On target

Since receiving a Red Ryder BB gun as a gift for his 7th birthday, Dirk Seymour has been a shooter.

He doesn't want that to change.

"I can't imagine my life without living in a community or a nation where I can continue freely speaking of our history, shooting and teaching others to shoot," he said.

The 16-year-old from Coeur d'Alene was one of 46 youth selected nationwide to participate in the National Rifle Association's annual National Youth Education Summit June 25-July 1.

Y.E.S. is a seven-day, expense paid educational experience in Washington, D.C., for outstanding high school juniors and seniors. While in the nation's capitol, Seymour will learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of government and the importance of actively participating in it.

The National Rifle Association launched Y.E.S. in 1996 in an effort to encourage America's youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens at both national and local levels.

Seymour was selected from numerous qualified applicants from across the country. He was required to complete an extensive application, which included the submission of transcripts, an essay about the Second Amendment, a personal statement and three personal recommendations.

"There are still many individuals and organizations such as the National Rifle Association, who understand what the Second Amendment was originally meant to do," he wrote. "Through diligent efforts in education and legislative action nationwide, we can turn back the tide and once again all Americans will know the true meaning of the Second Amendment, and apply it to our modern day American lives."

Seymour is also a sure shot and recently joined a smallbore shooting league at the Coeur d'Alene Rifle and Pistol Club.

He enjoys the challenge in shooting from varied positions.

"The mental focus required for the job of the shooter, which is to fire one perfect shot," he wrote. "Unfortunately, shooting is 80 percent mental, and the physical 20 percent is the easy part."

Seymour is an honor student, a full instructor in the Rifle Marksmanship and Revolutionary War History/Appleseed Project, competing member of and a member of Fernan Rod and Gun Club and an Eagle Scout.

He is a strong believer in the Second Amendment. In his essay, he wrote:

"Marksmanship was a key value of our founding fathers. The rifle was one of the tools this country was founded on. Thus, I believe it is key that all Americans learn how to correctly use a rifle. If for nothing else, at least do it to honor our forefathers. Then we will know the true meaning of the Second Amendment.

"Many active firearms users such as hunters and competitive shooters think that because their firearms have not been proposed for banning, that the erosion of Second Amendment rights does not concern them. They are wrong. Some legislators and political action committees want all guns gone, and are just starting with the easy targets. Their targets are, for now, high capacity centerfire 'assault weapons.' The semi automatic shotgun and 'high capacity' lever action rifle will surely follow.

"I believe the Second Amendment is unquestionably relevant today."