In a debate on the future of hunting, it was PETA who found itself in the crosshairs of NRA's Wayne LaPierre.

When 78 million Brazilians went to the polls Oct. 23 to vote down a referendum calling for a ban on the sale of all firearms and ammunition, it was a resounding "no!" heard round the world.

The right to defend yourself against violent, criminal attack is a fundamental human right. NRA-ILA is in state capitals, fighting for laws like the Castle Doctrine, which guarantees your right to defend yourself against criminals anywhere you have a right to be. We're also fighting for Workplace Protection laws, to prevent employers from discriminating against employees who choose to keep firearms in their locked vehicles while working.

Suppose some day that you are sitting at your computer, ready to take action against a repressive gun ban pending before Congress, a ban the media says is a benefit to society. They are lying. And you want access to the truth so you can convince your friends and neighbors to contact their senators and congressmen.

Those of us who know the magic of a day afield understand that simple exposure of youngsters to our hunting heritage can overcome competing interests and cultural pressures in a single outing. But in many states, the most insurmountable obstacle to recruiting a new hunter is not our culture or society-it is our government.