This Christmas, the National Rifle Association had a straightforward holiday wish for Americans: guns and ammo under their Christmas trees. Critics slammed the NRA for mixing its message with holiday cheer.
“Merry Christmas from the NRA — America’s longest-standing civil rights organization. We hope Santa brought you all the guns and ammo,” the organization tweeted, with emojis of Santa Claus, a Christmas tree and a present.
“Nothing says Christmas like guns!” one user wrote.
One user said the NRA had hit a “shameful new low on Christmas – a day celebrating peace and love,” adding the hashtag #banfirearms.
Another user kept it simple: “Disgusting. What is WRONG WITH YOU???”
Other users took more of an issue with the NRA itself.
Journalist Ron Clements declared that “The NRA is a terrorist organization” and, bringing partisan politics into the picture, added: “#MAGA is a cult of violence.”
A user whose bio said they’re an attorney questioned the NRA’s description of itself as a “civil rights organization,” saying, “This is a parody, right?”
Putting their opinion on firearms aside, one user wondered whether now was the time to talk about them. “Whatever ones religious or ideological beliefs: I prefer to think of Christmas as a time for peace and goodwill and bringing people together and away from issues of divide,” they wrote.
In another Christmas Day tweet, the NRA wished a “Merry Christmas to the selfless American heroes who are away from home today protecting freedom and keeping our communities safe,” adding that it “stands with the U.S. armed forces, law enforcement, and first responders.”
