The NRA didn't always own the U.S. government. They worked hard over many years to buy it, and we, the majority of Americans who support common-sense gun control, haven't done enough to stop them.

We are not powerless. It's pretty simple: We need to get off our collective asses and make politicians fear us more than they fear the NRA.

Don't vote Republican. The NRA owns the GOP lock, stock, and smoking barrel. In 2016 the NRA spent $5.9 million on Republican candidates while only donating $106,000 to Democrats. The GOP is the political arm of the NRA, so if we want to limit its influence we have to defeat Republicans. (And don't forget the countless other benefits we would receive if Republicans did not control Congress!)

If your local, state or federal representatives are considering or voting on anti-gun-control legislation, get all over them.

There are two nationwide groups dedicated to defeating the NRA and passing gun-control legislation. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped to establish Everytown for Gun Safety (everytown.org), which now has over four million members. Moms Demand Action (momsdemandaction.org) is another important group that is doing excellent work in combatting the NRA. Join these groups, contribute to them, and participate in their political action programs.

The NRA can be defeated. But only by us.