FirstFreedom
Moderator
Thank you Dennis - outstanding, sir! 
Stupid to die or go to prison over pieces of metal and plastic and wood
- Thread starter cornered rat
- Start date
ghillieman
New member
dennis for prez
dennis will you run for president? ghillieman.......
dennis will you run for president? ghillieman.......
glock19xdsc
New member
Time for a resurrection.
Great thread!
Great thread!
Yes it is.
Back in the first Iraq war, a young man from Rupert was killed. He died, fully believing in what he was doing.
To honor his memory, a couple that knew him well, started the Andrew Moeller Tournament. It is a basketball tourney held each year here in Rupert. Any Catholic parish youth in the Diocese of Boise is eligible to come and play. As well, a scholarship was setup from the proceeds of this tourney.
At the Tenth anniversary of the Tournament, in 2002, our Bishop presided at the opening ceremony in the newly built Kings Fine Arts Theater in Burley (the tournament had grown too large to be played in just Rupert. It now occupies every basketball court in 2 counties for the weekend it is held).
At that assembly, dignitaries ranging from Andrew's Commanding Officer, His Commanding General, Our Governor and several others from DC, were there to commemorate both SP4 Moeller and the tournament itself. At that time, the couple that started this whole thing got up and read Metal and Wood to the entire audience.
When it was done, there was not a dry eye in the theater. The Military stood at attention and saluted the reader.
I relate this tale now, because in the 2007 tournament in February, the 15th anniversary, Metal and Wood will be read again.
Dennis, that salute was yours.
Back in the first Iraq war, a young man from Rupert was killed. He died, fully believing in what he was doing.
To honor his memory, a couple that knew him well, started the Andrew Moeller Tournament. It is a basketball tourney held each year here in Rupert. Any Catholic parish youth in the Diocese of Boise is eligible to come and play. As well, a scholarship was setup from the proceeds of this tourney.
At the Tenth anniversary of the Tournament, in 2002, our Bishop presided at the opening ceremony in the newly built Kings Fine Arts Theater in Burley (the tournament had grown too large to be played in just Rupert. It now occupies every basketball court in 2 counties for the weekend it is held).
At that assembly, dignitaries ranging from Andrew's Commanding Officer, His Commanding General, Our Governor and several others from DC, were there to commemorate both SP4 Moeller and the tournament itself. At that time, the couple that started this whole thing got up and read Metal and Wood to the entire audience.
When it was done, there was not a dry eye in the theater. The Military stood at attention and saluted the reader.
I relate this tale now, because in the 2007 tournament in February, the 15th anniversary, Metal and Wood will be read again.
Dennis, that salute was yours.
I’m another odd man out here. I believe in the 2nd amendment has purpose and tradition and I will resist any attempt from the government to confiscate all firearms from it citizens, but I am not willing to risk my life and the life of my family for a piece of metal and wood. I own firearms for the shooting sports and primarily to protect my family. If firearms become illegal granted I will try to hide a few and maybe risk imprisonment, but I'm not going to make a stand and try to fight off the authorities as they approach my home. That will go against the main reasons for owning a firearm, protecting me, and my family.
The antis feed off of the gun owner who proclaim Molon Labe, and “Pry it from my cold dead hands.” If firearms became illegal thru the democratic process and not from some invasion or coup (in that case I would fight to the death), you’re basically advocating killing cops, US soldiers, and rebelling again a democratic US government and it’s laws. What would your maker or your forefathers say when you explain to them that after the majority voted and law was passed you killed a few cops that came to confiscate an inanimate object in your home, before being killed yourself? You will find your place in hell next to the bootleggers and drug dealers that also killed cops.
Maybe it is because I'm not a rabid gun fanatic. I don't spend hours playing with my guns, staring at them and thinking about them like others do. They sit until they are used and then they are put away. They are objects, like a golf club, a toaster, or a pair of shoes, some I like more than others, and some may have a sentimental meaning for me but all of them are just objects. A gun is a tool that can be used to kill. Without my guns I am not powerless. Take away my hammers, and I will find something else to drive a nail with. My mind and body is the only weapon I need. Take away my guns and I will find other ways to kill to defend my life, my family, and my country. These are the only three things I will defend to the death, not some piece of wood, plastic and metal.
