Recently the NRA Institute for Legislative Action sent me this poll:
1999 TRUTH ABOUT GUN OWNERS (TAG) POLL
It’s another “Emergency Update”! They state,
((quote))
Your answers will help defeat gun bans by proving to Congress that gun
owners and NRA members are united in their support for the Second
Amendment. And your answers will help build support for honest
crime-fighting measures to keep violent criminals behind bars....”
((unquote))
The offered answers for most questions are: “yes”, “no”, “no opinion”.
I started to complete this poll but realized I was being forced into
answers I did NOT agree with. So, this is my draft response to
the NRA-ILA poll. I will consider ALL input before I finally send this to
the NRA.
----------------------------------------
1. Do you think that the NRA and NRA members are in any way
responsible for the tragedy that took place earlier this year in Littleton,
Colorado?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
2. Do you agree with the NRA that background checks at gun shows
should be completed within 24 hours, or do you agree with Bill Clinton
and Al Gore that the government should be allowed so much time to
complete these checks that the gun show would be over?
Answers:
a.___ checks should be completed within 24 hours.
b.___ government should have up to three days to complete the checks
c.___ no opinion.
I have a strong opinion but no available response. The closest
response, of course, would be “a” - but I don’t agree with that choice:
IF we MUST have gun checks:
-- Gun checks should be done as quickly as a MasterCard or VISA
credit check, ie within seconds.
-- NO records of specific guns bought and sold should be reported (let
alone recorded).
-- NO records of specific gun owners (buyers) should be kept.
-- The ONLY database should be of people who are NOT eligible to buy,
possess, or own a firearm.
--------------------
3. Do you think the government should be allowed to tax law-abiding
gun owners by charging unlimited fees for background checks?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Obvious answer is “no”. However, by answering “no” I am agreeing
that the government should charge “something reasonable” for
background checks. Grrrr.
--------------------
4. Right now, the Clinton/Gore Administration is maintaining FBI files
on law-abiding Americans who legally purchase firearms. Do you agree
with the NRA that Congress should take action to end this illegal
gun-owner registration scheme?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
5. Do you believe the federal government should have the power to
dictate how many firearms you can buy or own?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
6. Would you support or oppose a total ban on the private ownership of
handguns across the United States of America?
Available answers: support, oppose, no opinion.
--------------------
7. Do you believe than any firearm ought to be banned on the basis of
its appearance?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
8. Do you think the government should have the power to dictate
whether or not you are allowed to keep a loaded gun in your home for
self-defense?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
9. Do you think that a law-abiding citizen like yourself should be put in
jail if a criminal steals your guns and uses them in a crime?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
10. Do you support the NRA’s call for full prosecution of violent
criminals who violate existing federal firearms laws?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
10a. No. I do NOT believe in, or support, most FEDERAL firearms laws
or FEDERAL prosecutions of violent crime. Most are states-rights
issues. Also, I fear that federal laws may criminalize innocent actions
and label them “violent” criminals or “terrorists”.
The prosecution of someone who innocently (ignorantly, forgetfully,
stupidly, etc.) brings a weapon to the airport security check in their
purse or briefcase is NOT the same as the premeditated murderer who
secretly puts a bomb in a radio. There is a difference in intent that the
law does not recognize.
If the goal is “security and safety” it could be accomplished without
“making an example” of someone who makes an innocent mistake or an
administrative error in packing a firearm in luggage.
10b. Remember how close Hillary came to setting a limit on the
number of cartridges or bullet components you could possess? It’s
none of their business!
--------------------
11. Do you agree with the NRA that violent criminals who try to buy
guns should be prosecuted by the federal government instead of turned
loose on our streets as the Clinton/Gore Administration is doing?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Again, this may be a states-rights issue. Also, I do not agree with the
extent of federal laws and possible fines and confinement. I’m not sure
what the federal government may call “violent” and won’t trust them
until I KNOW what the definition IS and WILL BE.
Obviously, I don’t want murderers, rapists, etc. running around with
guns. However, on an earlier TFL thread, many of us agreed that after
a felon has “paid his debt to society” he should have citizens’ rights
restored. (Many TFLers DISagreed, I understand.)
--------------------
12. Do you agree with the NRA that the Clinton/Gore Administration
should enforce existing federal laws against juveniles who illegally bring
guns to schools?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
NO. These are not federal schools. States’ rights issue. But by saying
“no”, it looks like I support kids bringing guns to school!
--------------------
13. Under current law, drug dealers who are caught with guns can be
sent to federal prison for five years. Do you agree with the NRA that
the Clinton/Gore Administration should being enforcing this law?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Yes = Guns are bad if certain people have them.
