Like religious extremists, this far-right de facto political party would mandate, if it could, that all Americans join it – or else, as clearly evidenced by telling us if we want to use “their” gun ranges, subsidized already by our taxes, we have to take the NRA baptism (Herald, March 9). Since the NRA has decided to go on the offensive with this proclamation, logic and democratic values allow only one decision for the city and county: Throw the arrogant ingrates out or start charging rent reflective of what the property is worth. At this ugly juncture, to continue subsidizing these bullies would be a failure of our elected officials’ duty to represent the majority of county and city residents’ interests. Regarding the Bayfield gun range as an option: It’s closed much of the year due to mud, and when open, it’s often overcrowded already by folks like me and every other local hunter I know who want nothing to do with the NRA.

David Petersen

Durango