Common Sense

[from a post on the RWVA forum:]

I have had the pleasure of spending some time, the last couple of weeks, with some quality Riflemen, and it has given me cause to reflect on Riflemen in general.

We talk about “Rifleman Standards” in marksmanship, shooting “Rifleman” and the steps and skills required to do both. We often speak of “persistence” being key for a Rifleman, and how a Rifleman conducts their self, while at the range and in shooting.

There is a glimpse in the discussion of Riflemen of the Revolutionary War, as to the spirit of a Rifleman. There is discussion of Riflemen being different in thoughts and actions, but in the course of a 2-day Appleseed, it is tough to convey this properly, and less time to have it demonstrated by the students.

Being in the presence of Riflemen, those that have gained that confidence of overcoming huge odds and mastering a skill that few have. Those that are truly humbled by the long line of American Riflemen that have proceeded them, from then to now. Those that have tasted the grit and determination, not just from the Appleseed trail, not just from becoming a master of their rifle, but that same grit that our Founders much have tasted as they worked to forged this nation.

“You know it when you see it”, was heard by my ears several times…..it rang true. You know a Rifleman, when you see one. They may not have the patch or score (yet) to display the fact, but the fact still remains.

Overcoming a feat that very few Americans have experienced, and joining a group of Americans that have been the cornerstone of this nation from day one, well, it puts a certain air of “determination” around a person. An ‘aura’ of humble confidence, dare I say, of someone who knows what they are about.

This is something that is recognizable by not only other Riflemen, but most who view this person. Though the “untrained” eye may not be able to identify what it is, or why it is, they know it is different.

So, Rifleman is more important than just a score or shooting skill. The Patch is a symbol of determination and will. Same as a Rifleman is more capable than thousands of other non-Rifleman, with a rifle, the Rifleman is vastly more capable than thousands of non-Rifleman in everyday functions as well. They carry with them the confidence that they can “will” and “persist” through any issue. They can find and implement the solution to the problems that they may face.

This confidence gives a Rifleman a boldness, something seldom seen in modern Americans today. However, this confidence is moderated by the knowledge that Americans greater than he have sacrificed, great sacrifices, for him to have the blessings of today. This confidence is moderated by the understanding that the generations to come are relying on him for the preservation of this nation, for their blessings.

While a Rifleman has confidence, he has the debt he owes on the front of his mind, and the weight of the obligation he has, on his shoulders.

On November 8-9, 2008, Appleseed returns to Red Brush Range in Evansville, IN. This is Ditchwater II.

The significance of this event is fun and interesting to many involved in Appleseed, but has some special significance to yours truly.

Appleseed, having its official start in 2006, Evansville was one of the very first stops for this fledgling program. These were the days of no internet promotions, limited exposure, few people ever hearing about the program, and few volunteers to help the program.

Due to the efforts of the Second Amendment Patriots and others in Indiana, the fact that Appleseed shoots were few and far between (only 18 nation wide in 2006), this first Evansville event had over 150 shooters attend!

What an experience! 150 Freedom loving Americans on the line, learning of the Heritage and Traditions of those that have come before them. Sharing a once in a live time event with 150 unnamed friends, the sound of 2 minutes of Freedom at the end of the event. Seeing the spark of an incredible program being fanned into the consuming fire of Liberty. These were quite special times.

Those of us that were on the line that day sure could feel the specialness of the program. I must say that this event was the beginning of a metamorphosis of yours truly, and I dare say many others.

The setting of that weekend has was a scene of what was yet to come in the Appleseed Program. The weather seemed to be a tool used by the forces for and against American Liberty, and we got a very small taste of what the early Americans must have faced, as the future of the weekend looked bleak, with murmurs of putting the shoot off (by those that had not gained the Heart of Appleseed yet). As the day progressed, the forces that are kindly to Appleseed mostly prevailed, but that hints to the end of the story.

Saturday morning saw wind, rain, cold, right up to the time for folks to start showing up. We arrived to an atmosphere of determination, expectation and a hint of hurriedness. As the numbers began to grow, it was obvious to so many of us that this was a special event.

I, and my two friends found our selves a spot on the line. What a line it was, over 60 shooters on the line (the longest single line in Appleseed history?), all the while knowing that there were other lines. We were too busy weighting down our gear, due to the strong winds, getting our ‘range legs’ by meeting our fellow shooters and sorting out which target was ours on that crowded target line. This was not at easy as it sounds as the howls of wind demanded that these targets fly horizontal to the ground from time to time. We knew that this event was going to be a little challenging, but the conditions seemed to conspire to up the ante.

