Reasons to write a piece are to inform or sway. Political contributors have the same intentions. The Columbian story on March 8 “Analysis shows NRA spending in 17th leads state” provides many facts. It is informative and intellectually challenging. I suspect the purpose is to sway.
The much-maligned National Rifle Association is a bit player in the realm of political influence with regard to lucre. Search “political donors” on the web to be enlightened. Truth be told, unions, in general, or government-employee unions are major players influencing politics with contributions, not always aligned to the preferences of each rank-and-file member.
Sen. Lynda Wilson’s quote regarding the unions is accurately stated. If we discuss the NRA, we must acknowledge Koch Industries and enlighten people to the generous philanthropy that organization renders favoring liberal (term usurped by progressives long ago) causes. Both organizations are vilified publicly; both deserve a fair shake. The National Institute of Money in State Politics is cited in the article; its website is a good reference. The devil is in the details.
This piece should inform and sway. The challenge is reader’s homework.
