US National Rifle Association

The United States National Rifle Association recently filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The association filed for bankruptcy in order to avoid being investigated by New York Attorney General.

Background

The New York Attorney General had sued the National Rifle Association in August 2020 based on allegations that the association top executives diverted millions of dollars for their personal trips.

United States Rifle Association

It is a non-profit organisation formed by the civil war veterans General George Wingate and Colonel William C Church in 1871. The organization was formed to promote and encourage rifle shooting on scientific basis. It is considered as the most influential pro-gun organisation in the US. The critics believe that the organisation is an enabler of gun violence in the country.

NRA teaches firearm safety and competency. It publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events. As of December 2018, the NRA consisted of more than five million members.

The major efforts of NRA were the Firearm Owners Protection Act that lessened the restrictions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Dickey amendment that blocked the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from using federal funds to advocate for gun control.

The US National Rifle Association was formed in line with the British National Rifle Association that was formed a year and a half earlier.

American Civil War

The American Civil War was fought between 1861 and 1865. The civil war began as a result of long-standing enslavement of Black people. The NRA is believed to be an outcome of the civil war.

Arms Trade Treaty

The National Rifle Association recently opposed the Arms Trade Treaty. The Arms Trade Treaty is a multilateral treaty that regulates international trade. More than 109 states have ratified the treaty. The treaty is an attempt to regulate international trade of conventional weapons.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2021