An Open Letter to the NRA
Over the years, I have spoken with thousands of NRA members. Some were relatives. Some were students. Some were regional and national leaders of that organization.
Some of these encounters were social. Some were work-related. I used to tend bar on charter boats, and so I have been the only non-NRA member on NRA cruise ships filled with hundreds of NRA members. Get 500 NRA members drunk and you’re going to hear a bit about guns. You also hear some extremely savvy discussion of politics, but guns do get mentioned.
Unsurprisingly, from time to time as I spoke with these NRA members, the topic of why people need guns came up. Some of the explanations were personal. For example, some of my relatives like to hunt. I have friends who are hobbyists, and simply like the craftsmanship in guns. Some tell chilling stories about home invasions or rapes and argue guns are essential for personal safety.
However, the larger justifications for guns and gun rights are usually political. NRA members from 18 to 75 have explained to me that people need guns to protect and preserve their liberties from tyrannical governments. Gun ownership is the last refuge — the right that makes all of the rights possible. I have seen and heard some NRA members openly declare themselves ready to fight against any such threats. When I heard such declarations, I thought their concerns…
