NRA Or Not

[xd9fan]

welcome springmom!!

I was never a gun nut till I read more history books......and the essay "Nation of Cowards" by Jeff Snyder. And got serious about protection when we started a family

 

[Walter]

I am an "Endowment/Life" member of the NRA. I don't think there is anybody else anywhere who tries harder and does a better job at keeping the weasels in government from whittling away our INALIENABLE right to keep and bear arms.

Granted, there are other organizations who work at the same thing, and good for them. But the NRA is the 800 pound gorilla when it comes to stopping stupid
anti-gun laws.

The NRA isn't perfect, but they try. And Congress isn't perfect either. But they
seem to keep trying to pass more restrictive gun-ownershiip laws. That is why
we need the NRA.

Just my opinion,,

Walter

 

[jrpeterman]

I'm a member. I think the NRA has done a very good job over the last ten years in protecting the rights of gunowners. Look at the number of states that have "shall issue" CCWs. The NRA has always done a fine job promoting firearm safety and the shooting sports. I'm also a member of a local gun club that requires NRA membership to join. Most gun clubs in the area require a NRA membership as a prerequisite. There have been things about the NRA in the past that I wasn't too thrilled about especially between the years of 1990-1994, but I think that the organization has improved tremendously and is heading in the right direction.

 

[yonderway]

Yonderway,

What has the GOA accomplished to help us keep our SA Rights - Never heard of them - Never saw any of these "interviews" they claim?

The page hasn't been updated since August, but as you can see, they have a pattern of getting in front of the media and interviewing for a broad audience as frequently as possible.
http://gunowners.org/media.htm

Here are some of the videos of their TV appearances:
http://gunowners.org/svtb.htm
(requires RealPlayer)

 

[FPrice]

I choose not to be a member of the NRA. They do nothing for the class 3 community, and thats why I don't like them. If you go to www.uzitalk.com you will find plenty of people who share my opinion.

This is not meant to be a personal attack so please do not take it as such. It is directed towards an attitude.

At the risk of appearing a bit combative, I have to say that this is a good example of cutting off your nose to spite your face and demonstrating a lack of sophisticated awareness of the political environment. The Class 3 fight is almost certainly unwinnable at this time. Considering all of the other anti-gun attacks we face, trying to reverse course on FA firearms would serve mainly as a lightning rod for the anti-gun forces and hand them a "silver platter" issue to attack all pro-gun efforts. So we could pour lots of money into this fight, lose it, and potentially lose many other fights for lack of money and effort, setting everything back. Just to show that the NRA supports the Class 3 community.

By fighting the broad attacks we face daily the NRA is supporting all firearms owners. And the more the win on these issues the better the environment gets for all firearms owners to include handgunners, high-end shotgunners, hunters, CCW, and even the Class 3 crowd. This is why all segments of the firearms-owning crowd should support the NRA and quit trying to set themselves apart.

If we are fragmented and unsuccessful, we all lose. But if we work together better, then in the end we can all win.

 

[1911JMB]

I choose to not contribute to the NRA, but instead to the GOA, because time after time the NRA and its leadership have been the concessionist gun lobby. They value hunters, target shooters, and CCW purposes. But they have actually repeatedly gone against those of us who want to collect milsurp rifles, and want nothing to do with the unorganized militia.

The GOA treats all lawful gun owners pretty much the same, and while they may not always win, at least they are standing with me when the good guys loose.

I do something similar. I contribute to the Libertarian Party and the Pink Pistols. (Not gay, but I know somebody who is.)

FPrice,

It may interest you to know that I was lucky enough to meet Wayne Lappiere once, and then see him make a speech. When I told him about how dissapointed I was that the most powerful gun lobby in the world exibited utter apathy towards us class 3 junkies, he gave me the same talk.

Something else I should point out about Wayne. I hope nobody takes this the wrong way, but much like the anti's love to say, he stretches the truth to "make the sky seem like its falling." A good example is when he was trying to demonstrate how hard lawsuits were on the gun industry. He pointed out that S&W sold for only 15 million, but did not point out that they were bankrupted by some very angry american gun owners at the time. Wayne is a great spokesperson, but he does have something of a tendensy towards twisting the truth, which is obviously unnesasary if you know your facts, which he does.

