I’ve never held a gun in my hand and don’t have any desire to do so. However, a few days ago, I joined the NRA as a lifetime member. I want my Second Amendment freedom protected; whether I exercise that freedom is my decision.
Let’s hope you are never in the situation where you wished you had had a gun and knew how to use it...those folks in Sandy Hook probably thought they never needed to know how to use one, too.
I used to feel like you do then I moved to the country and then I read stats on how little old ladies get victimized. As I’m getting to the little ole lady stage, I said now’s the time to stop being naive, not be a victim and learn how to use a gun...guns don’t kill, people kill...
That said, I just joined the NRA today, too....cheers!
I originally did the same thing - joined the NRA without owning a gun or ever shooting a gun (except a 22 rifle in a ROTC class in college). Then, because I thought it a civic duty, I bought an AR-15 shortly after the assault weapons ban expired in 2004. I owned that gun for about 4 years with no intention of ever shooting it unless I needed to. After having recurring dreams of needing to defend myself but not knowing how to use my gun, I decided to learn. Since then, I have developed a love for going to the range. I still have my AR-15 and have added 3 handguns. I also have a concealed carry permit. I carry a little S&W 380 in my pocket everywhere I go, except for the several killing fields established by law in NC. Unlike the route I took, I recommend that you sign up for a class on how to use a gun, but do it before you buy one. Most ranges have rentals that you can use until you decide what you want to buy.
I quit the NRA in 08 after they supported several Dems over strong Pro 2nd amendment Rupublicans. I’ve been thinking about going back. But, the NRA helped bring this on themselves by trying to be ‘bipartisan’.