November 13, 2024

Gun Control’s Targeting of Firearm Fundraising is Off Target

By Art Thomm

The 2024 General Election is now over and as the nation, states and local municipalities prepare for new representation, it appears “woke,” left-leaning lobbying groups have taken to attacking nonprofit organizations in an ill-focused attempt to gain new support.

A recent article posted by an antigun group launched an attack on a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of children. Why? Because the charity hosted a fundraising event in which firearms were raffle prizes. They fail in their attempt to draw a nexus between charitable sportsmen’s fundraising and the criminal misuse of firearms, but they succeed in exposing the bias against lawful gun ownership.

As the article streamed details to portray a poor image of the demographic of attendees, it failed to highlight that the participants were law-abiding citizens, that tickets had to be purchased to participate and that a federal firearms license holder was on-site to ensure background checks were completed the same exact way they are completed at a firearms retailer.

Similar events, which are held for different nonprofit organizations across the nation, have raised millions of dollars to serve our communities. Whether it’s a local fire department, emergency services or nonprofit organizations, these groups do work to support our families, friends and neighbors.

This unwarranted attack raises questions, including why would you allow your political beliefs to attack people doing good for our communities? Does it feel good to sling attacks at an organization that offers medical care to children, totally free of charge should the family not have the means to pay? Would it be better to allow these children to live a life never knowing their full potential – free from the burdens of orthopedic challenges, severe burns or severe cleft lip or palate?

As long as it pushes your agenda, right?

While some may agree with their political position, it seems beyond reasonable to me that no one should ever attack charitable organizations that are trying to make a positive impact. These are organizations that are not politically postured in any way. If you don’t like that fundraiser, don’t attend. My suggestion would be that instead of attempting to smear the good work they do, perhaps find another way to get involved in something you care about by volunteering or financially supporting a nonprofit organization.

The world has enough negativity right now. I sit and think about a 5-year-old little boy who has become a part of my life through my volunteering efforts. A child who had to have his leg amputated below the knee and even amid his challenges, his spirit and energy can light up a room. It’s through his determination, combined with the efforts of the charity, which I am proud to represent, that I’ve had the blessing of watching him run around like any other healthy child.

I simply wonder how someone can become so blinded by political hate that they would rather choose criticism and unnecessary attacks to raise funds against people who make such impressionable, life-changing opportunities come to fruition.

This isn’t about firearm safety, folks… it’s about choosing negativity and political weaponry over goodwill in our communities and it’s disappointing, to say the least.

I’ll proudly continue to volunteer and support people doing good work and I hope others will take this as a wake-up call to choose the high road, too.

Art Thomm is a proud member of the Divan of Beni Kedem Shriners and Director of Government Relations – State Affairs for NSSF

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