Dear Editor:

Many of the organizations within the Second Amendment debate refer to themselves as “gun safety” advocates. I, and many of your readers, know that this is simply not true. If these groups and their members were truly interested in promoting firearm safety then they would join the NRA in its efforts in that area.

Established in 1871, the NRA was originally founded to promote marksmanship in America’s military. As firearm technology improved safety became a bigger part of the organizations programs. During World War II, the NRA was instrumental in teaching America’s growing military marksmanship. President Harry Truman felt that the programs the NRA put in place in doing so were one of the greatest contributions to the war effort.

After the war that expertise gave birth to the marksmanship and safety programs we see today from the NRA. Youth programs in groups such as the Boy Scouts and 4H were developed by the NRA. Women’s programs grew as more and more women became participants in firearm sports. Adaptive programs for less able shooters are also a big part of these efforts.

Today, America has in the NRA many ready made programs for promoting “gun safety” starting with the Eddie Eagle initiative. This program began in 1988 and has reached over 26 million children nationwide. Focusing on grades pre-K through third, it teaches four simple rules: STOP, Don’t touch, Leave the area, Tell an adult. It does not promote firearm ownership and receives no Congressional or manufacturer funding. It simply teaches kids to not touch guns. With over 50 percent of America’s homes containing firearms this can only have a positive outcome.

Other youth programs are available to teach both marksmanship and safety. These programs been shown to help in every aspect of a young person’s life by teaching responsibility and respect as well.

The NRA is much more then its defense of the Second Amendment, which so many vilify it for. I urge your readers to go to www.nra.org and learn for themselves. This organization and others like it are really doing something about “gun safety.” Semper Armatus.

Linc Sample

Boothbay Harbor