Loud and clear: NRA members praise those who work for gun rights

Speakers praised the NRA’s work in preserving gun rights for Americans while criticizing the Democratic Party and what they described as a liberal media bias.

“The American people have sent a strong and loud message to their elected leaders: The Second Amendment is not a loophole. Quit trying to fix it,” Republican Gov. Rick Perry told thousands of cheering people at the opening ceremony.

The 134th convention is expected to attract 60,000 people over the weekend to see exhibits of the newest handguns and rifles, as well as hunting accessories and a video game called “NRA Varmint Hunter,” where players shoot at prairie dogs.

A handful of people protested briefly Friday outside the convention center.

Eric Howard, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said he doesn’t think the NRA speaks for most Americans when it comes to gun control.

“It’s an organization that refuses to take any reasonable measure to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children,” he said.

However, Ronnie Schneider, who attended the convention with his 13-year-old son, said he believes liberals are trying to take away the rights of responsible citizens to own guns.

“It’s a good healthy thing, I think, for people to like guns,” said Schneider, 54.

The NRA is riding a wave of success, and membership is at an all-time high of about 4 million.

The group has helped elect Republicans — such as House Majority Leader Tom DeLay — who support their agenda, including efforts to limit lawsuits seeking damages against gun manufacturers and distributors and blocking a ban on assault weapons.

DeLay is scheduled be the convention’s keynote speaker Saturday.

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On the Net:

NRA: http://www.nra.org

Brady Campaign: http://www.bradycampaign.org/