NRA represents gun manufacturers — period

[SecularMotion]

It is easy to ignore the issue of gun control, given the perfect leaderlessness it enjoys in Congress. Then again, it becomes harder to ignore when your relatives or friends are murdered in the company of someone you idolize, which describes thousands of us in Tucson.

I have owned guns, continuously, since I was 6. I still own my grandfather’s pump-action Winchester, carried for decades in a scabbard behind his saddle as he rode the range where he ranched in Wikieup, Ariz. All the guns I’ve owned have been what are quaintly called long guns. I began my brief assault on local fauna at age 12, and I had “taken” four white-tailed deer, a couple of javelina and innumerable quail and dove by the time I got my driver’s license at 16. A driver’s license is a far greater liberator than a hunting license, and thereafter, trekking around in the wilderness killing things lost its luster. It has been decades since I engaged in those adventures.

There are, today, few who hunt with handguns or assault rifles equipped with 100-clip magazines. There are even fewer reasons to do so. But the National Rifle Association’s principal focus has evolved mostly to those. It is news to no one that the NRA has abandoned the sportsman in every practical sense; if the group were honest, it would change its name. Speaking as a rifleman, I think it’s an embarrassment.

The NRA not only dependably opposes limits on assault-rifle sales but even opposes reporting bulk sales of assault rifles. Last year, the NRA went to the mat to prevent anyone from cross-checking the names of those on the terrorist watch list against the names of those buying guns. These two actions clarify beyond argument that the safety and welfare of you and yours have simply dropped from the NRA’s list of priorities. The NRA represents gun manufacturers, end of story.

http://host.madison.com/news/opinion/column/michael-f-mcnulty-nra-represents-gun-manufacturers-period/article_041bec8a-dc18-11e1-9381-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz233gKVtPg

[slackmaster]

1. That's obvious to anyone who has ever flipped through a copy of American Rifleman or American Hunter

This is newsworthy?

[aikoaiko]

2. Typical Fudd.

He is OK with banning the firearms he doesn't use for hunting and doesn't understand why others might want to protect their access to other firearms.

Fuck him and the horse he rode in on.

[friendly_iconoclast]

10. Remember, *his* deadly weapons are somehow 'nicer' than "*those* peoples" deadly weapons...

They never do quite explain why this is so, do they?

[Hoyt]

63. Problem is -- we do understand why you want access to "other firearms. " That's main reason for

supporting restrictions.

[aikoaiko]

75. Yes, and why you and people like you are failing at the legislative process.

Fewer people are buying what you're selling.

There are so many rifles, pistols, and shotguns in certain configurations currently owned by law abiding folks that you are slapping them in the face when you propose restrictions that essentially say that they cannot be trusted to own any more such things (or own such things with onerous restrictions). Only the ignorant are motivated by the "assault weapons" scare tactics of those who support weapons bans.

[GreenStormCloud]

3. The 4.3 million member are fairly happy with the NRA's representation of them.

Of course there is linkage between the NRA and firearms manufacturers. If the NRA allowed the prohibitions to stop the manufacture of guns then where would we ber able to buy guns from? The NRA membership wants the organization to support freedom for the gun makers.

[TheCowsCameHome]

6. Does anyone admit to belonging to the NRA?

Most of what I see here are ex-members, or those that want no part of LaPierre and his bullshit.

Some fools still swallow their line, I suppose.

[GreenStormCloud]

8. Several, including myself, have posted that we are members.

Sadly, there are no left-of-center guns-rights organizations that are also effective. In the fight for gun-rights the NRA is the 500-lbs gorilla.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

17. +1

[virginia mountainman]

21. +2 nt

[Hoyt]

30. So you support an organization intent on defeating Obama and advancing right wing causes not even

related to guns?

I'm sorry, I do not understand how guns can be that important to anyone on DU.

[rl6214]

37. You still haven't been able to prove this statement.

So you support an organization intent on ... advancing right wing causes not even related to guns?

