UNDER FIRE

Beginning with the story of ``Eddie'' Purdy, who killed five children in a California schoolyard and then turned his AK-47 assault rifle on himself, Davidson (Broken Heartland, 1990) writes what at first seems an emotional antigun tract. In fact, it is something much more interesting: a detailed examination of political influence as wielded by perhaps the most powerful of special interests—the National Rifle Association. Davidson begins by sketching the NRA's beginnings as a group promoting military rifle-practice, and its gradual metamorphosis into an organization for hunters and civilian target-shooters. It was only in the 1970's, under the leadership of Harlon Carter—a controversial Texan who nearly tripled NRA membership during his tenure—that Second Amendment absolutism became the organization's raison d'àtre. Most of the text is a fascinating analysis of the origins of the gun lobby's legendary clout—in effect, a graduate course in real-world politics. Davidson follows the progress through Congress of various gun-control bills; details the NRA's response (from procedural fights to concerted efforts to oust unsympathetic legislators); examines the changing nature of the antigun movement; and records the split between the NRA and many law-enforcement professionals. And while the author believes in the necessity of some form of gun control, he points out distortions and loaded statistics used by gun-law advocates, as well as the NRA's readiness to demonize its opponents. Unlikely to change the minds of hard-liners on either side of the gun debate; but, still, a fascinating study of the practical application of political power.