By Ken Hanson and Jim Irvine:

The 2007 Second Amendment Foundation's Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) is coming back to Ohio! (almost) It will be held just South of Cincinnati, in Covington Kentucky. This was the site of the 2001 GRPC.

This year’s conference was a great event. Great panelists, great groups and a passionate audience. A summary of the weekend follows, but we need to mention one problem that many of us have seen this past year.
Talking to Allan Gotlieb, or Wayne Lapiere, or any of the other national figures, one common threat we are facing across the United States is gun owner apathy. We have won so many battles and made so much progress that many gun owners do not seem worried about the threat looming over the horizon as the gun grabbers plot their return to power. The single most important element in passing successful laws, is not the NRA, or the SAF, or Buckeye Firearms Association or any other group. It is not the House or Senate or Governor or President. It is you, the gun owner, and your personal involvement in the fight.

Less than 5% of gun owners are a member of a pro-gun group. Many have quit volunteering or have never worked on a campaign. Many don’t like “politics” or feel embarrassed about what they do not know. They are willing to help, but are not sure how get started.

While it sometimes feels good to “preach to the choir” it does little to change the world. Each of us personally needs to convince other shooters to engage in the battle. There is strength in numbers. Show your local gun store how getting involved and educating their customers enables the election of good politicians. Get your hunting buddies to contact their legislators about specific bills. Passing good laws will encourage more people to take up one of the many disciplines of the shooting sports. More people will lead to greater political recognition for our groups and stronger sales for the local gun store. We are all connected, and we must all start working together to amplify our efforts.

It’s a grand ideal, but a simple concept. It is dependent on your action. What have you done this week to help our cause, and how many people did you bring with you?

As an example of the results that come from such a conference, in 2001 the GRPC was held in Cincinnati days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Two pilots were attending and asked to speak at the event on the idea arming airline pilots. They work for different airlines and live in different states, but shared the same passion and ideals. Though pilots overwhelming supported the concept, only a minute few believed the goal was attainable. That weekend was the beginning of what would become the group that would successfully lobby congress, against enormous political and financial pressures, including the airlines themselves. They educated the legislators and rallied the public and today airline pilots can carry firearms to defend their passengers and our country against such attacks.

Any obstacles can be overcome with the right knowledge, skills, and teamwork. How big can you dream?

We’ll see you next year - October 5-7, 2007!

Click on 'Read More' for summary of the events of the SAF’s GRPC including links to the web sites of many of the groups present.