A Lesson for Democrats from Marc Anthony and Pussyfoot

[derby378]

Let's be honest. If you're a Democrat who supports the current paradigm of gun control, you probably think I'm nuts. "Can't you join the Republicans and leave us Democrats alone?" If that question is floating through your head, the answer is an emphatic NO. I've cast my lot with the Democrats for the long haul. And I get along fabulously with a lot of Democrats in my area, some of whom may be fiercely opposed to concealed carry legislation, proposed "Castle Doctrine" laws, etc.

So how do I handle being a pro-gun Democrat, even when activists and policy wonks tell me I'm in the wrong party? I just remember the work of a man who had a profound impact on my formative years - Warner Brothers animator Charles M. Jones.

Chuck Jones directed the animation short Feed the Kitty which was released in 1952. It featured a muscular, aggressive bulldog named Marc Anthony who winds up the unlikely guardian and best friend of a little fluffy kitten known as Pussyfoot. Maybe you've seen this cartoon, yourself. I always laughed when teeny little Pussyfoot climbed onto Marc's back and then used its claws to dig into Marc's flesh, causing Marc to wince and yip in pain. But then, immediately afterwards, the kitten snuggled into the bulldog's fur, purring happily and contentedly, falling asleep in the knowledge that Marc was Pussyfoot's friend and would go through hell to protect Pussyfoot (which Marc did).

So here's an analogy to try on for size. Pussyfoot represents the archetypical Democratic Party member - fighting for social justice, community, understanding, and peace. Marc Anthony is the pro-gun Democrat, a bit ornery and loudmouthed but at his heart gentle and fiercely protective of his friends. And when Pussyfoot digs its claws into Marc's back to "make the bed," that's just the likes of Senator Dianne Feinstein or Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy giving hell to pro-gun Democrats.

Trust me, we can take it. We've had years of experience letting the Brady Campaign and their ilk have their fun.

But now there are at least six pro-gun Democrats in the Senate - Landrieu (LA), Tester (MT), Reid (NV), Casey (PA), Webb (VA), and Feingold (WI) - which means that, with the current political climate, it's going to be near-impossible for anti-gun legislation to be passed in Congress in the near future. And we're not stopping there. We intend to press the issue with House Democrats as well, not to mention any Democratic candidates for President in 2008. "Non-issue," my eye.

In the end, however, we're still there for our fellow Democrats. We'll speak up for the American worker, for civil rights, for freedom of speech, for our brave men and women in the Armed Forces, for an America that will be better for our children than it was for us.

Pussyfoot, sleep well. Marc's got your back, now and forever. Just ease up on the claws a little.

Taken from the Amendment II Democrats Blog

[Sapere aude]

1. I see no conflict with being pro gun and being a Democrat.

I am a gun owner and I would never dream of being a Republican over the gun issue.

[derby378]

2. That's the message I want to get out to folks...

Unfortunately, there's still a lot of single-issue voters who are convinced that the "Dem'crats 'll take yer guns if yew vote 'm into office." That's a meme I want to put six feet underground now and for all time. But it's going to take a lot of work. And a lot of friends.

:hi:

[MissMarple]

3. How about a bumper sticker something like...

I'm a gunowner, a Democrat, and I vote.

And like Byron Dorgan I would shoot you if you broke into my house.

[derby378]

4. Well, I'm not really planning on shooting anyone...

...but the basic idea is pretty darn cool. The group I started, Amendment II Democrat, had some bumper stickers at one point, but I just plain ran out. I need to make some more.