Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Way of the Rifle

Introducing a way of life. Much like the concept of the Japanese "-do" (i.e. - aikido, judo, etc.), the merging of classical streams of thought on a well-balanced life (a way to live) into a single name for the sake of forging a new term for an old-fashioned and time-tested way of living is needed. I present to you:
The American Rifleman. 

(Yes, I borrowed the term from the NRA - it seemed best suited for the job!)


Life, Liberty, Family
The American Rifleman realizes that the greatest gift one can possess is that of life, and immediately following is that of liberty. Hence, these are the things most needed to defend. Life without family and friends is fulfilling and this is known to the American Rifleman as well. These constitute the reason for life for the American Rifleman.

Rifle Craft
The American Rifleman owns a workable rifle that is well maintained and ready at a minute's notice to be employed in the defense of the American Rifleman's freedom, life, or family/friends.

The American Rifleman owns sufficient ammunition to said rifle to go about the process of neutralizing violent threats to the Rifleman's life, liberty, or family.

The American Rifleman dedicates study to the art of marksmanship.
The American Rifleman dedicates study to the sciences of tactical responses.
The American Rifleman trains for common defensive situations.
The American Rifleman keeps skills in these areas sharp.
The American Rifleman is familiar with his rifle and how to clean and maintain it.
The American Rifleman is capable of performing remedial action in the event of malfunction.

Pistol Craft
The American Rifleman realizes the need for pistols as well as rifles, and keeps a useful model nearby at all times. The use of the pistol is understood to be defensive, as is the rifle, and in the same situations: in defense of life, liberty, and family.

The American Rifleman possesses a valid carry permit and exercises the right and responsibility to carry legally within his community.

The American Rifleman dedicates study to the same arts and  sciences of the rifle for transfer to the pistol: marksmanship, defensive tactics, remedial action, etc.

Unarmed Defense
The American Rifleman realizes that armed response is not always needed or possible. Therefore, the American Rifleman trains in unarmed self defense toward the same goal as he trains for armed self defense: the defense of life, liberty, and family.

The American Rifleman realizes the need for grappling, and seeks to earn at least a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or similar, as well as proficiency in Judo or wrestling.
The American Rifleman realizes the need for striking, and seeks to earn at least a black belt in karate, taekwondo, krav-maga, or similar proficiency in some similar striking art.

Health
The American Rifleman realizes that without health, there is no way to defend life, liberty, or family, and therefore practices healthy living:

The American Rifleman refrains from illicit drug use.
The American Rifleman refrains from excessive smoking or drinking.
The American Rifleman eats wholesome, single-ingredient foods: meats, fruits, and vegetables.
The American Rifleman moderates sugar intake.
The American Rifleman follows a reasonable exercise regimen, which includes aspects of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

Mental 
The American Rifleman recognizes the need for a sharp mind. Therefore, the American Rifleman seeks to increase his understanding of things on a regular basis. Reading - particularly of nonfiction - is of the greatest importance in building a sharp mind.

Social
The American Rifleman recognizes the human need for social interaction. The American Rifleman seeks, therefore, to have friends and close friends. Being a part of a team with a common goal is a useful endeavor, and is one of the American Rifleman's specialties.

Society / Political
The American Rifleman recognizes the need for society, as well as the corruptions that can come from over-application of some societal pressures. Therefore, the American Rifleman stays in touch with politics, and stays as active as possible in local and/or state politics.

Religion
The American Rifleman recognizes that a creation is a result of a Creator, and recognizes God as that Creator.  Catholic, Protestant, Jew, etc. are seen as equally believing in and serving Jehova - the One True God. Denominational differences and specific interpretations are the natural result of society (see above), and are perfectly acceptable.

The belief in God as our Creator is the fundamental belief of the American Rifleman.

* Atheist / Agnostic American Riflemen are seen as equals. Respect for their beliefs will be honored, even if they are not shared by the Judeo-Christian American Rifleman.

Evolution
It is incumbent upon any such proclamation as this that things change over time, and it is also understood to be part of life that any such list is impossible to complete. Any American Rifleman who wishes to add or edit this list may do so at any time!


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