The New York Times notes that the view of firearm ownership and self-defense as fundamental human rights is gaining purchase outside of our borders.  The author blames the NRA for spreading this view of liberty.  The left in this country tends to blame the NRA for many ills large and small because frankly it is an easy target.  But I don’t think it is just paranoia of a favored boogieman. Although I am frequently critical of the NRA and take the to task when earned, I think in the big picture they are one of our best hopes in maintaining and expanding our rights nationally and even globally.  So even though they have all but abandoned us here in New Jersey, I choose to keep my membership active.

[UPDATE] Speaking of the NRA, US News claims there is a rumor that Tom Selleck might be replacing Charleton Heston as president of the organization:

That old National Rifle Association TV ad in which Magnum P.I. actor Tom Selleck says, "I am the NRA" might be making a comeback. That's because he's being talked about as the replacement for former five-term NRA President Charlton Heston, the Moses portrayer who is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. NRA insiders like the idea of promoting Selleck, an off-and-on NRA-er since he was a kid and now one of 76 board members, to the top job. 

They seem to be ignorant of the fact that  Heston was replaced 2 years ago by Sandra Froman.  The leftist blogosphere is takling about this rumor, also completely ignorant that Heston has already been replaced.   For example, the progressives over here can't talk about the NRA without stooping to the level of racism and homophobia.  Selleck is targeted with vile hateful comments for no reason other than his association with the organization.