Consider the following scenario:

As part of an anti-global warming initiative, the government decides to go door-to-door seizing electric guitars — something about unnecessary energy use. Moreover, the Constitution does not specifically confer a right to “bear guitars.”

To forestall that government action, I announce the formation of the GPA — the Guitar Players Association. With guitar players’ help through annual dues, donations and purchase of the GPA’s nifty paraphernalia, GPA promises to fight tirelessly for continued possession of guitars.

Sound familiar?

That is the National Rifle Association con. What could be more brilliant than getting folks to continually buy “possession” products that they already own?

In essence, the con rests in getting people to repurchase, over and over again, from me, an item people have bought from someone else.

Here’s another way to look at it. Selling intangibles is always good business. The start-up costs are low, and no product has to be produced.

In the case of the NRA, the intangible is paranoia, repackaged and sold back to folks as “possession.”

I already own a gun. I don’t need to keep buying it from the NRA.

The government is, however, coming after electric guitars. Trust me. Send in your dues.