NTYDTTRD attracts anti-gun attention

On June 24, the Sun Sentinel (Central Florida) columnist Gary Stein wrote an anti-gun piece that mentioned NTYDTTRD. I guess we have hit the big time! LOL

“Of course, gun nuts always come up with ludicrous ways to promote weapons. Just recently — again, I am not making this up — gun fanatics were agog over National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day. Kind of makes your toes tingle, doesn't it?”

I did, in fact, email Mr. Stein, very politely, and mentioned that the number one objective of the event was safety education and the number two was family time. I suggested that if he tried target shooting he might understand that some of us find it fun. He responded, equally polite, but made it clear that he “abhors” guns and the NRA. Mmmm??? So much for non-biased journalism?
 
In skimming the comments I came across this one. I considered responding and decided that this kind of close minded thinking would never be phased by simple facts or anyone else’s opinion. (name withheld to protect the foolish)


XXXXXXXX at 11:19 AM June 25, 2012
“I completely agree with the author.
Guns owners are disrespectful of authority. A failure to rely on authorities is an invariable sign of improper and overly independent attitudes. The mere fact that they gather together to talk about guns at gun shops, gun shows, shooting ranges, and on the internet means that they have some plot going against us normal people. A gun owner has no right to associate with another gun owner.
Therefore, to help ensure our right to happiness and safety we must ban and seize all guns from private hands, and forbid NRA-based criticism towards people who are only trying to help. Searching the homes of all NRA members for any guns and pro-gun literature will go a long way towards reducing crime.
Common sense requires only uniformed soldiers, police, and other agents of the state have access to firearms, and think of all the money we can save by just taking away the guns from private owners and giving them to the military and police. No person should be able to challenge this by writing to Congress or the President. If they do they should be forced in court to admit to it and then fined a hundred million dollars for each time. Subjecting them to torture will probably change their minds.”

Wow…I, as most lawful gun owners do, have a true respect for the law and for doing the right thing. I also respect the constitution that allows me to not only own firearms but have free assembly. Apparently Mr. X doesn’t realize that most armed criminals are probably not NRA
members, nor are the criminals likely to be gathering to chat at gun shows or ranges. He also doesn’t seem to realize that the “authorities” are reactive, usually arriving after a crime has been committed. Good luck with that.
This was the first time I’ve really come across such vehement anti-gun sentiment. It set me back on my heels a little. I do not understand why someone thinks they have the right to decide that I’m wrong when I am acting responsibly and within the law? And torture for disagreeing? Isn’t that a bit Marxist? There is an old line, but very true, “If guns are illegal only criminals will have guns".

Safe Shooting!