Happy 4th of July, my rant on the freedom of speech.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

 As we celebrate our great nations birthday I want to talk about one of our most precious freedoms we have, the freedom of speech.

A good friend of mine Carrie Zykla recently posted a blog, I didn’t see eye to eye on, it was a very conversational subject, I have a feeling she is going to get alot of heat over.

 Let me give you an insight of her, she is a firecracker, she is practices what she preaches, she’s a hunter, a fisherWOMEN and very active in the political system, writing and expressing her thoughts to the government, local and national, how many of you can say that?

 Any way back to the blog.

It was a blog about trapping, instead of a knee jerk reaction saying she is trying to divide the hunters and trappers, being a separatist, not respecting other conservationist, blah, blah, blah I let it set in. I think the post was great, well thought out and just. Not my view but as a friend I respect she went out on a limb and expressed herself.

 I support trapping and all conservation of the wildlife, I have the facts to back it up, but what gives me the right to blast her and her beliefs? Yes I have an opinion, (which is always right) but I respect what she did and think over her better because she expressed her opinion in a thoughtful, heartfelt manner, not crawl under a rock and keep it to herself. Did I already say that I love reading her blogs?

We a hunters need to realize that we are one group that has vast number of opinions. It is America, freedom of speech is one of our most prized freedoms, that doesn’t mean bite your tongue because you have an opinion. If that is the case, isn’t that a form of censorship?

Let me give you an example.

We as hunters poke fun at the equipment we use.

“Jim shoots brand X, whata weirdo.”

“Al is using the acme release, is he crazy?  The almighty Loco model is the way to go!”

Isn’t that a form of dividing? Let me answer that for ya….YEP!

So, if ya think about it, Team D.I.R.T. is one of the most patriotic internet group out there…sponsership could be look at by a form of censorship, sorry back to the subject.

 What if a liberal treehugger would over hear that? Don’t you think they would spin and run with that too?  Trust me if you give of an inch, they would want to take over Texas.

But…how boring would it be if everyone shot a Quest bow? I feel in my heart that they are one of the most underrated bows in the industry and people aren’t as cool or adorable as me to shoot one, so I will leave it at that. 

Isn’t an opinion of the brand of thought you believe in?

I have been blessed with alot of friends in all walks of life. Liberals, treehuggers, cheeseheads, you name it I have a friends that believes differently than me, does that make them a bad person?

Nope, just an American with an opinion.

 I don’t judge them on their beliefs or causes.  The good book states “Don’t judge or ye be judged…”  Thanks Big Guy, you rock. I learn from them. We talk debate and learn from each other in a civil manner.  I show them that we as hunters are now blood thirsty gun nut savages. They give me more fuel to burn to make my point more valid, It’s a win win, for me anyways.

 A little advice, If you do get heated in a discussion you are letting your emotions get the best of you, you lose, good day sir.

 I seldom, no, I never lose a debate.

If you do judge, judge on their charter and actions, not an opinion.

Try not to be close minded people, respect others options. If you start blasting on someone who has a different opinion YOU are the one that is dividing, respect someones opinion. respectfully disagree and move on PRIVATELY!

So as we are bbqing watching fireworks and fishing at your local lake, take the time to realize that your opinion is just that and a great gift that our fore fathers and military gave to you.

 As my Gramma always said, opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one, respect it and never smell someone elses.

That’s my OPINION, now everyone…SHOW ME YOUR BELLY BUTTONS!

Happy 4th of July everyone, drive safe.