Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching are important parts of America’s national heritage. Survey after survey shows a rise in Americans participating in outdoor activities and sports. In states like Alaska, the numbers are even higher. Fishing and hunting are ways of life.
Even though Americans embrace hunting in this country, critics sometimes voice disapproval toward the country’s traditions. Often those critics aren’t American.
Talk show host Piers Morgan, a Brit, is an anti-gun activist. Even though the very building he works in is protected by armed guards, Morgan has continuously bashed the Second Amendment and those who work to uphold it. He has repeatedly targeted former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, a champion for gun owners. Morgan does not always let the facts get in the way either.
His latest folly into shoddy journalism centered around The Daily Currant. Morgan sent out a snarky tweet bashing Palin for allegedly saying Jesus celebrated Easter. One problem for the Englishman… The Daily Currant is a satire site. In other words, their stories are fake, like those depicted on The Newsroom, the fictional show that reportedly inspired Morgan to become an anti-gun activist. Morgan never indicates there is any make-believe in play, instead choosing to spread a false narrative about Palin.
Poor play selection.
Palin, the quintessential sportswoman, responded to Morgan’s attack in a big way. She fired back by posting a photo of herself clad in hunting gear, proudly next to a dead bear. The inscription on the photo read “Piers: Kind of busy right now”.
Under the photo Palin wrote:
“Oh dear Piers, thank you so much for all your invitations to appear on your shambolic show, including the adoring message you sent. But is it still any wonder why I’ve politely responded that I’m too busy doing, um, er… pretty much anything to accept the invite? (At least I didn’t tell you to “get stuffed”.) And to all our British friends: we ask, what did your friends across the pond ever do to you to deserve your Piers?”
This isn’t the first time Morgan has gone after Palin. He shamelessly used the Sandy Hook murders as a chance to take some swipes at her and attempt to advance his radical stance on firearms.
Hunting is a sport that teaches lifelong lessons, boosts our economy, feeds many, and provides fun and fellowship for Americans each and every day. The crop of hunters is growing too. All ages enjoy the sport. Thanks to groups like Special Youth Challenge of Northern Nebraska, even youths with special challenges, some in wheelchairs, are given the opportunity to hunt deer and turkeys.
Yet, liberal outlets like the Huffington Post were horrified with Palin’s Facebook post.
Hunters provide the financial support to create thousands of jobs. Through the sport, manufacturers and salesmen benefit. When people travel to hunt they support hundreds of thousands of jobs at stores, restaurants, hotels, and manufacturing plants.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, about 14 million people ages 16 or older hunt. Each year, those hunters spend over $38 billion on equipment, licenses, trips and other purchases.These estimates are conservative because around 2 million more hunters are under the age of 16. A parent likely picks up a similar tab for these young guns.
More importantly the sport of hunting creates everlasting bonds. It’s well documented that Palin and her father have many fond memories of hunting together through the years. They still do it today.
The sport of hunting is dominated by law abiding, responsible citizens. It is unfortunate that along with the elements and the challenges of the sport, they have to also deal with the anti-American attacks from misguided liberals like Morgan. Thankfully, most of us in this exceptional land we live in realize that hunting is a legitimate sport. Perhaps Sarah Palin’s dad Chuck Heath Sr. summed it up best when he said, “Take your kids hunting – you wont’ have to hunt for your kids.” What a great lesson.
In the meantime, a lesson for Mr. Morgan: Check your sources before you start with the attacks again. If this is his only way to try to stay relevant, it may be time for Piers to hunt for a new hobby.