I am a former National Rifle Association member. The NRA once promoted gun responsibility, and taught young people how to handle firearms safely and respectfully. Since those days, the focus has shifted to creating fear amongst people that their right to bear arms is about to be taken away and their arms confiscated. The NRA has changed its mission from education to politicization and the furtherance of radical gun ownership, display of weaponry, and the bullying of political officeholders and candidates. We see the results every day in the news.
The NRA has finally brought enough problems on itself and on responsible gun owners who wish to peacefully hunt and humbly defend themselves who fear we are in danger of losing Second Amendment rights. I do not want to have to become a National Guardsman to own a hunting rifle.
The NRA needs to return to its original mission. It needs to promote gun safety, and sponsor legislation that allows folks to report firearms abuse and take firearms out of the hands of those who are radicalized, severely depressed, mentally ill or whose faculties have declined. We need to have open carry for hunters, not the immature who cannot see the fear they are bringing upon others.
Pat Campbell
Vancouver
