From: "Alex Hamilton", [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The malcontents seem unresponsive to the obvious
suggestion that the clayshooters were there first,
arousing no hostility, and that before moving into
their twee executive dwellings they might have checked
for any nasty shooting activity in the neighbourhood -
and stayed away if they weren't prepared to live with it.
I disagree strongly with Alex's suggestion that the
Faulds are in any way to blame, or should keep their
heads down and shut up. It is by exactly such piecemeal
(attempted) prohibitions that the shooting sports will be
salami-sliced out of existence. Give these dismal suburban
jerks an inch and they'll take several miles.
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I did not actually say that the Faulds are to blame for anything, but
that the antis will see them (and all of us) as not caring,
inconsiderate......etc.
First, let me say that target shooting and clay shooting are not
"typical country pursuits", but are practiced in the main by townies,
who are not our enemies although some are indifferent as indeed we are
to some sports.
Anthony's experience may well be different from the Faulds's, but let me
speculate and say that basically the malcontents are objecting to "noise
and disturbance" and they are not anti- shooting. However, as we all
know, shooting is not a politically correct sport and one will have a
far better chance of success when objecting to "shooting noise" than
just "noise"!
As the townies are in the majority and growing, nothing will be achieved
by puffing our chests and claiming rights to continue with a tradition.
No one has the right to disturb others and we must accept some gradual
erosion of the freedom of choice due to the spread of population.
Claiming that "we were there first" affords no protection in law.
I think that the only way to save shooting in the villages is to make an
effort to integrate these newcomers with the locals as soon as they
arrive. Turn them into adopted countrymen if you can. Invite them to
your house for "drinks before lunch" and try to promote community
spirit.
It is very difficult to be nasty to your neighbours when they happen to
be your friends.
I suggest that this approach may be more effective than putting up class
barriers, but only time will tell.
Our biggest problem is that our sport needs space which is at a premium
and diminishing.
Alex
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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