The NRA is the problem not guns or gun ownership [View all]

[justiceischeap]

I say this because of my personal history. At one time, I owned guns and had a conceal carry permit, and I carried. I went to the range and practiced shooting, I took my gun with my everywhere I went. Then my physicians put me on new medication for my depression and the medication no longer worked the way it should have. My parents took my gun from me, which is a good thing, because it wasn't at hand when I attempted to kill myself. I'm glad that my folks had the foresight to take my gun from me because I believe had they not, I wouldn't be here today. Since then, I gave up my conceal carry permit and my right to own guns... I personally feel, I DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT to own guns any longer. I cannot be trusted with them.

However, the NRA would defend my right to go out and purchase a weapon right now and not disclose that I've spent time in a psych ward. They don't care that, for me, being a gun owner could be a danger to myself or others (I couldn't see myself harming others with a weapon--I'm not made that way). That is a problem, IMO. That the NRA takes a stance that it's our Constitutional right to own weapons, period. Doesn't matter if you suffer from chronic depression, doesn't matter of you have other mental health issues, doesn't matter if you have a history of violence, because the more guns that are sold, the more money the NRA makes for themselves and gun manufacturers. The NRA is now demanding politicians make pledges with them or they won't get their support. Kinda like Norquist demands Repubs pledge not to raise taxes and we see how that's gone for America.

The NRA is nothing but a very successful, very powerful lobby who gives less than two shits about the Constitution or our 2nd amendment rights, it's all about lining their pockets with money. The NRA disallows honest discussion on these issues because they gear up their propaganda machine and scream, "They're taking away our guns!" and people who believe like Charlton Heston did, "I'll give you my gun when you take it from my cold, dead hands," are becoming more prevalent because of their propaganda machine.

Does anyone honestly believe that as American's we need to own weaponry similar to what the military or police use? Is that really necessary when it comes to defending life or property? Does a well-maintained 9mm handgun or a 12-gauge shotgun not do enough damage should we need to defend ourselves? Does the average American citizen need access to grenades and tactical gear? Does the average American citizen need the "right" to purchase a 100-round drum? Common sense tells me no, we don't need to be entitled to purchase these things. However, if you answer yes to any of these questions then, IMO, you're buying into the propaganda of the NRA, helping the CEO's and the President of the NRA that much richer and that much more powerful. If you believe that the 2nd amendment is more important than having a national database and background checks, then you're buying into the propaganda. There is no reason, other than inconvenience, that being able to own a gun should not be as strict a process as necessary.