Some Oklahomans Think Gun Raffles Are Wrong & Dystopian

When it comes to raising funds for a specific charity or cause, some people tend to forget about the effort and focus mainly on the prize. Girl Scouts is a prime example. We all look forward to the cookies and often forget the role they play in the lives of so many. #Tagalongs

Some schools sell books to their students. I remember the excitement I felt walking into a Scholastic Book Fair in sixth grade with a twenty in my pocket... did that make my school a bookstore? No. Other schools sell Blue & Gold sausage and bacon to raise funds... It doesn't make that school a meat processor now, does it?

So how does a local Oklahoma organization without the ability or hook-up to sell books, sausage, or cookies go about raising money? For quite a long time, the Oklahoma norm has been offering up the chance to win a gun through a raffle.

Along with donating to a worthy cause and getting the chance to win a new firearm comes the ire of an increasing community of people who fundamentally disagree with it.

I would assume this is just a side-effect of Oklahoma's growing diversity... with hoards of people moving to our affordable state from other states, but some assume Oklahoma could be slowly but surely changing politically on taboo topics such as constitutionally protected rights.

Personally, I think the majority is drifting back to the historical silent status.

Here's the so-called "dystopian" rub.

The American Legion is best known for the role it plays in the lives of our veterans and military members. What people don't typically remember is how much the Legion does for our youths across America.

From Legion baseball to basic scouting, firearms safety and training, Boys State high school programs, and more.

To raise funds to continue decades-old traditions in service to our communities, they hold fundraisers. One of which is their legendary firearm raffles.

In certain corners of Oklahoma social media, this is being called out as dystopian and beyond comprehension... After all, in their minds, how can anyone justify offering up guns to help fund kid-oriented programs?

Whether you've lived here a long time or you're rather new, welcome to Oklahoma. Instead of trying to open a dialogue and calm emotions with logic, I'd rather just spread simple facts.

Is it legal? Yes. 100%.

Just because a gun is being auctioned, it still goes through the same process as required by law as any other new firearm. The winner must fill out and pass a federal background check and be cleared to take possession.

People are still free to believe it to be wrong and distasteful. As American's, we're all afforded the right to have our own opinions. This isn't a case where "majority rules," it's simple law and order.

Also, at $10 for a chance to win any of those pew-pew's and have the feeling your money is going to a great cause, it's a steal. Contact your local Legion if you care to join in.