Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA

Once primarily an organization for sportsmen that also touted gun safety, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has now become the most powerful and feared political lobby in America. This PBS-aired Frontline documentary examines the NRA's rise to power, particularly following the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, when gun buffs feared that the government would confiscate their guns. Sickened by the ease with which two young misfits could acquire deadly weapons, gun control advocates renewed the call for background checks and closing the "gun show loophole" (which allowed gun buyers to skirt laws). Far from being intimidated, the NRA doubled down, insisting that guns are a symbol of freedom, and threatening reprisals against any elected officials who dared to block unfettered access to firearms. Under Wayne LaPierre—executive vice president since 1991—the lobby became more confrontational, unleashing robo-calls before elections to mobilize the true believers (since Al Gore's 2000 defeat, gun control is effectively "off the agenda" for most Democrats). Gunned Down also explores the aftermath of the shooting of congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and the Sandy Hook school massacre, which ironically led to legislation that weakened restrictions on guns. Highs and lows of the battle throughout the decades are covered here, including the late Charlton Heston's defiant pledge that he would only give up his guns when they were pried from his "cold, dead hands." Although top NRA officials refused to be interviewed, the film offers a balanced presentation of beliefs from both gun supporters and opponents. As of now, there is little chance that any meaningful gun control measures will be passed in today's conservative Congress. Offering a timely overview of a perennial hot-button topic, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)