Re: [MV] Importation of weapons, armor, etc.

James Burrill (jburrill@dttus.com)
01 Mar 1999 12:49:03 -0600


I really hate to keep fanning the fire but...

1) Armoured vehicles never were an issue at Ruby Ridge, Oklahoma and only used
at Waco by the "good guys". There was never an association by the media of
Military vehicles and those incidents. I don't feel the average voter really
connects owning a WWII Serman tank with Neo-Nazies and Militias. Especially if
we keep showing our MVs on Army posts, Veterans perades and other "benign"
settings.

2) I really think the MVPA is starting off on the wrong foot if, from the very
beginning, they are willing to make a distinction of un-gunned soft skins and
things like a Sherman or my Bren Carrier.

<snip> (from their post)
"The immediate emphasis must be on maintaining a flow of surplus items such as
jeep, Dodge, and GMC parts back into the US. Secondarily, we must work to be
able to bring back to the US "non-weapon" softskin vehicles such as jeeps,
trucks, and trailers. Finally, we want to make it possible for the legitimate
importation of historic combat vehicles such as armored cars and tanks to be
accomplished."
<un-snip>

The NRA accepted the "let's cut our losses" stance and cut loose the military
style weapons in favor of keeping the shotguns and deer rifles. As one bumper
sticker from the time said " the Second Admendment isn't about duck hunting!"
Still,you don't see Charlton Heston holding an AR-15 in the adds.

My problem is that I COLLECT military arms and also use them in re-enactments. I
have a real heartburn with the NRA for throwing my portion of the firearm hobby
to the wolves.

Now I see the MVPA about to do the same thing.
I am afraid of the attitude:"sad to see no more tanks, but, what the hell....I
own a jeep."

My God! people, we all are collecting MILITARY vehicles!!! If you want your jeep
painted red and with chrome roll bars to be used as a civilian 4wd plaything,
you are on a different list. Military involves the use of force and the vehicles
used to support that. Often the ultimate MV is a Main Battle Tank. If you can't
stomach the idea that our Military vehicles have guns on them or armor plating,
go buy the white Imron M-37 and join an off-road club.

I firmly hope the MVPA will lobby JUST AS HARD for tanks as well as Dodge WC
parts!

Frankly I am not very optimistic when, from their very first post on this topic,
they have already put Armored vehicles in last place.

Come on guys! Fight for the whole MV hobby!!

Very sincerly,
Jim Burrill

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