Where's the NRA on all this?
- Thread starter Cee Zee
- Start date
- Status
The NRA is right to maintain a respectful distance from the genuine grief and the manufactured attacks on gun owners...for now. The best defense is a good offense and a good deal of thought needs to go into NRA and other pro-gun organization publications especially for the next few months. What we can count on from Obama is that he will go after not just AR style rifles, but the 2nd Amendment in it's entirety. He has a well established belief that the Constitution is an impediment to his agenda. His interest is in rewriting the law, not upholding it. We need to be prepared for an all-out assault on gun owners.
Guillermo
member
W.E.G.
Member
Mr. Heston said it well in 1999.
http://youtu.be/pL2W_tMfMlQ
(portions omitted to maintain context)
…I see our country teetering on the edge of an abyss. At its bottom brews the simmering bile of deep, dark hatred. Hatred that's dividing our country: politically, racially, economically, geographically, in every way- whether it's political vendettas, sports brawls, corporate takeovers, or high school gangs in cleats, the American competitive ethic has changed from 'let's beat the other guy, to let's destroy the other guy.' Too many, too many are too willing to stigmatize and demonize others for political advantage, for money or for ratings. The vilification is savage. …Representative John Conyers slandered three million Americans when he called the NRA 'merchants of death' on national television as our first lady nodded in agreement.
A hideous cartoon by Mike Peters ran nationally, it showed childrens' dead bodies sprawled out to spell N-R-A. The countless requests we've received this last week or so for media appearances are in fact, summons to public floggings, where those who hate firearms will, predictably don the white hat and give us the black one. This harvest of hatred is then sold as news. As entertainment. As government policy. Such hateful, divisive forces are leading us to one awful end--America's own form of Balkanization. A weakened country of rabid factions, each less free, united only by hatred of one another.
…we've seen the these brutal blows attempting to fracture America into two such camps. Now one camp would be the majority- people who believe our founders guaranteed our security with the right to defend ourselves, our families, and our country. The other camp would be a large minority of people who believe that we will buy security--if we would just surrender these freedoms. This debate would be accurately described as those who believe in the Second Amendment versus those who don't but instead it is spun as those who believe in murder versus those who don't.
A struggle between the reckless and the prudent, between the dim-witted and the progressive. Between inferior citizens who know, and elitists who know what's good for society. But we're not the rustic, reckless radicals they wish for. No, the NRA spans the broadest range of American demography imaginable. We defy stereotyping, except for love of country. Look in your mirror, your shopping mall, your church, your grocery store--that's us. Millions of ordinary people and extraordinary people. War heroes, sports idols, several U.S. Presidents, and, yes, movie stars.
But the screeching hyperbole leveled at gun owners has made these two camps so wary of each other, so hostile and confrontational and disrespectful on both sides they have forgotten that we are first Americans. I am asking all of us, on both sides, to take one step back from the edge, than another step and another... however many it takes to get back to the place where we are all Americans. Different...different, imperfect, diverse, but one nation, indivisible.
This cycle of tragedy-driven hatred must stop, because so much more connects us than that which divides us because tragedy has been, and will always be with us. Somewhere right now, evil people are planning evil things. All of us will do everything meaningful, everything we can do to prevent it, but each horrible act can't become an ax for opportunists to cleave the very Bill of Rights that binds us. America must stop this predictable pattern of reaction. when an isolated, terrible event occurs, our phones ring, demanding that the NRA explain the inexplicable. Why us? Because their story needs a villain. They want us to play the heavy in their drama of packaged grief. To provide riveting programming to run between commercials for cars and cat food.
The dirty secret of this day and age is that political gain and media ratings all to often bloom on fresh graves. I remember a better day, where no one dared politicize or profiteer on trauma. We kept a respectful distance then, as NRA has tried to do now. Simply being silent is so often the right thing to do. But today, carnage comes with a catchy title, splashy graphics, regular promos and a reactionary passage of legislation. Reporters perch like vultures on the balconies of hotels for a hundred miles around. Cameras jockey for shocking angles as news anchors race to drench their microphones with the tears of victims.
