I love the way he describes it. As for concrete examples he mentions several including one of our favorites.If you are looking for the literal embodiment of dysfunction in US political culture and the institutions that serve it, look no further than the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the deadly and divisive role it plays in shaping the political agenda. Specifically, the radically and reliably dishonest, dangerous and deranged legislation they foist upon the American people day in and day out through their purchase of most Republican and many Blue-Dog Democratic officeholders.
What do you think? Do you think it's a fair accusation that the NRA buys politicians? Is it right to say the legislation they push is "dishonest, dangerous and deranged?"However, this federal government LaPierre's NRA claims to fear, loathe, hate and despise suddenly becomes their BFFs, when it can be used as a vehicle to undercut gun-safety regulations passed by states regarding access to concealed carry permits. You see, certain states - about a dozen or so - think it's a swell idea to allow people to get concealed carry permits even if they have a record of domestic abuse, misdemeanour assault with a firearm, known drunkenness and a lack of any training with a gun whatsoever.
Other states, as in most, have decided some of these are disqualifying factors - crazy, right? So the NRA has trotted out a bill that would make all states that have issued at least one concealed carry permit respect concealed carry permits issued in any other state that allows them (49 do), no matter if their requirements for keeping criminals unarmed are much more stringent.
Of course it also goes against everything Republicans claim to cherish: State's rights, stopping federal overreach and so forth. But then again - when has consistency been a conservative strong point.
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
Next, please post commentary critical of the NAACP or the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
ReplyDeleteCivil rights organizations face the ire of those who wish to prefer the privileges of the elite. You may not like the NRA, but isn't the reason really that they achieve their goals?
You may not like the NRA, but isn't the reason really that they achieve their goals?
ReplyDeleteNo, it is really that they are a lying pack of rat bastards who put profit from blood money for gun manufacturers ahead of responsible gun laws.
"No, it is really that they are a lying pack of rat bastards who put profit from blood money for gun manufacturers ahead of responsible gun laws."
ReplyDeleteUntrue. We have yet to see many responsible gun laws.
We have yet to see many responsible gun laws.
ReplyDeleteAnd what is promoted by the NRA is more irresponsible than anything promoted by the anti-gun side.
It was the NRA which gutted the potential effectiveness of the NCIS by inserting the language that made it optional for each state to provide names to the data base of felons, drug addicts, and the dangerously mentally ill.
The NCIS data base was a responsible piece of legislation, with fairly solid support from both gun owners and those who advocate for restriction. Most people think it is actually making them safer because they don't know about that non-reporting aspect of it.
Guns to convicted felons? Who favors that? NRA
Loopholes in gun sales? Who favors that? NRA
And who benefits from those activities? YOU aren't safer because of it; we are not a less violent society because of it. No, ONLY the gun manufacturers benefit.
The NRA helped to prevent the Assault Weapons Ban from being renewed. They're pushing for national reciprocity of concealed carry. The pushed for concealed carry in Wisconsin. Those all are responsible actions on their part.
ReplyDeleteYou know one of the worst examples of the NRA obstructing common sense and life-saving gun laws is their efforts against the requirement for reporting multiple sales.
ReplyDeleteOf course, their continuing success in allowing 40% of all gun sales to go without background checks is probably much worse.
There's no end to the NRA's sins.
Mikeb302000,
ReplyDeleteOne day, I bought a SMLE No. 4 Mk. 1 at a gun store. (I have a weakness for old battle rifles.) I took it to the range and found that it fitted beautifully against my shoulder. The peep sight was just what I needed. I could hit whatever I wanted, including a pack of cards in one try. (I'm not bragging here. Other rifles have made me work harder.) I went back to the same store and bought the identical rifle that had a scope mounted on it. Now, both of them are among my favorites.
So here's my question: Am I such a danger to society that someone needs a record of my having bought two rifles on the same day?
Greg, Please, pretending to not understand and asking me to explain is tedious.
ReplyDeleteMultiple sales, like the one you did, should be immediately investigated. You would be able to produce the sales receipts and other documentation but a straw purchaser might not.
What documentation? I don't know about where you live, but here in Arkansas, I fill out the ATF form, show the guy behind the counter my carry license, slap down my payment, and take my gun home. I might have the receipt for a day or two, but there's no point in keeping it, since the store's policy is that all sales are final. My receipts get tossed out with the used cat litter for the purpose of deterring identity thieves.
ReplyDeleteWhy would I need to be investigated? Do I really need some government goon to come to my door and demand to see my documents? We're talking about sixty-some-odd-year old bolt action war surplus rifles here--my preference over the modern black plastic, but that's not a concession to your ideology.
You're not a collector of anything, are you? Do you have any enthusiasms, other than your passion for restricting the rights of others?
Greg, I think you're playing hard to get. Multiple sales by straw purchasers look just like multiple sales by lawful gun owners. The all need to be checked out. Are you so unwilling to be inconvenienced or are your principles that unbending. This kind of thing would cripple the straw purchasing business.
ReplyDelete