[MDG1976]

If you're not in the NRA, join now. If you are, throw money at them, lots of it. What has happened is unprecedented and shocking. I urge everyone to donate as much as they can spare, right now.
NRA (http://www.nra.org)

[captain obvious]

What exactly has the NRA been doing to fight this?

[beerslurpy]

QTY ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE ITEM TOTAL
1 TXE011 Life Membership

$500.00

$500.00

Look maw, I joined the GOA!

Also harassing the public serpents who represent me.

[MDG1976]

Since word got out about all of this only about 24 hours ago, I doubt if they've done much yet. But they most certainly will.

[english kanigit]

What exactly has the NRA been doing to fight this?

Not much... yet. This just started happening today I believe. Personally, I believe the NRA should've been prepared for such an eventuality but I don't think they've really had a chance to respond.

I hope the respond quickly and harshly. I haven't yet gotten my membership and this will decide whether I do or not. :uhoh:

[mattf7184]

The big wigs have been in meetings all day today about this and other NO related things, look for a press release of sorts in the next few days.

[Oleg Volk]

This opens up all sorts of questions about the practicality and the ethics of killing enemy personnel masquarading as rescue workers. I'd think that people who blend in with legitimate resuers and abuse the consideration given to those wouldn't have any more rights than spies and saboteurs under the Generva Convention rules.

As for fighting this in the media: how could I get images of NO events directly from the photographers? I need new photos that can legally be used for posters.

[Hypnogator]

As for fighting this in the media: how could I get images of NO events directly from the photographers? I need new photos that can legally be used for posters.
You wont. Way I hear it, they're confiscating cameras, too. :cuss: :cuss: :fire:

[Burt Blade]

The folks in New Orleans have three choices:

Surrender their weapons and be removed.

Resist non-violently, and be disarmed and forcibly removed.

Start shooting and most likely be murdered.


Very, very few will take option three. No one will be permitted to show it if they do.

[davec]

The big wigs have been in meetings all day today about this and other NO related things, look for a press release of sorts in the next few days.

oooh....a press release! That'll show 'em!

[Vang]

I have a better solution, but you have to be willing to die a martyr.

[jeil]

Where is the NRA? Absent.

Makes me think that the NRA is really just a mouthpiece for the firearms industry, and not a true standard bearer of the 2nd amendment.

It really irks me that the incompentent politicians first did not much to build effective levies, and then when they failed did not respond quickly or effectively, and now they want to solve the problem by getting rid of the people who live there rather than getting out of their way. Who is going to rebuild New Orleans with all the people removed?

You may think this does not affect you, but when you look at the importance of operating the refineries in the area and the offshore wells, then you might want the workers who will restore these to be allowed into the area rather than banned or disarmed by incompentent politicians. Get ready to pay double this year for heating your home, unless you use wood.

[cropcirclewalker]

Thank God, I use wood.

[WT]

Somehow I knew that this would include a 'Send Money to the NRA' plea.


The NRA is doing what it always does ........ nothing.


Well, maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure somebody is working on a PowerPoint presentation. Can't have a meeting these days without PowerPoint.


What is the tee time for the NRA leadership tomorrow morning?

[mountainclmbr]

Do you think the JBT's would kill you to remove you from your home? If someone has provisions to survive, but the JBT's would kill you to prevent you from the risk of staying, would they do it? Myself, I would fight tyranny. But I would never live in a communist hell hole like new orleans in the first place. And to those who blame Bush...I may agree. If he does not put the LA Governor in prison, and the NO mayor in prison, then he is just inviting the same thing to happen again! BUSH...take corrective action!!!!

[Standing Wolf]

...look for a press release of sorts in the next few days.

The Revolutionary War wasn't fought with press releases.

[Jim Diver]

Over 24 hours later and not even a blurb on the NRA home page.... Anyone wanna bet that they will even be closed for the weekend too?

[mountainclmbr]

Many left their pets behind. I would have left my leftist politicians behind first!

[mattf7184]

For everyone saying it is not enough, what do you propose the NRA do?

[Jim Diver]

File for an injunction like yesterday...

At least force the JBTs to record names and serial numbers so the guns can be returned later..

Better, force them to stop at once.

[TexasRifleman]

Look, the fact is there isn't much NRA can do now. It's too late for those in NO.

What we can do is support NRA and GOA as much as possible in the lawsuits and elections that will follow this. Those responsible need to be punished, and those in office need to be removed.

We are lucky in a sense. We've been given a glimpse into the future that most of us never thought we'd see. Now we know what "they" will do when things go south.

After NO is cleaned up and people are moving back is when it will be necessary to fight the REAL fight.

