https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/30/us/p ... earms.html
Here's a GPT4 summary of the article for those who don't have a subscription. But if you do, it's worth the time to read it. Fascinating look on the history of gun issues in Congress.
GPT-4 wrote:The article from The New York Times titled "The Secret History of Gun Rights: How Lawmakers Armed the N.R.A." delves into the intertwined relationship between the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) and U.S. lawmakers. The piece highlights how, for decades, a select group of legislators, led by the influential Democrat, Representative John D. Dingell Jr., worked in tandem with the N.R.A. to reshape the nation's understanding of the Second Amendment, the legal landscape, and the broader discourse on gun rights.
Long before the N.R.A. became the formidable force it is today, John D. Dingell Jr. envisioned a plan in 1975 to transform the organization from a group of sports enthusiasts into a powerful lobbying entity. This transformation aimed to ensure politicians' loyalty, influence legislative decisions, and redefine the legal framework surrounding gun rights. Dingell's unique position as both a politician and a member of the N.R.A.'s board of directors allowed him to significantly influence firearms policy. He was among at least nine senators and representatives from both parties who held dual roles over the past fifty years, aiding the N.R.A. in amassing unparalleled power.
The article also underscores the proactive roles these lawmakers played within the N.R.A., often pushing the organization into action. Their involvement was not merely passive acceptance of the N.R.A.'s directives. Instead, they actively led initiatives, strategized against potential legislative threats, and built a robust defense against gun control measures. This collaboration has resulted in the U.S. having over 400 million firearms in civilian hands today, with the nation deeply divided over the interpretation and implications of the right to bear arms.