 

[yonderway]

Something else I should point out about Wayne. I hope nobody takes this the wrong way, but much like the anti's love to say, he stretches the truth to "make the sky seem like its falling." A good example is when he was trying to demonstrate how hard lawsuits were on the gun industry. He pointed out that S&W sold for only 15 million, but did not point out that they were bankrupted by some very angry american gun owners at the time. Wayne is a great spokesperson, but he does have something of a tendensy towards twisting the truth, which is obviously unnesasary if you know your facts, which he does.

This is something that our opponents must do because the truth is not strong enough to make their case. The truth is strong enough that gun owners do not need to pull a smoke & mirrors act.

Sensationalism smells like sewage. It doesn't play well with most people.

 

[popeye]

Wayne occasionally puts foot in mouth in today's disgusting P.C. world. I remember him talking about "jack booted thugs" a few years ago. Which essentially they were (remember?). As far as bicyclists: I had one in full cycle regalia on a carbon rocket cruse thru a stoplight ahead of me, and I almost hit him. Luck was with me and a police car was there, and pulled him over. Bicycle licences should be issued in today's congested traffic areas, since they need to utilise my street.

 

[1911JMB]

Not sure why you're bringing my unrelated sig line into this, but if somebody on a bike is stupid enough to do that, they have no buisness on the road and should be fined like all other traffic offenders, just like the law specifies.

 

[MAUSER88]

Join, help support an organization that supports YOUR gun rights!!!

 

[Meplat]

... I figured this was a way to check it out, see what if anything it was beneficial to me, after the one year, I may or may not continue with it, for free I figured why not. I have yet to recieve the stuff in the mail so I can not comment on it at this time however. I hope its worth my effort. From what I understand it will be. Anyone willing to help protect my rights is an ally in my book.

If you own a firearm in this country legally, then you have already benefitted from the NRA.

Worth your effort? Only if you hope for your children to some day be able to own one themselves.

They have done much more than HELP protect your rights. I will without hesitation say that were it not for the NRA in this country you would HAVE no recognized firearms rights now.

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

I'm not a life member but I am a member. It seems to me like I never have the cash at the membership renewal time to become a life member, but I can always spare 35 bucks. I mean, come on, it's a couple less boxes of ammo a year in order to maintain my gun rights. I couldn't justify refusing to deal out the minimal cost and effort involved.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Always and forever.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

34 year old Life Member here. I was supporting by paying the yearly fee and wishing that I could scrape the scratch to pay for the life membership. When Charlie Heston died, they did some kind of special to become a lifer. I jumped at the chance and have never regretted it.

My personal belief: If you own a gun.....be a NRA member. Period!

I hear these folks who squawk about how expensive, blah, blah, blah..

Come on, how much do you pay for pizza and beer in year? Or how about your cell phone, newspaper, coffee lattes, or all that ammo that you sling down range becuase others have fought and paid for your freedom to do so?


I have learned a lesson since dealing and working directly with the public. It is the ones who Bi*ch and gripe about price who cry the loudest when something happens or breaks etc.

Get off your cheap A*ses......

Sorry for the rant


Mr. T

 

[NIGHTWATCH]

Thumb down on the NRA for now....

When they stop talking about "hunting rights" and start speaking about what the 2A is really about, then I will send them my money. We are surrounded by a forest of laws already. The Right of the People to Keep, bear and stockpile ARMS and preserve the ability to wage war against those who would enslave or kill us? That sounds about right.

 

[andrew17]

Life Endowment member

You know, I may or may not always agree with everything the NRA does but they are the best we have. So when it's time to pick a side I'll always go with the one that more closely reseambles what I believe in.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

Cash has been extremely short so right now my support of my rights is yelling at the tv while I have CSPAN on

Pop quiz: Which costs more: a year of NRA membership or a month of cable TV?

 

[NineseveN]

No, they aren't perfect, but every gun owner should be a member of the NRA at the very least.

If you're only a member of the NRA, you may be doing less than you think.

It should be:

Every gun owner should be in contact with their local politicians on a normal basis (about RKBA issues and others as well) at the very least, and if possible, donate to a group such as the NRA or GoA or JPFO after donating to your most effective state/local organization.


Contact your reps and congresscritters. Find the local organization that suits your ideals most, donate to them, contact them, let them know what you think. If it's the NRA-state affiliate, great, but many will find that on a state level the NRA just doesn't cut it, while others will find it to be the only group they really need, that depends on your state. Getting involved at the state level is IMHO, more important, most of the crap legislation is on the state levels except the NFA/GCA/AoW and import laws, and the NRA hasn't worked on those issues since they helped pass most of them.

