Why I joined the N.R.A.

Townhall.com ^ | April 5, 2004 | Mike S. Adams

[Beelzebubba]

It was just after midnight in January of 1993 when John and Tiffany left a party at the Sigma Chi house in Starkville, Mississippi. The band was winding down as the couple walked to their car in the parking lot close to where Highway 12 runs into Scott Field on the campus of Mississippi State University.

When they came upon a man who was trying to break into a car parked near their own, all hell broke loose. Before they knew it, they had been abducted at gunpoint. Words cannot describe the horror that John witnessed before Tiffany’s life was taken. Shortly thereafter, he too was murdered execution-style by the side of Highway 45. Many tears were shed on Monday night when our fraternity met to mourn the deaths of the two young students.

After the murders, I had to endure driving by the murder site every Thursday night at about six o’clock on my way to Tupelo, Mississippi. My band played once a week at a bar in Tupelo called Jefferson Place. That meant that I had to drive by the murder site again on my way home at about two in the morning. The images got to me after a couple of weeks, so I called my friend David and asked whether he was still selling his .357 magnum. It was a model 19 by Smith and Wesson. I bought the gun thinking that it would be better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it.

After I moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, I sold that .357 magnum. At the time, my friend Barry Whitehead told me that selling a gun was always a big mistake. Three years later, when I bought my first house in downtown Wilmington, I learned that Barry was right. Despite rampant crack sales, it took almost nine months to get the police to take an interest in the drug trafficking in my neighborhood. Later, I bought my second .357 magnum and a concealed carry permit to go along with it.

In the three years that I lived in that neighborhood, I rarely “used” my permit by carrying a concealed weapon. Nonetheless, it came in handy late one evening when I was walking in my neighborhood and accidentally stumbled upon a crack deal. When the dealer asked what I as doing there, I simply told him that it was my neighborhood. He smiled and told me his name. I suppose that he knew I was carrying a gun because of my confidence. Two months later, eighteen people were arrested smoking crack in his house. I should know because I arranged the drug bust. I told him it was my neighborhood. He should have listened.

For those who don’t know, the concealed carry laws that have been enacted across the land have had a clear effect on serious crime that most social scientists refuse to recognize. Serious scholars such as John Lott have shown that lives are saved as a result of these laws. Nonetheless, Lott has been shunned by academics more interested in showing their classes “Bowling for Columbine” than in actually saving people’s lives.

Less murder, less rape, and less robbery would be nice unless, of course, it interferes with the liberal desire to take another shot at Marxism. No pun intended, of course.

As an out-of-the-closet gun owner, N.R.A. member, and hunter you can imagine the comments that I hear from disapproving faculty members here at my place of employment. When one colleague learned I was in the N.R.A., he asked why “we” think that everyone should own an “assault rifle.” That discussion ended when I asked him to tell me what an “assault rifle” was. He didn’t know. He just knew he hated them because Dan Rather said they were bad. Oh, the intellectual curiosity.

Of course, giving up my concealed-carry permit and quitting the N.R.A. would never be sufficient to redeem me in the eyes of the anti-gun fanatics here in the ivory tower. My status as a hunter is alone sufficient to condemn me in their eyes. Many of my colleagues who fail to muster compassion for unborn humans are staunch defenders of the local deer population. The fact that the overpopulation of deer causes numerous highway fatalities is of little concerned to them. And most would rather see a deer wrapped around the grill of a Ford Expedition and dragged down the highway than to have it experience a clean, quick death with the help of my Browning A-Bolt.

I know that my membership in the N.R.A. helps to neutralize these extremists, some of whom would outlaw hunting scopes because they are “unfair” to the deer. If you think I am kidding, think again. I have actually heard it suggested in the faculty lunchroom.

Of course, I really don’t mind when the academic anti-gun nuts use the First Amendment to express their opposition to the Second Amendment. Every time they do, I just head down to the local sporting goods store and buy another gun that I don’t really need.

When I joined the N.R.A., I became part of an organized effort to neutralize the wacky ideas of the anti-gun lobby in America. I also believe that the N.R.A. won the last Presidential election for George W. Bush. Even Bill Clinton says so and we all know that guy never lies. He isn’t in the N.R.A.

Some people say that a conservative is a liberal who’s been mugged. Maybe an N.R.A. member is a liberal whose unarmed friends were killed by the side of the highway on a cold night in January.

Dr. Mike Adams (adams_mike@hotmail.com) is the author of “Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel.”

[Beelzebubba]

Adams has become one of my favorite columnists.

[Beelzebubba]

Bang

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Nice story.

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[donozark]

Interesting post.

[TexasTransplant]

Adams has become one of my favorite columnists.

 

His column is just what the Dr. ordered, I think the only thing he left out is "An armed society, is a polite society"

[JackRyanCIA]

Good article.

[Rummyfan]

I bought the gun thinking that it would be better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it.

Bump!

