So. Gun politics seem to be about money and power. I want to get elected, I take pro-gun positions, take NRA money, promise to pass legislation and if elected, fulfill my end of the deal. I want a job as a lobbyist, and the income that it provides, so I must help write legislation and get it passed. If I am the NRA administration, in order to keep those donations rolling in to justify my salary, I must keep gun owners afraid on one hand, and on the other keep passing legislation to answer those fears. But what do you do, if after two decades, you have seen passed every possible reasonable piece of legislation? To preserve your power and income, you then begin to pass unreasonable laws, as that is all that is left. Laws like "Stand Your Ground" laws. Is there a way to remove the economics that provides the motive for the organizations, the lobbyists, and the legislators? A quick dip below the orange surf....
I am not a lawyer, but I was just wondering, "What if the survivors of the victims of "Stand Your Ground" gun laws filed a class action suit for wrongful death against the NRA and ALEC?" Might need a different cause of action other than "wrongful death", but like I said, I am not a lawyer. Is "depraved indifference to the common safety and welfare" an actionable cause? I would throw in legislators as defendants as well, except government officials are protected from liability for the results of the exercise of their constituted duties. But I don't believe that ALEC would enjoy the same privilege, even if comprised of legislators as they were not engaged in "duly constituted activity" while participating with ALEC.
At the very least, the defense against such a suit would draw resources away from either organizations' legislative activities. Also, both organizations would be deposed regarding their activities regarding the creation and passing of legislation in question. Perhaps if that information were to see light of day and become widespread knowledge, it would be easier to create reform legislation to limit the power of such organizations. Who knows... maybe, just maybe, a settlement that held lobbyists and their organizations liable for the outcomes of the positions that they promote would encourage more responsible behavior on their part. Even if the suit failed, maybe a few legislators would find themselves voted out of office due to their ALEC activity, or employees/officers of ALEC and the NRA fired for having exposed the organization to extreme liability.
Like I said... just wondering... crackpot idealism, or perhaps a reasonable tactic? Any lawyers care to comment?