I read the statement they released yesterday. Obviously, there are many gun rights organizations. The NRA has the largest megaphone. How do you feel they are going to respond to this? To me, it seems that it should fall to them to be the opposition and common sense/ voice of reason, refocusing this
debate' onto issues that might actually prevent these tragedies in the future.
As a mental health professional, I can speak personally to the fact that the system is broken and needs a serious over haul. Getting people ready access to help and NOT letting them slip through the cracks is crucial to preventing these tragedies. I know I'm singing to the choir here, but even if every gun magically disappeared, occurances like these wouldn't stop. Whether it was using a vehicle, home-made bombs, etc- deeply disturbed people would continue to seek media immortality at the expense of innocent unarmed citizens.
To make a long story short, I know a lot of people who feel the same and are responsible gun owners but who have not joined the NRA. In the wake of this horrible tragedy, should I be encouraging them to send their hard earned (believe me- in social services, money is hard earned and very meager) to the NRA? Will they be our voice on the capitol or will the enter the 'debate' and be willing to make concession after concession?
I know I'm just an individual and perhaps I shouldn't expect a massive organization to perfectly reflect my feelings on the matter, but I don't think an inch should be given to this. I think it was just ugly how quickly a knee-jerk call for gun control was brought up. I think it was exploitive at BEST. But if the NRA intends to FIGHT, then it needs support and I intend to help drum it up.
debate' onto issues that might actually prevent these tragedies in the future.
As a mental health professional, I can speak personally to the fact that the system is broken and needs a serious over haul. Getting people ready access to help and NOT letting them slip through the cracks is crucial to preventing these tragedies. I know I'm singing to the choir here, but even if every gun magically disappeared, occurances like these wouldn't stop. Whether it was using a vehicle, home-made bombs, etc- deeply disturbed people would continue to seek media immortality at the expense of innocent unarmed citizens.
To make a long story short, I know a lot of people who feel the same and are responsible gun owners but who have not joined the NRA. In the wake of this horrible tragedy, should I be encouraging them to send their hard earned (believe me- in social services, money is hard earned and very meager) to the NRA? Will they be our voice on the capitol or will the enter the 'debate' and be willing to make concession after concession?
I know I'm just an individual and perhaps I shouldn't expect a massive organization to perfectly reflect my feelings on the matter, but I don't think an inch should be given to this. I think it was just ugly how quickly a knee-jerk call for gun control was brought up. I think it was exploitive at BEST. But if the NRA intends to FIGHT, then it needs support and I intend to help drum it up.
) and I've had enough. I've written, and will continue to write, to my Senators, Representatives and my Governor 'til this ends- the next logical step was to have some "skin (green) in the game".
