The end of the NRA
There is no longer any doubt that Americans are living in a war zone. Last year we had approximately 40,000 gun deaths. This year, who knows what the death toll will be. There is also no doubt that the effects of this carnage have penetrated the collective American psyche. People are nervous. They’re scared and scarred. How did this happen?
A powerful advocate for the gun manufacturers put a pinpoint focus on creating a gun culture and then created a nonprofit organization with no other purpose. They have paid memberships. They rate lawmakers and lobby Congress. They run ads and have an internet channel. They support businesses that support them. This model works like magic and has been able to convince Americans that dead children are just the price we pay for the sacred right to bear arms. They are ubiquitous and powerful. So how come we think a few loosely organized victim groups can do a damn thing about it? They can’t.
To counter the NRA, a group similar in focus, resources, methods and enthusiasm is all that can answer them directly. It’s time for all of our gun legislation advocates to join forces to organize and sign up members, collect dues, do a monthly publication, lobby Congress, give legislators a rating like the NRA does. Support businesses that support them. An organization of this strength and power can pay for television spots, lend support to candidates who want to help, provide hope and support to survivors and families of the victims.
We have so many strong voices, Gabby Giffords, David Hogg and Emma Gonzales, Sandy Hook Promise and sadly too many others to list. But together they could create a force of nature that could take on the NRA. Like I said the model works like magic. Let’s use it.
