“I’m really wondering about the purpose of this blog lately,” a commentator opined underneath an Irresponsible Gun Owner of the Day post on our old pal FPS Russia. “Granted, I just came on board a few months ago…but it’s apparent to me there is a lot of hate here…and not just for the gun grabbers . . . We hate Fudds, we hate cops, we hate the younger folks like FPS who are helping introduce the fun of firearms to his generation, we hate gun companies that don’t bend to our will . . . this sounds more like the Obama/Biden divide and conquer to me.” As per our policy, I deleted this off-topic meta comment (and subsequent discussion about the site) and brought it here for discussion. As TTAG’s publisher, I’d like to say this about that . . .
First, I understand as well as anyone that Americans’ Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms is under threat as never before. I know that gun owners must pull together to turn back the tide of civilian disarmament. That we are in the fight of our lives, standing for freedom against oppression.
Second, the purpose of this website is right there in our url: tell the truth about guns. There are irresponsible gun owners in our midst. There are hunters who support banning modern sporting rifles (a.k.a., “assault rifles”). There are law enforcement officers who abuse their authority, shooting the wrong people and/or lobbying to disarm American citizens. That’s the way it is.
The vast majority of TTAG’s thousands of posts defend and celebrate firearms and the gun culture. But let me be clear: it is not our job to define gun culture. To use our editorial discretion to decide who’s in and who’s out. I refuse to sacrifice the brand’s core value–presenting no-holds-barred gun-related information—to present a unified front to the enemies of firearms freedom.
To intentionally suppress inconvenient truths about guns and/or gun owners would be a form of “political correctness.” The same kind of self-censorship practiced by the mainstream media and, let’s face it, some members of the firearms information industry. Although we sometimes get it wrong, we aspire to a higher standard.
In short, I didn’t start this website to create propaganda. As long as I’m in charge, that’s not the way we roll.
As for the accusation that we hate “younger folks” like FPS Russia, get off of my lawn! No seriously; we’re the ones who pointed out that the NRA jumped the shark when Wayne LaPierre went after violent videogames. We’re the ones who want gun owners to invite newbies to the range. We’re the guys arguing for expanded firearms ownership into the LGBT, left-leaning and minority communities.
Look at our I Am A Gun Owner album over at Facebook. Read our posts. Know this: The Truth About Guns is an inclusive community. As long as participants respect our no-flaming policy, everyone is welcome. And I’m always ready to respond to complaints or criticisms via email (guntruth@me.com) or my cell phone number at the top of the home page.
As for our impact on the struggle to defend and extend Americans’ Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, I make no claims. All I can say is that we do what we can. I hope that we do no harm. But I know full well that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I remain vigilant, and I will more carefully consider our editorial mix going forwards.
Meanwhile, I thank our Armed Intelligentia for keeping us honest. And invite you to tell it like is, no holds barred, below.