reply to post by OldMedic
OldMedic, dead on. If American patriotism scares Europeans, or Australians, then their lack of patriotism and nationalism, combined with pacifist
attitudes terrifies me.
I realize that Europe endured two great slaughters in the 20th century, but my God, did the bulk of European men with bravery, honor, pride, and
individual courage die in those two wars? Has courage, drive, and national pride been so diluted in these nations that they can't even understand
ours?
It would appear that since the Second World War, they have relied on Big Brother to help ensure their security, but simultaneously, they fear and
resent Big Brother.
One of the greatest skills that a mother and father should see their child have to me is a familiarity and proficiency with weapons of the day, which
in this time would mean firearms. Why? It should be painfully obvious. No one knows what the future will be, but we can always rely on the fact
that conflict will always, and eventually be part of that future.
Wishing and hoping differently is to ignore all human history. It would appear that a prudent parent would teach them skills with firearms, just as
one would impart other skills necessary to life.
I noted in combat that those who were raised and skilled with weapons prior to entering the military were - survivors. That's the best way I can put
it. They had hunted, they instinctively knew weapons, and so they also knew their limitations as well as capabilities, thus, they had a distinct
intuition as to what the real dangers of combat were and what to look for.
Their familiarity with weapons and the skills of shooting were instinctive. No thinking about the shooting part. They were free to "work the
problem," not dilute their thinking with any conscious level of handling their weapon.
In the first World War, we had a Sergeant York, a conscious objector to be sure, but from his home-derived hunting skills, he was able to do things on
a battlefield that stunned his opponents.
The most decorated American soldier in the Second World War was a Texas boy, who had to hunt to provide food for his family. He too knew
instinctively what was possible, and what was not. No thinking about shooting and hunting these larger targets, he just went about his business at
hand.
All through history, those most skilled with weapons would prevail. I pity those Europeans who will be compelled to wait for official military
training to gain any skill with firearms.
The military at best gives basic rudimentary skill. Even the US military doesn't provide sufficient time on the ranges to become proficient with
their weapons. Those that do, often do so on their own time.
So if American patriotism, nationalism, or possession of personal firearms terrifies you, you really should stop and look around. Especially what's
over your shoulder, over the horizon. That's your real threat.
