The way I see this thread is that there is more agreement than disagreement. Although there will always be differing views on small issues, dare I mention the gralloch thing all over again, there does appear to be overall agreement. We need representation, and we need to get it by making use of the already established structure, the BASC. Like it or loathe it, it is already in place, it has a voice and it has Government recognition, a pretty good start, I would suggest.
The elections have only just gone, and it was apparent from the number of votes cast, that the true winner was apathy. I forget the exact numbers but I remember that Griff mentioned them and they were only in the 3000 range if I remember correctly, and the numbers between being elected or not were only in the hundreds. So if the membership is in the 120,000+ range and only 3000 or so of those voted, we have only ourselves to blame.
If we are to achieve, what we perceive as being needed, better representation with a stronger say with what happens in the shooting world, then
we have to change it. We narrowly missed out last time getting Griff elected onto the Council, if he is willing to stand again next year then I believe that now is not too early to start moving towards this. Spread the word, keep every one interested in various issues as they crop up, identify where you would like to see changes, improvements etc. Do not think that once you have aired your views on here it is forgotten, and no one ever knows about them except us, wrong! We know that David from the BASC monitors this site, we also know from recent events that the CIC have had a use for us, and I am sure other organisations are aware of us as well.
So there it is, we have agreement in that we need better representation as proposed by 6.5 X 55, this was taken up by others who identified that the way to do it was through the already existing body, the BASC, is this not the way forward? Forget the trivia of things like the gralloch fine points etc and concentrate on the main chance, a voice from within, to represent stalkers, it can be done.
I am not advocating some sort of revolution, all I am saying is use what we already have, democracy - voting rights, to make the best use of our recognised voice, the BASC.
I need a cuppa now
John