No = I’m in favor of drug dealers???
No opinion? Not likely! But I do need help thinking through this
subject.
The gun is not the crime. Punish actions not the object. Furthermore,
many people believe drugs should be de-criminalized. I don’t think so,
but I’m wavering. I would be willing to de-criminalize drugs, as they
were early in this century, if we returned to our Constitutional form of
government.
--------------------
14. Do you agree that adults who supply violent juveniles and gang
members with firearms should be prosecuted by the federal
government?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
No. States’ rights issue. But this makes me look like I don’t favor
punishment! Not necessarily true!
--------------------
15. To help NRA-ILA continue our fight in Congress to defeat gun bans,
and to help publicize the Clinton/Gore Administration’s failure to
prosecute criminals, will you make a special emergency contribution to
NRA-ILA today?
Available answers: yes, no.
No. I will maintain my Life Membership in NRA. But the NRA works too
much for compromising my guns rights away and too little toward
preserving and recovering my Constitutionally-acknowledged Rights.
Therefore, my donations will go elsewhere.
================================
Additionally, I’m not convinced that this “poll” is even a poll. When
they ask for a donation at the same time:
- are they “saving money” by combining poll taking with fund raising?
- is my poll ignored completely, or
- is my poll ignored if I do NOT send money?
================================
Well, folks, there you have it.
Which questions are arguable?
Which of my answers are arguable?
I need some help on this mess.
BTW, let’s save time and leave out the arguments about supporting the
NRA because they’re wonderful, always right, the best we can get,
better than nothing, our only hope for the future, they have done so
much for us in the past, etc.
The NRA says this will help defeat gun bans. However, with more that
22,000 gun laws on the books, I am less than convinced.
Considering the regimentations, accusations, and demonizations we
have suffered during the last fifty years, I am less than convinced.
Considering the increasing frequency of defeats for honest, taxpaying
gun owners, I am less than convinced.
Therefore, I am finished with blind, unquestioning support of the NRA.
Remember, the “Insta-Check” was the NRA’s idea!
All too often, the NRA have compromised away our natural rights. The
time has come to get those rights back - as guaranteed by the
Constitution.
If the NRA wants to prove that we support the NRA, then the NRA must
prove they support us. I am less than convinced.
So? Convince me.
1999 TRUTH ABOUT GUN OWNERS (TAG) POLL
It’s another “Emergency Update”! They state,
((quote))
Your answers will help defeat gun bans by proving to Congress that gun
owners and NRA members are united in their support for the Second
Amendment. And your answers will help build support for honest
crime-fighting measures to keep violent criminals behind bars....”
((unquote))
The offered answers for most questions are: “yes”, “no”, “no opinion”.
I started to complete this poll but realized I was being forced into
answers I did NOT agree with. So, this is my draft response to
the NRA-ILA poll. I will consider ALL input before I finally send this to
the NRA.
----------------------------------------
1. Do you think that the NRA and NRA members are in any way
responsible for the tragedy that took place earlier this year in Littleton,
Colorado?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
2. Do you agree with the NRA that background checks at gun shows
should be completed within 24 hours, or do you agree with Bill Clinton
and Al Gore that the government should be allowed so much time to
complete these checks that the gun show would be over?
Answers:
a.___ checks should be completed within 24 hours.
b.___ government should have up to three days to complete the checks
c.___ no opinion.
I have a strong opinion but no available response. The closest
response, of course, would be “a” - but I don’t agree with that choice:
IF we MUST have gun checks:
-- Gun checks should be done as quickly as a MasterCard or VISA
credit check, ie within seconds.
-- NO records of specific guns bought and sold should be reported (let
alone recorded).
-- NO records of specific gun owners (buyers) should be kept.
-- The ONLY database should be of people who are NOT eligible to buy,
possess, or own a firearm.
--------------------
3. Do you think the government should be allowed to tax law-abiding
gun owners by charging unlimited fees for background checks?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Obvious answer is “no”. However, by answering “no” I am agreeing
that the government should charge “something reasonable” for
background checks. Grrrr.
--------------------
4. Right now, the Clinton/Gore Administration is maintaining FBI files
on law-abiding Americans who legally purchase firearms. Do you agree
with the NRA that Congress should take action to end this illegal
gun-owner registration scheme?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
5. Do you believe the federal government should have the power to
dictate how many firearms you can buy or own?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
6. Would you support or oppose a total ban on the private ownership of
handguns across the United States of America?
Available answers: support, oppose, no opinion.