Injury, shock, grief and despair shouldn't be brought to you by sponsors. That's pornography. It trivializes the tragedy it abuses. It abuses vulnerable people, and maybe worst of all, it makes the unspeakable seem commonplace. And we're often cast as the villain. That is not our role in American society, and we will not be forced to play it.
Our mission is to remain, as our Vice-President said, a steady beacon of strength and support for the Second Amendment even if it has no other friend on this planet. We cannot, we must not let tragedy lay waste to the most rare, and hard-won human right in history. A nation cannot gain safety by giving up freedom. This truth is older than our country. Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Ben Franklin said that.
Now, if you like your freedoms of speech and of religion, freedom from search and seizure, freedom of the press, and of privacy, to assemble, and to redress grievances, then you'd better give them that eternal bodyguard called the Second Amendment.
The individual right to bear arms is freedom's insurance policy. Not just for your children, but for infinite generations to come. That is it's singular sacred duty, and why we preserve it so fiercely. Now, no, it's not a right without rational restrictions, and it's not for everyone. Only the law-abiding majority of society deserves the Second Amendment.
Abuse it once, and lose it forever. That's the law. But, curiously, the NRA is far more eager to prosecute gun abusers than are those who oppose gun ownership altogether. As if the tool could be more evil than the evil-doers. I don't understand that. The NRA also spends more and works harder than anybody in America to promote safe, responsible use of firearms. From 38,000 certified instructors, training millions of police, hunters, women and youths, to 500 law-enforcement agencies promoting our Eddie Eagle gun-safety program….
But our essential reason for being is this: as long as there is a Second Amendment, evil can never conquer us, tyranny in any form can never find footing within a society of law-abiding, armed, ethical people. The majesty of the Second Amendment that our founders so divinely captured and crafted into your birthright guarantees that no government despot, no renegade faction of armed forces, no roving gangs of criminals, no breakdown of law and order, no massive anarchy, no force of evil or crime or oppression from within or from without can ever rob you of the liberties that define your Americanism.
And, so, when they ask you well, indeed you would uh, bear arms against Government tyranny? The answer is no. That could never happen, precisely because we have the Second Amendment. Let me be absolutely clear. The Founding Fathers guaranteed this freedom, because they knew no tyranny can ever arise among a people endowed with the right to keep and bear arms. That's why you and your descendants need never fear fascism, state-run faith, refugee camps, brain-washing, ethnic cleansing, or especially submission to the wanton will of criminals.
The Second Amendment, there can be no more precious inheritance- that's what the NRA preserves.
Now, if you disagree, that's your right. I respect that. But, we will not relinquish it, or be silenced about it, or be told: 'Do not come here, you are unwelcome in your own land.'
Let us go from this place, this huge room, renewed in spirit and dedicated against hatred. We have work to do, hearts to heal, evil to defeat, and a country to unite. We may have differences, yes, and we will again suffer tragedy almost beyond description. But when the sun sets on Denver tonight, and forevermore, let it always set on we the people, secure in our land of the free, and home of the brave. I, for one, plan to do my part. Thank You."
http://youtu.be/pL2W_tMfMlQ
(portions omitted to maintain context)
…I see our country teetering on the edge of an abyss. At its bottom brews the simmering bile of deep, dark hatred. Hatred that's dividing our country: politically, racially, economically, geographically, in every way- whether it's political vendettas, sports brawls, corporate takeovers, or high school gangs in cleats, the American competitive ethic has changed from 'let's beat the other guy, to let's destroy the other guy.' Too many, too many are too willing to stigmatize and demonize others for political advantage, for money or for ratings. The vilification is savage. …Representative John Conyers slandered three million Americans when he called the NRA 'merchants of death' on national television as our first lady nodded in agreement.
