Editor’s note: Chris Cox explains the National Rifle Association’s position on the terror watchlist.
Last weekend, our country was shaken to the core by another terrorist attack on American soil—this time in Orlando, Florida. This is another in an increasing number of domestic terrorist attacks by radical Islamic jihadists.
Some irresponsible media and political figures have suggested that the NRA or our members want to make it easier for terrorists to obtain firearms.
This isn’t just wrong, it’s infuriating. NRA members have given their lives fighting this war on terror. When it comes to national security, we take a backseat to no one.
The unfortunate truth is that we’re going to be attacked again from within our borders. The question is, what are we going to do about it?
Let’s set the record straight once and for all: The NRA believes that terrorists should not be allowed to purchase or possess firearms, period.
Anyone on a terror watch list who tries to buy a gun should be thoroughly investigated by the FBI. If an investigation uncovers evidence of terrorist activity or involvement, the government should be allowed to immediately go to court, block the sale and arrest the terrorist.
At the same time, due process protections should be put in place that allow law- abiding Americans who are wrongly put on a watchlist to be removed. Constitutional rights should not be denied without due process of law.
Sadly, President Obama and his allies would prefer to play politics with this issue.
Let’s be clear. Dianne Feinstein’s proposal, which has been around for 15 years and is again being discussed in Congress, would not have prevented the Orlando terrorist attack. The argument that one more gun-control law would have prevented this or any other terrorist attack is not just absurd, it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous because it provides a false sense of security.
The NRA will not let President Obama and Hillary Clinton distract attention away from their repeated failure to keep us safe. When we are attacked, do they blame the jihadists who kill innocent Americans? No. They blame YOU.
This is how they operate. Obama and Hillary apologize for America and our way of life. If you dare use the words “radical Islamic terrorism,” they accuse you of attacking all Muslims. If you believe we should secure our borders, they call you a bigot. Their goal is simple—they want to shame you into surrendering your freedoms.
But make no mistake—the NRA will fight without apology to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans to defend themselves. We will not back down one inch in the face of those who want to eliminate our American freedom.
But we need your help. Call your congressman and senators today. Tell them that our freedom isn’t to blame for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s failed policies. Tell them to support due process for law-abiding Americans and tell them to respect our right—and our need—for self-defense. Pass national Right- to-Carry reciprocity today.
Call your Congressman and Senators today at (202) 225-3121.
The ‘left’ just wants to make the NRA look bad [again]… Many of our politicians are paid off by the gulf states… The Saudi’s have funded 20% of Hillary’s campaign… In addition to John Brennan’s [cia director] conversion to islam or that he is in fact a sympathiser… Kinda obvious who is really supporting terrorism in America and why they want the normal law-abiding sane citizens right to defend/protect themselves abolished… Demonizing GOA and NRA only works with people that are not informed, which is typically the average democrat/liberal that believes federal regulation will ‘keep us safe’ from islamic terrorism… Reacting with fear and infringements on individual liberty is the objective of terrorism, so obviously ‘they’ will keep attacking until complete submission is achieved… Keep Due process, stop importing people that are not compatible with a free republic [Japan doesn’t], stop pandering to political correctness, stop promoting star-chamber procedure, keep/use the bill of rights… People don’t know they are on ‘the list’ until they try to get on board, the names are secret [and common like David Jones], there have been children placed on ‘the list’, there is no explicit way to get off the list, no charges are filed and no one reads any rights to the people on the list… Meanwhile, ‘refugees/migrants’ are imported [by plane, train and automobile] by the millions from conflict zones that hate America, on our dime…
Both sides of this issue are being paid off and are using us law abiding gun owners as pawns.
“…support due process for LAW ABIDING AMERICANS.”
WTF????
Last I checked, the purpose of due process was TO DETERMINE whether or not an American was law abiding.
The NRA needs to start making its intentions crystal clear, time now. There can be no gray area on this issue. This whole thing is starting to stink.