There's a big one coming, we need to make sure these groups have the cash to fight on our behalf. They are up against a very wealthy (at our expense)
opponent. All those complaining about the "send money to the NRA", don't forget that the AWB is gone. That didn't happen out of the blue.
Fact is this fight is unholy expensive. GOA and NRA are the only groups that can fight this. If they can't fight it, what will you say when it's YOUR
guns being taken.

Don't be down on NRA because this happened. If they had more resources over the years, maybe it would be different, who knows.

What matters now is that the organizations be funded enough to ensure that it can't happen again, and people that would do these things see what happens to those that already did.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

For all the criticism of the NRA, I would welcome examples of any other RKBA groups that are doing the "right" thing as defined by those who disagree with what the NRA has done so far. After all, one of the elements of constructive criticism is to suggest how things might be done better.

Meanwhile, here is the NRAs response thus far. There was a meeting of the high muckety-mucks today regarding the situation in New Orleans:

Numerous media sources are reporting on an apparent campaign by New Orleans city authorities to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from people in the city. Louisiana statute does grant the government, during a state of emergency, broad powers in regulating and controlling firearms.

However, we have seen not just with Hurricane Katrina, but other similar situations, that when police are unable to control the criminal element, people turn to the one freedom that protects all others-the Second Amendment.

While one can certainly understand the dire predicaments of all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, as we have learned throughout history, campaigns to disarm the lawful do nothing to disarm the criminal. And in truth, these restrictions make citizens less safe. Despite the valiant efforts of many law enforcement officers and rescue workers, too many of those left in the wake of Katrina are ultimately responsible for their own security and safety and that of their families and loved ones; especially when communication is virtually non-existent and police can't be quickly summoned to respond to calls for help. At these times, lawful gun ownership is paramount to personal safety.

Of course, the entire situation in New Orleans is constantly in flux. But rest assured NRA is monitoring this situation very closely and will address any activity by the government that unduly infringes upon the rights of lawful gun owners at the appropriate time. As we learn more, we will report to our members accordingly. In the interim, however, we join with all Americans in offering our thoughts, prayers, and assistance to the victims and survivors of this terrible natural disaster.

[ebd10]

A bunch of sell-out, political lackeys that lick the Republicans' boots every election. They haven't done a damned thing for the second amendment for 50 years. Grassroots is where you should be spending you donations. The NRA is not a sheepdog for the second amendment, it's a lap dog for the Republicans.

(Title edited by Don Gwinn)

[TexasRifleman]

Posted by ebd10:

Useless info

You are too clueless to own a gun. Please turn yourself in to the nearest FEMA shelter. Thank you.

[dustind]

Oleg Volk: There are some photographers (I am not sure of their skill) at http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/ that are on the scene. They have pages of pictures on many servers from the events. Having read their blog I am sure those people would give you permission to use them.

[jeil]

If I had the resources that the NRA had and I idenified this gun grab as sickening, then at least I would be out there in the media expressing my view.

I would be pressuring friendly US and Louisiana elected officials to make a public statement pointing out the many provisions of the constitution under attack by the Governor of LA and the Mayor of New Orleans, or whoever else is responsible.

I am sure this is my own extreme view, but I would be yelling for a prosecution of those responsible for treason against the constitution if that is a reasonable position, which I think it is.

I would make this an issue or human rights vs misguided, incompentent government officials. Attack them personally for what they have personally done. Hold them accountable.

The real problem is that the NRA is a conservative organization, and what it wants to conserve most is its position as a moderate supporter of gun rights (really the gun industry). It does not want to look radical. It does not want to rock the boat. And like the government, it cannot respond quickly, because it is also a big lumbering organization, unwiling to take risks.

[Sam]

Do something on your own.
Call your governor's office, query them about your NG troops. Are there any in NO? Are they participating or enabling those involved in the confiscation.
Communicate your displeasure effectively. Do likewise with your state representatives and the county party hack. Ensure that they know it will cost votes, and remind them between now and the election. And send them a copy of the cancelled check for the donation to their opponents and the one to the NRA and the one to GOA and the one to JFPO.

I know you just don't have the time to make 3-4 phone calls to help savce your rights and maybe your life. :fire:
I know, you don't want to get involved. :fire:

Let's just make it easy, NO EXCUSE YOU MAKE IS GOOD ENOUGH!

Wear your chains lightly

Sam

[Old Fuff]

This is a frustrating and tragic time for many, and while some are demanding that the “NRA do something,” they aren’t offering much in the way of constructive suggestions about what the NRA can do ...

For many reasons, the present situation is untenable. Competent medical authorities are warning that the aftereffect of the floods could be a plague of contagious diseases. It will be some time before electric power can be fully restored. Personal generators require fuel, which in itself is in short supply. Basic necessities such a clean drinking water and food are also difficult to find. While some of those who are determined to stay had laid in supplies of food, water and fuel, it is unlikely what is available will last more then a week or two more in most cases. Solutions in New Orleans will be measured in months, and even years, not weeks.

