Thank you for your suggestion that NRA promote a pro-gun rally in Washington, D.C.. While we have entertained the idea of sponsoring such an event in the past, we have decided against it thus far because of the huge logistical undertakings involved and the fact that the media, no doubt, would slant the coverage so badly that in the long run, such an event would not be beneficial to our cause. Additionally, if the turnout was anything less than anticipated, the media would report that support for the NRA and the Second Amendment was waning.
Please note that we have not permanently ruled out such a rally, and have organized several rallies at the state level in response to legislative emergencies. In fact, during the debate on the 1994 Crime bill, NRA encouraged and sponsored many of these rallies right in the districts of various lawmakers. Unfortunately rallies are not always successful in blocking anti-gun legislation -- as was evidenced by passage of Clinton's Crime bill despite numerous demonstrations. This points to a central flaw in relying on rallies as legislative tools -- no one-day event, however large or well-organized, can be seen as a "silver bullet" that will settle an issue once and for all. Only a sustained and concerted grassroots effort will ultimately spell victory for gun owners.
Please review this website for information on how you can get more involved on the local level:
www.nraila.org/actioncenter
Sincerely,
Krista Cupp
NRA-ILA Grassroots Division
