Dear Mr. Wayne R. LaPierre, executive vice president, National Rifle Association:
By way of introduction: I have been a member of NRA for several years. My grandfather was a life member and small bore target champion, my father was a waterfowl and upland bird hunter, and I have hunted deer, elk, antelope, waterfowl, and upland in MN, WI, IA, ND and MT. I have a concealed carry permit, am a former trap shooter, and assistant range instructor. Retired nonprofit CEO and national staff member, university graduate, and in my late 70s. We live in Cook County, Northern Minnesota, where hunting is a way of life for many of us, and deer, moose, bear, grouse and waterfowl seasons bring many visitors.
I have watched the conflict and polarization of the gun ownership debate for some time, as has the general public. It is time for NRA to face reality and take a stand against automatic assault type rifles that are available to the public.
It is now 2 p.m. I can drive to Duluth (90 miles), buy an AR-15 or similar rifle, and be back home in time for dinner. This makes no sense. Why would I need/want one? Surely not for hunting, as I have some pride in my abilities. Or, I can use the time before dinner to remove the NRA stickers from my truck and camper.
I am not a prepper, nor a member of a hate or anarchy group, nor a “collector” as there seems to be no rarity when they are available by the thousands. Nor am I an “elitist” as your recent Cover Story infers, nor a Democrat or Republican.
Do the right thing! Do I renew my membership? It’s up to you.
James King
Tofte
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