[Pilgrim]

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

Go to Harris Interactive (http://www.harrisinteractive.com/) and select weekly poll.

Pilgrim

[Mike Irwin]

41% of respondents strongly agree with NRA's position.

[Brett Bellmore]

Darn, where's the "The NRA compromises too much." option?

[Preacherman]

Come on, THR, we can do better than this!Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 852 of 2051 votes - 41%.

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 327 of 2051 votes - 15%.

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 134 of 2051 votes - 6%.

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 378 of 2051 votes - 18%.

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 360 of 2051 votes - 17%.

[cuchulainn]

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. The NRA supports background checks. :scrutiny:

[Werewolf]

That's one Harris Poll that will never see the light of day...

[cuchulainn]

Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 4043 of 5294 votes
76%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 345 of 5294 votes
6%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 140 of 5294 votes
2%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 396 of 5294 votes
7%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 370 of 5294 votes
6%

[AZTOY]

Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 4057 of 5308 votes
76%:evil:

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 345 of 5308 votes
6%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 140 of 5308 votes
2%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 396 of 5308 votes
7%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 370 of 5308 votes
6%

[mantispid]

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 360 of 2051 votes - 17%.

That would have been my response... of course, it would likely be misinterpreted.

Why would I choose that? Well, because I think the NRA HAS distorted the intent of the Second Amendment to mean 'hunting and sporting uses only'. I never hear the NRA leadership talk about the right of firearm ownership as a check against government tyranny. And yes, they are fostering an irresponsible gun culture that thinks 'sporting uses' are what should really be protected. :P

Now, I know most of the folks who frequent this site know the real purpose of the 2nd.

Even though I'm a life NRA member (now regretting it), I'm not going to give them any more support until they start talking about the right of private citizens to own military hardware, or at the very least start moving in that direction. I'm not going to hold my breath.

[Jeff White]

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 4203 of 5476 votes
76%
Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 350 of 5476 votes
6%
Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 141 of 5476 votes
2%
Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 405 of 5476 votes
7%
Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 377 of 5476 votes
6%

Looks like we're winning...:D

Jeff

[Standing Wolf]

America's civil rights are way ahead.

[Stickjockey]

Up to 78% strongly agreeing.

[PATH]

Just voted and we are still at 78%. BUMP:D

Please go vote!

[tac17]

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 5105 of 6465 votes
78%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 385 of 6465 votes
5%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 146 of 6465 votes
2%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 426 of 6465 votes
6%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 403 of 6465 votes
6%

I do have serious issues with the NRA. I just didn't see my thoughts represented on the poll so I had to choose the first option. :D

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 5117 of 6479 votes
78%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 385 of 6479 votes
5%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 146 of 6479 votes
2%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 428 of 6479 votes
6%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 403 of 6479 votes
6%


Need Help!!!! Stuck at 78%:D

[jimpeel]

There. Is that better?Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 5188 of 6564 votes
79%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 391 of 6564 votes
5%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 150 of 6564 votes
2%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 430 of 6564 votes
6%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 405 of 6564 votes
6%

[Sam Adams]

I just saw this on Free Republic and voted. We are at 82%. Come on folks, keep voting!!

[MuzzleBlast]

I never hear the NRA leadership talk about the right of firearm ownership as a check against government tyranny.You weren't around for Wayne LaPierre's "jack-booted government thugs" letter?

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Talk about a slanted poll... it mentions "some reforms are needed" and then lists "reforms" that are over 10 years old - also without mentioning that the NRA had quite a bit of input on both proposals.

[MikeK]

Even though I think the wording is only a couple notches above 'Have you stopped beating your wife?' I did vote for number 1.

[Andrew Rothman]

84%

[CaesarI]

dropped to 81%

[jimpeel]

Just checked it. Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use.

9268 of 10968 votes 84%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution.

539 of 10968 votes 4%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety.

174 of 10968 votes 1%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense.

507 of 10968 votes 4%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous.

480 of 10968 votes 4%

[answerguy]

Did you read this?

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=230

62% - 22% majority of all adults favor stricter gun controls in general, and an even larger 69% - 18% majority favor stricter control of handguns in a Harris Poll of 1,011 adults surveyed by telephone between March 22 and 26. These results are very similar to the replies to these same questions when they were asked in 1999 and 2000, but slightly less overwhelming than they were in 1998, soon after several highly publicized shootings by children.

In a democracy, one might expect that these overwhelming (more or less 3 to 1) majorities would have some impact on elected legislators. However, the National Rifle Association (NRA), fierce opponents of any and all gun controls, while representing the view of only a minority of the public, clearly punch over the weight. Those opposed to stricter gun controls may be more likely to vote on this issue than those who favor them. Whatever the reason, many elected officials, in Congress and in State Legislatures, particularly but not only Republicans, seem to be in thrall to the NRA and the gun lobby, albeit less than they were in the seventies and eighties.

