The NRA Facebook page is back, with the closest thing to a statement since the Newtown murders:

“The NRA is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown. Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting. The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again.“

Let’s hold them to that until their press conference on Friday (and let’s be cynical for a moment here, don’t mistake for a second that this scheduling decision was made because so much of the news public will have decamped for the holiday by then — remember when Sarah Palin resigned as Governor on July 3?).

Here are some truly meaningful contributions the NRA could offer:

1. Thank Gov. Rick Snyder (R, MI) for vetoing a bill to end “gun free” school zones. Guns everywhere, including the classroom, is not the solution to every societal ill. It’s long past time for the NRA and gun advocates to acknowledge this.

2. Support the majority of this country in supporting a ban on high-capacity ammunition clips as well as semi-automatic handguns. Common sense: Military-grade weaponry designed to kill as many as possible, as fast as possible, doesn’t belong on the consumer market.

3. Support an end to the gun-show loophole so that every gun purchaser needs to complete a background check. In opposing uniform regulation of gun sales, the NRA is giving the overwhelming majority gun owners who are lawful and peaceful a bad name.

What else would you like to see the NRA count among its “meaningful contributions”?