The National Rifle Association (NRA)

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The National Rifle Association (NRA), recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of the Second Amendment, “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a Free State the Right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” The NRA adheres to the belief that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to bear arms. Recent U.S. Supreme Court cases have confirmed those beliefs. In spite of whether one personally adheres to these interpretations of the amendment or not, the fact is there are over two hundred million guns in this country. Moreover, there are over seventy-five million firearm owners. In addition to the NRA’s political activity for second amendment rights, it has fulfilled a service, as since its inception, it had been the premier firearms education organization in the world by providing firearms safety and training. Since the NRA’s was charter in 1871 for the promotion and encouragement of rifle shooting on a scientific basis, the organization has grown to over four million members. The organization describes itself as non-profit and non-partisan. However, it has more Republican members than Democrat members. Although it will endorse candidates from either party as long as the candidate supports its pro=gun position. Its stated position is for the protection of the Second Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights and the promotion of firearm ownership rights as well as marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection of hunting and self-defense. The NRA commenced promoting shooting sports to American youth by establishing rifle clubs at major colleges, universities, and military academies. Shooting clubs continue on college and university... ... middle of paper ... ...here the Court decisions supported an individuals’ right to own a firearm. In addition, when then New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered the confiscation of all firearms, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The NRA filed suit to protect individuals’ rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Nagin’s actions in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution led to the enactment of a federal law, prohibiting the confiscation of legal firearms from citizens during states of emergency. Although, NRA members are not unanimous in support of its policies, they are unanimous in support of the Second Amendment right. As long as firearms owners perceive a threat of losing the right to own firearms, the NRA will remain a viable organization. In actuality, the NRA’s membership is comprised of citizens, possessing a love of firearms, and fear of their government.

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