Alex Steed, in two recent BDN columns, has continued to criticize the NRA for lobbying on behalf of the gun owners and the gun industry. Isn’t it a shame it takes a powerful lobby and a lot of money to maintain a right guaranteed to us by the Constitution?
Steed, in his Dec. 18 column, opines about “selective memory” of whites fancying themselves as “protectors” against an oppressive government. This debate is not a racial issue but, at one time in our nation’s history, it was. Here is some history for Steed.
— John Brown, a white man, led a raid against the Federal Arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, to acquire guns so the slaves could revolt. The government recognized slavery as legal and acceptable at the time.
— During the Civil War hundreds of thousands of “whites with guns” went south to crush the Confederacy, preserve the Union and stamp out slavery.
— Steed even mentions the American Indian Wars and mistreatment of Native Americans. Does he not realize the “whites” with guns were sent by the U.S. government? Maybe he should study what happened when the Indians, once properly armed, met Gen. George Armstrong Custer at a place called Little Big Horn.
A gun is a tool that can be used for good or evil depending on who is behind it. Steed should know that every wrongful act that can be perpetrated with a gun is already against the law.
Steed should realize that we common people, of all races, creeds and colors, would most likely not be allowed to own guns nowadays if not for the NRA and its lobbying efforts.
Does Steed take issue with lobbying done on behalf of abortion providers? How about the intensive lobbying on behalf of the fledgling marijuana industry? Those advocating for gay rights?
Very little can be accomplished in our government today without lobbying. Steed accuses the NRA of silencing the gun debate, yet it plays out in local and national news on a daily basis. Silenced? I don’t think so.
Steed claims the gun industry and its lobbyists are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. How about the people pulling the triggers? Did the guns go off by themselves? Mark Twain once said; “There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Does Steed realize the numbers cited throughout the media regarding gun violence include police shootings, legitimate civilian self-defense shootings, accidents and suicides?
I happen to be a retired law enforcement officer with 35 years of service. I served in one of the most violent regions in country during some very violent times. During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and into the new century, I was on the front lines during race riots, violent labor disputes and the wars on drugs and terrorism. I have nearly been removed from this earth by guns. The reason I am still here, and retired on my little farm in Down East Maine is because I had a gun and was properly trained in its use.
Speaking of training, when I began my law enforcement career, it was quite common for agencies to provide little to no firearms training. Knowing this, the NRA provided police firearms training free of charge. I received this training and was grateful for it. Some years later I became an NRA-certified police firearms instructor. I went on to train hundreds of law enforcement officers. Several officers that I have trained have been involved in gunfights. They are all still here.
Thank you, NRA.
Steve Canzona of Jonesboro is a retired police sergeant and detective and the former supervisor of a major crimes unit. He is a life member of the NRA.