Is there any difference between a maggot infestation and the NRA after a mass shooting?

[branford]

19. I'm not really trying to defend NRA policies,

mostly because their advocacy tends to hurt Democratic candidates (because our party has recently taken such a shrill anti-gun tone).

However, there's more than ample substantive, true material to discuss, debate and criticize, without any need for juvenile insults or strawman arguments. Efforts to counter the NRA with what amount to little more than playground antics and childlike insults are the reason why they are so strong, and opposition to firearm restrictions steadily growing.

I would also note the distinction between the NRA and the NRA-ILA. The latter is the infamous lobbying arm of the organization. The former is still the largest and most respected firearm safety, training, sport and hunting organization in the USA. Even in heavily Democratic and strong gun control jurisdictions, they are still the gold standard in firearms training and use, both for civilians and law enforcement.