NRA combines viciousness with self parody

by David Safier

This ad for the NRA store would be laughable if it weren't for the use of JFK, assassinated by rifle shots, as a supporter of the perversion of "Freedom" the NRA stands for.

The "I didn't say that," Much-louder-than-a-dog-whistle pairing of the killing a [Democratic] president with the "cost of freedom" borders on the obscene.

But then comes the self parody. How far can you stretch the concept of "freedom" to make a buck? You can sell jackets that allow the buyer to "Pursue Freedom from the Cold" ($79.95)  Further down the ad, you can buy a Peacemaker Wooden Box to "Pursue Freedom from Clutter" ($69.85). Or a Collectible Knife to "Pursue Freedom to Choose Quality." ($199.95). Or an NRA USA Long Sleeve T-Shirt to "Pursue Freedom of Motion" ($19.95)

EXTRA: ANTENORI'S VICIOUSNESS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD: For Frank, this country is a battlefield, literally, the more guns the better. What's the best he could come up with as a tribute to Giffords?

“She took a bullet for her country, just like many other people that I know, and she’s to be commended for that,” said Antenori, who served in the Army Special Forces. “Whether it’s a veteran or a congresswoman, they’re to be respected for that degree of sacrifice."

Frank, you callous son of a bitch, when you go to war with a gun in your hand, you're putting yourself in harm's way. You expect to be shot at. You know you might be injured or killed. When you are elected to office in the U.S., you should not "take a bullet for your country" from a madman who, because of our insanely lax gun laws, can buy guns easily. It's a false, obscene equivalence.