I for one would like to see ANY sort of proof of this.

[Hoyt]

38. Exercise you mind by looking at NRA leadership, then look up money they give to buy support.

You'll never accept the truth as long as you exercise your trigger finger more than your brain.

[rl6214]

46. You are the one making the statement and, by your own words should be the one providing proof

or is that wrong now since the shoe is on the other foot?

[GreenStormCloud]

39. The NRA takes no stance on those other issues.

Individuals, even board members, still have their personal freedoms and may express their personal opinions on any issue. When doing so they are not speaking for the NRA.

[rDigital]

35. +3

NRA member, personal protection and pistol instructor.

[gejohnston]

9. more admit to being NRA members than

admit to being Brady supporters.

[TheCowsCameHome]

13. Are you an NRA member?

[gejohnston]

14. No, but I'm not a member of AAA either.

I did join the Liberal Gun Club.

[TheCowsCameHome]

18. AAA?

That's an auto club. They don't have anything to do with promoting guns. Why bring that up?

[gejohnston]

20. not much of a joiner

and cars kill more people. Plus AAA lobbies against rail and other mass transit, but for roads to nowhere that encourage sprawl.

[TheCowsCameHome]

22. Yeah, cars, and bathub falls and pool drownings..............

How could we ever forget those strawmen?

[gejohnston]

24. not strawmen nor red herrings when your side rants about accidents but

but complaining about target shooters and hunters are red herrings when talking about gang violence in urban areas like Chicago and DC.

[TheCowsCameHome]

25. Right. it's not.

Thanks for admitting that.

[oneshooter]

43. Yes I am. Certified Rifle instructor,Certified pistol instructor, Range officer,

Certified range Safety officer, Advanced rifle instructor, CHL instructor. All but the last through the NRA instructor program.

Before you say a word Hoyt, Tell me where else I can get a nationally, and internationally, accepted certification.

You can't.

Till you can, then you have nothing of interest to say about the programs.

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[TheCowsCameHome]

47. Um,

why are you addressing this Hoyt person in your answer to me?

It's better to address them directly.

[oneshooter]

84. I am addressing you. Hoyt just likes to butt in.

[TheCowsCameHome]

86. Butt in?

It's a discussion forum, in case you haven't noticed.

[Hoyt]

66. Oneshooter, fact folks who view guns like you are instructing is another reason to oppose toting.

I mean, what good is it to have instructors who are cool with shooting unarmed teenagers over property or encourage people to "collect" assault/tactical weapons.

I think agencies who regulate toting,etc., need to reconsider the background and basic philosophy of those who are supposed to protect society through what they teach with respect to guns.

Might as well have homeschooling for required training.

[Jenoch]

69. You are being disingenuous

when you post something like this:

"...cool with shooting unarmed teenagers over property..."

You are on record as opposing shooting unarmed teenagers while they are in the process of beating to death senior citizens.

[Trunk Monkey]

81. He's also on record as being all for shooting teenagers in the back while they're running

away from men with machine guns who just killed their dog

[Hoyt]

88. You talking about ARMED sammy weaver, who his dad hid behind while evading federal marshals?

You remember, daddy weaver was a member of Ayran Nation and was trafficking in guns to help them intimidate miniroities. You also remember that randy had a warrant issued, and marshals were camped out on the perimeter of his racist compound. Daddy weaver sent sammy out to investigate a strange noise. Sammy and/or a racist friend fired and killed federal marshal. Oh, dang.

Nothing like shooting someone in back at 40 yards because they stole a few belts and buckles.

You guys have a real problem with "facts" when it comes to gun lovers -- even when they are racist pigs, traffic in illegal guns, frequent right wing hate groups like Ayran Nation, hide in a compound behind family members, and worse.

[gejohnston]

89. none of that is relevant

point is the marshal open fire after Sammy was fleeing
Sammy returned fire only after the marshal opened fire on him and the dog.

