When Is a Survey Not a Survey, But an Attempt To Generate Propaganda?

Are the following excerpts from an online survey from the NRA (National Rifle Association in the U.S.) a sincere attempt to understand Americans’ sensibilities vis-a-vis gun rights?  Here are a few sample questions, along with some things to think about.

Question #1: Do you agree that the Second Amendment guarantees your individual right to own a firearm?

If you think this is a black and white issue, I think we’ve identified the problem right there.  When you say “firearm,” what do you mean?  Are you referring to handguns or weapons of war?  Should individual citizens legally own rocket propelled grenades and bazookas? Isn’t there a difference between a rifle that is a necessity to protect livestock in rural America and a handgun that is almost always used to kill people in an inner city? Is this right protected for people whose background checks, had they been mandatory, would have revealed criminal records or mental illness?

Question #2: Do you support laws that protect your fundamental right to use a firearm to defend yourself and your loved ones from a violent criminal attacker?

First, honest people trying to learn something don’t use words like “fundamental” to equate rights to own guns with rights to a fair trial.  Second, understand that no one opposes anyone’s rights to use a gun to “defend against a violent criminal attacker.” This isn’t a survey question; it’s a rhetorical device.

Question #3: Do you agree that law-abiding citizens should be forced to submit to mandatory gun registration or else forfeit their guns and their freedom?

Uh, yes.  We live in a country that has more than 11,000 gun deaths per year (vs 26 in the UK).  Our children are being slaughtered en masse.  91% of Americans support mandatory background checks for prospective gun owners, and the vast majority of law-abiding gun owners agree.

As we read constantly, the NRA finds itself in deep financial trouble.  Perhaps a bit of intellectual honestly would help turn that around.