Go with what's right for your state, first. Check around your local state groups to find the most effective and best fit for you.

 

[heypete]

Definitely!

I've been a regular member for a few years now, and finally made the Life Member plunge.

After my car got totalled and I bought a new car, I put my Life Member sticker on the car before I even got my license plates.

I run a small college shooting club, and the NRA has provided us with a huge amount of information, brochures, and other material for the club. We're looking at applying for a financial grant so we can actually get equipment, rather than loaning out club member's stuff to other members.

They're not just political, but they've got a wide range of other services that they offer. While I may not agree with them on every issue (which is to be expected, as they have a membership of several million people with different opinions and issues), I feel that the money I give them produces far more good than bad.

 

[PX15]

Yep....

Conscience won't let me NOT be a member of the largest national organization in the U.S. that fights for my 2nd Amendment rights..

Gun owners in England WISH they had an NRA before they lost their ability to own firearms, and the folks in Canada are rapidly heading down the same road.

I honestly believe if it were not for the NRA we wouldn't have the firearm right of ownership the Constitution guaranteed us.....

Do I agree with everything the NRA does, or proposes to do? NOPE. But I do agree with enough of their agenda to spring for a membership each year.

How does that old saying go, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way"?

You might want to step aside, or better yet, join the parade. If you didn't have more than a passing interest in firearm ownership you wouldn't be reading and posting on THE HIGH ROAD..

Best Wishes,

JP

 

[Soybomb]

Is there a page that lists or goes over some of the NRA victories? Especially repealing bad laws. I feel like I should join but at the same time I hear everybody say how much they do but I don't see much of it here. I don't hear about the NRA making a stink in Springfield about the proposed illinois assault weapon ban. I don't see them working to end the foid system or waiting period or to get us concealed carry? Are they doing much to help people in california or the people in mass who can't buy guns newer than x date.

Honestly I'm seeing them as a group that talks big, but doesn't get alot accomplished, perhaps leans a little more toward hunters, and really is just out for my money and will promise a bunch of truck stop type merchandise to get it. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'm really just wanting to fund some good lobbyists. Not an attack, just saying what I see, I'd love to see some examples of how I'm wrong and why I should donate.

 

[JohnBT]

Will a page from the NRA-ILA site do?

www.nraila.org/News/Archives/Releases.aspx

Sen. Rick Santorum Introduces S. 2249
The Sportsmen's Privacy Protection Act
Tuesday, February 07, 2006

NRA-Backed Ross-Doxey Self-Defense Bill
Introduced in Mississippi
Tuesday, January 10, 2006

San Francisco Backs Off-- For Now
Thursday, December 22, 2005

NRA to File Lawsuit Challenging
San Francisco Gun Ban
Wednesday, November 09, 2005

PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS "PROTECTION OF
LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT"
LANDMARK NRA VICTORY NOW LAW
Wednesday, October 26, 2005

NRA AND FREEDOM WIN AGAIN
FEMA Changes Gun Policy in Temporary
Housing Units in Louisiana
Monday, October 24, 2005

HISTORIC VICTORY FOR NRA
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES THE “PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT”
Thursday, October 20, 2005

NRA to Make Announcement at October 6th Press Conference
Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Major Victory For Firearms Owners And Freedom In Louisiana
Friday, September 23, 2005

Vermont Celebrates Nation`s First
"Hunter Appreciation Day"
Friday, September 23, 2005

Vermont to Hold Nation`s First "Hunter Appreciation Day"
Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Disaster Can’t Destroy Gun Rights
Monday, September 12, 2005

Important Statement From NRA Chief Lobbyist and Chairman of NRA’s Political Action Committee Chris W. Cox on Virginia’s Gubernatorial Race
Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Eight NRA-Backed Bills Take Effect in Texas September 1st
Monday, August 29, 2005

Kaine Continues to Mislead Virginia Voters on Second Amendment
Friday, August 26, 2005

NRA To Hold 2007 Convention in St. Louis
Thursday, August 04, 2005

NRA Launches National Boycott Against ConocoPhillips
Monday, August 01, 2005

Joint Statement by NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and Chief Lobbyist Chris Cox On Passage of the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act"
Friday, July 29, 2005

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre Will Deliver Major News-Making Announcement at Town Hall Meeting in Idabel, OK, August 1
Friday, July 29, 2005

