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Ever since the beginning of the United States as country, guns have played a key role in its history. Enshrined in its constitution, as the second amendment, is the poignant phrase: ‘the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’ Without getting into the debates that have accompanied this amendment, it is safe to say that Americans have taken its meaning quite literally; and nowadays I am perfectly able to purchase a military-style rifle together with my weekly groceries at Walmart. But something about the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Christmas Eve shootings have shocked Americans from their laid-back attitude to firearms, leading many to ask: how can we deal with the NRA?

American - as seen on a social network – posing in front of his Christmas tree with his new ‘toy’
American – as seen on a social network – posing in front of his Christmas tree with his new ‘toy’
The NRA (National Rifle Association), is one of the strongest lobby groups in America, and with a 4 million strong membership and expenditure of over 20 million dollars on lobbying alone in 2012, it is no surprise. As a response to the recent massacres in the US, the NRA suggested placing one or more armed adults in all schools, in order to truly guarantee the safety of all US schoolchildren. Not only is the idea quite outrageous, but also, American policymakers in 11 states have already begun considering the proposal. The complete self-involvement and desperate grappling for survival the NRA has locked itself into, deepening after every gun massacre, has led the group to become completely out of touch with everyday reality and increasingly extreme. And yet, their influence remains significant and real. Now with Obama recently reelected, it is time for gun control to figure heavily in policy reforms.

What makes the NRA so scary? The association is incredibly skilled at created a cult of fear that it wraps itself in. If people in Washington know a bill is NRA sponsored, they won’t cross it; Obama refrained from any significant gun legislation in his first term despite being pro gun control; and even Romney backed away from a weapons ban he once supported. The threats against ideological opponents and the power of the NRA are significant, however, they are much more a myth than a reality. Not only can the NRA not destroy politicians, its time to stop letting it act in such a fashion. Unfortunately, in politics, perceptions and myths are often more influential at shaping reality than reality itself.

Probably the simplest and most obvious way to diminish the NRA’s influence and implement gun control is to enforce the existing legislation. The existing gun laws are not as relaxed as they may appear and if they had in fact been implemented appropriately, Adam Lanza (the Sandy Hook shooter) would not have been able to get his hands on a gun that was legally registered to his mother. The introduction of new legislation, together with public advertising to ride the wave of anti-gun sentiments should be a priority on Obama’s list, as well as ensuring that the NRA wield less influence in Washington. Moderate Republicans need to stop fearing the extreme, gun-toting ones that are currently leading the NRA, and join forces with the Democrats to stop an organization that isn’t really as terrifying at it makes itself out to be.

Many Americans posted photos on social networks holding the same gun as the one used in the recent killings
Many Americans posted photos on social networks holding the same gun as the one used in the recent killings
 Obama has the means and reputation to introduce meaningful gun control legislation, and with popular support indicating it is largely behind him, he needs to act before the storm dies down. He has already taken the steps in the right direction, but he needs to do more. After all, I’m sure I’m not the only who shuddered at the sight of American children unwrapping guns under their Christmas trees a few days ago.    
 
By: Amanda Felberg
Images source: Daily Mail

Author

  • Amanda Felberg

    Amanda Felberg is a second year IR & History student from Brazil, with a particular interest in the Americas, especially the US. She is mainly concerned with social welfare and political turmoil affecting the Americas, which is usually the central theme of her posts. Keen to explore in more depth Asia and experience the region first hand, Amanda's next big trip will be to China! Amanda reports on the Americas for The London Globalist Blog.

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