However I am going to mention a few things that bother me, and even though I'm writing in English this time around, things that may be news especially to my friends outside the US.
I believe NRA deserves to be at the top of my outrage. So far I haven't learned much about NRA that doesn't bother me. Having not lived here for very long, I keep finding out new things to be disturbed by, and keep asking how, how has it retained its power and influence over so many normal people's opinions for so long. (To explain its influence over politicians and political process is easy: Money.) I am optimistic and agree with those that say NRA's influence is waning, how could it not with what they're doing now? Can they really think that regular Americans are going to go along with something like their ridiculous ad from yesterday, claiming Obama to be an elitist hypocrite for having his daughters protected by armed guards but not recommending that for every child in every school? Pleeeeease.
James Carter IV (@JECarter4), President Jimmy Carter's grandson, who gained fame for finding the Romney 47% video, tweeted a link to President HW Bush's letter of resignation from the NRA. Quite telling: Wayne La Pierre was just as out of step and incomprehensibly disrespectful already in the 90s, and at least Bush Sr, not exactly a liberal gun control advocate, saw it.
As has been oft repeated by now, NRA does not represent its membership. The only way the NRA makes any sense to me is that they are an unscrupulous firearms industry mouthpiece, looking for nothing but profits for the industry. They may talk about the constitution (however, the 2nd amendment was included in the constitution to protect slave patrols, so there goes my respect for that) and protecting children, but it just means they have more cunning than the conservative republicans who blurt out their horrifying, unpopular beliefs.
I will go into NRA's influence in legislation a little bit in a later post (stay tuned!) but you get the picture from Jon Stewart's Daily Show last night (begins at 2:20):
Or if you're busy, just watch this second part:
Jon Stewart <3
VastaaPoistaMakes news so much more bearable! :)
PoistaNRA makes my blood boil :D A lot of people on Facebook have had statues saying "don't blame NRA, it's not their fault". But if they keep spewing the propagandist filth they do, I do hold them accountable.
VastaaPoistaAre they serious? Well, I guess it goes well together with guns being the only "consumer product" for which the manufacturer cannot be held responsible. As much as they've influenced legislation and public opinion - with their propaganda indeed - that is absolutely ridiculous. Now my blood's boiling again, too. :P
Poista