Will the NRA Get Their Way Again?

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the U.S. Their pro-gun standpoint has come under intense tragedy in the wake of tragedies such as Sandy Hook and Aurora, Colorado. However, it doesn't seem as if they can be stopped. In April of last year, they managed to block legislation that would make it harder for criminals and people with dangerous mental illnesses to obtain access to firearms. Now, it looks as if they will get their way again.

Their latest target: Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy, President Obama's nominee for surgeon general. But their issue with Murthy has nothing to do with his medical expertise, they're more focused on the fact that he supports gun control. This is quite a shame, as Murthy is truly qualified to be surgeon general. An attending physician at a hospital in Boston, Murthy also teaches medicine at Harvard, has an MBA from the Yale School of Management, and is involved in medical nonprofit groups. In a better world, the Senate would judge his right to be surgeon general solely on his merits. Unfortunately, the NRA is going to make sure that doesn't happen.

Last month, Murthy said that he had seen many patients end up in the emergency room as a result of gun violence. However, he did promise that he would not make gun control his top priority if confirmed for the position. Instead, he would focus more on obesity. Still, that has not calmed down the NRA.

If Dr. Murthy is not confirmed, we can give another point to the NRA, a group that has proven to be very powerful and influential.