The first day of the 2009 fall hunting season dawned fair with a hint of cool air on Saturday, Sept. 5. For the 400 guests invited to the family-owned McWhorter farm in Whitesburg, it was a special event symbolic of a long American heritage and the great nation we live in. As U.S. citizens, we have the right to own land and to enjoy the rights and privileges thereof. The second amendment in our constitution gives us the right to bear arms for our protection, for the sport of hunting, or for our overall self-preservation.

The millions of sportsmen across our nation are a unique group of citizens who appreciate these rights and privileges. When this group goes to the polls each election year, it embraces and supports political candidates who love America and who seek too maintain and protect this important heritage. This particular sporting and social event had special meaning for those in attendance because some of our state and national leaders were present. Attending Saturday’s event were Gary Black, Republican candidate for Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Republican candidate for governor, U.S. Congressman Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Republican candidate for re-election, U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, Republican candidate for re-election (not shown in above picture), and U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey.

Because of the political turmoil over important issues facing our nation and the questionable leadership ability of some of our leaders in Washington, the group in attendance at this sporting event was eager to hear from the three congressmen about what is at stake for our great nation. With an air of confidence, these three cherished and admired representatives assured this group of devoted Americans of their commitment to fight for rationale and intelligent reasoning in government. Their addresses could not have fallen on a more patriotic group of U.S. citizens.

(Taylor is a Carroll County resident and local forester.)