[Capt. Tom]

Meanwhile, back in the United States, Democratic leaders attempting to woo back union and rural voters continue to promise that "sporting" and "hunting" firearms will remain inviolate.

I don't own a gun. But I see the second amendment as written, to afford me, and my neighbors a right to have weapons to defend ourselves against an unjust government.

What's this sporting nonsense all about? - Tom

[backhoe]

Well, that "sportsmen" stuff serves as one of the earliest examples I can remember of the old divide & conquer strategy. In the RKBA fight, it's been around for years & years- clinton just used it, IMO, as "chatter"-- just to give his troops a talking point.

But splitting 2A supporters into warring camps ( sportsmen vs. hunters vs. trap shooters vs. plinkers, ad nauseum ) has been used about as long as I can recall. I well remember an old friend, WWII combat vet, NRA life member rather heatedly telling me "there's no legitimate need for 'that type' of gun!" Referring to autoloaders, but fill in the quote with any type of weapon some group wants to ban, like cheap handguns.

I belong to the forum over on thefiringline.com, and this tactic is frequently raised over there.