[Peter J. Huss]

I will join the NRA when, come this Sept., the AW Ban no longer exists.

I will also become a Kool Aide drinkin' Repub.

Until then, color me a swing voter (swing between voting Repub or staying home).

[fuente]

While his story about the MSU frat brother is moving, and true, having a CCW wouldn't have help them if they were in a bar, consuming alcohol or on campus. All three of those are against CCW permit guidelines and if found carrying under those conditions, a probable felony would be the result.

P.S. Carry permit and SP-101/.357 Mag keeps me warm too.

[Welsh Rabbit]

I decided to stop being a 2nd Amendment supporter just in theory and became a member online yesterday. Eagerly awaiting my first issue of American Hunter...

[Shooter 2.5]

Every gun owner should join a gun Rights group.
Every gun group member should shut the heck up concerning which gun group is "better" so we can all work together.
Every gun owner should work to vote the anti-gun democratic party out of existance.

[Redbob]

"I will join the NRA when, come this Sept., the AW Ban no longer exists."

Great!
You can expect a note from Sarah Brady any time now, thanking you for your support!

[GailA]

Sitting home nets us hanoi john. Then where will our 2nd amendment rights be with the anti-2nd amendment judges and the 2-4 supreme court justices he'd appoint?

This election is about the WOT and the activist liberal/socialist/commie/marxist judges that will effect our way of life for 30-40 years.

hanoi john's gun control votes

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Take a Kid to a Gun Show

[Conspiracy Guy]

Staying home is not the answer.

[TheBigB]

I attended Mississippi State at the same time as Dr. Adams. Unfortunately, our paths did not cross because we were in different departments and fraternities. However, I also remember this awful event. It was the talk of the campus for months.

[Rocky Mountain High]

So, you're doing nothing now and you may well do nothing in the future.
Congrats. You're either apathetic or lazy.

[Peter J. Huss]

I just checked the calendar. The month of September comes before November.

So.....

Like I said, AW Ban exists = no support. No AW ban, I vote Republican for life. It is that important to me.

I am an ignorant one issue voter. There are millions of us on the gun issue.

Ignore us at your political peril.

[phillyfanatic]

I joined the NRA a few years ago. I am a pastor and college teacher. I joined,not because I own a gun but because I believe in the 2nd Amendment and personal liberty. The President should not forget the NRA support. I urge all NRA members to write him and remind him of that. Every vote counts and if a liberal Democrat once again regains power, rights of gun owners and other rights from believers in democratic-republican-capitalism will be put at risk. One state in which NRA members should beware is South Dakota. Dashchele brags about his gun support and yet votes in the Senate as just another liberal. John Thune is for gun rights and he is the real deal. I urge support for Thune since Dash is some 6 % points ahead of him in early polls.

[Shooter 2.5]

What are you doing next year? Are you planning on not climbing Mount Everest? Not finding a cure for cancer?

While the NRA members are going to be working in the candidate's offices, making phone calls and writing letters, I guess you're going to stay home and do nothing hoping for results.

The NRA is more than a magazine subscription. It's a network of volunteers who work for politicians, run shooting matches so the ranges can stay open and teaching our next generation.

From what I can tell from your lazy attitude, don't join the NRA. We don't need you.

[Peter J. Huss]

The only way the AW Ban will exist come September is if GW signs it.

At that point, I might has well voted for Gore.

Hell, if GW signs the AW Ban, I might just vote for Kerry and stick with the devil I know, so to speak. At least he will be a predictable stateist (SP?) and not a stealth one.

[Khurkris]

bang bang bump!

[donozark]

Have you considered, in the interim, joining GUNOWNERS of AMERICA?

[GrandEagle]

Take a Kid to a Gun Show
Ever chance I get. When my oldest daughter (now 8) was around 4, she wanted an ankle holster so she could carry her squirt gun around. She ended up shoving it in her belt as we went to wally-world.
She now has her own .22 revolver (obviously she only gets access to it when we go to the range). She handles it well, loads her own rounds, and cleans it at the end of the day.
If we don't teach our children to handle and respect firearms, the loss of that right is only 1 generation away, not to mention the danger of them not being able to handle or respect firearms. You can be the government school system is teaching them how evil firearms are.

[Peter J. Huss]

Actually, I can safely make these outrageous comments because GW will never see the bill. Still, it is good to keep his feet to the fire. I honestly think he would sign it and believe that he get reelected.

I predict that I will vote Republican again, as I always do.

[donozark]

#13-Well said. Time to focus-keep our eyes on the prize.

[GrandEagle]

GUNOWNERS of AMERICA?
My favorite group, and where my membership lies. Also LEAA, Law Enforcement Alliance of America.

[donozark]

Pleased that you have joined up. It would be nice to achieve 5 million members by election day. This was Heston's dream. Something both magical and powerful about that number...

[Peter J. Huss]

Have you considered, in the interim, joining GUNOWNERS of AMERICA?