We had been reading Fred’s columns for years, saw the foundations of Appleseed laid out in the pages of Shot Gun News. We had been shooting those mocking 1 inch squares and AQTs, for many months, without the success that was “promised” with persistence. During the drive to the range, we discussed the fact that this level of accuracy may just be beyond our skills, half-hoping that the weather would generate an appropriate enough “excuse” for our poor performance.

The fateful day started with many, many people standing in a group, listening to Fred talk about why were there. He even went so far as to “thank” us for being there? What was this? I was there for myself, to improve my skills, why should he care if I was there or not? As he spoke, as he told me about the men that, without knowing me, picked up their muskets and defended Liberty for me. As I heard about the efforts and sacrifice that the many before me have made on the behalf of Liberty, for me, I slowly began to understand that this was more than a “personal enhancement program”, but rather something bigger than myself.

The remainder of the weekend saw many battles. Battles with the weather, near miraculously clearing and drying up during the shooting hours, but expressing its wrath during the evening hours, threatening the second day. Battles with the wind and targets, often resulting in the targets getting loose and blowing to the firing line. Battles with absorbing the skills being taught, to absorb the vast amount of information that was being passed on by the Red Hats that day. The battles that raged over 200 years ago, for my Liberty and Freedom by brothers yet met.

During the two days, there was little time for “reflection”, it was all business. There were “rumors” of over 100 shooters, maybe 150 shooters. There were new friends that discussed rifles, home, what they were learning, those they knew that were missing this event. The building of Riflemen, despite the weather, horizontal targets, spurts of rain, huge numbers of shooters, continued and succeeded. I was able to learn and persist to earn the new, but soon to be coveted Appleseed Rifleman’s Patch.

Often it is discussed that the time after the shoot, the time when newly forged bonds with fellow Patriots, is some of the most special time of an Appleseed. The line is quite, the sore muscles stiffening up, the instruction and tales of our brothers in Liberty from 230 years ago sinking in, the Spirit of men with tri-cornered hats and muskets can be felt among the discussions of today’s Americans. This time, this realization that the American Spirit links those on the Appleseed lines with those that were on the grounds of the Lexington Green, or the bridge at Concord…..That is powerful stuff.

To say we were “JAZZED” would be an understatement. It was, believe it or not, life changing. Imagine grasping for the first time the Debt you owe to the Founding Fathers, the obligation to the generations to come. Imagine understanding for the first time, that there are more options in preserving this nation than what you knew before. How about the realization that one person CAN make a difference? We immediately began to discuss how we can put our efforts toward helping this one of a kind program, how we can put our force of one, on the line with the many Americans that are dedicated to preserve our Traditions and Heritage.

Since that day in the Spring of 2006, the Appleseed Project has really taken root in this nation. Today, in the Fall of 2008, it will be fun to take stock of where the Appleseed program has gone.

The 2008 Appleseed Tour schedule reveals some interesting facts. From the 18 shoots in 2006, Appleseed has grown to over 130 Appleseed Shoots for 2008 (we are still adding new shoots for 2008, moving us close to 140!). 2009 promises to have well over 200 shoots, some suggesting that the number will be much closer to 300!

Appleseeds has now grown to 37 states, with dozens of new locations. California, who had no Appleseed Shoots until Spring of 2008, will have 14 Appleseed Shoots in 2008.

We had only 18 shoots in 2006. On April 19th, 2008, Patriots Day, Appleseed had 14 shoots nation wide. Now months that have 18 plus shoots are common place. Incidentally, we have plans for 50 Appleseed shoots on April 19th, 2009, but that is looking forward!

Earlier this year Appleseed established State Coordinators for 30 states. This means that we have folks that have stepped up in these states to advance the Appleseed Project in their states, building relationships, setting up new locations, building the Appleseed volunteer teams in their states.

Hundreds of volunteers have stepped up to move Appleseed forward, to bring Appleseed to their area, promote the program, and to work the logistics that are required to keep this all volunteer program growing. There now well over 100 Appleseed Instructors nation wide, dedicated to give their time and efforts to bring Appleseed to Americans all over these fruited plains.

