In response, the Illinois State Rifle Association countered the anti-American protestors by offering Aldean a complimentary lifetime membership to their organization. In a statement released to the media, the Illinois-based pro-gun group wrote,
“Since 1903, the Illinois State Rifle Association – one of the oldest and most respected gun organizations in the United States, has fought to protect the right to bear arms for all law-abiding citizens, not just in Illinois, but across the country. And as we celebrate our 120th anniversary this year, we remain dedicated to our mission of gun rights advocacy; teaching men, women and young adults through our ISRA Training Academy on proper firearm safety and training; and lobbying elected officials in Springfield and Washington, DC.
Jason Aldean’s song, Try That In A Small Town, which hit number 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart has generated a lot of buzz, and even more controversy, but the lyrics represent what we’ve been fighting for as an organization for the last 120 years – and that’s the lawful right to protect yourself, your family and your community from danger. It’s not about promoting violence – it’s about preventing violence and allowing law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and others from those who wish to do harm.”
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