When I first became aware of the National Rifle Association (NRA) it seemed like a worthwhile organization that was modeled after the American theme of political freedom. I even considered becoming a member. But as I got to know more about the organization it quickly became like most other non-profits and advocacy organizations whose sole focus is on the self-serving lining of their pockets.
I am a gun owner. I own several guns and I believe that everyone should have a gun and know how to use it for self-defense. I also believe that the Mexican government routinely ignores the rights of all Mexican citizens to own guns. I believe that the Mexican government’s interference of the rights of Mexicans to own weapons has given rise to the violence that many Mexicans live under.
I am also a concealed carry permit holder.
You would think that I would support the NRA’s stated purpose of protecting the Second Amendment rights of American citizens. But like the idea that Americans embrace freedom they also demand ethical behavior, not withstanding the example of many politicos, including Donald Trump.
The most recent turmoil within the NRA proves that the NRA is a dinosaur that needs to die and make way for a more American-leaning gun rights organization to advocate for the protection of the Second Amendment rights.
This last weekend demonstrated how the NRA does not serve the interests of the American people.
First, Oliver North was ordered to step down as the president of the organization. This was after North alleged financial improprieties by the NRA CEO, Wayne LaPierre. For his part, LaPierre also accused North of financial shenanigans at the organization.
The New York Attorney General is now investigating the NRA.
Readers who keep up with geopolitics will remember that Oliver North criminally armed Iran and funneled the money from the weapons to the Contras to destabilize Nicaragua in the mid-1980s. Readers complaining about the immigrant surge at the border should note that many of the asylum seekers are from Nicaragua. Many of the asylum seekers argue that Nicaragua was destabilized forcing them to seek asylum in the United States.
The readers arguing that the ACLU is a left-wing organization protecting the Democrats, should also note that North’s conviction was vacated in part because the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) intervened on his behalf.
Oliver North not only armed America’s arch-enemy, Iran, but he did so in contravention of American law and the wishes of Congress. Monies paid by Iran and others for the weapons were funneled by North to the Contras who were trying to overthrow the Nicaraguan government.
In 1986, the International Court of Justice found that the United States violated international law by supporting the Contras in their rebellion against the Nicaraguan government. The Contras were also accused of human rights violations by the Human Rights Watch.
In other words, any arguments levied by Oliver North about ethics should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when you add the controversy of the Freedom Alliance that North founded and works closely with Sean Hannity to fund the non-profit. There have been allegations of millions of dollars raised through Hannity’s programs not being used for charitable purposes.
The NRA is mired in financial controversy and its response to the gun murders in America, not to mention appointing Oliver North, and then firing him demonstrates that the NRA is as un-American as any organization can get.
As an aside, the following graphic is available as a T-Shirt on my BorderBandit Studio. (link)
It turns out that the graphic was deemed as obscene by Twitter and banned it from its advertising platform. Anecdotally I have been led to understand that the NRA complained to Twitter, months after I began running ads for the t-shirts and Twitter responded by banning my t-shirt ad.
However, I believe it perfectly expresses how many feel about the NRA today.
If you agree, why not buy a sticker of a t-shirt? Buy at this link.
