I thought Waynes words were spot on, though I only read the transcript and didn't get to see the video feed. I wasn't offended by the words he said regarding video games or movies. I think it only supports the fact that we as a society in general, tolerate violence and gore for entertainment and then look for things to scapegoat when the violence becomes reality.(In this case it is the gun or the NRA, not the actor) A so called assult weapon may have been the tool he used, but influences of violence in our culture when added to a mind that obviously wasn't stable certainly doesn't make for a good combination. At least that's the point I got from his address.
I'm in the "not another inch" camp. I don't even own an AR but I sure as hell don't want another AWB that outlaws them because the media is expoiting the fact that he used one. Right now the NRA is the most influential voice of the gun lobby and yes there are other organizations you can donate to if you have a grudge against them, like Gun Owners of America, Firearm Owners Against Crime or The Second Amendment Foundation. Wayne LaPierre may not be the best speaker in some of your minds, but under his watch, he has swelled the ranks considerably and that is what we need. Numbers in the ranks equates to a huge chunk of the voting block. Remember it's the House and Senate that have to take measures before sending it to Obamas desk.
Another valuable resource is your voice. If you don't want tighter restrictions, contact your representatives. Beleive it or not, it works. It only takes a short ammount of time to send an e-mail and although it may not be read directly by your congress-critter, they usually have staffers keep a log of how a particular peice of legislation is being supported or opposed. I'm proud to say that I was part of the grass roots effort that got us a Castle Doctrine bill passed into law last year here in Pennsylvania. I personally like to send an actual envelope to their office as it is a tangible item that is harder to ignore. Phone calls are probably the best way to convey your message, as you get to talk to a live person, just be polite, factual and to the point. And if they do vote in favor of your support, be sure to thank them. Everybody likes to be told they're doing a good job.
The Anti's are already chewing away at their ear and playing on their emotion, the last thing we need as a firearm based community is to fight over how bad of a speaker he is. They are smart, well financed and already have the ball in their court with the circumstances of this shooting and the support of the media. As has been said before, we must hang together for we will surely hang seperately.
I like the idea of supporting the teachers with education and training to arm themselves. Our local school district has had police outside the school directing traffic before and after school all week and I appreciate the display but I don't see it as a viable long term solution. To throw in another quote, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you'll feed him for life." Alot of us gun owners carry concealed every day. Most of us are well versed and very proficient in terms of safety and use. Alot of the local teachers here are avid hunters and marksmen. I don't think anyone is suggesting that they would be forced to undertake this responsibility untrained or unwillingly, but I see it as a very do-able situation that alot would volunteer for if given the chance.
