The Power of the NRA

New Features:

‘Torial Tuesday:

There is a new feature starting this Tuesday is that I am going to run an editorial on some of the most urgent news of the week. 

Needed News:

Every Sunday, I am going to post links to various articles about the news of the week and what caught my eye the most. 

Monthly Paper:

Every month, I will post a full-fledged paper on an issue, be it a book review or an opinion page. 

 We will begin the new cycle with today’s editorial. 

The Power of the NRA

The NRA is an archaic organization, and has clearly too much power. Once a serious organization, the NRA has ceased to be a driving force for the betterment of consumers and instead has turned out to be a laughingstock. 

The NRA goes through one notorious debacle after another, suggesting ludicrous solutions to problems: too many people with guns? Arm more people! Too many people with mental illness having guns? Arm the school guards! Too many people who are untrained? Train them to have better abilities. The list goes on.

The NRA has become a shell of its former self and, was one to stop and listen to its head, would understand that its leader, Wayne LaPiere, is inept, clumsy, and foolish. Not only is he foolish, he says outlandish things that, while they may be aimed at starting a conversation, wind up generating more controversy than it is worth. 

The NRA needs to stop being so inept and so controversial, and evolve its position, not only from a gun advocacy perspective, but also from a gun responsibility perspective. It should take its cues from the alcohol industry, and remind its members that with the power of a gun in their hand, comes great responsibility. 

Too much emphasis is placed on the right of owning a gun than it is to use then gun the way it should be used, which, regardless of the type of weapon, is for self-defense or hunting. Ted Nugent, who famously not-so-seriously threatened to assassinate President Obama, is an example of an irresponsible gun owner. Gun owners should be reminded to be mature with their purchases and be reminded that they, through their gun, have the ability to take life, and should do so with great caution.

Some may argue that AK-47s are necessary in case the government tries to become a dictatorship. However, it is the opinion of the Muser that a well-aimed drone attack or a bomb could wipe out any resistance its rebellious citizens may try to muster up. These rebellions work much better in countries like Syria and Iraq--one country of which was obliterated by the United States in a matter of hours...twice. So this argument flies out the window.

Some may argue that as an American, it is our right to bear arms. No one is trying to take these rights away; in fact, the Supreme Court has ruled that in times of great duress (the recent spate of shootings in the United States would certainly qualify), rights can be limited. Additionally, “Arms” in colonial times was simply a musket. The logic test that this argument fails the smell test: if “arms” means everything that can be used as a weapon, then surely citizens must be allowed to purchased rocket launchers and drones. 

Finally, some may argue that the NRA is necessary to preserve the rights to own guns. This passes the logic test. But with the power NRA has, comes great responsibility to be mature, be responsible, educate its members about the perils of gun ownership, and so on. Though assault weapons may, in the end, still be legal, the NRA should tell its members to be responsible with its purchases.