Writing Boots has obtained what seems to me a remarkable letter from a representative at the National Rifle Association's "Political Victory Fund," sent Jan. 19 to all candidates for statewide elected office in Illinois.
"Dear Illinois Candidate," the cover letter begins …
In an attempt to provide our members with current and accurate information, I have enclosed a questionnaire for your response. The information derived from the questionnaire will be used, in part, to determine candidates' NRA-PVF ratings, which will then be communicated to NRA members.
One of the 31 questions on gun laws asks candidates whether they think people should be able to carry loaded and concealed firearms on public transportation, and another wonders whether they would fight legislation limiting "law abiding citizens" to buying one gun per month. And so on.
What if the candidate doesn't feel like submitting to this inquisition? The NRA answers in bold face:
If you choose not to return a questionnaire, you may be assigned a "?" rating, which can be interpreted by our membership as indifference, if not outright hostility, toward Second Amendment-related issues.
At some level, you have to admire an organization so willing to stroll through the halls of power with nothing on except for a black hat and a thigh holster. But there should be some kind of law against this sort of thing. In fact, isn't extortion illegal already?
Isn’t all politics at root, extortion?
Perhaps, John. But it’s rare to see the roots blowing in the breeze like this.