No logic in blasting NRA for nation’s violence

Daniel J. Bell, Las Vegas

Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 | 2:05 a.m.

Sandra Hanson’s accusations in her Friday letter that the National Rifle Association and its supporters (members) are involved in an “obscene organization,” and that it is responsible for the bloodshed that results from the presence of guns — that is, “weapons of mass destruction” in our society — are illogical and inaccurate. Also, Ms. Hanson’s proposition, “if we didn’t have guns, we wouldn’t need guns,” is beyond logic and is naive.

I am a life member of the NRA. My association began as an 8-year-old with a strong course on firearms safety. This information has benefited me and others through my lifetime. I have passed on the NRA safety message while in the military and police occupations.

Although I have not always owned firearms, I know that the NRA supports the legal ownership and safe use of firearms and that legal pistols, rifles and shotguns are not “weapons of mass destruction.”

The grief and damage to individuals and society resulting from the illegal use or misuse of firearms is a tragedy by any definition I can imagine. However, the NRA is not responsible for the “carnage” in our society or in the world in general.

If you want to see the “thirst for greed and power,” which in truth is evil, look into international politics.