Sorry, you are the one with a problem with the facts. Trial transcripts are public records, go read it for yourself.

[oneshooter]

87. Once again you have failed to answer a question posed to you.

[spin]

28. I've belonged to the NRA for probably 40 years. ...

I feel the organization does a lot of good for the shooting sports and offers excellent training courses on safety for beginning shooters and hunters as well as training programs for our police.

I also support the organizations efforts to pass victim rights laws such as Castle Doctrine and "Shall Issue" concealed carry.

While the NRA does support pro-gun Democrats it also uses its political wing the NRA-ILA to unfairly attack some Democrats such as President Obama. Obama has overall been very favorable to Second Amendment rights and has received an "F" rating from the Brady Campaign.

The NRA-ILA is supported by donations and only a very small portion of my yearly NRA dues goes to support this organization. Therefore I simply refuse to donate any of my money to the NRA-ILA and all their literature goes into my waste basket unopened.

[Reasonable_Argument]

32. Raises Hand

I haven't been a member of the NRA for many years but after all the anti-gun threads here I decided to renew my membership the other day. I particularly like the free insurance that comes with being a member.

[Travis_0004]

42. Lifetime member

Do realize that by law, NRA dues can not go to the NRA-ILA(Institute for legislative action), or the PVF (political Victory fund). Dues go to shooting education, training, and the magazine subscription.

I don't agree with a lot of what the NRA does, but they do help fight for gun rights which I believe in.

If you are pro gun, and don't want to join the NRA, the Second Amendment foundation is a great membership to join.

[holdencaufield]

64. I am a Member of the NRA

Also -- because I shoot in another country -- a member of Sporting Shooters Association Australia and Single Action Shooters Australia

[gejohnston]

65. how big of a hassle is it to have a

revolver in Australia?

[holdencaufield]

67. Paperwork takes almost a year

But, belonging to SASA makes it easier because they know the process and help you work through it. In Australia, you must have a valid reason to possess any firearm (including a Daisy BB Gun). Self-defence isn't a valid reason -- only hunting, competitive shooting or job-related. By competing in a handgun shooting sport, I was able to get a handgun permit.

[Hoyt]

71. We should aspire to Australia's laws - of course, many gun cultists couldn't handle it.

[Jenoch]

74. Who should lead the fight

in the U.S. so that our gun laws are similar to Australia's? Do you believe that is a challenge that should be taken up by Democrats? If you do believe that, why would you 'aspire' to hand over control of Washington to the republicans for the foreseeable future?

[holdencaufield]

72. What it doesn't realize is...

... there are at LEAST as many illegal weapons (unregistered, imported and homemade full autos) in Australia as there are legal ones. Our rate of shooting incidents and deaths dropped significantly in the years after the gun laws were passed, the have been steadily rising as illegal guns make their way into wider usage.

1% Bike gangs in Australia manufacture and sell Sten, Sterling, and Owen Gun knockoffs in wholesale quantities. While ordinary citizens are made to jump through hoops to acquire any weapons. Mandatory police safety courses are booked sometimes a year in advance. Hence the popularity of gun clubs in Australia

There have been a number of high profile shooting of police and public prosecutors in recent years -- all with illegal handguns. Victorian Police officers only recently had to upgrade their duty weapons to semi-automatics as they are more and more often outgunned by the criminals they attempt to arrest (all other states moved to more tactical weapons years ago).

[Hoyt]

80. Other than you and a few others, sounds like vast majority of citizens are satisfied with laws.

[Trunk Monkey]

82. How do you draw THAT conclusion? NT

[holdencaufield]

85. It sees what it wants to see. NT

[cadmium]

4. The retailers like Walmart as well

Just like the US Chamber of Commerce is not anything like the local civic minded Chambers of Commerce, the NRA is nothing like your father's local safety minded NRA

[Jenoch]

5. Why do

anti-gunners always bring up hunting? What does hunting have to do with the 2nd Amendment?

