Ep 10. NRA Under Fire

In season 39 of Frontline, episode 10, entitled "NRA Under Fire," the focus is on the National Rifle Association (NRA), one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the United States. Through interviews with former and current NRA insiders, as well as gun control advocates, gun owners, and politicians, the documentary explores the NRA's influence on American politics and gun policy.

The episode begins by delving into the NRA's dark side, including allegations of financial wrongdoing, a culture of fear and intimidation, and the organization's close ties to the gun industry. With the nation still reeling from mass shootings in Parkland, Florida, and Las Vegas, Frontline questions whether the NRA is truly representing its members or is simply serving its own interests.

As the documentary shows, many gun owners feel that the NRA no longer speaks for them, and that its policies and tactics are increasingly radical and out of touch with mainstream America. For example, the NRA's opposition to universal background checks, even in the wake of school shootings, has led to a backlash from many gun owners who believe that the organization is more interested in protecting the gun industry than protecting the public.

Meanwhile, gun control advocates argue that the NRA has an outsized influence on American politics, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, which affirmed an individual's right to bear arms. With the NRA pouring tens of millions of dollars into political campaigns, many anti-gun advocates feel that their voice is drowned out by a well-funded and aggressive lobby.

The documentary also highlights the impact of the NRA on the state level, where the organization has successfully pushed for laws that undermine common-sense gun control measures. In states like Missouri and Texas, for example, the NRA has championed measures that allow for concealed carry without a permit, expand the right to stand your ground, and limit the ability of cities and towns to regulate guns.

Despite mounting criticism and calls for reform, the NRA remains a formidable force in American politics. Its leaders continue to argue that the Second Amendment is under attack, and that any efforts to restrict gun ownership are a slippery slope toward tyranny. As the documentary shows, however, the NRA's power may be waning, as a new generation of gun owners and activists push for common-sense gun reform and demand more accountability from the organization that claims to represent them.

Overall, "NRA Under Fire" is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of one of the most contentious issues in American politics. Through interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, the documentary sheds light on the NRA's history, its tactics, and its impact on gun policy in the United States.