With the ongoing debate about gun ownership and the potential for harm every armed citizen has, many gun enthusiasts are also avid supporters of the National Rifle Association.
Most people agree that the NRA is a good organization which promotes Constitutional rights, and although they are often portrayed as being rather conservative in their values, they are supported by right wing and progressive gun owners alike. As the divide between Democrat and Republican party voters continues to grow, some people, especially moderates, have questioned whether an NRA membership is worth the association that comes with being part of the group
NRA members enjoy more than just a lobbying service. Joining the group brings benefits that are completely unrelated to guns or politics at all. Many hotel chains, car rental companies, and plane flights or bus rides provide a discount to NRA members. There are also benefits toward insurance costs, medical expenses, and a multitude of products and companies who recognize NRA membership with either a discount on their service or a contribution to the NRA when a member makes a purchase.
There are a few counter arguments against joining the NRA, a common one being that it could potentially lead to easily starting a gun registry. Theoretically, yes, if the government were to start a gun registry they could start with a list of NRA members. However, the argument doesn’t hold salt. The first flaw is that not every NRA member owns a gun — there are other reasons to join as mentioned above. Secondly, the NRA doesn’t track gun sales or ownership, so even if a list of members might detail potential gun owners, it doesn’t detail what kind or how many guns any particular member might own.
Outside of personal reasons for wanting to be or not be affiliated with a group which supports gun ownership and typically contributes to conservative politicians and values, the NRA is a staunch supporter of Constitutional rights. Support of the Second Amendment is what typically makes news headlines, but the NRA truly believes in the validity of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the other amendments which allow for freedom in the United States.
Whether or not you decide to join the NRA is a personal decision which you have every right to make whether you own a weapon, are an avid gun enthusiast, or simply just agree with the values the NRA promotes. What you can rest assured of is that your membership fee goes to a good cause, and the NRA will support your rights. Depending on your lifestyle, you may also find your membership fee pays for itself throughout the year in the form of promotions and discounts available only to NRA members.
~ Firearm Daily