[Oneka]

7. While i don't

Financially support the, NRA, i sure was happy to see them, or anyone,advocating against this fascist bullshit.

Last year, the NRA went to the mat to prevent anyone from cross-checking the names of those on the terrorist watch list against the names of those buying guns

.

[Missycim]

11. Why do gun grabbers

always bring up gun makers? its not like their profits are all that high. I doubt its high enough to buy all that many congress critters

[rrneck]

12. Congrescritters sre pretty cheap.

Bring four million votes with you and its a fire sale.

[pipoman]

73. A year or so ago there was a chart roaming around with

the revenues of all US gun makers listed. The combined total of all US makers wasn't/isn't enough to make the Fortune 500.

[4th law of robotics]

15. Ever notice how gun sales and the NRA's popularity all go up whenever some politician even hints

at banning some kind of gun?

Maybe if you don't like either of those things work on eliminating the common force driving both.

[benEzra]

16. It's funny, and sad, how some hunters think they are somehow a majority of gun owners

rather than <20% of the total. I don't think most feel that way, but I've know a handful that do.

I fully support this guy's right to hunt, but four or five times as many Americans own handguns and so-called "assault weapons" as hunt, and most of the hunters I know personally also own nonhunting guns.

I'm not an NRA member, but the way I see it, opposing bans on by far the most popular lawfully owned guns in the United States is simply representing the interests of 80%+ of its members, and of gun owners in general.

[HALO141]

19. Oh, well, if Michael F. McNulty said it then it MUST be fact!!!!

As if anyone gives a flying fuck what Michael F. McNulty thinks.


Moving on...

[virginia mountainman]

23. Nope, your simply wrong...again...

That is what the NSSF is .....

About the National Shooting Sports Foundation

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers.

http://www.nssf.org/industry/aboutNSSF.cfm

But with all the pro-gun rights groups, blogs, forums, publications, legislators, and people around I can see how an anti-gun person could get overwhelmed and miss a few..... Should tell you something about the depth of support and willingness to open wallets.

[spin]

26. Most states that allow semiautomatic rifles to be used for hunting game such a deer ...

limit the size of the magazine to five rounds. I believe that in some states you can use a higher capacity magazine while hunting pests such as feral hogs.

I'm not a hunter but I have listened to many discuss their sport. Obviously the first shot is the most important but if a hunter does not drop his game with his first shot there may be some value to to rapid follow up shot or possibly two.

I understand NRA opposition to using the Terrorist Watch List to determine if a person should be allowed to buy a firearm. If it were an accurate list the NRA might have a different view. However even the New York Times has problems with the list.

Editorial
Antiterror Measures at Home
Published: October 1, 2011

One of the bitter lessons of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was the need for better coordination and sharing of intelligence among the nation’s security agencies, to flag dangerous people entering the country. But there were also well-founded concerns about how well that system was working, and whether it was being abused.

Ten years later, files released by the F.B.I. under the Freedom of Information Act show that the government’s bloated terrorist watch list remains a flawed security tool in need of greater transparency and accountability. There are longstanding concerns about implementation and accuracy, including the omission of names from the list that properly belong there. There also has been a persistent problem of flagging the wrong people — including an 8-year-old and at least one senator — who then have serious trouble getting their names removed.

The 91 pages of newly disclosed files, described by The Times’s Charlie Savage last week, included a December 2010 memorandum to F.B.I. field offices revealing that even a not-guilty verdict may not always be enough to get someone off the list, if agents retain “reasonable suspicion” that the person might have ties to terrorism.

***snip***

But the unwieldy size of the database raises doubts. So does the disturbing absence of procedures to notify people who are on the watch list, or to give them a chance to see and challenge allegations against them. Inclusion on the watch list can keep people off planes, subject them to delays and extra invasive scrutiny at airports, traffic stops and border crossings, and prevent noncitizens from entering the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/opinion/sunday/antiterror-measures-at-home.html?_r=2&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

[villager]

27. Quite obvious, but expect its wind-up doll defenders on this site to claim otherwise...

n/t

[spin]

31. That's your opinion and you are entitled to it. ...

But you have to realize that others have a far different view.

