How the NRA and gun manufacturers work together to scam gun owners

[billh58]

If you took gun advocates at their word, you might think they're enormously displeased when President Obama discusses measures like the expansion (or if you like, clarification) of the background check system that he announced on Tuesday. But the truth is this: When Obama talks about guns, the National Rifle Association couldn't be happier. When Republican politicians decry Obama's moves as a dire threat to Second Amendment rights ("Obama wants your guns" declares a web page the Ted Cruz campaign set up in response, portraying the president as some kind of quasi-fascist commando presumably about to kick down your door), they smile in satisfaction. That's because the NRA and the gun manufacturers are in a symbiotic relationship, where they both benefit whenever guns become a political issue.

For the NRA, it's about members and money. For the gun manufacturers, it's about sales and protection from legal liability. And as long as gun owners are kept agitated, angry, and afraid, they both win.

Here's how it works. There's a mass shooting, then President Obama suggests we really need to do something about gun violence. Maybe he has a specific proposal as he did this week, or maybe he doesn't. But the details don't matter. Immediately, the NRA condemns him and other Democrats, then shouts, "They're coming for your guns!" to its members, and all gun owners. A healthy chunk of those gun owners respond by rushing down to the gun store to buy more guns, lest they miss their chance before Obama comes to take them away. The threat always turns out to be imaginary; more background checks wouldn't stop anyone legally authorized to buy a gun from doing so, let alone take away guns people already own. But no one seems to notice that the NRA is the boy who cried "wolf" again and again. Within a month or two, the cycle will repeat itself.

-Snip-

What's particularly remarkable about this increase in gun sales is that it comes at a time when gun ownership is on a long, steady decline. With fewer Americans living in rural areas and hunting no longer as popular a recreational activity as it once was, far fewer Americans own guns today than a generation or two ago. According to data from the General Social Survey, in 1977, 50 percent of Americans said there was a gun in their home; by 2014 the number had declined to 31 percent. That's still a lot, of course, but given the demographics of gun ownership — among other things, members of fast-growing minority groups like Hispanics are far less likely to own guns — the downward trend will probably continue.

http://theweek.com/articles/597752/how-nra-gun-manufacturers-work-together-scam-gun-owners

The far-right gun lobby, represented by ALEC/NRA/ILA and gun manufacturers use faux patriotism and the Second Amendment for nothing more than greed and profits. They are enabled by corrupt politicians who trade their honor and ethics for campaign donations and an NRA "A" rating, and turn a blind eye to the mayhem and deaths caused by gun violence in our society.

This quote from the linked article sums it up precisely:

"What do you call the frightened, paranoid, insecure guy having a midlife crisis who prepares for the inevitable breakdown of society and shakes his fist at the president? You call him a customer. He's the one who responds to every "urgent" appeal from the NRA to donate a few more dollars and go buy another rifle or handgun or two, while the manufacturers watch their profits rise and their stock prices soar. He's money in the bank."

[Skittles]

1. gun humpers are not known for their intellect

[billh58]

2. Very true, but

some feel obligated to display their intellectual shortcomings by parroting right-wing NRA garbage, and calling it "reasoned" discourse.

[Skittles]

3. because they are fucking idiots

too stupid to know they are being played