Introduction
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, has been a long-time supporter of the National Rifle Association (NRA). However, in recent years, the NRA has been under scrutiny for their stance on gun control and their involvement in politics. This has led many to question the former President's relationship with the organization. In this article, we will explore when George W. Bush dropped his NRA life membership.
Early Relationship with the NRA
George W. Bush has had a long-standing relationship with the NRA dating back to his time as Governor of Texas. He was a vocal supporter of the organization and their efforts to protect gun rights. During his presidency, he spoke at several NRA conventions and signed legislation that was favorable to gun owners.
The Sandy Hook Tragedy
In 2012, the United States was rocked by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. This tragedy sparked a national conversation about gun control and led to increased scrutiny of the NRA. Many politicians, including President Obama, called for stricter gun laws.
Bush's Silence
During this time, George W. Bush remained relatively silent on the issue of gun control. He did not make any public statements about the shooting or the debate surrounding gun laws. This led many to question his relationship with the NRA and whether he still supported their stance on gun rights.
When Did Bush Drop His NRA Life Membership?
In 2018, it was reported that George W. Bush had dropped his NRA life membership. The exact date of when he did so is unclear. Some speculate that he may have done so in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy and the increased scrutiny of the organization. Others believe that it may have been a personal decision unrelated to current events.
Reaction to Bush's Decision
News of George W. Bush dropping his NRA life membership was met with mixed reactions. Some praised him for taking a stand on gun control and distancing himself from the controversial organization. Others criticized him for not speaking out on the issue sooner and accused him of only doing so when it was politically convenient.
Bush's Current Stance on Gun Control
Since dropping his NRA life membership, George W. Bush has not made any public statements about his stance on gun control. However, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2017, he did express support for background checks and mental health screenings for gun owners. It is unclear if his views on the issue have changed since then.
Conclusion
George W. Bush's relationship with the NRA has been a controversial topic in recent years. While he was a long-time supporter of the organization, he dropped his life membership in 2018. The exact reason for his decision is unclear, but it may have been a response to the increased scrutiny of the NRA and their stance on gun control. Regardless of his current stance, his decision to distance himself from the organization has sparked a national conversation about gun laws and the role of the NRA in politics.