The National Rifle Association has no official standing or authority to intervene in this situation. The can go to court, representing some of the individuals who have had their firearms confiscated, but such cases can drag on for years. It is not unlikely that courts, if faced with such a suit, would rule that in dire emergencies such as this one, the state and local governments have both the legal right and responsibility to confiscate arms from those that refuse to obey orders to be evacuated. It should be noted that the outrage expressed here, does not seem to be spreading among the general population.

Perhaps the most constructive thing that can be done is to learn from this, and so formulate plans for the future. Between natural catastrophes and terrorism we can be fairly sure that we will see more of this in the future. We might do well to look at hurricane experiences in Florida for insights. Certainly those that live in major urban areas should understand that they are on “ground-zero,” and plan accordingly. Staying behind to protect your property and pets will probably not be tenable. Being allowed to keep personal firearms in the face of mandatory evacuation orders and military occupation will likely be even less so.

And in the meantime the NRA’s critics might do well to explain, what – as a practical matter – can the Association do?

[Vang]

I suppose an armed insurrection would be too much to ask.

[Oleg Volk]

One lesson is to keep long guns concealed. Another is to buy body armor. Third is to learn the art of booby-trapping to deny what's left behind to the enemy (and that's what they have become). Really makes me wonder how many of the hit-and-run incidents involving cops are really accidents...

[dpesec]

Oleg,
First good article in CCM. Good job.

I'm not sure you remember what happened to cause the Gulf of Tonkin resolution to be passed. This lead the US into the Vietnam War.
Nobody questiosn the "first attack" on the USS Mattox, but the second one is in question. Some people think it was just panic because of the the first.

So it wouldn't be the first time something that is less that fact has been used to justify something. :uhoh:

[davec]

For everyone saying it is not enough, what do you propose the NRA do?

Organize, mobilize, and PROTEST.

Millions of members, and you think they cant get a crowd for a demonstration?

Millions of dollars in membership dues and they cant organize a grassroots mobilization?

Why is it the 'left' are the only ones who can effectively demonstrate against the government?

Fricken, one old woman camped on a the side of a road in Texas did more political damage to Bush in one month then all the mumbling and bumbling of the entire democratic party did in 2 years.

Everybody likes to thump their chest about "my cold dead hands". Well instead of dying in a shootout, why don't we think of ways to mobilize our numbers to the street, to peacefully assemble and declare our grievances against the government.

The left does it every day.

The NRA is going to issue a press release and play grab ass with a bunch of politicians who will issue a press release. Then go back to taking OUR money doing NOTHING.

There doesn't need to be a violent insurrection, but there does need to be people joining together in a movement to fight for their rights.

Instead we send money to the NRA, expect them to do something, and get angry when nothing happens.

[Tim Burke]

The NRA is doing what it always does ........ nothing.

Maybe GOA will do better.

[Old Fuff]

davec:

The anti-gun movement and they’re allies in the media would love it if the NRA went to street demonstrations – especially if some of the participants brought some guns. They have tried to portray the NRA as a radical, out-of-touch-with-reality, organization that is irresponsible and even dangerous. The point of demonstrations is to win support for your cause. When the left-wingers do this the media portrays the protest in a favorable light. Exactly the opposite would happen to a NRA rally.

Letter writing campaigns directed toward elected officials and other authorities? Sure, but it takes more then a day or two to put it in place. And they need to get their ducks in a row when it comes to presenting arguments. Blustering about the Second Amendment won’t cut much ice considering the magnitude of what the situation is in New Orleans. I have a feeling that outside of our own staunch Second Amendment supporters we aren’t going to make many points with the general public. Most, if they are concerned at all, will see this issue of confiscation as either justifiable, or something that happens to someone else and not themselves. It will take more then one incident to get the point across that under similar circumstances this could, and probably would, happen to anyone.

Grass-roots politics? Maybe, but again putting a campaign into place won’t happen overnight. Specific goals and supporting arguments will have to be determined that are “doable” and practical, and for which we can attract support beyond our own circles.

Head for the courtroom? Better think twice about that. We should know by now that courts can be part of the problem rather then a solution. Given that courts tend to support government authority during emergencies, the change of getting a ruling that’s contrary to our position is high. The anti-gun movement has a much better chance of gaining here then we do.

A lot of the work that the NRA does happens quietly during private discussions with legislators and others that can, and do “make things happen.” They are not a bunch of Yahoos out to storm the breastworks while waving weapons in the air.

But over the long run they have been effective. If you don’t think so ask Mrs. Brady or Howard Dean. They know ....

[TallPine]

Perhaps the most constructive thing that can be done is to learn from this, and so formulate plans for the future.
As in... don't ever trust the police (or NG, etc) for anything ever again, especially in an emergency. :uhoh: