Washougal resident Anne Haller discusses what she believes are the negative consequences of the NRA’s messaging
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
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 embattled CEO Wayne LaPierre, who on the very next day, resigned just days before the NY corruption trial against the NRA and Pierre.
![Anne Haller](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mug_Clark-County-Today-Anne-Haller.jpg)
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. 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 … think Uvalde, TX.
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 USA.
The NRA is well known for it’s heavy fear mongering tactics and divisive language that scares Americans into joining the organization and creates polarization around firearm policies. Wayne 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
Also read:
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- Opinion: Supreme Court gives Vancouver a new tool to use in its homelessness efforts, but will the city use it?Most Vancouver residents do not want homelessness to be criminalized but they do want a response when some in the homeless community commit crimes, and a new ruling by the United States Supreme court is a tool the city could use to help neighborhoods.
- Opinion: Has transit entered the “death spiral?”Transit ridership dropped sharply with the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020. The slow rebound in the years that followed has prompted discussion, sometimes in hushed tones, as to whether transit had entered a “death spiral.”
- POLL: Should the city of Vancouver do more to protect citizens who have been victims of harassment, or worse, from those living homeless on the streets?Should the city of Vancouver do more to protect citizens who have been victims of harassment, or worse, from those living homeless on the streets?
- Opinion: How bad is freeway speeding?Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl answers a question about the commonplace of freeway speeding in Washington state.