The article discusses the National Rifle Association's (NRA) influence on gun control legislation and their ability to block research on gun violence. The author criticizes the NRA's tactics, including their ability to mobilize members to contact lawmakers and their simple, single-issue message. The article highlights the Dickey amendment, which has prevented the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from studying gun violence since 1996. The author urges readers to call their lawmakers and demand the repeal of the Dickey amendment, but notes that consistent pressure and engagement are necessary to bring about change.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Orlando shootings led to various ideas on the root of the problem.
2. The shooter was born in Queens, about eight miles from where Donald Trump was born.
3. Democrats focused on the weapons used by the shooter and proposed new regulations.
4. Chris Murphy of Connecticut led a 15-hour filibuster to push for gun control measures.
5. The proposed measures included preventing people on the terror watch list from buying guns and expanding background checks.
6. The gun control proposals were unlikely to pass due to Republican control of the House of Representatives.
7. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a major obstacle to gun control legislation.
8. The NRA has been successful in blocking gun control laws, despite not being a large organization.
9. The NRA has about 5 million members, compared to 8 million members of Planet Fitness.
10. The NRA spends a significant amount on lobbying, but is often outspent by other organizations.
11. The NRA's real power comes from its highly motivated and mobilized members.
12. The NRA has an appealingly simple message, which is focused on a single issue: opposition to gun control.
13. The NRA has successfully lobbied to prevent the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from studying gun violence.
14. The Dickey amendment, passed in 1996, restricts CDC funding for gun research.
15. The CDC's funding for gun violence research has plummeted 96% since 1996.
16. The NRA has also lobbied to prevent the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from having an electronically searchable database of gun sales.
17. The ATF is forced to review paper records and microfilm to trace gun sales.
18. The Dickey amendment is opposed by the American Medical Association and Jay Dickey, the man who sponsored it.
19. Despite opposition, the Dickey amendment has not been overturned.