Tell Us: Do You Have a Problem with NRA 500?

This weekend's race in NASCAR's top series has a topical name. The NRA 500 will take place Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The Sprint Cup Series race will air on Fox Sports.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, who represents Connecticut, location of the recent deadly elementary school shooting, sent a letter last month to NASCAR CEO Brian France asking him to change the name of the race. The request was not successful. This week, Murphy sent a letter to Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corp. (owner of Fox Sports) urging him not to air the race. As of Friday morning, Murdoch had not responded, at least not publicly.  

Murphy wrote:

The race not only brings national attention to an organization that has been the face of one side of this heated debate, it also features the live shooting of guns at the end of the race. This celebration of guns is inappropriate in the immediate wake of the Newtown massacre. But most importantly, broadcasting this race, which will highlight the NRA and its radical agenda during this time, sends a harmful signal to the families affected by gun violence, as well as the millions of Americans who support sensible gun control measures and enjoy your sports programming.

He added:

The horror that unfolded on December 14th at Sandy Hook Elementary School has sparked a national conversation about the adequacy of our gun laws.  You, News Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Fox News, should contribute and continue to cover this discussion. Given that you have been outspoken in your support of gun reform, it is the height of irony that some would perceive that your company would now essentially endorse the NRA's extreme position against such laws by broadcasting this event.

It is highly unlikely Murdoch would pull the plug on airing the race. But what do you think, should he do it? Is the name of the race inappropriate? On the other end, was it appropriate for Murphy to write the letter? Is he grandstanding? Share your thoughts about the situation in the comments section below.