Has anyone gotten this call from the NRA?

[rick_reno]

I just did - went like this.

"Hi, Mr. Reno. This is James calling from the National Rifle Association. We'd like to thank you for your support."

"Hi James. What's up" (I have a good idea where this is going)

"Well, Mr. Reno. How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"

"James, it doesn't take the U.N. to do that. Look at what's happening in New Orleans. The police are doing exactly that - taking guns away from people who lawfully own them. What is the NRA going to do about that?"

A moment of pained silence.

"Well, I don't know what's going on there."

"Why don't you find out - and when you do, give me a ring back. Bye"

 

[Old Dog]

How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"

This is what our dues are going for? I'd reply: "I think I've got a better chance of seeing pigs fly ... or the NHL opening up a franchise in hell ... than the UN coming to my house to take my guns."
Sheesh. These folks aren't even following the news?

 

[geekWithA.45]

How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"

Game on!

 

[rock jock]

To be fair, every large political organization uses scare tactics to raise money. The problem is that occasionally their pitch is rooted in reality. The NRA missed an opportunity to capitilize on this situation. Too bad.

 

[DelayedReaction]

"Well, Mr. Reno. How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"

I'd ask them what they'd like on their tombstone. Then spite them by putting anchovies on it.

 

[rick_reno]

I think I'd ask them to put these little bright orange stickers on their nice blue helmets, walk 50 to 100 yds away and we'll start this conversation again.

 

[JohnBT]

"This is what our dues are going for?"

I doubt it, it's probably a poll commissioned by NRA-ILA - and they are self-supporting. The use of NRA dues are limited by federal law.

Then again, it could be "them" calling. The government lives on lists.

John

 

[BigG]

If I decide to entertain the call I learn whether it is a simple survey, which they usually are. I mention that unless the questions are open ended I will not participate (because they are looking to force a particular response). This also works for politicians, etc. They do not want to know what you are concerned with; they want to drum up numbers to support their goals.

 

[halvey]

This is what our dues are going for? I'd reply: "I think I've got a better chance of seeing pigs fly ... or the NHL opening up a franchise in hell ... than the UN coming to my house to take my guns."

Oh not in America. No authorities will ever come to your door to take your guns away. Not in America.

Don't you read the news????

 

[Robert Hairless]

I wonder what value there is in attempting to undercut the national organization that is most effective in furthering the interests of gun owners. Let us agree that the NRA is imperfect and that its leadership and professional staff are much less competent than any of their critics. Having agreed, and with due homage to the infinitely superior qualities of those people who are determined to pick them and the organization to death, can we try real hard not to do ourselves fatal damage by destroying our only friends?

 

[DCR]

They tried a similar tactic on me lately, except instead of the UN being the bad guys, it was nameless, faceless folks in my own state.

"Don't you agree you need the protection of "Castle Doctrine" legislation in your state? Anti gun forces in and outside Idaho are preparing to fight the proposed legislation. Won't you contribute towards the passage of this legislation?"

Me: "No, and No."

(Aghast) "What?...

Me: "Are you calling from Idaho?"

(quieter) "No...."

Me: "Obviously not. I live here. I know the law in Idaho. In fact, I am an attorney, and we've got comparable legislation already. Thanks. Bye."

NRA, quit wasting my time. Save the $$, fearmongering and threats for the politicians. Leave me alone, let me shoot, and send me a magazine once a month.

 

[halvey]

NRA, quit wasting my time.

And slowly, and surely, the guns go away.

 

[greenmountaingear]

The Complete Saga thus far....might be some grammar/spelling errors...in the middle of doing about 10things this morning



I signed up with the NRA around the end of June after years of staying clear due to frustrations with the organization. I was hoping maybe things had changed and wanted to contribute. As soon as the reports out of NOLA started to flow about gun confiscation, I was shocked to not read or see any stance on the part of the NRA. I mean, this is the largest pro-second amendment organization in the country, right? You would think they would be all over a violation as severe as personal firearms being illegal taken from owners. I thought it would be a good idea to contact them about the situation. What you see listed below are my exchanges with the NRA thus far.

Message: I am curious how the NRA is going to stick up for the gun owners in the New Orleans area that are having their weapons confiscated?

From the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/08/national...artner=homepage


New Orleans Begins Confiscating Firearms as Water Recedes

By ALEX BERENSON
and TIMOTHY WILLIAMS
Published: September 8, 2005

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 8 - Waters were receding across this flood-beaten city today as police officers began confiscating weapons, including legally registered weapons, from civilians in preparation for a mass forced evacuation of the residents still living here.

No civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to carry pistols, shotguns, or other firearms of any kind, said P. Edwin Compass, the superintendent of police. "Only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons," he said.

But that order apparently does not apply to the hundreds of security guards whom businesses and some wealthy individuals have hired to protect their property. The guards, who are civilians working for private security firms like Blackwater, are openly carrying M-16's and other assault rifles. Mr. Compass said he was aware of the private guards, but that the police had no plans to make them give up their weapons.


There are no provisions that I know of in the Constitution to allow this to happen. I would hope the the NRA would be on the front lines in regards to this infringement and would appreciate hearing how you will be responding.

Sincerely,

Rob


Response from the NRA:

Membership" <[email protected]>
Fri, 9 Sep 2005 09:51:11 -0400
RE: Contact from NRAHQ web site: Membership/General Comments

Thank you for contacting us.
I am forwarding your message to NRA-ILA which is the political and
lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association.
Best Regards,
Sean


NRA Member Communications
P.S. If you need to contact us again concerning this, please make sure you include this and any previous correspondence. Some Internet Providers, such as AOL for example, automatically cut out previous messages when you reply to a message. This will help insure a quick answer to your inquiry.


At this stage, I found the “grass roots” ILA phone number and spent about 5mins pushing various buttons in hopes of speaking to a person. I finally was able to get through to “Amanda” who advised the NRA was “monitoring the situation” and that the “higher ups” had been notified.
The following NRA form letter response was released:


"ILA-Contact" <[email protected]>
Fri, 9 Sep 2005 15:56:20 -0400
RE: Contact from NRAHQ web site: Membership/General Comments

Thank you for contacting the NRA-ILA. 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.

Sincerely,

Amanda Millward

After reading that bunch of PC drivel, I decided to ask for a refund of my membership dues I had just paid. I mean, I joined the NRA because they exist to defend the 2nd Amendment.
I responded with the following:

From: Rob
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 5:48 PM
To: ILA-Contact
Subject: RE: ILA Contact

That is about the most "pc" bunch of nonsense I have ever heard.

I would ask that my dues be promptly refunded and my membership cancelled with the NRA.

Sincerley,

Rob

In response, the following was relayed to me:

Membership" <[email protected]>
Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:47:51 -0400
RE: ILA Contact

Thank you for your reply.
Memberships cannot be canceled via email per the NRA Bylaws, Article III Sec. 10(a) Voluntary Termination of Member. It states:

"Any individual member may terminate his or her membership at any time by a resignation in writing sent by first class United States mail to the Secretary of the Association, but such member will not be entitled to any refund of dues or contributions already paid."

Please submit your letter of resignation to:

NRA Director Membership
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

Best regards,
Sean
NRA Member Communications

Now, that is all fine and dandy that all of these nice little bylaws exist. So, I thought it wise to remark that many others are feeling the same as I am. After seeing the NRA honchos all over the SHOT Show last year, I thought maybe I would personally hand in my card to one of them. I let “Sean” know my intentions:

From: Rob
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 3:14 PM
To: Membership
Subject: RE: ILA Contact

I'll wait and hand in my card at the SHOT SHOW with a few thousand others.

Thanks.


I guess “Sean”, in his infinite understanding of NRA bylaws doesn’t grasp the concept of making a statement. His “professional” response is as follows:

"Membership" <[email protected]>
Mon, 12 Sep 2005 15:40:03 -0400
RE: ILA Contact

Handing in your Membership card at the Shot Show will not cancel your NRA Membership. As stated previously, the only way to cancel your Membership is to send a letter of resignation. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP. However, if you think you know better than I do, regard the fact that I know the NRA bylaws forward and backward and I specialize in NRA Memberships and the rules governing them. Feel free to try and hand your card over at the Shot Show. Considering the individuals who run the booths are recruiters and tend not to be NRA employees.
Best regards,
Sean

 

[halvey]

NRA response to NOPD's illegal/unconstitutional anti-2A actions

NRA response to NOPD's illegal/unconstitutional anti-2A actions

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disaster Can't Destroy Gun Rights

(Fairfax, VA) -- National Rifle Association leader Wayne LaPierre slammed New Orleans authorities Monday for seizing legal firearms from lawful residents.

"What we've seen in Louisiana - the breakdown of law and order in the aftermath of disaster - is exactly the kind of situation where the Second Amendment was intended to allow citizens to protect themselves, " LaPierre said.

"When law enforcement isn't available, Americans turn to the one right that protects all the others - the right to keep and bear arms," LaPierre said. "This attempt to repeal the Second Amendment should be condemned."

The New York Times reported last Thursday that no civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to have guns, quoting the superintendent of police that "only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons."

