Letters to the Editor for Jan. 18, 2024

NRA ramps up fear-mongering in election year It’s an election year. Know how I can tell? On a Jan. 4 trip to my mailbox I received a “Notice of Gun Confiscation” from the National Rifle Association. I am writing to warn about the fear-mongering and propaganda-filled marketing letter, which was signed by the NRA’s embattled CEO, Wayne LaPierre, who resigned just days before the New York corruption trial against the NRA and Pierre. While recognizing the NRA’s role in advocating for the rights of gun owners, it is crucial to address the negative consequences of the organization’s messaging. LaPierre’s contribution after the Sandy Hook shooting was: “The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.” This has proved to be very much untrue on more than one occasion, including the May 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. I did call the NRA to find out exactly who was proposing confiscation of my guns, but I was directed to their website. The only article that popped up about confiscation was about a Canadian effort, which was essentially proposing a government gun buyback program. Nothing in the U.S. The NRA is well known for its heavy fear-mongering tactics and divisive language that scares Americans into joining the organization and creates polarization around firearm policies. LaPierre spent the last three decades peddling the Big Lie that more guns will make us safer — all at the expense of countless innocent lives. While recognizing the organization’s role in advocating for the rights of gun owners, it is crucial to address the negative consequences of their messaging. It is essential to emphasize that advocating for responsible gun ownership and promoting safety measures should be at the forefront of any discussion on firearms. Encouraging a rational and evidence-based conversation can lead to policies that balance the rights of gun owners with the need to ensure public safety. The NRA is not likely to change its tactic with the departure of LaPierre, so we need to take action. Wake up, America. Anne Haller, Washougal

Related Stories