On Friday I toured the Bushmaster Firearms facility in Windham.
When I embarked on this endeavor nearly a year ago, I had
never so much as handled a firearm. However, I had studied
the Constitution extensively and commented that the 2nd amendment,
to me, is one of the clearest and most easily interpreted
rights outlined in America’s foundational document.
The campaign trail has since afforded me several opportunities
to handle and fire several models of weapon, from pistols
to Bushmaster’s new .50 caliber rifle. On numerous occasions
I have enjoyed detailed conversations with men and women who
own guns, design and build guns, and cherish their right to
gun ownership. In the course of these experiences, my support
for the 2nd amendment has strengthened to be unshakable.
The image of the gun is the ultimate representation of American
freedom. There is a deep and visceral connection between the
gun and our identity as a free people. The ordinary man, willing
to take up weapons to fight for liberty over tyranny, won
our own freedoms. The firearm is the quintessential symbol
of the strength of American freedom. The eagle adorning the
Great Seal of the United States soars with arrows and olive
branch clenched firmly in each of its talons, symbolizing
the very essence of our freedom – a strong desire for peace,
and a willingness to protect it.
The American and Maine gun owner is much like that eagle.
They understand that freedom does not protect itself, but
requires our protection. The gun, like our other freedoms,
can be very destructive if abused. The gun owners that I have
had the great pleasure of knowing embody the responsibilities
that are inseparable from freedom. Speak to one of them and
you will hear the voice of the American patriot and the philosopher
of freedom. They will speak with you about the meticulous
care that comes with handling the firearm; in the spirit of
the mindful teacher, they clearly receive more joy from teaching
and passing on the responsibilities that come with freedom
than practicing them themselves.
I would encourage all to find an opportunity to tour the
Bushmaster Firearms facility. You will find a true Maine success
story. Frankly, you will find the sort of business and business
leaders that we need more of. You will find a business lead
by one of the most intelligent, charismatic CEO's I have met
during my fifteen years in business. Chad Brooks knows everyone
in the company by their first name. He knows each part number
of each product they manufacture, where it goes and how it
functions. He is known to don an apron and jump in at any
point on the assembly line on a regular basis. His employees
truly respect and admire him. You can see on their faces as
you tour the plant with Chad that the employees of Bushmaster
consider him a friend and a co-worker, not simply a boss.
However, then sit with Mr. Brooks in his office and you will
find a man in full, one whose business experience is at once
global and community-focused. Chad has a firm grasp of the
intricacies of business, is a cogent thinker and captivating
communicator. His spirit is found in each cubicle, assembly
station and office in the compact campus that is Bushmaster
Firearms. It was my distinct pleasure to tour this fine facility
and meet the men and women who embody the spirit and power
of American freedom.
-Dean
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