The Capital

The legislative session for Utah is now in full swing. And I have the great privilege to accompany one of Utah's top lobbyists(W. Clark Aposhian) on occasion, to mingle with the elected representatives, activist and staff that walk the halls of the Utah State Capital.



What do we lobby for?



It is something intrinsic to Utah culture as much as green jello and mini vans. An issue that penetrates the bonds of ethnicity, socio-economic standing, and gender.



We protect the rights of Utah residents to posses and retain their firearms. We lobby for the right to life. Utah has one of the most unique gun cultures because our laws are so permissive and many people in Utah have been associated with firearms since their youth. The issue tends to gain a lot of attention because of that. It is amazing to see all of the people who know the Lobbyist I work for or the excited looks on their faces as he walks up because they want to talk about the newest edition to their arsenal. But the best part of being an intern for a gun rights lobbyist in Utah is that your never bored. It seems that everyone has an opinion about guns or gun laws and they are never afraid to share it. It's an issue that creates very little ambivalence. Which for me means passionate debate and interesting dialogues that are never ending.

Like many that stumble into the shooting sports or find themselves fighting for the right to self defense, I have found my passion. For some a passion is a childhood dream realised as an adult but being a "gun chick" as some people call me was not exactly a childhood dream. Nor did I expect it to become my passion. As a female the gun rights issue becomes even more delineated into a yes or no battle. Most people have the tendency to question the ability of a women to speak intellectually upon the matter of firearms and self defense. And while some would disagree with that social perception of females and firearms. It stands to evidence that guns can easily become the most popular subject in a male dominated conversation and be a conversation killer when introduced by a female. On the other hand you could become the most popular girl around if you know a little about firearms. (just be gentle, men get offended when you know more about firearms then they do). I hope that my efforts can show that women don't have to be a stereo type to carry a weapon in self defense. As much as I hate to admit it we women are at a disadvantage when it comes to self defense and to me women of any kind need to be more aware of and retain the option to defend themselves with something that equalizes that disparity. Firearms are for mothers protecting their children, for grandmothers, and aunts. For single women living in the suburbs to those trying to survive in the big cities. Firearms in the hands of women should be looked upon with respect and honor not disgust and silence. Eleanor Roosevelt carried a firearm in self defense. When I think of Eleanor Roosevelt my first impressions are not raging vigilantly but they are of grace, dignity, intelligence and refinement. She was a great women with a renowned reputation of being elegant and having good reasonable taste. This is the impression I feel should be handed to other intelligent hard working women that choose to defend themselves in a like manner. A change in social perception of women and guns is needed. A great ambition that for now will be submitted to the 5 people that read this blog and maybe if I work hard enough will become a reality some day.

Well I digress, seems I had alot more to say about that then I originally intended. But back to the capital. Last week I was able to sit in while Clark Aposhian and others met with the Speaker of the House Dave Clark and the President of the Senate Mike Waddops to talk about the legislation for this session. Clark always says that if you like sausages than never go to a sausage factory to see them made. and if you have respect for the law then never go see how there made either. But I find the process fascinating. Of course I don't eat alot of sausages and I don't follow alot of, Uh... Anyways I enjoy my time watching the process of law and all the inner workings and different views that are brought to the table. I guess for a imaginative mind like mine own that thrives on philosophy the capital becomes an intellectual feeding ground.

So here's to the 2009 legislative session. Let's hope we can still eat sausages after this one.