Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Russ Thurman Vote O n Nov. 4, vote. That seems simple enough. The right to vote is one of the grand touchstones of a free people and the mark of a healthy democracy. Even during times when the issues aren’t as volatile, voting should be a high priority, a private statement of immense public value. Unfortunately, voting too often takes second place to more pressing matters of the moment — those everyday distractions that just must be done — and “it’s just one vote, it won’t make a difference.” Easily justified. Plus, not voting is just as much an American right as voting. Remarkably, though, those who don’t vote are often the most vocal about the issues before the election — and after. Today, because of technology, potential voters know more about the issues and the candidates than at any time in history. “The inspiration to vote comes from the denial of the right.” In addition, at no time have there been so many messages sent asking people to vote. Make that a plea. “Please vote. Please. Pretty please.” There also are vast numbers of potential voters who need to be inspired to vote. They need extra doses of red, white and blue, Jefferson, Lincoln, amber waves of grain and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” The inspiration to vote comes from the denial of the right. Look into the eyes of those who can’t vote, or face brutality if they vote incorrectly. No more inspiration is need. I vote because I can. My vote, on this one day, has the same weight as any other U.S. citizen, regardless of birth, position, rank or social standing. I don’t need to be inspired, coerced, begged or praised. My vote is my voice, my signature, my thank you to my country. On Nov. 4, vote. Thank You, Olympians alutes to the USA Olympic Shooting Team for representing us so well in Beijing. The performance of the team during the Olympics was impressive and drew a lot of attention. The team won six medals, but also had four fourth-place and two fifth-place finishes. In all, the team’s shooters set five Olympic records. “The shooting team finished tied for fourth with fencing for the most medals won by all U.S. sports behind swimming, track and field and gymnastics. Our athlete’s success is due in large part to the tremendous support they have received from our sponsors,” said Buddy DuVall, USA Shooting’s director of marketing. The athletes of USA Shooting, the national governing body for Olympic shooting sports, represent our country on the world’s shooting ranges throughout the year, and bring important attention to shooting. We are proud, make that very proud, sponsors of USA Shooting and encourage industry companies to step forward to support this outstanding organization. For information on becoming a sponsor, contact DuVall at (719) 866-4880, e-mail: buddy.duvall@usashooting.org or visit www. usashooting.com. S 2008 Olympic champions (from left): Jason Turner, Bronze Medal, 10mm Air Pistol; Vincent Hancock, Gold Medal, Men’s Skeet; Kim Rhode, Silver Medal, Women’s Skeet; Corey Cogdell, Bronze Medal, Women’s Trap; Matt Emmons, Silver Medal, Rifle-Prone; and Glenn Eller, Gold Medal, Men’s Double Trap. ongratulations to The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) as they hold their 35th Anniversary Expo next month in Atlanta. During the three-day event, Nov. 5-7, manufacturers and wholesalers will “do business,” all as part of moving thousands of products through the distribution system. “Commitment to Excellence” is the 54 OCTOBER 2008 C Well Done, NASGW theme of this year’s expo and reflects NASGW’s dedication to serving the firearms industry, said Wayne Smith, NASGW president. “Everything we do is directed at streamlining the distribution system, which is why we introduced Item HQ, a valuable tool to enhance overall communication between manufacturers and wholesalers. Plus, we are committed to the profitability of dealers, who are the forefront of our industry,” Smith said. For more information, visit www. nasgw.org. Continued on page 53 www.shootingindustry.com