The self-important posturing of the NRA leadership not only misunderstands American tradition and our system of laws, but also represents an enormous threat to many of the rights we Americans take for granted. The gun lobby has long tried to put itself above the law when it comes to the common-sense regulations and rules of legal liability applicable to all other businesses. Now they’re pushing “guns in the workplace� laws in a number of states that try to place their single-minded view of gun rights above everyone’s property rights.

From the Tampa Tribune:

Monday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce announced a tongue-in-cheek "Bring Your Gun to Work Day" and filled a car with weapons and other controversial, but legal, material.

"This bill is not about guns. This bill is a frontal assault on property rights," says chamber Executive Vice President Mark Wilson, who sees it as a challenge to employers' fundamental right to set rules governing their private property.

The constitutional rights of free speech and to bear arms take precedent, contends Marion Hammer, a lobbyist who represents the NRA.

No matter how they dress it up, the message the gun pushers send is the same: Our guns are always more important than any of your other rights.