NRA turns back on 2nd Amendment, calls for more gun regulations

FAIRFAX, VA. – After the Las Vegas mass-murderer Steven Paddock killed dozens and injured hundreds of concert-goers with an assortment of suped-up rifles, gun control activists and leftists of all stripes wasted no time in politicizing the tragedy and calling for heavier regulation of firearms.

Now it appears the nation’s self-described leader in protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of all Americans, the National Rifle Association (NRA), has come out in favor of new rules regulating guns.

In a joint statement NRA leaders Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox hypocritically called for additional regulations on ‘bump-stock’ devices, immediately after decrying politicians that are calling for more gun control after the massacre. The devices were reportedly used by the Las Vegas shooter to enable his semi-automatic rifles to fire in continuous automatic volleys.

“In the aftermath of the evil and senseless attack in Las Vegas, the American people are looking for answers as to how future tragedies can be prevented.  Unfortunately, the first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control…Despite the fact that the Obama administration approved the sale of bump fire stocks on at least two occasions, the National Rifle Association is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law.  The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations.  In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans’ Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) reportedly said changing the gun laws is something congress needs to look into, adding that he did not even know what a bump-stock was until this week.

On Wednesday, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), the No. 2 Republican leader, said he’s open to considering new limits on bump stocks and called for a hearing. Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, called for a ban on the devices.

Such Republican utterances give more momentum to legislation filed by Democrats such as that by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) banning aftermarket products designed to allow more rapid firing. They also frustrate Republican voters who staunchly uphold the 2nd Amendment as a non-negotiable right no matter how loud the chorus for further gun control becomes.

To that end, the NRA statement may simply be an effort to give political cover to elected Republicans that look likely to succumb to media and pop-culture pressure for gun control advances. After all, the NRA’s history of supporting and endorsing those in power against even stalwart pro-gun newcomers indicates the nation’s largest gun lobby may be more interested in protecting the seats of incumbents than protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of Americans.