The antis feed off of the gun owner who proclaim Molon Labe, and “Pry it from my cold dead hands.” If firearms became illegal thru the democratic process and not from some invasion or coup (in that case I would fight to the death), you’re basically advocating killing cops, US soldiers, and rebelling again a democratic US government and it’s laws. What would your maker or your forefathers say when you explain to them that after the majority voted and law was passed you killed a few cops that came to confiscate an inanimate object in your home, before being killed yourself? You will find your place in hell next to the bootleggers and drug dealers that also killed cops.
Maybe it is because I'm not a rabid gun fanatic. I don't spend hours playing with my guns, staring at them and thinking about them like others do. They sit until they are used and then they are put away. They are objects, like a golf club, a toaster, or a pair of shoes, some I like more than others, and some may have a sentimental meaning for me but all of them are just objects. A gun is a tool that can be used to kill. Without my guns I am not powerless. Take away my hammers, and I will find something else to drive a nail with. My mind and body is the only weapon I need. Take away my guns and I will find other ways to kill to defend my life, my family, and my country. These are the only three things I will defend to the death, not some piece of wood, plastic and metal.
Time-tested.
First published here June 8, 1999, long before the events of September 11, 2001 and those since, Dennis Bateman's heart-felt words of Metal and Wood ring true even more so today as the threat of "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" resonates within the very core of the American patriot. There can't be a man, woman, boy or girl in this nation who has a bit of intelligence and feel of history who hasn't felt a bit of fear for what the future brings - left to those who, seemingly with their heads in the sand, see not the evil without nor the ambivilence - or worse - within.
Metal and Wood, since ensconced in the Essays section of The Firing Line's Library, could very well have been written by a Patrick Henry of yesteryear, the words saying much to the ardent patriot heart; and, I believe, words that touch even the reluctant warrior within us today.
Dennis, seven years and counting... your words stand the test of time.
Thank you, sir.
.
First published here June 8, 1999, long before the events of September 11, 2001 and those since, Dennis Bateman's heart-felt words of Metal and Wood ring true even more so today as the threat of "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" resonates within the very core of the American patriot. There can't be a man, woman, boy or girl in this nation who has a bit of intelligence and feel of history who hasn't felt a bit of fear for what the future brings - left to those who, seemingly with their heads in the sand, see not the evil without nor the ambivilence - or worse - within.
Metal and Wood, since ensconced in the Essays section of The Firing Line's Library, could very well have been written by a Patrick Henry of yesteryear, the words saying much to the ardent patriot heart; and, I believe, words that touch even the reluctant warrior within us today.
Dennis, seven years and counting... your words stand the test of time.
Thank you, sir.
.
Several years ago, there was a thread nominating the best posts on TFL. Dennis' "Metal and Wood" was the walk-away winner. If the contest was held again today, I'm sure it would easily win again. Its timeless. And it explains so well what we all feel, and have been unable to say as clearly.
I believe that this thread needs to be brought back to the top once more. The words written my Mr. Bateman are indeed timeless, and should be read again.
It is especially vital because of the times in which we live. To all--please read the entire thread....and reflect upon it.
Respectfully,
Powderman
It is especially vital because of the times in which we live. To all--please read the entire thread....and reflect upon it.
Respectfully,
Powderman
Dennis Bateman's essay, "Metal And Wood," has been a part of TFL since 1999. It was properly formatted and placed in our Library, http://thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Metal_and_Wood.html, that same year.
Every so often, someone "discovers" this old thread and brings it back to the top. It is always a good read. It is always a reminder of what our RKBA actually stands for.
Damn good to see it back again!
Every so often, someone "discovers" this old thread and brings it back to the top. It is always a good read. It is always a reminder of what our RKBA actually stands for.
Damn good to see it back again!
robmkivseries70
New member
A first for me, thanks for the "bump" Rob
Greatness
It isn't often that we encounter greatness in the written word anymore.
Is Dennis still part of the TFL community? I did a quick search and didn't see anything posted by him since 2009. I would like to know his thoughts now on how well his essay has stood the test of time.
It isn't often that we encounter greatness in the written word anymore.
Is Dennis still part of the TFL community? I did a quick search and didn't see anything posted by him since 2009. I would like to know his thoughts now on how well his essay has stood the test of time.