February 25 2006

Well gang, it isn’t often that events in the personal lives of those that govern this nation cause turmoil in the ranks of the Montrose Beer and Gun Club. But this week is the exception.

You all have doubtless heard of Vice President Cheney gunning down one of his friends at a South Texas quail hunt.

The news hounds have blown the whole thing out of proportion, as one might well expect.

Particularly after it was reported that Mr. Cheney just might have had a beer or two with lunch.

Now, nobody knows better than our club members that accidents will happen, and that frequently, the inclusion of beer in the process of hunting often increases the likelihood of such a mishap. We all know that. It’s a part of the game.

Apparently, Mr. Cheney knew it too, and arrived at the ranch with a full medical team in his entourage, much as we do when we hold one of our meetings out at our clubhouse and ranges.

You have to admit, that a full medical team when you go hunting is not something a novice would think of.

No, Mr. Cheney has been there, and is obviously a seasoned hand. Anyway, because of his highly publicized pratfall, members have been e-mailing club headquarters suggesting that Mr. Cheney be made an honorary member of the club, if he isn’t already.

On the face of it, an appropriate gesture for us to make.

Except that there are an equal number of e-mails pointing out that he had no upland bird stamp on his hunting license, and also pointing out that for a member to accidentally shoot a fellow hunter is one thing, but to have someone in the club that is a poacher is simply unacceptable.

So, with opinion equally divided on the matter, you are asked this week to go to our web site, click on "shoot us an e-mail", and express your view on the matter.

It would certainly help.

Till next week
Helga Biermeister
Secretary