Petition Fatigue
Firearms UK
Firearms UK is an Association campaigning for the protection of firearms ownership within the UK
Recently we have seen continued use of the Governments epetitions website on a variety of firearms related issues (most if not all of which we would support)
There is a problem just now with the constant use of this for spur of the moment petitions. Whilst there is a danger of "petition fatigue" which causes issues in itself, the real problem is we are simply not strong or united enough to hit the figures needed for debate,
Our own .22 pistol petition for the Unity campaign achieved the support of Scottish Association for Country Sports - SACS, BASC - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, The Countryside Alliance, United Kingdom Practical Shooting Association (UKPSA) et al and was mentioned in many grounds, clubs, shops and magazines. We contacted over 300 target clubs in the UK. An incredible amount of time and effort was made by many people to share this petition.
We worked with experts to get the wording correct and as you know put a lot of effort into publicising it.
It hit 22,000 signatures.....
A lesson from this is we are still fragmented (but improving), many people still are not in the communications loop but most important we are still short on numbers overall. Also many people thought they had signed our petition already because of the number of petitions that had been ongoing previously
Instead we should focus our efforts on introducing more people into shooting and lobbying politicians directly. This is not to decry the efforts and enthusiasm of shooters who just want to do their bit but we must grow our strength and our reach. This is the key battle right now
It may take a year but we have to be in a position where we have many signatures directly on tap that can then spread it further with word of mouth. We also need to increase the number of certified firearms and shotgun owners in the UK willing to stand up for their rights.
Once we are larger in numbers, then we can better influence politicians and start to get what we want (and what logic should dictate)
You operate within this web site, which is only going to attract the attention of a few individuals. The many Shooting organisations that exsist in this country are focussed on collecting fees and will not have any discourse with other shooters, resulting in division. The gun controle people operate within government, they are focused, united and have direct power to disrupt shooting related activity. There has supposedly been a reveiw of our gun laws by the law society. What was the result? More restrictions and silly rules. All this despite the attendance of exsperts from a few of the many shooting organisations and even the Proof masters. You support shooters and organisations like BSAC and the NRA. They only support their own interest, and are not interested in other peoples needs. Not to the point of taking the trouble to support and vote anyway. Untill all shooters collectors and trade members unite and get the support of the press and members of parlement, things will continue to get worse. Oh yes, there is more in the pipeline since the shooting of police officers in the US. And nothing a divided shooting community can do to stop it. The fact that a lot of what is hapening is unjust and unreasonable makes not one bit of difference. We are losing the war because we lack public support. How many supportive articles do you see in the newspapers? Answer- NONE. Free speech is getting restricted, there have been instances where people have lost their licences because of political comments, Hence very guarded editorials in the shooting magazines. You are going to have one hell of a job in trying to unite and draw the membership of all the shooting organisations who employ people to convince you that they are fighting on your behalf. It is such a shame that events have led to this sorry state of affairs. Blair banned handguns and now is protected by bodyguards carring "handguns" Does it not leave a dirty tast in your mouths?
Maritime and Security Distribution
8 年We are human civilians not terrorists.If you disarm us, what will happen next?
UAS Safety Manager | Accountable Manager | UAS Operator | Safety Advocate
8 年I agree. The most recent petition is poorly worded and lacks focus.
? Head of Sales ? Regional Manager ?Account Manager ? Multi-Lingual ?Performance Management ? Coaching and Mentoring ? Multinational Strategic Leadership ? Goal Oriented ? Process Improvement ?Continuous Development ?
8 年Well put commentry. I am all in favour of petitions to improve the sport, but, as you rightly put it needs to be done on a united and directed front.