You may feel that those who support gun rights are simply "wind-up dolls" but most of us are as interested or even more interested in reducing firearm violence than many of those who support the opposite side. We often have a considerable amount of money invested in our hobby and have spent many hours enjoying the shooting sports.

Since the misuse of firearms endangers our sport we definitely would like to reduce it as much as possible. Unfortunately most of the ideas to accomplish this from those who oppose firearm ownership are merely useless "feel good" laws that will accomplish little except make the enjoyment of the shooting sports more difficult for honest responsible and sane individuals.

There are possible ideas that both sides might be able to agree on. None involve banning or greatly restricting all or some classes of firearms or their federal registration. None involve hair brained schemes like micro stamping ammo or installing devices on firearms that would only allow the owner to use them.

The ideas that might work best involve better enforcement of existing gun laws and stricter penalties for those who are convicted of the straw purchase or smuggling of these weapons. Since 80% of all gun violence in our nation is caused by criminal activity or gang warfare between drug gangs we need to consider improving our police efforts to combat crime and eliminate drug gangs. We also might reconsider the value and the effects of our failed War on Drugs and possibly legalize some drugs.

[villager]

48. Except, repeating this mantra is part of that "wind-up doll" rhetoric I was talking about

You were talking in a respectful tone, which I appreciate (and which is usually rare in these gun debates here), so that's not what I mean.

But the idea of "enforcing existing laws" is NRA sleight-of-hand, because, in fact, they are working relentlessly to dismantle any "existing law" with even the faintest whiff of "gun regulation" about it, anywhere they can.

So being on that side of the debate isn't about "enforcing existing laws" at all, but getting rid of all them.

[spin]

49. Here's what many NRA members feel ...

July 25, 2012 11:00 AM
Luntz Poll: NRA Membership Supports Gun Sensible Control

By Susie Madrak

***snip***


87 percent of NRA members agree that support for 2nd Amendment rights goes hand-in-hand with keeping guns out of the hands of criminals.

There is very strong support for criminal background checks:
74 percent support requiring criminal background checks of anyone purchasing a gun.
79 percent support requiring gun retailers to perform background checks on all employees – a measure recently endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry.

NRA members strongly support allowing states to set basic eligibility requirements for people who want to carry concealed, loaded guns in public places. By contrast, the NRA leadership’s top federal legislative priority – national reciprocity for concealed carry permits – would effectively eliminate these requirements by forcing every state to allow non-residents to carry concealed guns even if they would not qualify for a local permit.

NRA members support many common state eligibility rules for concealed carrying:
75 percent believe concealed carry permits should only be granted to applicants who have not committed any violent misdemeanors, including assault.
74 percent believe permits should only be granted to applicants who have completed gun safety training.
68 percent believe permits should only be granted to applicants who do not have prior arrests for domestic violence.
63 percent believe permits should only be granted to applicants 21 years of age or older.

http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/luntz-poll-nra-membership-supports-gu

Note: The entire article is a worthwhile read.

After long consideration, I personally am not fond of national reciprocity for concealed carry permits as I feel that should be up to the individual states. Allowing the Federal government to have any control might lead to draconian regulations. I should note that as a Florida resident with a Concealed Weapons Permit I can legally carry a concealed firearm in 35 states as long as I abide with certain restrictions. For example in Florida, I can carry a concealed stun gun, knife, or billy club but that would be against the law for me in some states. (source: http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html)

I don't seriously believe that the NRA wants to do away with all gun laws. The organization does definitely oppose some existing laws in some states and hopes to change them, but it also favors better enforcement of many existing laws.

