Nelly2014 wrote: It infuriates me that spineless apathy by gun owners and shooting organisations has resulted in the most ludicrous and embarrassing firearms laws in the world.
"Spineless apathy"?
I think its more like "utter helplessness". Just look at how government works in this country; there is effectively no political representation for any minority group that is off the approved political spectrum - and especially one that is overtly demonised by the main stream media and public bodies such as the police.
If you think shooting sports appears on any political radar apart from as a source of cheap votes and tokenism through additional bans and restrictions, let me give you an anecdote:
I was once in a seminar with a junior defence minister. The audience - army officers - pressed him as to why he couldn't do something about the endless cuts and loss of capability.
His reply was along the lines of "I've been part of the government for three years, and in that time I've been allowed to speak to the PM for a total of about 10 minutes."
He then went on to say: "Let me tell you some political reality about where priorities are in government. This is the NHS." (holds his hand 3ft apart) "Education" (hands 2ft apart) "welfare" (2ft apart) "now this is defence" (holds his thumb and forefinger about an inch apart) "That is why it is pointless berating me about this and that cut!".
Sad, but true.
