What Can YOU Do?

While individuals on our side get the meaning of ‘A Well Regulated Militia’, those who disagree with us obviously do not. Many on the anti-gun side work overtime to minimize or dismiss entirely what the intent of the 2^nd Amendment’s purpose is altogether.  They typically argue from false narratives and bolster their claims at every turn.

There is a battle in the court of public opinion day in and day out. Let’s face facts; the general public tends to be influenced by what is seen and heard in typical news stories. Not enough positive stories (defensive use of firearms) make the news. Typically the positive stories that do make the news fall off the radar quickly and usually do not grab headlines in the first place. .  

This section of our website is dedicated to providing resources for CCDL members to engage publicly by writing editorial letters and opinions to online and print media. We are providing web links, email contacts, writing tips and other useful resources so that we can sustain our efforts.

This is a simple and easy feat for people to accomplish. We feel that it is our obligation as 2A activists and supporters to engage the public with positive information and logical opinions.

 Writing submissions may include simple opinions, constitutional facts, referrals about defensive use of firearms, and how simply owning and carrying firearms serve as a deterrent in the first place.  

Simple Points

1. When our rights come under attack by people who fear guns rather than the evil intentions of criminals, we must make sure that our side of the argument is heard. Our opponents don’t hesitate to use the editorial pages of our state’s newspapers to advance their agenda. We can and must do so as well.
2. The beauty of this writing and emailing opinion letters is that it does not involve a huge time investment and can be done in the comfort of your home.
3. It is free.

Writing Tips

1. a) Be concise; it is easy for most people to ramble without realizing it.
2. b) Avoid redundancy. Make your point and be careful about repeating that point.
3. c) If you are responding to a previous letter or news story be sure to reference it specifically so the editors have some context.
4. d) Credit and cite any sources when applying statistical information to your point.
5. e) Check your newspaper’s list of parameters, there are usually space limit guidelines.
6. f) Proof read and spell check, get a second pair of eyes to check for    grammar and/or content.
7. g) Follow the newspaper’s instructions for submitting your letter, for the sake of timeliness, email is best.
8. h) If your paper doesn’t publish your opinion automatically, follow up with the editor to make sure that your letter was received in a day or two.
9. Don’t be nervous about expressing your opinion publicly. Any effort we utilize to protect and defend our 2^nd Amendment rights is well worth it.
10. The newspaper editors really do want to hear what you have to say. That’s exactly what letters to the editor are for.

Proofreading Resources

If you wish to obtain useful and constructive edits for letters prior to submission, CCDL has a member who stepped forward with writing experience. 

Proof Reading Contact:

CainJ@sacredheart.edu

About Jeffrey Cain (Ph.D.):

http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofartssciences/academicdepartments/english/facultystaff/jeffreycainphd/