Dear Gunsite Family member:
Welcome to February, 2011. We hope that your January was outstanding, and that you are prepared to exceed your efforts in the coming month of February.
It is worth mentioning that on this date in 2010, President Obama introduced a record-breaking budget of 3.8 trillion dollars, bringing our deficit to1.6 trillion dollars. After the mid-term election of last November, we are encouraged to hear news from the House that efforts are underway to trim spending.
We are further encouraged to see that Federal Judge Roger Vinson has ruled that “Obamacare’s” central provision – the “personal mandate” is un-Constitutional. For once, the feds are rebuffed in their efforts to regulate EVERY phase of American life through the Interstate Commerce Act. While we expect this case to be heard and decided upon by the Supreme Court in the fullness of time, this is a most satisfactory development. We hope that this “tide” of federal regulation represented at its highest point by “Obamacare” recedes over time, taking other such intrusive government meddling with it. Let liberty prevail!
Today, history marks the end of the Battle of Stalingrad, a siege which lasted from 17 July, 1942 through February 2nd, 1943. At Stalingrad, casualties on both sides amounted to some TWO MILLION people, making this one of the bloodiest confrontations in all of history. This represented the end of German expansion eastward, and Nazi Germany would from this point see its fortunes reversed through the end of the war.
Given our historical perspective, we find it amusing to see signage saying, “War never solves anything”, waved about on our Courthouse Square in Prescott. The history of Man is largely the history of war, and while no man wishes war, no man cares to lose one. Therefore, we strongly support our troops and instead of exhorting them to come home safe, we wish them good hunting, victory, and a safe return thereafter.
We remain keen to receive any and all reports of small arms engagement in Mesopotamia and points east by Family members. Should you be in theatre, and within the reach of this mail, please send Gunsite stories of your exploits. We will, of course, take all necessary steps to obscure names, places and dates to protect operational security. Again, good hunting!
Here in Paulden we are experiencing unusually cool, but clear weather. Our climate is normally far more temperate than other regions of the US during winter, and this is no exception, for severe storms batter the country elsewhere.This week at Gunsite, we host a Handgun Hunting class, which kicks off today (February 2nd and 3rd). This interesting class offers the student increased skill at hitting game with an arm not usually employed for such a purpose. We look forward to evaluation reports on this class from our students.
Coming up on February 14-18, we offer our classic course, Defensive Pistol I, or “250 Pistol” as it is more commonly known. It is interesting to note that by far our greatest number of applications at the recent Safari Club International were not for private tutorials or Hunting Prep classes, but 250 classes. Apparently, the prudent are keen to get their basic defensive arrangements sorted out, and we welcome them.
As our country faces an uncertain future in so many senses, it is calming to have control over one’s personal space. This is one assurance that is available to each of us. Send someone you care about to school!
Also, coming up in February we offer our first section of Team Tactics for Two. This class will prepare you and a partner to more effectively counter a threat. This section runs from February 21st-23rd, and space may still be available. Contact our coordinator for more information.
Valentine’s Day is nearly with us. Florists and confectioners prepare a sharp, if temporary, increase in pricing to take advantage of customers at this time of year. We suggest an alternate means of expressing affection: Arrange for your loved one to attend his or her Gunsite 250 class. This enriching experience can enhance security for both of you, and there is little wrong to be found in commonality of training. Several sections of Ladies-only pistol classes are to be found in our schedule as well as a Ladies-only 250 class later this year. If you happen to be on the other side of the gender “fence” perhaps it is time you sent your man to be trained as well.
Coming up next month, Gunsite will host another section of 250 as well as our first 1911 Anniversary Pistol class (full at this time), Concealed Carry Pistol (as well as a CCW permit class), 270 (General Rifle) and 223 (Basic Defensive Carbine). Each of these offerings will be presented by our excellent cadre of Instructors with the help of our hard-working “Barn-rats”. March promises to be an interesting month.
To repeat our message to you in January: Each of us is responsible for educating our surrounding people about the intent and the totality of the US Constitution, one of the great documents of western civilization. Remember, we’re not just “pro-Second Amendment”, we are Pro-rights! Spread the word.
Our best regards to you as always. Please contact us with any questions you have and we will do our best to assist you.
DVC
Buz
