Wayne LaPierre is the executive vice president and CEO of the National Rifle Association. (Photo: Screen grab/C-SPAN)

(CNSNews.com) – “Socialists oppose all of our most fundamental freedoms enshrined in the bill of rights,” the head of the National Rifle Association told a conservative conference in suburban Washington on Thursday.



“They don't like free speech any more than they like the second amendment. They like only limited speech, controlled speech, controlled by them through safe speech zones where they can shame the outspoken or riot to shut them up.





“If you still think we have full First Amendment freedom in this country, try going right now out to Berkeley and speaking out in favor of conservative causes or even the Second Amendment.”

LaPierre said the “growing socialist state” wants “private information” on Americans, including lists of who owns guns, regardless of due process, freedom and privacy: “And then it's just a short hop to the systematic destruction of our most basic freedoms in this country. And you all know what they are but let me say them.



“Family, faith, individual responsibility, and self-destiny. A free market economy, patriotism, respect for our national flag and national anthem, personal liberty, and justice for all.

“Going back a decade or more, these essential freedoms and these essential values have been increasingly and sadly ridiculed and disrespected and diminished in this country. And it won't take long if we stay on the path we're on to erase them completely,” LaPierre warned.



“That's the real consequence of this new socialist wave in America. You know, I hear a lot of quiet in this room and I sense your anxiety. And you should be anxious. And you should be frightened. If they seize power, if these so-called European socialists take over the House and the Senate and God forbid they get the White House again, our American freedoms could be lost and our country will be changed forever.



“And the first to go will be the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.”