Statement from NRA Chief Lobbyist Chris W. Cox on False Statement by Violence Policy Center
Monday, July 25, 2005
__________________

ISSUES...

www.nraila.org/Issues/Default.aspx

" .50 Caliber Rifles

Ammunition

"Assault Weapons" & Semi-Autos

Background Checks/ NICS

Ballistic "Fingerprinting" (Registration)

Campaign Finance "Reform"

Crime & Criminal Justice

Emergency Powers Laws

Firearm Safety/Kids & Guns

Gun Shows

Handguns

Hunting/Conservation

International/UN Gun Control Issues

Parking Lot Protection and Private Property

Politics

Preemption Laws

Pro-Gun Groups & Anti-Gun Groups

Range Protection

Reckless Lawsuits

Registration & Licensing

Right-To-Carry

Second Amendment/Right To Arms

Self Defense/Castle Doctrine

"Smart" Guns/Personalized Firearms"
_________________

AMERICA'S FIRST FREEDOM magazine...

www.nrapublications.org/first freedom/index.asp

"Don't Miss Out On These Great Articles
in the February Issue!

NRA Victories: The Global Showdown At The U.N.
— By Avery Clark
Though the Bush administration denied consensus with the u.n.’s call for a worldwide gun ban, gun owners must continue the fight against these self-appointed, global gun police.

How To Keep A Republic — By Gina Schmidt, Managing Editor
Liberty Day, a non-partisan, non-profit group, has one goal — instilling in youth a sense of civic pride and understanding of our nation’s founding principles.

The Peters Principle
— By Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President
What happens when an Australian anti-gun zealot advances her fuzzy theories about crime, punishment and self-protection? She gets promoted to the U.N. by George Soros?

Sergeant York: Great Hero Of The Great War
— By Dave Kopel
A look at the life and battles of wwi soldier Alvin York, a pacifist who almost single-handedly killed 25 German fighters, captured another 132 others and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Physician, Heal Thyself — By Gary Lantz
How “whacko” are animal “rights” whackos? Consider the recent call by an anti-hunting spokesman and surgeon calling for the murder of humans to protect animals.

135th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits — By John Zent
Freedom’s Second Army will descend on Milwaukee, May 19 through 21, 2006, in an unmatched opportunity to reaffirm our principles, enrich our chosen lifestyles and fortify our collective will.

The Free Lunch — By Daniel T. McElrath
Knoxx Industries has carved a niche for itself by doing what supposedly couldn’t be done—reducing recoil easily, affordably and practically."
____________

edited to add...

John
NRA Endowment Member
www.vcdl.org

 

[Joey2]

Rather than donate to the NRA how about paying for a membership for a friend who can't affort to join?

I let my membership runout after the NRA said they could live with the 1968 anti-gun law and again the NRA said they could live with the Brady Bill.

I am a life member of the GOA, if everybody would put the support they do behind the GOA rather than the NRA maybe we might have a strong 2d Amendment.

 

[PX15]

Is there a page that lists or goes over some of the NRA victories? Especially repealing bad laws. I feel like I should join but at the same time I hear everybody say how much they do but I don't see much of it here. I don't hear about the NRA making a stink in Springfield about the proposed illinois assault weapon ban. I don't see them working to end the foid system or waiting period or to get us concealed carry? Are they doing much to help people in california or the people in mass who can't buy guns newer than x date.

Honestly I'm seeing them as a group that talks big, but doesn't get alot accomplished, perhaps leans a little more toward hunters, and really is just out for my money and will promise a bunch of truck stop type merchandise to get it. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'm really just wanting to fund some good lobbyists. Not an attack, just saying what I see, I'd love to see some examples of how I'm wrong and why I should donate.

Soybomb:

Hey it's $35.00 a year.....................................

I don't know about where you live, but around here you can't take the wife out for a decent meal for less than $35.00.

All I need to know about the NRA is that Schumer, Kennedy, Feinstein and the "Brady Campaign" and other anti-gun liberals and anti-gun groups hate it with a passion.........

If they hate the NRA then the NRA is something I'm willing to support.

Same reasoning I have for thinking our new Supreme Court Justice Alito was a good choice for folks like myself. The liberals hate him - therefore I'm all for him.

My favorite bumper sticker of all time is still "Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns"

Think about it..

Best Wishes,

JP

 

[BigFatKen]

second NRA

I'm not old enough to be part of the second NRA (National Relief Act)
~1933. But I joined so long ago, life membership was $150. in the first NRA.