A hideous cartoon by Mike Peters ran nationally, it showed childrens' dead bodies sprawled out to spell N-R-A. The countless requests we've received this last week or so for media appearances are in fact, summons to public floggings, where those who hate firearms will, predictably don the white hat and give us the black one. This harvest of hatred is then sold as news. As entertainment. As government policy. Such hateful, divisive forces are leading us to one awful end--America's own form of Balkanization. A weakened country of rabid factions, each less free, united only by hatred of one another.
…we've seen the these brutal blows attempting to fracture America into two such camps. Now one camp would be the majority- people who believe our founders guaranteed our security with the right to defend ourselves, our families, and our country. The other camp would be a large minority of people who believe that we will buy security--if we would just surrender these freedoms. This debate would be accurately described as those who believe in the Second Amendment versus those who don't but instead it is spun as those who believe in murder versus those who don't.
A struggle between the reckless and the prudent, between the dim-witted and the progressive. Between inferior citizens who know, and elitists who know what's good for society. But we're not the rustic, reckless radicals they wish for. No, the NRA spans the broadest range of American demography imaginable. We defy stereotyping, except for love of country. Look in your mirror, your shopping mall, your church, your grocery store--that's us. Millions of ordinary people and extraordinary people. War heroes, sports idols, several U.S. Presidents, and, yes, movie stars.
But the screeching hyperbole leveled at gun owners has made these two camps so wary of each other, so hostile and confrontational and disrespectful on both sides they have forgotten that we are first Americans. I am asking all of us, on both sides, to take one step back from the edge, than another step and another... however many it takes to get back to the place where we are all Americans. Different...different, imperfect, diverse, but one nation, indivisible.
This cycle of tragedy-driven hatred must stop, because so much more connects us than that which divides us because tragedy has been, and will always be with us. Somewhere right now, evil people are planning evil things. All of us will do everything meaningful, everything we can do to prevent it, but each horrible act can't become an ax for opportunists to cleave the very Bill of Rights that binds us. America must stop this predictable pattern of reaction. when an isolated, terrible event occurs, our phones ring, demanding that the NRA explain the inexplicable. Why us? Because their story needs a villain. They want us to play the heavy in their drama of packaged grief. To provide riveting programming to run between commercials for cars and cat food.
The dirty secret of this day and age is that political gain and media ratings all to often bloom on fresh graves. I remember a better day, where no one dared politicize or profiteer on trauma. We kept a respectful distance then, as NRA has tried to do now. Simply being silent is so often the right thing to do. But today, carnage comes with a catchy title, splashy graphics, regular promos and a reactionary passage of legislation. Reporters perch like vultures on the balconies of hotels for a hundred miles around. Cameras jockey for shocking angles as news anchors race to drench their microphones with the tears of victims.
Injury, shock, grief and despair shouldn't be brought to you by sponsors. That's pornography. It trivializes the tragedy it abuses. It abuses vulnerable people, and maybe worst of all, it makes the unspeakable seem commonplace. And we're often cast as the villain. That is not our role in American society, and we will not be forced to play it.
Our mission is to remain, as our Vice-President said, a steady beacon of strength and support for the Second Amendment even if it has no other friend on this planet. We cannot, we must not let tragedy lay waste to the most rare, and hard-won human right in history. A nation cannot gain safety by giving up freedom. This truth is older than our country. Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Ben Franklin said that.
Now, if you like your freedoms of speech and of religion, freedom from search and seizure, freedom of the press, and of privacy, to assemble, and to redress grievances, then you'd better give them that eternal bodyguard called the Second Amendment.
The individual right to bear arms is freedom's insurance policy. Not just for your children, but for infinite generations to come. That is it's singular sacred duty, and why we preserve it so fiercely. Now, no, it's not a right without rational restrictions, and it's not for everyone. Only the law-abiding majority of society deserves the Second Amendment.