A Louisiana state statute allows the chief law enforcement officer to "regulate possession" of firearms during declared emergencies. "But regulate doesn't mean confiscate," said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist.

"Authorities are using that statute to do what the looters and criminals could not: disarm the law-abiding citizens of New Orleans trying to protect their homes and families," Cox said.

"The NRA will not stand idly by while guns are confiscated from law-abiding people who're trying to defend themselves," he said.

"We're exploring every legal option available to protect the rights of lawful people in New Orleans," Cox said, "and we're taking steps to overturn such laws in every state where they exist."

"Local authorities in New Orleans are turning nature's assault on human life into man's assault on human rights," LaPierre said. "Four million NRA members intend to stop this unconstitutional power grab."

 

[rick_reno]

I doubt the people making these calls have any relationship with the NRA, other than that of a contractor. The calling functions are likely outsourced to a call center - I don't expect them to know anything.

 

[one-shot-one]

see if they still want to talk to me after this....

NRA:"How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"
ME: a heck of a lot better than the first couple of guys that they send through my door!

 

[yorec]

"Well, Mr. Reno. How would you feel if the U.N. came to your house to take your guns away?"

Yeah, yeah - got that call a month ago or so... Well before Katrina and NOLA. It's just a fundraising call coated in a "wake up" shell. If ya got the money tell 'em to cut to the quick and donate a few bucks - if not - tell 'em to knock of the sales gimicks, ya don't have it at the moment. Works for me and though they try to give the "speel" a full try (many telemarketers are paid for each speel they complete) they will see reason when I hang up. And the NRA will march on.

Fact of life is that huge lobbying organizations run on money and they will attempt to do thier job in raising such many different ways. Some not too brilliant and a lot of 'em ill timed. Realize that and live with it.

Or ya could always turn your back on the principles you signed up for, claim to believe in and hold sacred, and cancel your membership after reviewing one incident involving the multi million member and dollared outfit and deciding they ain't doin' things just as you would in their shoes...

<heavy sarcasm mode>That's the kind of ally I want next to me in the trenches...</heavy sarcasm mode>

 

[Robert Hairless]

<heavy sarcasm mode>That's the kind of ally I want next to me in the trenches...</heavy sarcasm mode>

That thought also comes frequently to my mind as I read such messages. I wouldn't want them next to me in the trenches, and most certainly not behind me. Having them in front of me might feel better for a while but when an attack comes they're likely to say "Take him!" and make some excuse. As for the fantasy that they'll actually risk their lives to defend anything at all .... I suppose that there's comfort in anything that helps someone get through the night.

 

[El Rojo]

Wow Greenmountaingear, that was pretty impressive. You gave the organization less than a week to make a statement and promptly canceled as they formulated a carefully crafted and logical response, before such response was made. Quite impressive. Now if we can only get the anti-gunners to jump ship this quickly on the Brady Center, we might be able to gain more ground.

I like the people on here who bring up that the same people saying that the feds responded as quickly as they could to the disaster and that people need to have patience and fend for themselves are the first to crucify the NRA because the NRA didn't act with such haste. I would wager these same people might not have written to their representatives at the same time they were writing to the NRA. Again, the nanny state attitude is prevalent. NRA take care of us or we will get mad. FEMA take care of us or we will get mad.

Now Greenmountaingear has no choice but to cancel out even though he got his stronger response from the NRA a few hours later or he will risk not being consistent and being full of rhetoric just like the NRA he just finished bashing. Oh well.

 

[greenmountaingear]

You would think, being the "largest defender of gun rights", that thet would not need a week to come out with a response to people's gun being confiscated. The only reason they released the first "pc" statement is that they were bombed with phone calls. The second statement was released after they were called out for being soft.

As far as "jumping ship", I prefer to look at it as a chance to upgrade. I'll invest in a group that actually has a backbone next time around. The NRA does not represent a "nanny mentality" as I take care of myself in terms of political aspects of my rights.

It should be noted that I am not a "trouble maker" by any stretch...unless it is with my liberal politicians. I was going to let this slide until "Mr. Bylaws", the membership specialist, wanted to jabber on about things. Perhaps if those people paid more attention to my rights and worried less about bylaws, we would be in better shape

 

[feedthehogs]

I doubt the people making these calls have any relationship with the NRA, other than that of a contractor. The calling functions are likely outsourced to a call center - I don't expect them to know anything.

And there lies the problem.

With sites like this discussing the everyday gun problems, the average gun owner is being more educated.

Unfortunatly the NRA still treats its members, past or present as uninformed gun owners who will respond to idle threats, misinformation or outright lies.

I to have had calls from them soliciting money and when trying to inform them of the real story, was dismayed at the response.

