An Open Letter to the NRA from Member #217380171

10/13/16

Dear Wayne LaPierre and all at the National Rifle Association,

As a socialist, I may not fit the stereotypical gun owner stereotype, yet you might be surprised how many armed Americans reject right-wing politics. In fact, long before the NRA entered its modern incarnation, it was leftists who proudly defended the 2nd Amendment as applicable to all citizens, no matter their race, identity or gender.

While representing a minority within the NRA, I am still among many members appalled by your endorsement of Donald Trump for president. The man is an obvious opportunist, with no clear lifelong commitments other than his own personal gain. An individual who has repeatedly demonstrated sheer incompetence for public office, degraded nearly every vulnerable section of American society, and, as recently revealed, even bragged about using his fame as a tool for committing sexual assault.

I’m sure the rational went something like this:

Best case scenario, Trump wins and remembers NRA voters fondly, at least until his stance on gun control changes again. The worst? Surely something along the lines of current developments. A campaign flailing wildly against scandals smearing it bow to stern. Personal behavior so shamefully conducted that a politician as widely reviled as Hillary Clinton can leap ahead in the polls and appear ethical by comparison.

Therefore:

I demand the NRA retract its endorsement of Donald Trump and issue a strongly worded condemnation against his racism and misogyny.

That endorsement has potential to forever taint the NRA and everyone else who advocates for the basic right of self defense. I am not suggesting an endorsement of Clinton, who I absolutely distain for many reasons, yet maintaining the course in this situation is unacceptable. Missing the opportunity to distance gun politics from such a repugnant figure as Trump would be a huge mistake. This is a simple human decency issue. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Ross Eliot
Portland, Oregon