Several national publications have taken notice of the Appleseed Project and have produced articles about the program. These include SWAT Magazine, Small Arms Review, Guns Magazine, Down Range TV-Radio, with a commitment from Down Range for a TV program in early 2009. Not to mention the many local papers (Evansville Courier and Press, April, 2006 starting the process), local radio and TV programs.

The number of shooters that participate has been growing along with the program, from 1000 in 2006, to 4000 in 2008! Though no shoot has crested the record set in April 2006, in Evansville, IN.

This leads us back to the scene of Ditchwater I. What is Ditchwater? Well, some mused that the large turn out on that windy Spring day, at Evansville had to be the result of something in the water, specifically that water in the ditches at the range. With many tempted to bottle that special water, to distribute around the nation, to help that sound of Freedom cover the nation. So, when the discussion of setting up a Regional, semi-national event for Appleseed, to try to best the record number set of shooters at a single event, Ditchwater II came to mine of those that were at that first event.

Ditchwater II, November 8-9, 2008, is set for Red Brush Range, in Evansville, IN. This will be a unique event for Appleseed. It will be the coming together of many old friends, many new friends, and a gathering of those that have worked hard to make Appleseed the fastest growing shooting program in America, today. Those many that have put their shoulders to the Appleseed cart, to push it through the nation, reaching and exceeding the goals set for the years after that first Appleseed year.

Many of the original players will be at this Ditchwater II, most in much different capacity than they held on that 2006 Spring day. So, more than an opportunity to be on the largest Appleseed firing line in history, Ditchwater II will also be an opportunity to meet many of the key workers for the Appleseed Project. A chance for many in the Appleseed Project, to actual meet face to face, as the program has grown so quickly, that many of us have only met via internet and phone.

This will be a grand “Homecoming” for Appleseed. Meeting old friends, new friends, setting the course for the Appleseed Project, not just for the Midwest, but for the nation. This is an opportunity to share the view of Appleseed past and to look forward to Appleseed future of growing Liberty in America.

I would like to invite all to make the trip to this event. Working to make this a very special event for the Appleseed Project. Plan on spending the weekend with good friends, sharing the Traditions and Heritage that has been handed down to us by those on that fateful day in April, that is April 1775, and April 2006.

You can gain more information for this event, here http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=2121.0

Here we are, early September, and looking over the remainder of the 2008 schedule, something interesting sticks out. There are as many Appleseed events in the remainder of 2008 (the next 4 months) than there was for all of 2007! In the next 4 months, Appleseed will match the efforts of 2007, in total. Truth be told, we will actually have more shoots, as we are still setting up shoots for 2008.

Every Appleseed is a wealth of opportunities. The obvious opportunities are the new shooters coming, hearing of our Heritage, learning quality marksmanship skills, and being inspired to step up and get busy. The opportunity to get folks to experience an Appleseed Shoot, to meet some great people, to see that they are not alone in their concerns for the future of this nation. The opportunity to show folks that there is hope, has been from April 19th, 1775 to today, and what CAN be done!

All those are the opportunities that every Appleseed Shoot offers, but some offer more. We never know when we have on the firing line, the person that writes the blog, appears on a radio show, talks to the right person, who will really advance the Cause.

This nation has always been in the control of the “average American”. It was the “average American” that grabbed his musket in the pre-dawn darkness on April 19th, 1775, and gathered with other “average Americans” to defend Liberty. It was “We the People…”, We the average Americans…, that formed “a more perfect Union”. It has always rested upon the shoulders of the “average Americans” to “support and defend” this nation, through the generations. It rests upon the shoulders of today’s “average Americans” to preserve our Heritage and pass on to future generations, the nation that so many have bled and died to establish and defend.

So, the opportunities of Appleseed are many, but many of the opportunities are unseen. We don’t know who the next leaders will be. We don’t know who might be the conduit that will lead that special person to greatly impact the course of this nation. Who will be responsible for bringing a thousand shooters to Appleseed firing lines in 2009? We can not know.

We do know that for every open spot on the firing line, there is a missed opportunity. That person, the one that did not hear about Appleseed, the one that did not see the flyer, the one that did not get the phone call from a shooting buddy, that person might just be the one that can make a huge difference, in the Appleseed program and for the nation.

