I think we may not be fully grasping the NRA position on issues. Hunting has fallen out of favor as a sport. If law enforcement is successful at reducing violent crime (witness NYC), then even fewer people would be interested in purchasing weapons.
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The NRA goal is to increase violent crime and mass shootings and thereby increase anxiety among the public. If you don’t feel secure, you may be persuaded that a gun would provide at least some protection in a confrontation — so more gun sales. This is a Machiavellian plot to increase gun sales, even if the result is the destruction of civility in this country