I post gun listings for my local gun shop on
Gunsamerica. I head down, take some photos, collect descriptions, and hang out at the gun shop for a hour or two shooting the shit with whoever happens to come in to shop or talk. I've never concealed my progressive tendencies and over the years the guys have come to respect my patriotism and passion for the United States. I can wear my "George Bush is a Punk Ass Chimp" T-shirt and everybody just laughs.
The most interesting thing is what has happened over the last year as the guys have realized that Bush is a real threat to the Constitution and the United States. These were the guys that supported Bush as 40%, but have abandoned him now. At first, the guys just didn't want to talk about the war in Iraq, then they expressed a beleaguered disbelief about Abu Graib, rendition, and torture, and now they are getting mad. The NSA scandal has ended their support for Bush and I don't think anything will bring them back into the Republican fold unless he is impeached and jailed.
Yesterday, a guy was having trouble with his Kimber 1911. It was firing two rounds with every trigger pull. After figuring out what was wrong, we started talking about politics and he said something that floored me.
"George Bush is more dangerous to America than Osama bin Laden. He should be impeached, indicted, tried, convicted and hung." Beyond the fact that he was very specific about the fact that Bush would have to be impeached before he can be indicted, he made this pronouncement in a gunshop with six guys standing around and I know I was the only one that had ever voted for a Democrat. This pronouncement was not greeted with silence or derision. Everybody agreed this is what needed to happen. I was encouraged today; Bush is not going to get away with it.
I'm going to bring in ten copies of Glenn Greenwald's "How would a Patriot Act?" as soon as I get them. Bush has lost the guys at the gun shop and unless he makes the NSA scandal disappear, he will never get them back. They might shoot 'em, but they will never support him again.
Have a great holiday!