On gun control, militias
I read both the editorial in the Militant by Naomi
Craine [July 24 issue] and the letter by Roy Inglee about
the issue of gun control, militias, and the fascist
influences that abound in the militias and gun-rights
groups. [August 7 issue].
I think it was fortunate that Roy Inglee wrote an explanation of the Militant's and the SWP's historical stance on the issue of gun control and the ability of workers to organize in defense of themselves. The editorial by Ms. Craine falls into the same trap that most liberal politicians do when they dismiss all gun-rights advocates as neo-Fascist crack-pots without addressing the real issue, which is the government's unconstitutional infringement not only on 2nd Amendment rights but also the 4th Amendment with elements contained in the recently passed bipartisan Crime Bill.
I fully realize that the militias and many gun-rights groups contain people who spout a lot of generalizations on freedom and protection of Constitutional rights but at the same time advocate the formation of closer ties with the Fraternal Order of Police and such "crime" fighting organizations. But I also know there is a far greater majority of people who are attracted to these groups, initially at least, because they represent a challenge to the standard fare being served up in both political parties and the mass media. People don't trust the government and are sick and tired of governmental tampering and manipulation of our Constitutional rights. They see the hand- writing on the wall and they are upset.
By not addressing the issues succinctly and clearly and by not stating our position on the issues we are also cast into the air of suspicion that surrounds most politicians.
Also we have a lot of smoke, lies, and distortions yet to overcome which the big-business mass media has used to attempt to discredit Socialists and Communists through the years. By not declaring our position on all pertinent issues clearly and distinctly and by joining the attacks on the militias and their supporters we are feeding these suspicions instead of eliminating them. We must always focus our main fire on the government for now. But when the Fascists openly attack the worker's organizations now and in the future, then we focus our fire on both and their common links.
I know that there are a lot of folks who are drawn to gun-rights because they have a pistol, rifle, or shotgun and enjoy hunting or collecting firearms. Why should the government be regulating these people? What right does the government have to pass legislation that allows cops to break down doors and search private residences for "illegal" firearms? These are justifiable concerns of the majority of the people in gun-rights groups. And these are good questioning people who we shouldn't so casually dismiss.
Ed Meredith
Caneyville, Kentucky
Inspired by politics
I am an incarcerated inmate who's been inspired by political affairs the world over and seek to enhance my political consciousness. I was introduced to the Militant paper by a Brother who shares his political consciousness with other Brothers.
I am indigent, but I will very much like to receive the Militant.
A prisoner
Crescent City, California
The letters column is an open forum for all viewpoints on subjects of general interest to our readers. Please keep your letters brief. Where necessary they will be abridged. Please indicate if you prefer that your initials be used rather than your full name.