A little side note on Menino: the only legit word I heard was Florida. He made me giggle, seeing him in real life. The fact that people stood up to applaud him & Patrick, speaks volumes.
On a side note, I am networking with one of the anti groups. I was approached, before they left, as they said that Jim Wallaces words really rung with them. This is our open door. There are certain groups we will never crack: MDA, Brady, Rosenthals goons-but, a lot of the other organizations, think rationally. I am going to get them to agree to let me speak at a meeting. We actually DO have a lot of common ground-NONE of us wants gun violence in our communities. Its how we go about getting that, is the difference. But, I plan on explaining to them that additional gun laws will not solve problems. Mind you, they only consistently hear one side of the story-the media side. They are ignorant of the facts. Being aggressive with them doesnt help. Speaking to them, engaging with them, does. Myself, and two other members, yesterday, have started this process. Its something we should have tried sooner. It works. When anti comes up to ME, and tells ME that the two most impressive, and thought provoking testimonials, were from myself in Worcester, and Jim Wallace yesterday-thats a door that you simply do not close. You walk through it. I am planning on doing just that. Imagine if we can actually get some of them to understand-REALLY understand-how these laws simply will not work. If I can reach across the aisles, anyone can. Mind you, THEY came to ME-not the other way around. This showed hope. I will not let that opportunity slip.
On a side note, I am networking with one of the anti groups. I was approached, before they left, as they said that Jim Wallaces words really rung with them. This is our open door. There are certain groups we will never crack: MDA, Brady, Rosenthals goons-but, a lot of the other organizations, think rationally. I am going to get them to agree to let me speak at a meeting. We actually DO have a lot of common ground-NONE of us wants gun violence in our communities. Its how we go about getting that, is the difference. But, I plan on explaining to them that additional gun laws will not solve problems. Mind you, they only consistently hear one side of the story-the media side. They are ignorant of the facts. Being aggressive with them doesnt help. Speaking to them, engaging with them, does. Myself, and two other members, yesterday, have started this process. Its something we should have tried sooner. It works. When anti comes up to ME, and tells ME that the two most impressive, and thought provoking testimonials, were from myself in Worcester, and Jim Wallace yesterday-thats a door that you simply do not close. You walk through it. I am planning on doing just that. Imagine if we can actually get some of them to understand-REALLY understand-how these laws simply will not work. If I can reach across the aisles, anyone can. Mind you, THEY came to ME-not the other way around. This showed hope. I will not let that opportunity slip.