As an evc, I have a direct line into the ILA and when discussing these types of problems, I get no satisfactory response. Many NRA members of the local 2nd amendment group have dicussed this issue before with disapointing results.

If the NRA wants to continue as a strong organization with support from the gun owners, it has to start treating gun owners as educated, informed people who can distinguish fact from fiction.

I don't don't like being treated like "Bubba" the gun owner by the very organization I support.

One problem they have is high employee turn over.
Another is General Wayne picking and choosing his battles for political posturing and not based on pure 2nd amendment issues.

 

[JohnBT]

"You would think, being the "largest defender of gun rights", that thet would not need a week to come out with a response to people's gun being confiscated."

You might think that; I wouldn't. I'm generally not in favor of rash actions based on incomplete information.

John

 

[Robert Hairless]

The only reason they released the first "pc" statement is that they were bombed with phone calls.

I've always admired mind readers. I always wonder how they know with such certainty what other people think. The ability to read the mind and heart of an entire organization such as the National Rifle Association, and to do it almost instantaneously, is the rarest of gifts.

Me, I have never been able to do that trick. I have wondered about other people's motives and sometimes, given enough evidence, I've detected what looks like a disparity between what someone says and what he does. But to be able to read with absolute certainty the workings of another person's mind -- that capability has always been denied to me.

Consider yourself blessed to be endowed with such power. Don't abuse it. Treat it with respect. Be grateful for it and don't waste it on trivialities such as the National Rifle Association or mere mortals such as we.

Play poker in Las Vegas. Buy and sell stocks on the world's markets. Invest in hedge funds. Get a turban and a tent and tell fortunes. Think big. You have greatness: behave accordingly.

 

[greenmountaingear]

No "mind reading" involved...when I personally talked to them, they advised they were getting hammered with calls/emails. That would lead me to conclude that felt they better release a statement. If this was not the case, why did it take a follow-up "hard line" memo to come out days after the fact.
It's not mind reading...most of us would refer to it as something called commonsense

You might be happy sitting idly by while your rights disappear, I am not. I also do not put up with nonsense like what was relayed to me by some of their employees. As I said, it is fine and dandy they know the "bylaws"...I would rather put my money into some group that will focus on THE CONSTITUTION instead...what a neat idea, huh?

 

[Robert Hairless]

No "mind reading" involved...when I personally talked to them, they advised they were getting hammered with calls/emails. That would lead me to conclude that felt they better release a statement. If this was not the case, why did it take a follow-up "hard line" memo to come out days after the fact.
It's not mind reading...most of us would refer to it as something called commonsense

You might be happy sitting idly by while your rights disappear, I am not. I also do not put up with nonsense like what was relayed to me by some of their employees. As I said, it is fine and dandy they know the "bylaws"...I would rather put my money into some group that will focus on THE CONSTITUTION instead...what a neat idea, huh?

I'm grateful to you for revealing how a mind reader works. So you phoned "them" (presumably the NRA but possibly the "them" who is responsible for all evil in the world and who are against "us" who are pure and good). "Them" told you by phone that "they were getting hammered with calls/emails." So far that's about all a mere mortal like me might experience. But you have superior powers:

That would lead me to conclude that felt they better release a statement.

Gasp! How do you do it? I can't do it because I just don't know how to do such wondrous feets of conclusion jumping. You not only have the power to see inside people's minds (even the amorphous "they") but you also know their innermost feelings!

You're even so good that you know what "most" people think and feel! And you are modest too:

It's not mind reading...most of us would refer to it as something called commonsense

Don't be so overly modest. It is not "common" sense and it is not even "good" sense much less any kind of "sense" at all except "nonsense."

Let me try it though? I know I won't be good at it but you've tempted me to try.

From what you said I know ... I believe ... I sense ... that you are really Sarah Brady.

Here's how I did that. You say: "I would rather put my money into some group that will focus on THE CONSTITUTION instead" The NRA does focus on the Constitution of the United States and in fact is known by people of even average intelligence to focus on the Second Amendment to the Constitution. That would lead me to think that either you are not a person of even average intelligence (because you don't know that) or that you are intentionally distorting the NRA position for your own purposes.

Of course I can't possibly imagine that you don't think well, so you must be distorting the NRA position for your own purposes. And when you say that you put your money into "some group" that focuses as you do there is only one commonsense conclusion to be drawn: you are Sarah Brady, here under a fake name intended to imply that you are a gun enthusiast but really trying to undercut the gun enthusiast's greatest ally and support, the NRA while you put your money into supporting the Brady Campaign.

I did it! I really did it! I can mind read too! Thank you.