October 1994	Women & Guns 

Dear Self-Reliant Reader,

	I am going to vote November 8.

	On the first Tuesday in November, I have the opportunity to go
to the polls and vote for local candidates, state candidates and
national candidates.

	And when I vote, I will know where the candidates stand on the
issues that are important to me.

	You have the opportunity to vote and you have the right and
responsibility to know where the candidates stand on issues that are
important to you.

	The art of political success literally starts with the races
for Precinct Committeewoman/man, Water District Commissioner and
School Board Member.

	It doesn't matter if you live in a town of 2,000 or a city of
2 million, this is where public policy is formed and propagated.

	Get a sample ballot, contact the candidates and find out where
they stand on the issues and go to the polls prepared.

	If you don't vote, you can't do anything about the judge who
lets the violent criminals out early, the police chief who won't let
you have a carry permit or the legislator who votes to ban your
firearm of choice.

	You need to remind the candidates you do support about their
promises.  And let those who win office without your support know that
you are watching their votes.

	I recently picked-up "The Cowgirl Companion" by Gail
Gilchriest. (Hyperion Press, New York, NY 1993) With an introduction
by Roy Roger's sidekick, Dale Evans, it's a clever, quipish, paperback
with fun graphics, lots of old comic book excerpts and photos and
unusual trivia.

	It is interesting that although there are over 30
pictures/drawings of firearms in this book, today's cowgirl is defined
by how tight her jeans are, whether she owns land in Montana or not
and her potential ability to warble a country tune.

	Somewhere the concept of self-reliance gets mixed-up with the
"correct cowboy boots" and "21 things to do with a bandanna." Just how
a woman keeps her option to choose to be self-reliant besides looking
out at the stars at night is never discussed.

	In May 1993, I wrote a column on the devastation and
degradation of women in Bosnia-Herzogovinia.  I never believed that
the situations would still be going on, must less have escalated.

	Women and children are being raped, beaten and maimed by the
thousands in a genocidal war that has been condemned by nearly every
nation on earth.

	Now comes news that the same horrendous practices are taking
place in Haiti and Rwanda. With each new revelation, the United
Nations continues to pass economic sanctions and demand the
restoration of the "rightful" governments.

	It's not working.  It's time to do something so that the
victims can protect themselves.

	Anna Quindlen wrote a column, "Parents passionate about
keeping kids out of harm's way." (The New York Times, 8/9/94) The
unpleasant topic is recidivism among pedophiles and its unacceptable
consequences. In her piece, she says that she thinks there are two
parts of her mind; one part belongs to the columnist and one belongs
to her parent side.

	When I write my column, make decisions about my choices or
speak to my children, I use my entire mind. I strive for consistency
of opinion.  This doesn't mean that I can't learn, whether from my
mistakes or successes. It just means that I strive to be honest in my
convictions.

	I believe in self-reliance and my right to choice.

	After MS. Magazine's diatribe against our magazine, Women &
Guns, I decided to pick up the Special Anniversary issue. (July/August
1994, Volume V, Number 1)

	( Incidentally, just in keeping with MS.'s
anti-"self-reliance" theme is an editorial on page one titled "Family
Values." Amid Marcia Ann Gillespie's list of causes of the evils of
the world is "the plethora of guns.")

	The central article in this issue,"The Many Faces of Feminism"
shows photos and gives biographical information on "50 Ways To Be a
Feminist." Several of the "faces" had names, used language, and/or
promoted behavior that is usually printed by one letter followed by
dashes, beeped on radio and TV or gets a movie an "X" rating.

	As defined in The Random House Dictionary of the English
Language, feminism is "the doctrine advocating social, political and
all other rights of women equal to those of men." I sincerely believe
in feminism.

	I am not a victim feminist.  I am a power feminist.

	I refuse to be a victim. I refuse to be a victim of crime. I
refuse to be a victim of discrimination. I refuse to be a victim of
someone else.

	I have power. I have power against crime. I have power against
discrimination. I have power against someone else.

	I am self-reliant.

	And I want you to have that choice also.

P.S. Please remember to vote. To Miss Splendiferous, Miss Spectacular
and Mr. Stupendous and A.M.G., M.M.D., millions and millions.