While most people (60%) believe that the easy availability of handguns contributes "a lot" to violence in our society, even more (86%) believe that lack of adult supervision of children does so. Majorities also believe that TV (55%) and movies (53%) also contribute a lot to violence. Substantial minorities believe that video games (47%) and local TV news reports (30%) are also to blame.

Given Republican control of both houses of Congress and President Bush's record as "a friend of the NRA," there seems little likelihood that the support of most Americans for stricter controls will be satisfied in the near future.

[tac17]

Given Republican control of both houses of Congress and President Bush's record as "a friend of the NRA," there seems little likelihood that the support of most Americans for stricter controls will be satisfied in the near future.
I get the feeling this poll may never see the light of day.

[WAGCEVP]

Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 9496 of 11212 votes
84%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 548 of 11212 votes
4%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 174 of 11212 votes
1%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 513 of 11212 votes
4%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 481 of 11212 votes
4%



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This poll is a voluntary survey for our users, and is not scientifically projectable to any other population. We present these surveys to give our users an opportunity to share their opinions on particular topics.


View our complete index of previous poll questions here.

[MeekandMild]

Pollster 1: "So what is the result?"
Pollster 2: "So far its 84% in favor of the NRA."
Pollster 1: "OK, so we'd better subtract about 30% and recalculate. Don't want this to seem too biased."
Pollster 2: Yea, then if we subtract the 40% who wanted to vote option 4 or 5 but didn't know how to click on the correct button things start to look about right."
Pollster 1: "Then we need to subtract the 10% who would have voted but didn't have time."
Pollster 2: "Don't forget the 4% who would like to have all NRA members sent to the gas chambers. I tell you we should have had a sixth choice. Its important to understand the activist vote."

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

:D

[FPrice]

It's up to 85% strongly agree.

[AZRickD]

I hit the Contact Us button and wrote webtech@harrisinteractive.com
Your poll is biased. You should know better.

First, it is evident that the poll designer knows little about the NRA.

Example:

> Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense.

a) the NRA supports Instant Background Checks. They didn't support the original 5-day waiting period to allow time for a paper-type check. I support neither.

b) The NRA did not lobby against so-called "armor piercing" bullet legislation. They were against legislation which would ban every rifle cartridge ever produced, save for .22 rimfire. I support neither

As well, your poll makes the assumption that a gun rights activist wouldn't think that the NRA is a little weak on the issue. If you think this statement is odd, perhaps you are as unaware as the poll designer. Perhaps you should look up the web sites of Gun Owners of America, Second Amendment Foundation. Citizens Committee on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, etc.

Rick D
Phx, Az

[Billll]

I couldn't get in. The poll must be closed, or my ISP is getting flakey again.

You're right, though, it'll never see the light of day.

[CasualShooter]

Done.

Weekly Poll Results

Do you agree with the National Rifle Association's viewpoint on gun ownership rights and the second amendment?

*Strongly agree, the government should not be dictating how citizens choose to protect themselves or infringe on responsible recreational firearm use. 10228 of 11997 votes
85%

Somewhat agree, we need to be careful about restricting rights that are protected under the Constitution. 571 of 11997 votes
4%

Undecided, I'm not sure what the proper balance is between the Constitution and public safety. 178 of 11997 votes
1%

Somewhat disagree, some reforms (background checks for handgun applicants or bans on armor-piercing bullets, for instance) make good sense. 527 of 11997 votes
4%

Strongly disagree, the NRA has distorted the intent of the second amendment and has helped foster a gun culture that is irresponsible and dangerous. 493 of 11997 votes

[CasualShooter]

mantispid,
I think the NRA HAS distorted the intent of the Second Amendment to mean 'hunting and sporting uses only'. I never hear the NRA leadership talk about the right of firearm ownership as a check against government tyranny. And yes, they are fostering an irresponsible gun culture that thinks 'sporting uses' are what should really be protected.
Are you aware that the NRA filed a Friend of the Court Brief in favor of Missouri LTC (aka CCW) with the St. Louis Circuit Court and has now filed a similar Brief with the Missouri State Supreme Court? How do you explain that? It doesn't have Anything to do with "hunting and sporting uses" . :rolleyes:

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

I think the NRA HAS distorted the intent of the Second Amendment to mean 'hunting and sporting uses only'. I never hear the NRA leadership talk about the right of firearm ownership as a check against government tyranny. And yes, they are fostering an irresponsible gun culture that thinks 'sporting uses' are what should really be protected.

Do you solely rely on the "mainstream media" for your information? Try reading First Freedom, which is published by NRA. There ain't no huntin going on in there: all legal all the time. Well, some interesting history stuff too.

[NIGHTWATCH]

85% Blowing them away. :D