NRA Responds to Bloomberg’s Gun Control Challenge
OutdoorHub Reporters 04.28.14
The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Annual Meetings & Exhibits took place in Indianapolis, Indiana over the weekend, and Michael Bloomberg was a key topic for many speakers throughout the event. Bloomberg—a former New York Mayor and business magnate—announced the dedication of $50 million to fund a newly-minted gun control group called Everytown for Gun Safety earlier this month. Bloomberg also specifically targeted the NRA, stating that he planned to outspend the gun rights organization.
“I actually don’t know what’s bigger: his bank account, his arrogance, or his hypocrisy,” NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) Executive Director Chris Cox told an audience of thousands in Indianapolis.
Although Bloomberg’s personal fortune is immense—estimated to be just shy of $32 billion by Forbes, making him the the 17th richest person in the world—Cox launched into a scathing criticism of the billionaire’s hypocrisy and that of his supporters. Cox especially focused on an interview Bloomberg did with The New York Times in which the former mayor outlined his push for further gun control efforts. Over the course of the interview Bloomberg discussed his previous contributions to clean energy and environmental initiatives, his desire for a “bipartisan” approach to gun control reforms, and even took the time to delve into some personal reflection.
“‘If there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in. I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close,’” Cox quoted Bloomberg as saying in the Times interview.
“I’ve looked, but I can’t find anywhere in the scripture that says the way to get into heaven is deny good people the right to defend themselves from criminal attack,” Cox later told the audience.
You can watch Cox’s full address below:
The NRA also posted a video on YouTube titled “Bloomberg’s Millions” in which familiar faces from the organization’s news network voiced their opposition to the billionaire’s upcoming gun control campaign. Although the NRA-ILA only spends about $25 million on political and lobbying efforts annually, the video reminds viewers that the organization is a powerful entity not because of what is in its coffers, but because of the strength of its members. The NRA surpassed five million members in May of last year.
“[Bloomberg] is one guy with millions,” said NRA commentator Dom Raso. “We’re millions with our 25 bucks. Let’s see who crushes who.”
You can watch that video below as well:
