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If the Montana Human Rights Network shot itself in the foot literally as often as it does politically, most Montanans would advise a mandatory gun safety course. In his recent op-ed piece, Travis McAdam of MHRN self-inflicts yet another wound when accusing the Montana secretary of state of wanting Montana to secede from the Union.

MHRN doesn’t explain just why it is so energized by its own talk of secession. But a valid target has never prevented MHRN from firing wild shots, such as when it accused me of racism the same week I hosted presidential candidate Alan Keyes (a black man) in my home, when it accused law professor Rob Natelson (a Jew) of being anti-Jewish, or when it accused a full-blooded Native American of being “anti-Indian.” Watch for MHRN to soon accuse Gov. Brian Schweitzer of hating dogs.

When McAdam objects to the secretary of state’s wish for the U.S. to abide by its contract with Montana, McAdam only proves again MHRN’s lack of reasoning power. When MHRN enters into contracts for grants as the primary advocate for homosexuals or illegal aliens in Montana, does is seriously believe it can take the money but renege on the contract’s performance? A contract is a contract, not a bungee cord.

McAdam also infers it is somehow improper for Montana gun owners and hunters, a major part of Montana’s population, to have influence in Helena, while MHRN haunts the halls of the Capitol seeking influence on behalf of homosexuals and illegal immigrants.

If MHRN ever wants to be taken seriously, it must mature beyond its currently selected role as the wannabe thought police for Montana by first dropping the ready/fire/aim tactic it substitutes for political discourse. Until then, MHRN can be counted on only to provide Montana politics with comic relief.

Gary Marbut is president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, which advocates for gun owners and hunters in Montana. He writes from Missoula.

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