Why I Refuse to Support the NRA

I'm about as conservative as you can get on federal gun regulations.  In my opinion, they shouldn't exist.  If you need a permit (permission) to carry or even own a firearm, it's not a right.  Now, many people are perplexed when they learn that I don't support the National Rifle Association, but I have my reasons.

NRA Says Bump Stocks Should Be ‘Subject To Additional Regulations’

Cornyn introduces NRA-supported background-check bill

As you can see from the stories above, the NRA and I don't see eye to eye on gun regulations.  It seems the NRA and its members have forgotten that freedom and guaranteed safety are not compatible.  

"Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem." Is a Latin phrase used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to James Madison.  In English it translates to, "I prefer the tumult of liberty to the quiet of servitude."

The NRA has done other things that I disagree with over the years.  They tried to scapegoat violent video games for gun violence, which there is no scientific evidence to support.  At the same time they had an ages 4+ shooting game available.  Granted the shooting game wasn't really violent like the games they were going after, but obviously the NRA felt the sting of criticism for hypocrisy enough to pull the game.  

Another incident of the NRA making gun owners look bad was when one of their board members blamed the pastor of a church for a church massacre.  The pastor was one of the victims, and was shot to death in that horrible attack.  While Charles Cotton may be right to assert that the congregation being armed may have prevented death, it was a comment made in poor taste not only because of timing (right after the massacre), but also because he was blaming a victim and speaking ill of the dead.  Of course, a spokeswoman for the NRA said that his comments do not reflect the position of the NRA, but the damage is done when something like that comes from one of your board members.  It makes it impossible not to link the inappropriate comments with the NRA when it comes from one of their leaders.  

My real problem with the NRA is their support of gun control. They supported the National Firearms Act of 1934.   They've also been supportive of subsequent revisions of that act.  

Many people that understand disarmed people are easy targets, and make mass shootings that much more likely.   You'd think the NRA would understand this too, but you might be surprised to learn they supported the Gun-Free School Zones Act.  As a matter of fact, here's a quote:  

"We think it’s reasonable to support the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act. … We think it’s reasonable to expect full enforcement of federal firearms laws by the federal government. … That’s why we support Project Exile -- the fierce prosecution of federal gun laws … we think it’s reasonable because it works. … We only support what works and our list is proud."

— NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, Congressional Testimony, May 27, 1999, Hearing Before 106th Congress, House of Representatives, Committee On The Judiciary, Subcommittee On Crime, First Session

There is plenty of damning evidence that the NRA actively pursues gun control legislation, and has since it was established.  I suspect many of their members don't realize what their money is actually being used for.  If you insist on being part of a gun rights group, I'd suggest finding an alternative like The Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, or National Association for Gun Rights instead.

If you're still not convinced the NRA is all about gun control, I have one more quote for you:  

"The National Rifle Association has been in support of workable, enforceable gun control legislation since its very inception in 1871."

— NRA Executive Vice President Franklin L. Orth, NRA’s American Rifleman Magazine, March 1968, P. 22