Yes.

I am in the fetal position right now in response to the best flame-out I ever got on Freerepublic. Needless to say, this will be a good test of the backbone of this board. Such heresy on the DU gets you the ol' booterooney.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I bought my son a Anschutz "Woodchucker," (I think was its name) .22 clip-fed bolt action rifle with iron sights. It was about 35 inches long and a perfect gun for an eight year old. I am constantly stunned by adults who don't have a gun in the house, "because we have children."

[GailA]

You must ask yourself if you are a 1 issue voter. I don't like gun control, I carry.

Has GW done some things I dislike? You bet. BUT he is president of ALL of America, not just conservatives.

He is the better man on WOT, guns, abortion, taxes, and economy.

hanoi john wants the useless nation's PERMISSION to fight the WOT. He wants MORE taxes. the World Court, UN taxes on the US, he's an enviro whacko, more meals on wheels, no pay raises for our Military.

Isn't a 50%+ raping of your wallet enough to make you want to vote for the better canidate?

That's the kind of thinking thathas neted us hanoi john and his ilk for years.

IF it would only effect us for 4 years you might could justify this type of thinking.

BUT this is a several decade effecting election. It is the most important election in our life time. (I'm 55).

[RogueIsland]

Every gun group member should shut the heck up concerning which gun group is "better" so we can all work together.

Amen!

[donozark]

I would encourage you today, to join GOA if you have reservations about NRA. Cost is minimal. I am a Life member of both (Patron-NRA). Roughly 4 million NRA members and 300K GOA members. Time to make your stand...we need your help.

[GrandEagle]

It was about 35 inches long and a perfect gun for an eight year old.
I have a pre-ban CAR-15 (the AR with the collapsible stock). It worked out perfect because I could adjust the length to fit her. She had a blast shooting the thing too! She has fired that one at the range for a bit over a year now but she always wanted a pistol. The only .22 I had was a small Taurus with a very short barrel. I was a bit scared that she could get her finger accidentally in front of the barrel before she shot it. I finally found her this revolver - made in FL. Simple, single action revolver. Lots of fun. We took it out a few weekends ago for the first time - I'll bet she shot 300 round - 6 at a time.
I think I'll try and see if I can find the Anschutz you mentioned. It sounds like the perfect rifle for a youngster. Thanks for the suggestion.

I am constantly stunned by adults who don't have a gun in the house, "because we have children."
Mee TOO! That's exactly WHY I have firearms in the house!

[Tinman]

Bump for later comment.

[GrandEagle]

Every gun group member should shut the heck up concerning which gun group is "better" so we can all work together.
You may have never had to spend great quantity's of time and finances to defeat one of the NRA's "compromises". I have. I hate funding both sides of a fight.
The NRA has some excellent qualitys no doubt. The greatest of which is that they irritate the "Brady Bunch".

[dd5339]

Good read!

Semper Fi

[gooleyman]

...if GW signs the AW Ban, I might just vote for Kerry and stick with the devil I know...

-----
Sense that does NOT make.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I would say its a modern version of the Remington "gallery" rifle, that were once common in county fairs and carnivals. At one time, I had a collection of "boy's" rifles from the 1920s, all of them 34-36 inches long in .22 and the oddball .25-20 WCF. I was trying to build a new house in the Twin Cities in 1992 and another collector wanted them more than I did, and I needed cash. I've regretted it ever since.

[Gritty]

some of whom would outlaw hunting scopes because they are “unfair” to the deer

Typical Liberals. I suppose they think instead we should grow claws and long teeth to go hunting?

More than likely, their genuine goal is zero hunting so we can slave away to pay a 100% tax rate to pay for their socialist nostrums and private environmental preserves (which, of course, only they can use).

[gooleyman]

By the way, Read my Tagline.

I didn't even agree with Ronaldus Magnus about EVERYTHING.

I don't even agree with Rush about EVERYTHING.

I don't agree with SKerry about ANYTHING.

Case Closed.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

If somebody doesn't get busy and kill off some of the deer around here, there won't be an undamaged car hood and bumper in the whole county.

[GrandEagle]

another collector wanted them more than I did, and I needed cash. I've regretted it ever since.
Man we have ALL done that!

[Hanging Chad]

"...color me a swing voter (swing between voting Repub or staying home)..."
- - -
Staying at home is almost as bad as voting for Kerry.
Not quite; but almost.

[cruiserman]

When one colleague learned I was in the N.R.A., he asked why “we” think that everyone should own an “assault rifle.” That discussion ended when I asked him to tell me what an “assault rifle” was. He didn’t know. He just knew he hated them because Dan Rather said they were bad.

Very true.

[Tribune7]

bump

[Vic3O3]

good post!

[alarmguy]

Take a Kid to a Gun Show.

I'll be taking my 13yo to the show at the upcoming NRA annual meeting in Pittsburgh.