There have been folks that have personally been responsible for bringing 25 shooters to a single Appleseed, for building a Dedicated Appleseed Range, for getting Appleseed on TV and radio, for getting Appleseed in front of local and state politicians. This was not the “program” doing these things, it was “average Americans” seeing their duty, seeing their debt to those before and obligation to those to come. Just “average Americans” doing what has become so above average, that is, to get active and to DO.

It has become easy for Americans to sit and watch, to turn this nation into a spectator sport, the idea of it being an active participation has really become a foreign concept to many. We can talk a good story, we can even share our concerns with our friends and family, but to DO, to participate, to get active for Liberty has become a lost art. Thus we miss the opportunities, some are very easy to capitalize on, we just let them go by.

We will have over 50 more opportunities, yet in 2008, to help people realize their debt, to realize their obligation. To give folks the tools and motivation to step up and participate, rather than watch. We have a grand opportunity on September 12-13, in that we have 8 Constitution Day Appleseed Shoots. Folks can invite “average Americans” to the firing line, to commemorate and honor those that have fought and served, to establish and protect that grand document that is the foundation of our Liberties. The amount of blood that was shed to bring this document to life and preserve it, for you, me, our children and grandchildren, is great indeed. Our fathers, forefathers have sacrificed so that we can reap the benefits of this document. We miss the opportunity to honor them, for what they have given us, we miss the opportunity to pass on this sense of honor. If we don’t care about such things, how can we expect the next generation?

The “Land of Opportunity”, sits unique in history. She has given her all, to so many. So many have give their all for her. Opportunities to pay honor to those that have sacrificed for us, to those that have sworn to “support and defend”, are blessings that are unique to America. The opportunity for “average Americans” to accomplish above average things, that is what Appleseed is about. If we sit, and watch these opportunities pass by, we fail those before us, and after us.

How exciting it would be, to bring the fella that would in turn bring a thousand? How satisfying to bring the person that learns of their debt and obligation and puts it into practice in the political field? How satisfying to see, in the eyes of the youth, the understanding of the honor due those before them? How satisfying to realize the many opportunities, that were destined to be missed, if you continue to sit on the side lines.

We see many realized opportunities, every day here at Appleseed. The many, many “average Americans” being truly American and above average! There are opportunities that are unique to you, that can have an impact on the course of this nation. They are knocking, you only need to walk through the open doors.

Huh? So is Appleseed the cause of global warming or the sinking of the Titanic?

As we look at USS America, we see she is taking on water and starting to list a good bit. This is caused by neglect of those that have been running her and living in her, in the generations after April 19th, 1775. They, and we, have let The Good Ship Freedom run into disrepair and in to troubled waters. This is exactly what Appleseed is striving to fix.

The Project Appleseed has, as its cause, the preservation and teaching of our Heritage, to let folks see the charted course that the Founders have passed on to us, so that we can get this Liberty Lady back on course. The Founders of this nation have given us a great gift, through great sacrifice to their generation, so that future generations could benefit, we owe them greatly.

So allow me to paint a picture of the scene on the USS America, to try to illustrate where she is, and what is being done to keep her floating for the next generations.

We all know that the Good Ship Freedom is struggling, else you would not likely be reading this (if you are blessed to have a friend that forwarded this to you, and you have not seen the signs, just look about you, they are there for sure). Unlike the Titanic, we have no life boats, no rescue ships. Are the French, Chinese or the UN going to come to the rescue of our ship? Not much of a chance of that. So the task of saving our ship falls upon our shoulders, much like it fell on the shoulders of those of 1775, who built and set sail this vessel of Liberty.

As we stand on the decks of USS America, we can make some observations of the efforts and progress of the passengers, to save their own home, to save the vessel for their children and grandchildren.

Some, a very precious few, are in the bowels of the boat, seeing the icy waters rushing in, and they are bailing! Bailing like their lives and those of their children rely on their efforts. These are true Americans, those that share a spirit with those of 1775, those that know what they are about and what a great blessing it is to be American. They know that there are icebergs in the waters around them, but they also know that their efforts are meaningful and practical, in the salvation of the entire ship, for all, even those that are not bailing.

Many folks are on the upper decks. Some are just so clueless, that they don’t know that their refuge is in peril or that around them, their ship is sinking and that their very existence is in jeopardy. This is one of the tasks of Appleseed, to help these folks to see what this ship once was, and how she can be the great Queen of the seas again. More on this later.

