Many gun control groups aren't described by the media as being about gun control, but gun safety. The idea is that they can't be seen as trying to take guns away from people, only keep folks safe.
We know it's BS, of course, but a lot of people don't realize it. That's what makes it effective.
So, I guess it was just a matter of time before an anti-gun group tried to get into the training game. It's ridiculous, but sooner or later, they almost had to if they wanted to keep pretending they care about responsible gun ownership.
And Everytown for Gun Safety stepped in and did just that.
I've made fun of the program, of course, as have a lot of you.
However, the reaction to the program is interesting. As Cam noted earlier today, it seems a lot of people within the ranks are less than thrilled by this.
Some activists devoted to ending gun violence had to look twice at the source of the ads for firearms training that flashed on their computer screens. Everytown for Gun Safety, which has made its name advocating for stricter gun laws and preventing violence, is now offering courses for gun owners.
Organizers say the on-demand or Zoom-style sessions are aimed at responsibility and safety without any undertones of salesmanship.
Gun-rights groups reacted to the launch with derision for the newcomer to a space flooded with concealed carry and pistol programs run by the National Rifle Association and other groups.
The new program, Train SMART, also risks angering a network of grassroots chapters and gun violence prevention volunteers at Everytown. Some recoiled at the launch and others quit their positions.
What a strange response from people who were or are part of an organization that says it respects responsible gun ownership.
Why would they really have a problem with their group offering an alternative to training from very pro-Second Amendment entities like the NRA or USCCA, among others? What on earth could the problem with that be if it's really about gun safety versus gun control?
Maybe it just means that these folks, at a minimum, were never about "gun safety" or "responsible gun ownership" at all, but were really just looking for a way to eliminate the Second Amendment entirely and take issue with the organization doing anything to suggest that's not the goal.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying those who don't have an issue with it necessarily believe that gun ownership actually is a good thing or have any support for the Second Amendment. They're just smart enough not to tip their hand like this.
Of course, this is mostly speculation, but why else would these people really be upset with Everytown offering an alternative to what they're sure is problematic training?
It's very telling that they're so upset over something they should be thrilled about.
After all, if it's really about gun safety, gun safety training is a natural place to go for any organization. It's an evolution from pure advocacy into the realm of actually providing what you think people need. If it's gun elimination, on the other hand, well...
Editor’s Note: The radical left will stop at nothing to enact their radical gun control agenda and strip us of our Second Amendment rights.
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