NRA Shouldn't Tolerate Gun-Toting Protesters

It's just not a safe way to use a firearm

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 20, 2009 9:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – If the National Rifle Association is really, to quote its website “dedicated to the lawful, effective, responsible, and above all safe use of firearms,” then it should loudly discourage people from carrying those firearms to political rallies, writes Stephen Stromberg of the Washington Post. Politics aside, it’s just bad gun safety. "I'm an Eagle Scout trained in firearm use, and I can’t count the number of possible accidents that could result from lugging a heavy semi-automatic into a large crowd."

The first rule of gun safety is to never take out a weapon unless you have to. “And given that there’s no need to hunt game or defend oneself at a heavily policed political rally,” these guys don’t have to, Stromberg argues. The NRA "can and should scream that this isn’t appropriate firearm use," and tell politicians that it won’t hurt their NRA rating to do likewise. Speaking out against it isn't an infringement of the Second Amendment: "It’s merely an exhortation to treat rightful gun ownership with responsibility."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

In this Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 file photo, William Kostnic wears a 9mm pistol as he stands outside a town hall meeting on health care held by President Barack Obama, in Portsmouth, NH. (AP Photo/Joel Page, File)

NRA president Charlton Heston holds up a musket as he tells the 129th Annual Meeting & Exhibit in Charlotte, NC, May 20, 2000 that they can have his gun when they pry it "from my cold dead hands." (AP Photo/Ric Feld, FILE)

Taking a loaded gun to a crowded, and heavily policed, political rally is not responsible gun use. (Shutterstock)

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I'm an Eagle Scout trained in firearm use, and I can’t count the number of possible accidents that could result from lugging a heavy semi-automatic into a
large crowd. - Stephen Stromberg

That’s not an infringement or even a criticism of the NRA’s interpretation of the Second Amendment. It’s merely an exhortation to treat rightful gun ownership with responsibility. - Stephen Stromberg, on why politicians should discourage gun-toting protesters

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 29 comments

jagerhans

Aug 28, 2009 7:31 AM CDT

you americans have in the average an incredible freedom when it comes to guns. i, alone among the european, think this is a good thing for democracy. so it's no big deal if you state by law that political rallies are sacred ground where leaving the guns at the door is mandatory. do you seriously think that this single prohibition could endanger your rights? sportsmen, hunters, it is better to accept a small limitation than having to face gun bans if some 'fruitcake' (funny expressions you have. i learned this one today) suddenly decides that time has come to purify america. the emotional impact of such a disgrace would be enough to call for drastical gun bans and get it. you don't want that,right? then pass a decent law and see if you can refrain your madmen from 'heroic deeds' .

odowd80

Aug 21, 2009 5:05 AM CDT

I think you said it here best, Tim.

cognitivefilter

Aug 21, 2009 4:32 AM CDT

stromberg sounds like a very rational guy. hope this catches on

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NRA Shouldn't Tolerate Gun-Toting Protesters