However, there are a great many folks on the upper deck, that KNOW that USS America is in trouble, they KNOW that their future is in doubt, they KNOW that their children and grandchildren will inherit a decrepit and sinking vessel, if nothing is done. These folks are good folks, they may be good intentioned, but they are motionless to pick up a bucket and start bailing.

Some of these folks are standing at the rail. They will tell each other that the ship is sinking. But they still stand there, looking at all the icebergs in the water, worrying and discussing what one will sink their ship. They want to name these icebergs, perhaps they look out and start to label them: The UN, China, Federal Government, Illegal Aliens, Green Aliens, you name it! There are many threats to our Ship of Liberty, but standing on the decks, debating which one will sink us first does nothing to save our ship! Who really cares what iceberg rips the hole in the side? USS America will sink just the same, and once gone, no one will care what the cause, as there will be no one left who cares.

So, we at Appleseed don’t care what the names of the icebergs are, because the solution is the same for all of them! BAIL!! That is right, it is straight forward. We need to get as many Americans bailing on the Good Ship Freedom, as possible, as soon as possible. Eventually we will change the tide. At some point there will be a tipping of the scale, in favor for Americans and Liberty. The USS America will right herself, but only when enough Americans understand how to bail, are equipped with a bucket and put it to work. Iceberg identification (we call it “iceberging”) may satisfy the 21st Century American desire to whine, do little, and expect someone else to do the hard work, but it does NOTHING to save our ship. The solution to all the icebergs is the same; hearts and minds of today’s Americans getting spurred to actions, not words.

Another group of bystanders, on the upper decks are those that are not picking up their buckets and bailing, because “they are just one person, what impact can they have on such a large ship”. These folks are paralyzed by the apparent hopelessness of the task. But one has to ask, what is the result of doing nothing? Sure sinking, there is not doubt about that! Bailing is the cure, we just need to apply it in a large enough dose to make it effective. That is where Appleseed comes in, equipping Americans with the tools and knowledge to effectively bail. Will we succeed, well, there is no assurance. But keep in mind that there were no assurances in 1775! Those of 1775 had never seen USS America float and were not SURE that she would. We are not sure that we can keep her afloat, but the result of not trying is just as sure as the result of those in 1775 not trying, NO FREEDOMS, NO LIBERTIES. So, we owe it to them to preserve what they have given us, we owe it to our children to pass on a better vessel than we have inherited.

Appleseed = Bailing!

Appleseed gets people to focus on the solutions, not the problems! Equipping them with buckets, showing them where the leaks are and teaming them with others that can build an effective bucket brigade.

With the new state level Appleseed efforts, now in over 30 states, Appleseed is working to build 50 teams, one for each compartment in USS America. These teams have more than enough potential to bail their portion of the ship dry and to help folks to keep it that way. Each state Appleseed chapter is charged with several different tasks, but one of the key ones is to direct Appleseeders to the various buckets that exist in their state.

There are many different organizations and programs in each state that have buckets sitting idle, that need operators, we want to send them Appleseeders that are knowledgeable about their Heritage, motivated to become active and have the confidence to be effective. As the state level Appleseed programs grow, they will produce modern Americans, with the heart and spirit of the Founders! They will (and are currently doing so in many places) step up, shoulder to shoulder, with those within their states that already have a good, state specific, bailing program. Appleseed need not reinvent any wheels, they are in place. Appleseeders just need the heart and minds of the builders of USS America!

This is just one of the many ways that Appleseed can take the efforts of one, multiply it into action of many, to effect the solution of ALL the icebergs. Building an America of ‘doers’, or of bailers, that is the goal of Appleseed. The icebergs were there in 1775, they will be there in 2075, the solution will be same as it always has been. Americans must fix their own problems, starting with their own hearts and minds, in their compartment of the ship.

I hope to ramble in the future about the efforts and successes of Project Appleseed in righting USS America, there are many, with many more in the works. Most Americans don’t see them, perhaps because they are standing on the deck, looking over the rail and talking about the chunks of ice. If they would just turn away from the distraction of naming the icebergs, go below deck and see the work being done, the solution in action, they too could become part of the solution! They too can see the Hope in action, rather than inaction.

Welcome aboard, here is your bucket, the water is over there. Those still on the deck may wonder if they doing enough for Liberty, those in the bilge, with buckets in their hands…They will KNOW!