Like ancient Polynesians who set off over the horizon in their sailing canoes without a clue where they would land, the first kitesurfers pushed out through the waves without knowing how to sail broadside to the wind.

FORBES: Wing and a Prayer

Former Supreme Court judge and chairman of the country's Press Council, Markandey Katju, fired the first broadside, exhorting journalists to educate themselves more.

BBC: Why are India's media under fire?

So in 2009 the Finnish firm launched its patent broadside, accusing Apple of trying to get a free ride on its innovation with the iPhone.

BBC: Nokia��s patent victory against Apple

For its part, Ford has been quick to defend MyFord Touch against the new broadside from Consumer Reports.

FORBES: Ford Is Cut Up By Cutting Edge Of Car-Infotainment Technology

Despite the Republican presidential candidate's broadside against the SEC chair, President Bush appears to be standing behind Mr. Cox.

WSJ: McCain Says Cox Should Be Fired As SEC Chief Amid 'Casino' Markets

While these themes are familiar, LaPierre broke with precedent in key ways, most significantly with his explosive broadside against journalists, movie studios, video game producers, record labels and elected officials who have failed to embrace the NRA's policy goals.

CNN: NRA's vision of 'genuine monsters'