I believe that both sides of the gun control issue might find common ground and the ability to compromise. First we both need to stop hating each other. That's why I always do my best to be polite when discussing gun control with those who disagree with my views. We often squabble and bicker like unsupervised children in a playground and that accomplishes absolutely nothing.

[villager]

53. It's like being a "sensible" Republican. The "party apparatus" you're in will never allow policies

...you claim to believe in, as a clearer-eyed, less ideologically-driven person.

So, then, if money goes where mouths do, it's time to leave the NRA.

[spin]

54. I support many of the training programs that the NRA offers ...

and feel the organization does a lot of good for the shooting sports.

I disagree with with NRA-ILA which is the political wing of the NRA.

Since the NRA-ILA is dependent on donations and since only a very small percentage of my NRA yearly dues goes to support the NRA-ILA, I chose to pay my yearly dues and throw all the solicitations from the NRA-ILA in the trash can unopened.

However if the NRA endorses Romney I will cancel my membership.

[villager]

55. So the NRA blocking funding of studies on gun violence wasn't enough?

Well, you're at least to be credited with the first step of realizing there's a scenario under which you might divest yourself of that particularly toxic group.

So -- congrats!

[gejohnston]

56. actually they don't

they block funding for advocacy. There is a difference. By the way, the NRA doesn't seem to have a problem with independent research done by criminologists or even one done by the Institute of Justice for the Carter administration. They even use those studies for their propaganda. See where I'm going with this?

[GreenStormCloud]

57. The CDC studies have been strongly biased against guns.

They are so strongly biased that they don't even have a category for "justifiable homicides". They call such homicides "undetermined intent". It becomes obvious that they begin with a conclusion and do the study in such a manner as to arrive at the conclusion they already want. Your tax dollars were funding what was little more than propaganda pronouncements.

[villager]

58. Yes, only the NRA -- not the CDC! -- can be trusted to talk "honestly" about guns!

Craven apologies, much?

[gejohnston]

59. false choice

there are other works out there. The NRA doesn't fund research, shill or legitimate. It does use independent and shill research it likes. Brady Campaign does the same.

[villager]

60. false post

The NRA has actively blocked gun violence research:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/117260282

[gejohnston]

61. op eds don't count

that does not mean my information is 100 percent accurate, only to the best of my knowledge.

[villager]

70. Indeed. Neither does "to the best of your knowledge"

Automatic apologies for the NRA notwithstanding.

Yet there seems to be the merest glimmer of daylight there.

[gejohnston]

76. there are no automatic apologies

but the block is on advocacy, not research.

[villager]

77. And of course, to the NRA, all research contradicting their world views is "advocacy"

n/t

[gejohnston]

78. research or results?

any fact, statistic, research results contradicting Brady's world view is "NRA talking points".
In real science, you start with a question, do the research, accept what ever conclusion you find

advocacy starts with a conclusion, then create data to fit the conclusion.

[villager]

79. So you agree then the NRA should quit trying to block other studies and let the results

...speak for themselves, rather than interpreting unfavorable statistics as "advocacy?"

[gejohnston]

83. not what the law says

research continues, just not advocacy. This is what actually pissed the NRA off:

Dr. Mark Rosenberg, who was then director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC, explained his aim was to make the public see firearms as “dirty, deadly—and banned.” (Quoted in William Raspberry, “Sick People With Guns,” The Washington Post, Oct. 19, 1994.)
Dr. Katherine Christoffel and Dr. Robert Tanz of the Children’s Hospital in Chicago, explained their “plan to do to handguns what their profession has done to cigarettes … turn gun ownership from a personal-choice issue to a repulsive, anti-social health hazard.” (Harold Henderson, “Policy: Guns ‘n Poses,” Chicago Reader, Dec. 16, 1994.)

[GreenStormCloud]

68. What is false about his post?

The NRA not funding research is one thing. Blocking the funding of CDC research is another.