Abuse it once, and lose it forever. That's the law. But, curiously, the NRA is far more eager to prosecute gun abusers than are those who oppose gun ownership altogether. As if the tool could be more evil than the evil-doers. I don't understand that. The NRA also spends more and works harder than anybody in America to promote safe, responsible use of firearms. From 38,000 certified instructors, training millions of police, hunters, women and youths, to 500 law-enforcement agencies promoting our Eddie Eagle gun-safety program….
But our essential reason for being is this: as long as there is a Second Amendment, evil can never conquer us, tyranny in any form can never find footing within a society of law-abiding, armed, ethical people. The majesty of the Second Amendment that our founders so divinely captured and crafted into your birthright guarantees that no government despot, no renegade faction of armed forces, no roving gangs of criminals, no breakdown of law and order, no massive anarchy, no force of evil or crime or oppression from within or from without can ever rob you of the liberties that define your Americanism.
And, so, when they ask you well, indeed you would uh, bear arms against Government tyranny? The answer is no. That could never happen, precisely because we have the Second Amendment. Let me be absolutely clear. The Founding Fathers guaranteed this freedom, because they knew no tyranny can ever arise among a people endowed with the right to keep and bear arms. That's why you and your descendants need never fear fascism, state-run faith, refugee camps, brain-washing, ethnic cleansing, or especially submission to the wanton will of criminals.
The Second Amendment, there can be no more precious inheritance- that's what the NRA preserves.
Now, if you disagree, that's your right. I respect that. But, we will not relinquish it, or be silenced about it, or be told: 'Do not come here, you are unwelcome in your own land.'
Let us go from this place, this huge room, renewed in spirit and dedicated against hatred. We have work to do, hearts to heal, evil to defeat, and a country to unite. We may have differences, yes, and we will again suffer tragedy almost beyond description. But when the sun sets on Denver tonight, and forevermore, let it always set on we the people, secure in our land of the free, and home of the brave. I, for one, plan to do my part. Thank You."
Hondo 60
Member
Yes we will see legislation.
Ineffective, but another gun law, no less.
What will it be? Probably more of the Clinton era ban on some magazines, and some so-called assault rifles.
(a term I vehemently detest - assault is a verb not an adjective!)
R.W.Dale
Member
With Obama breaking the Republicans over like a cheap shotgun over the budget situation I think you're a foolish to believe this.
posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complains about
Alnamvet68
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2012
- Messages
- 96
I have no problem with the NRA not enetering into the fray....why should they? There will be an appropriate time for the NRA to voice their assessment of what has occured in Connecticut, and I am confident it will be a measured and intelligent response that will counter the histrionics put forth by the media, the left, as well as those 2A supporters who feel this compelling need to make matters worse by posting inflexible positions as a means to drown out the insanity of the anti-gun crowd. Take a deep breath, observe, remain quiet, and act the gentleman that 2A supporters should be known to be.
winterhorse290
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2011
- Messages
- 80
do you remmeber what george bush did when told about the twin towers on september 11? did he jump up and start threatening, did he make rash statments? no. he met with his people and started gathering info. make plans and start the process of kicking ass. i,m sure the nra is doing the same. let all the bs smoke clear. get the real fact and line up your assets.
Rob G
Member
High on top of a mountain there stood an old bull and a young bull.
Both of them were leering at the young heifers down in the valley quite a distance away.
The young bull was snorting, huffing and puffing, pacing back and forth, etc.
Finally, after a while, the young bull said...
"Say, why don't we run down this mountain and have our way with one of them?"
The old bull pondered for a moment, smiled, leaned over, and calmly said...
"Why don't we walk down the mountain and have our way with all of them!"
--- I've always liked this story and I think the NRA is taking the position of the old bull. The NRA takes it time and thinks long term. It's also gotten more pro-gun legistlation passed, and anti-gun legislation killed, than any other 2A foundation out there. I'm perfectly willing to wait and let them handle this in their way.
