2nd Zumbo Apology
Content has improved over the prior 2 writings and I believe he is contrite, for several reasons, among which is the loss of a job, the likes of which many of us can only dream about. As far as I am concerned, there is no need for additional apology. Now is the time for his actions to “speak louder than” the ill-chosen, damaging “words” he espoused in his blog. He needs to comprehend the 2nd Amendment aspect of this issue. Unfortunately, as a "recognized expert" in the hunting field, he and his comments are highly visible . . . with this comes responsibility. "Experts" obviously cannot accurately opine on those aspects of the shooting sports of which they have no "expertise" or knowledge. I wish him well in his quest for education and hope he realizes that at issue is the Second Amendment, not hunting. Hunting issues involve caliber selection, land access, seasons, wildlife management, among others. Gun ownership issues involve the right to keep and bear arms, period.
I'm not "doing backflips or dancing in the street" because he lost his job, but because we, as a part of the firearms fraternity united and protested the wrong he unwittingly opted to publish, made our collective voice heard, and effected change as a result. I am sincerely appreciative of those sponsors who supported us. His comments were unconscionable from one in his highly-visible position. Our galvanization is a positive thing; may it persevere in the continuing gun rights battle.
Nor did we "strip him of his career." In unison, we exercised OUR right to free speech to lodge protest over his erroneous, damaging, and slanderous commentary. Mr. Zumbo and he alone chose to author his "ill-conceived inflammatory blog," that "set off a firestorm" on the world-wide forum. His actions are the root cause of his untimely demise.
Now I watch, fervently hope we continue to hold our ground and unity, and wait to see how the looming battle progresses from here. I'm a hunter, a target shooter, a tactical firearms owner, a gun collector . . . A GUN OWNER! More importantly from a personal perspective, I am now a more involved 2nd Amendment activist than I was in the past. For that I reckon I owe a thank you to Mr. Zumbo. Godspeed to us all.