Bloomberg Plans a $50 Million Challenge to the N.R.A.

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30. Looking at how to effectively use that money is a problem in itself.

Although I disapprove strongly with the NRA's (perceived) stance that everyone should have unrestricted access to all types of rifles and guns, I am not in favor of responsible people owning and using them. If the NRA were to acknowledge that there are far too many people in this country who leave weapons around untaught children, or on restaurant benches, or who become easily frustrated and do foolish things, and that some sort of proving yourself to be responsible is a good thing; then people like myself lighten up a bit.

I grew up shooting. I would be out on opening day every year, whether it was putting venison, bird, or small game on the table. Sometimes shooting a couple of bricks a months while walking the trails kept my eye good. I worked a dairy farm in high school for spending money and served three enlistments in the Navy.

To put an honest face on this, we know that someone intent on doing damage is going to do exactly that. If he pounds nails into a baseball bat to make a mace, or slips a cartridge into a pipe the laws are meaningless. I would not be so anti-gun if the NRA would speak in a reasonable voice and acknowledge that there are far too many who should not have weapons, that second amendment rights exist, but first you've got to pass the test for the privilege of owning and keeping one, instead of just being able to rent one at the range where it stays.