According to the 2010 census, the United States has 240 million people over the age of 18. The National Rifle Association has a membership of 4.5 million, according to its recent estimate. It represents less than 2 percent of our adult population. Why is the NRA able to tyrannize us into believing that the only form of a safe society is a vigilante society, where everybody owns a gun?

The NRA’s political manipulation has been able to prevent support for research on gun safety. Also, some NRA members seem to think that it is their God-given, constitutional right to have fun with assault weaponson the shooting range or the hunting field. Many people would probably enjoy going 90-100 mph down the highway, but common sense, and respect for the safety of others, makes them accept the laws that prohibit such acts.

How can we combat the NRA’s tyranny? Ask every political candidate whether he/she accepts money from the NRA or its affiliates. If yes, withhold our vote at election time. We can also withdraw our money from investment funds that have gun and ammunition companies in their portfolio. Finally, speak up at any appropriate occasion to show that a small minority cannot oppress us.

Birgit Brun Coffman

Iowa City