NRA needs to get beyond bumper-sticker solu..

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

With the most recent mass shooting, I grow a little tired of the NRA responses to these sorts of tragedies. The typically the NRA response is something like "Only Way To Stop A Bad Guy With A Gun Is With A Good Guy With A Gun," or my favorite " ... from my cold, dead hands." Enough with the bumper-sticker arguments.

The NRA keeps missing a huge opportunity to actually help take the focus off guns. The common denominator in every mass shooting thus far has been mental illness. It is time for the NRA to step to the plate and ask their 4.5 million members to help fight and treat mental illness. The NRA should start by becoming the biggest champion of mental health treatment that has ever existed.

Along with the bumper sticker they send to their members, they should also educate and inform their constituents about the local resources that are available if they or their family or friends happen to need these services. And maybe their bumper sticker should read "Member of the NRA – Let me help."

Unfortunately, the NRA will have yet another opportunity to shift the argument in the right direction. But will they do it?

Floyd Clark

Lehi

NRA needs to get beyond bumper-sticker solutions