NRA Statement in Response to Biden's Address

[Charlie T Waite]

Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association of America released the following statement on Thursday, June 2:

The NRA is made up of millions of law-abiding men and women. We are parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, whose hearts break every time a crime is committed or tragedy occurs. We grieve with all of America, regardless of party or political affiliation because these are human tragedies, not political opportunities.

The National Rifle Association of America supports substantive policies and real solutions that will make a difference. Policies that will not only address these tragic and evil acts that dominate the headlines, but also the catastrophic loss of life that happens too often as a direct consequence of the current crime epidemic that plagues our nation.

The NRA has long supported securing our schools so that our teachers and children will be safe. We support strict enforcement of all our nation’s laws that target violent criminals. We support prosecution and punishment of criminals who break these laws. Indeed, the NRA supports the arrest, prosecution and punishment of any violent criminal or other dangerous prohibited person who tries to purchase or possess a firearm.

We support fully funding law-enforcement agencies. And, we wholeheartedly support the right of any law-abiding American to defend themselves and their loved ones. Even though it’s rarely reported, more than a million law abiding Americans use firearms in self-defense every year - most without ever firing a shot.

What we don’t support are senseless policies like no-cash bail that create a revolving door justice system that only endangers good citizens. And, we will fight any proposal that will disarm law-abiding Americans.

And, America does have a critical mental health crisis. Many are sick, too few people are able to recognize their illness, and even less get help. The sad reality is there are too few resources for those who need it. Over the last 60 years, the number of beds available at psychiatric hospitals in America has dropped by 96 percent. In 1955, there were an estimated 340 beds per 100,000 people with mental health illnesses. In 2016, that number fell to 11.7 beds per 100,000 people. We must find a way to reach these people before they hurt themselves or others. And, we must fund places for these people to find refuge and treatment.

But, instead of acting on functional measures and real solutions that when implemented will reduce crime and will help those with dangerous behavioral health issues, all that the President repeatedly proposes will only infringe on the rights of those law-abiding who have never, and will never, commit a crime. This isn’t a real solution, it isn’t true leadership, and it isn’t what America needs.

And, that’s a shame.

[Blackwater 53393]

Until VIOLENCE is allowed to be discussed without ANY qualification, no knife, no club, no foot or fist, no gun, and no other adjectives applied, there can be NO constructive solutions!!

 

Violence was with us for thousands of years before the first gun of any kind was ever created!! Humans have found ways to force their will on other humans since time began!! If by nothing more than size and strength, one can have their way or end another’s life, no weapon can do worse. In fact, no weapon will cause injury or death unless some person picks it up and uses it or misuses it!!

 

The fact that a gun takes away the advantage of size or strength and can even diminish the advantage of numbers makes it a far more sensible choice for personal protection. The possession of firearms by law abiding citizens should be PROMOTED and the right to legal possession protected ABOVE ALL ELSE!!!

 

Those who are prohibited from possessing firearms and other weapons, if found in possession or convicted of their use, should be sentenced to terms of incarceration double that of the normal penalties and be required to serve their entire sentence without ANY POSSIBILITY of parole or pardon.

 

Those repeat offenders who use a firearm illegally, causing the death of another person should have their life forfeit, either by execution or by permanent imprisonment!  No chance of ever entering society again!

 

Even this will not prevent death and violence.  Bad people and those who are mentally unstable will always find ways and weapons to do the things that bad people do, the things that cause death and sorrow.  We can only do the things that allow good people to protect themselves and others.

[Eyesa Horg]

Curious as to how Kenasw, Georgia has made out with crime. Didn't they pass something decades ago requiring folks to at least have a gun in the house?

[Blackwater 53393]

Kennesaw is alive and well. They have one of the lowest crime rates in the country.