The defeat of Proposition B in Missouri is another nail in the coffin of the National Rifle Association, proof of its waning influence over American politics. The NRA unleashed a massive campaign of spending and grass roots mobilization, with personal appearances by leaders such as NRA President Charlton Heston. Nonetheless, Missourians rejected the ill-conceived hidden handgun proposal.
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After losing in Missouri, where can the gun lobby count on victory? This defeat, coming on the heels of a resounding referendum vote in Florida to crack down on gun shows, proves that states once considered the heart of the NRA's power base are rejecting its extremist pro-gun message. As Americans' support for sensible gun control grows, the NRA's power continues to crumble.
Violence Policy Center
Press release April 7, 1999
[Note that the year is 1999. Those were dark days for us.
I was reminded of this by the closing of the office of a gun control group.
One could also point out the observation made by Mark Twain, “The report of my death is an exaggeration”, would also be applicable here.—Joe]