[Thinkingabout]

29. We love our vehicles and speed but we live with roads with speed limits.

NRA and it's members should
figure a fix to keeping guns out of the hands of irresponsible owers

[gejohnston]

33. these irresponsible owners are mostly gangsters

and not even the UK is doing a great job of keeping guns out of their hands, let alone Jamaica and Mexico.

[Travis_0004]

41. Speed kills a lot of people in this country

I vote we limit vehicles to 80hp so people are less likely to speed.

Afterall, nobody needs a car with 300hp.

[virginia mountainman]

45. I own two modified cars, a 85.5 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, and a 01 Mustang GT

The Turbo Coupe is far, FAR from stock, and is a very fast, great handling car....The GT is close to stock, but still with a potent V8



Their is NO, law against having a fast car... Only laws against their misuse...Cars are NOT banned "because the ARE fast, or banned because they LOOK fast (like kids and their mom's Honda with huge wing and graphics)

I am allowed to drive these fast cars, when ever I want too....I AM ONLY PUNISHED if I break the law...

This is the way that it should be..

If the logic on the Gun Controller was used in an automotive context, we would ALL be riding scooters..Because WHO needs a Turbocharger, or for that matter, a V8?

They would ban Assault cars right off the bat, because they have the scary "fart cannon muffler" and "gaudy paint" But knowing the logic of the gun control movement, they would not care to actually look under the hood and see if it really IS a fast car, or mom's grocery getter in flashy paint.

They would want to ban good handing cars by calling them "snipers" would want to ban fast ones, call them "road rockets" ban truck by calling them "high capacity vehicals"

Why would you NEED such a car???

Yea, we live with speed limits, and we are only punished if we break them.... We don't restrict folks because THEY MIGHT break the speed limit.

[Lint Head]

34. It's no different than ALEC. When it began it was geared toward gun safety. Now it's just

a lobbying group for fascist corporations to cram conservative ideology down peoples throats.
I think there should be a new organization formed to counter them. They are a dictatorial monopoly.
I was a member years ago until I realized the truth. Creeping theocratic corporate fascism is taking hold in too
many aspects of our lives.

[rl6214]

36. I disagree with your opinion of this article

Oh, wait, you didn't post an opinion.

"100-clip magazines."

Oh the stupidity of it all.

"Speaking as a rifleman" "A driver’s license is a far greater liberator than a hunting license, and thereafter, trekking around in the wilderness killing things lost its luster. It has been decades since I engaged in those adventures. "

I think he lost the label of a "rifleman" "decades" ago.

"The NRA not only dependably opposes limits on assault-rifle sales"

I haven't seen where the NRA has opposed limits on assault rifles. They have opposed the AWB which has nothing to do with assault rifles.

"The NRA represents gun manufacturers, end of story. "

All credibility lost.

[oneshooter]

44. "rifleman" I doubt he was ever a Marine.

[Atypical Liberal]

40. This is false, and I can prove it.

I am (usually) a member of the NRA. My membership is currently lapsed but I will be fixing that shortly.

I am not a firearm manufacturer. Millions of people just like me are regular Americans who own firearms and believe in collective organized action to protect our interests.

Do businesses in the firearms industry support the NRA? No doubt they do. But to suggest that the NRA is really just a front for businesses and not the 4 million individuals who pay dues to belong and collectively fight gun control is just plain false.

[SecularMotion]

50. Does the NRA speak for you when they call for the defeat of President Obama?

[Atypical Liberal]

52. Nope.

I voted for President Obama in the last election, and I will in this upcoming election.

I am doing so because, as in the last election, the consequences of more Republican policies are too devastating to ignore. More war, more tax cuts for the 1%.

I am also doing so because I believe that the President is afraid to touch the gun issue.

However, if he pushes gun control after winning the election I may have to rethink my position for the next election.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

51. Isn't that what ALL Lobbyists do? period.

[Dr_Scholl]

62. With "friends" like that, who needs enemies?

Fudds are a dying breed, but the media still takes any comments those idiots make and then try and say that they're speaking for the majority of gun owners.