the truth.
During this election cycle, John McCain has made public his exact positions on gun issues. Here’s what is written on the McCain/Palin website.
John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals – criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
Obama pretends to offer the same argument but the real difference is one is telling the truth, the other is not.
John McCain has openly admitted that he is not much of a hunter but does enjoy “drowning a worm” as they say. McCain is understanding of the importance of the hunting and fishing heritage. He knows of the economic impact this brings to our economy but just as importantly he relates to and respects the American heritage of our outdoor pursuits. Once again, if you have doubts, check the records.
Sarah Palin, for most of us needs little in the way of introduction to her outdoor heritage and being governor of “The Last Frontier” who better to have a complete grip on the challenges of wildlife management and the knowledge of conservation. She’s a lifetime member of the NRA and has without hesitation expressed to all of America her support for the individual’s right to keep and bear arms.
Let’s face it! We can never find the perfect candidates but when it comes to gun rights, hunting and fishing heritage and the protection of our outdoor adventures, in this election we cannot find two people more suited.
For more on Sportmen for McCain, I invite you to visit this website.
Tom Remington