Both of them were leering at the young heifers down in the valley quite a distance away.
The young bull was snorting, huffing and puffing, pacing back and forth, etc.
Finally, after a while, the young bull said...
"Say, why don't we run down this mountain and have our way with one of them?"
The old bull pondered for a moment, smiled, leaned over, and calmly said...
"Why don't we walk down the mountain and have our way with all of them!"
--- I've always liked this story and I think the NRA is taking the position of the old bull. The NRA takes it time and thinks long term. It's also gotten more pro-gun legistlation passed, and anti-gun legislation killed, than any other 2A foundation out there. I'm perfectly willing to wait and let them handle this in their way.
mljdeckard
Member
He hasn't broken anyone on anything yet. And even if he is pushing hard on budget talks, that does not equal he can also push them on other issues. If anything it means the opposite. He has a limited amount of political capitol, and so many aces to play. He needs to be very careful where he plays them.
The opposition are all over this like VULTURES. They are opportunistic GHOULS. I don't mind if the NRA waits until the bodies are in the ground to make their move.
The opposition are all over this like VULTURES. They are opportunistic GHOULS. I don't mind if the NRA waits until the bodies are in the ground to make their move.
.333 Nitro Express
Member
I once again urge everyone to remain calm.
Here are a few thoughts that my help everyone do so:
1 - We are still in the shock and disbelief phase--the tragic mass-murder is just too recent, and the interested parties' ability to reason calmly has not yet been fully regained. I know mine isn't yet. The time to have a rational conversation is not yet at hand--and when and if the time comes, the NRA will be there.
2 - A great part of the NRA-ILA's duties is to combat anti-gun legislation. As far as I know, none has been meaningfully proposed. What you have now is just a bunch of chest-thumping from the "let-no-crisis-go-to-waste" ghouls, which bears no serious response (especially at this stage) from the NRA.
3 - If you really think about it, why should the NRA make a statement anyway? The NRA promotes gun safety, and the ILA America's second-amendment rights. Neither of them have (strictly speaking) anything to do with a pizza-faced creep going on a mass-murdering spree. If such were not the case, every time a gun is used in a sensationalized murder, the NRA would have to make a statement--which would be absurd and tantamount to a tacit admission of guilt by association.
4 - Fortunately, it is not only Republicans (i.e., the surrender Monkeys of current American politics) who are concerned about not alienating the pro-gun vote. A great number of Democrats are too.
5 - +1 to the suggestion to call Midway, order yourself a wee gift, and donate something to the NRA.
Keep your chin up, everyone.
Here are a few thoughts that my help everyone do so:
1 - We are still in the shock and disbelief phase--the tragic mass-murder is just too recent, and the interested parties' ability to reason calmly has not yet been fully regained. I know mine isn't yet. The time to have a rational conversation is not yet at hand--and when and if the time comes, the NRA will be there.
2 - A great part of the NRA-ILA's duties is to combat anti-gun legislation. As far as I know, none has been meaningfully proposed. What you have now is just a bunch of chest-thumping from the "let-no-crisis-go-to-waste" ghouls, which bears no serious response (especially at this stage) from the NRA.
3 - If you really think about it, why should the NRA make a statement anyway? The NRA promotes gun safety, and the ILA America's second-amendment rights. Neither of them have (strictly speaking) anything to do with a pizza-faced creep going on a mass-murdering spree. If such were not the case, every time a gun is used in a sensationalized murder, the NRA would have to make a statement--which would be absurd and tantamount to a tacit admission of guilt by association.
4 - Fortunately, it is not only Republicans (i.e., the surrender Monkeys of current American politics) who are concerned about not alienating the pro-gun vote. A great number of Democrats are too.
5 - +1 to the suggestion to call Midway, order yourself a wee gift, and donate something to the NRA.
Keep your chin up, everyone.