--------------------
7. Do you believe than any firearm ought to be banned on the basis of
its appearance?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
8. Do you think the government should have the power to dictate
whether or not you are allowed to keep a loaded gun in your home for
self-defense?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
9. Do you think that a law-abiding citizen like yourself should be put in
jail if a criminal steals your guns and uses them in a crime?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
--------------------
10. Do you support the NRA’s call for full prosecution of violent
criminals who violate existing federal firearms laws?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
10a. No. I do NOT believe in, or support, most FEDERAL firearms laws
or FEDERAL prosecutions of violent crime. Most are states-rights
issues. Also, I fear that federal laws may criminalize innocent actions
and label them “violent” criminals or “terrorists”.
The prosecution of someone who innocently (ignorantly, forgetfully,
stupidly, etc.) brings a weapon to the airport security check in their
purse or briefcase is NOT the same as the premeditated murderer who
secretly puts a bomb in a radio. There is a difference in intent that the
law does not recognize.
If the goal is “security and safety” it could be accomplished without
“making an example” of someone who makes an innocent mistake or an
administrative error in packing a firearm in luggage.
10b. Remember how close Hillary came to setting a limit on the
number of cartridges or bullet components you could possess? It’s
none of their business!
--------------------
11. Do you agree with the NRA that violent criminals who try to buy
guns should be prosecuted by the federal government instead of turned
loose on our streets as the Clinton/Gore Administration is doing?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Again, this may be a states-rights issue. Also, I do not agree with the
extent of federal laws and possible fines and confinement. I’m not sure
what the federal government may call “violent” and won’t trust them
until I KNOW what the definition IS and WILL BE.
Obviously, I don’t want murderers, rapists, etc. running around with
guns. However, on an earlier TFL thread, many of us agreed that after
a felon has “paid his debt to society” he should have citizens’ rights
restored. (Many TFLers DISagreed, I understand.)
--------------------
12. Do you agree with the NRA that the Clinton/Gore Administration
should enforce existing federal laws against juveniles who illegally bring
guns to schools?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
NO. These are not federal schools. States’ rights issue. But by saying
“no”, it looks like I support kids bringing guns to school!
--------------------
13. Under current law, drug dealers who are caught with guns can be
sent to federal prison for five years. Do you agree with the NRA that
the Clinton/Gore Administration should being enforcing this law?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
Yes = Guns are bad if certain people have them.
No = I’m in favor of drug dealers???
No opinion? Not likely! But I do need help thinking through this
subject.
The gun is not the crime. Punish actions not the object. Furthermore,
many people believe drugs should be de-criminalized. I don’t think so,
but I’m wavering. I would be willing to de-criminalize drugs, as they
were early in this century, if we returned to our Constitutional form of
government.
--------------------
14. Do you agree that adults who supply violent juveniles and gang
members with firearms should be prosecuted by the federal
government?
Available answers: yes, no, no opinion.
No. States’ rights issue. But this makes me look like I don’t favor
punishment! Not necessarily true!
--------------------
15. To help NRA-ILA continue our fight in Congress to defeat gun bans,
and to help publicize the Clinton/Gore Administration’s failure to
prosecute criminals, will you make a special emergency contribution to
NRA-ILA today?
Available answers: yes, no.
No. I will maintain my Life Membership in NRA. But the NRA works too
much for compromising my guns rights away and too little toward
preserving and recovering my Constitutionally-acknowledged Rights.
Therefore, my donations will go elsewhere.
================================
Additionally, I’m not convinced that this “poll” is even a poll. When
they ask for a donation at the same time:
- are they “saving money” by combining poll taking with fund raising?
- is my poll ignored completely, or
- is my poll ignored if I do NOT send money?
================================
Well, folks, there you have it.
Which questions are arguable?
Which of my answers are arguable?
I need some help on this mess.
BTW, let’s save time and leave out the arguments about supporting the
NRA because they’re wonderful, always right, the best we can get,
better than nothing, our only hope for the future, they have done so
much for us in the past, etc.
The NRA says this will help defeat gun bans. However, with more that
22,000 gun laws on the books, I am less than convinced.
Considering the regimentations, accusations, and demonizations we
have suffered during the last fifty years, I am less than convinced.
Considering the increasing frequency of defeats for honest, taxpaying
gun owners, I am less than convinced.
Therefore, I am finished with blind, unquestioning support of the NRA.
Remember, the “Insta-Check” was the NRA’s idea!
All too often, the NRA have compromised away our natural rights. The
time has come to get those rights back - as guaranteed by the
Constitution.
If the NRA wants to prove that we support the NRA, then the NRA must
prove they support us. I am less than convinced.
So? Convince me.