Carry on
For most of my life, I have been a member of the oldest hunting organization in the United States, the National Rifle Association (NRA). Despite (or perhaps because of) the mindless diatribes and baseless accusations from radical leftists and their scheming political handlers, the NRA is four million members strong and growing larger every day. It was therefore with great satisfaction that I recently heard about the induction of Marion Hammer into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.
For the past 30 years, Ms. Hammer worked tirelessly to promote the rights of firearms owners and hunters. She was instrumental in the development and growth of United Sportsmen of Florida and served as the first woman president of the NRA. She has spearheaded efforts to preserve free, open shooting ranges, conservation areas, and helped foster education programs that have taught millions of children about the safe handling and use of firearms. But she didn't stop there.
Years of fighting for our rights
Marion Hammer deserves as much credit as anyone for the creation of Florida's Right-To-Carry (RTC) law. Her fight began in the early 1980s and despite continuous attacks and a concerted disinformation campaign led by the usual suspects, legislation was passed by the Florida House and Senate (with the endorsement of every law enforcement agency in Florida). Unfortunately in 1986, liberal governor Bob Graham vetoed the bill. It is no coincidence that in the elections that November, the liberal candidate for governor was trounced by conservative Bob Martinez.
Needless to say, in 1987 the RTC bill was again approved and Governor Martinez signed it into law five hours after legislative passage. Of course, hysterical state and national attacks began immediately, and cries of "Gunshine State" and 'the streets will be awash in blood" were championed by the Left's willing accomplices, the mainstream electronic and print media. But guess what? It didn't happen. Again, it is no coincidence that after the concealed weapon law was enacted, Florida's violent crimes rate plummeted by nearly 25 percent.
Ms. Hammers efforts were instrumental in providing Florida with the nation's first true RTC law. It was proven to be so citizen- and law enforcement-friendly, safe, and effective that 38 other states used Florida's law as a model for their own programs. Today, more than one million law-abiding citizens legally enjoy RTC status and the number is growing, all without the bloodbath predicted by leftists. Thank you, Marion, for all of your work and dedication. Most Floridians are proud of you, but I wouldn't vouch for the same treatment from residents of the Socialist Republic of Blue States.