Pronghorn19
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2012
- Messages
- 45
time to take off the gloves gentlemen, this will be a tough one. But we will win.
mljdeckard
Member
A lot of people seem to be forgetting a few things.
When Obama took office in 2009, 60 some-odd Democrat congressmen sent a letter to the Attorney General and the White house saying that they would not vote for any new gun legislation. Very little has changed since then. If you have headlines saying a handful of congresscritturs have flipped, that still doesn't add up to much. This is a cat puffing out its fur and tail to look bigger. There is only so much they can do.
I also agree with the sentiment in post #39. Feinstein has introduced the same bill probably 20 times. It has never made it out of committee. To HER, making it out of committee would be a victory. This may well have more steam than the previous 20 times, but it's still heck and gone from passing. Be smart. Stay informed. Support (at least) the NRA. DON'T PANIC.
When Obama took office in 2009, 60 some-odd Democrat congressmen sent a letter to the Attorney General and the White house saying that they would not vote for any new gun legislation. Very little has changed since then. If you have headlines saying a handful of congresscritturs have flipped, that still doesn't add up to much. This is a cat puffing out its fur and tail to look bigger. There is only so much they can do.
I also agree with the sentiment in post #39. Feinstein has introduced the same bill probably 20 times. It has never made it out of committee. To HER, making it out of committee would be a victory. This may well have more steam than the previous 20 times, but it's still heck and gone from passing. Be smart. Stay informed. Support (at least) the NRA. DON'T PANIC.
R.W.Dale
Member
Is that something like the no new tax pledge the Republicans joined on?
You must not watch politics much
posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complains about
CmdrSlander
Member
They just released an official statement, respectfully submitted below:
Source: http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/12/daniel-zimmerman/nra-releases-statement-on-sandy-hill-elementary-massacre/
Source: http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/12/daniel-zimmerman/nra-releases-statement-on-sandy-hill-elementary-massacre/
robhof
Member
robhof
ABC news is already having one of it's reporters calling Walmarts and other major companies that sell Bushmasters and asking if they'll continue to sell the child killing guns. I never saw a need for an AR frame gun til now and several High capacity mags. Merry Christmas to me and I'll be checking with all my friends, warning them of the pending ban.
:banghead:
ABC news is already having one of it's reporters calling Walmarts and other major companies that sell Bushmasters and asking if they'll continue to sell the child killing guns. I never saw a need for an AR frame gun til now and several High capacity mags. Merry Christmas to me and I'll be checking with all my friends, warning them of the pending ban.
:banghead:
mljdeckard
Member
Diane Feinstein does not make me nervous. She is doing what she has always done. If a dozen more people than normal follow her, that is not a revolution. Calm. Down.
guyfromohio
Member
NRA isn't going to win this in a liberal media (yes, even Fox). They're going to win this by doing what they do best.... Securing support in the legislature. I don't want to see NRA leadership on Meet The Press.... I want to see them in the halls of the capitol.
With our media, there is nothing they can say which will advance their cause.
If they said "We like cute kittens", MSNBX will imply they're firing up the gas chambers for school children.
If they say their condolences, CBX will say they're reloading to gun down more women.
If they say they wish to discuss, ABX will say they're mowing down crowds of elderly with machine guns.
And the majority of people who are not NRA members will believe it 100%
That is the sad reality of our media today.
If they said "We like cute kittens", MSNBX will imply they're firing up the gas chambers for school children.
If they say their condolences, CBX will say they're reloading to gun down more women.
If they say they wish to discuss, ABX will say they're mowing down crowds of elderly with machine guns.
And the majority of people who are not NRA members will believe it 100%
That is the sad reality of our media today.
Activism isn't for rants.
The posting requirements explain you have to present a specific plan of action with information that allows others to actually carry out that plan. "Call the NRA" doesn't.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=270671
The posting requirements explain you have to present a specific plan of action with information that allows others to actually carry out that plan. "Call the NRA" doesn't.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=270671
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