Posted on 07/15/2002 4:56:14 PM PDT by 45Auto
At the recent convention in Billings, the Montana Democratic Party reaffirmed its longstanding support for the right to own and bear arms as defined in both the Montana and U.S. Constitutions. It is ironic that the Democratic Party must now state the obvious to counter chronic and blatant misrepresentations by its detractors.
As a legislative candidate, elected delegate, and first-time attendee to the Democratic Platform Convention, I was delighted to attend and work with the Hunter and Outdoor Sports Committee. It was a natural choice for my first participation as a convention delegate. Several Montana Democratic candidates lost votes and perhaps even their last election, in large part, because they were falsely accused by their Republican opponents of being anti-gun and anti-hunting. Just the opposite is true. Montana Democrats hold our hunting and fishing heritage sacred and believe that access to our public lands is a tradition we must protect.
As the daughter of a Montana guide and hunter, I learned very early in life the responsibility, pride and pleasure of firearms ownership. In fact, I can’t remember when I first learned to shoot because it was such a natural part of my family’s lifestyle. In addition, as a member of the National Rifle Association, I strongly support each person’s Second Amendment rights. Public hunting has been and will continue to be the most appropriate tool to successfully manage Montana’s wildlife populations.
The Democratic Party recognizes that hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities are essential components of the Montana lifestyle. With this affirmation, the “Hunter, Angler and Outdoor Recreation” statement addresses several other important issues. We are particularly concerned with sportsman’s access and improper conversion of public resources to private use.
Montana is experiencing an influx of “Rolex” ranchers who buy large properties that abut federal and state lands. Using their wealth and influence, these privileged few are now encouraging legislation to privatize our public fish and wildlife resources. If allowed, they will close off access to public lands and sell hunting tags and permits for profit. They plan to convert public fish and game to their exclusive use and deprive Montana sportsmen and sportswomen of their traditional recreational opportunities. We need to keep a balanced approach to maintaining healthy fish and wildlife populations. We must recognize, appreciate and support the important role played by private landowners when they allow hunting and fishing access through and on their properties.
Democrats support the public ownership of fish, wildlife, streams and rivers and believe these resources should benefit all citizens. We believe Montanans are entitled to reasonable access to these public resources, consistent with private property rights. No commercial entity should be allowed to hold a vested interest in them. We must work together and do what is right for Montana. We must fight to keep open access to our public lands and not cater to special interest groups who would deprive us of one of Montana’s most prized traditions. Democrats also stress the need for aggressive research, prevention and control programs for wildlife and wildland afflictions such as chronic wasting disease, whirling disease and the spread of noxious weeds.
I was proud to work with Carol Gibson (candidate for House District 20), Mick McGuire (a local union official from Three Forks), Joe Pennington (Candidate for Senate District 28), Randy Tocci (also from Three Forks) and others in developing the party’s “Hunter, Angler and Outdoor Recreation” statement. Sportsmen such as Scott Schermerhorn, Mike Penfold and John Gibson deserve credit for their hard work in the round-table discussions to develop the draft language. As a statement of our strength and unity, every Montana Democrat at the Billings convention voted for our recommitment to hunters and outdoor sports.
Vivian Drake is a Democratic candidate for House District 55 in Helena.
Montana is experiencing an influx of “Rolex” ranchers who buy large properties that abut federal and state lands. Using their wealth and influence, these privileged few are now encouraging legislation to privatize our public fish and wildlife resources.
Like Ted Turner, a long-time lefty who undoubtedly supports Ms. Drake's candidacy?
That dog won't hunt.
Oh to be the campaign manager for her Republican opponent.
One Democrat Congressman after another calling for more restrictive gun laws, registration, and even bans.
Lord, I'd have a field day.
Ask her about semi-automatic handguns, CCWs, .50 cals, etc. and you'll get her "real" opinion on RKBA.
They also sell bridges and never pardon terrorists.
The friend of my enemy is my enemy too.
When it comes to gun rights, while you're not safe voting Republican -- John McCain comes to mind -- you're probably a lot safer than voting Democrat. Judge each candidate individually, but if I had to pull ONE lever only, it certainly wouldn't be the one marked with the hammer and sickle.
They're about as "pro-gun" as Stalin was.
Ms Drake doesn't get it or my vote (if I were in her district or state).
Ya'll Stay Safe !
Minor point?
Actually, they sell both bridges and pardons...
Republicans need to stop being timid about defending the Constitution.
Exactly. These people are chronic liars. The platform on which Al The Bag Man ran for pres had as its centerpiece, after Al's desire to save the earth by destroying the US, a federal licensing/registration law for pistols and revolvers.
To Democrats, the Constitution is a "living document" and Big Al wanted to "Breath new life into the Constitution", i.e., to read anything they damn well wanted into that venerable, but tattered piece of parchment. And he got support unanimously from the Senate demonRATS, except for maybe Zell Miller, and as I recall, even HE voted to acquit Bill The Rat.
When I see Dianne Feinswine suggest that the 1994 federal AW ban should be repealed, I might then pay some attention to these miscreants/tyrants.
A well-provisioned hunting party being necessary to reduce the varmit population, the right of hunters to keep and bear a single-shot .22 shall not be infringed, except out of season.
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