... that they didn't have to wait for the official "NRA Talking Points" we hear so much about here?
Why, that would mean a pro second amendment type (and probable gun owner) just up and used their initiative with out prior approval?
They really don't get it on the other side of the issue.
They all wait for Bloomberg to write a check for ads and PR staff and issue a press release, benevolently ignorant of what's going on. The gun owners just get in their cars and go to their state capital on their own dime and time to meet their legislators face-to-face with a few dozen other constituents waiting in the hall for their turn. All of them malevolently well informed, without any talking points, on any and all pending legislation as well as their past voting record.
All triggered based on an online post about what they are considering passing.
There were three local "town hall" type meetings this week by gun control minded legislators in the Chicago suburbs, with a goal of further limiting concealed carry. They featured the Executive Director for Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence as the speaker. Each meeting requires an RSVP and has "Limited Seating". Two of them had 100 people allowed in the meeting room with 95 pro gun people attending, the third is tomorrow evening. It will have roughly the same results.
But you never saw such a depressed guy as the ICAHV spokesman. He got tough questions with follow ups asking for sources and facts. Nothing rude or loud, just very pointed challenges to his claims (he actually tried to use Kellerman and Bellisles as sources!). By the end of the evening he was slumped in his chair on the platform and wouldn't answer any more questions. As people filed out they thanked the State Senator for the opportunity to be heard.
It just took a single post on the Illinois Carry site to get that attendance at a crappy little town hall meeting, called on short notice. On 3 days notice people swapped shifts and changed appointments to be there on their own gas money and time. No Talking points from the NRA or anybody else.
Money can't pay for that kind of commitment and enthusiasm, or that kind of voting bloc.