Just what exactly has the NRA done for me?

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TexasSkyhawk

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I've seen various posts regarding Richard Feldman's latest outhouse reading, Ricochet, and I've heard various criticisms of the NRA.

How quickly we forget.

Recently, the NRA came out with a coffee table style book entitled, Freedom Restored.

t_FreedomRestm_f0373be.png

In it is a veritable history of the past twenty-five years or so of accomplishments and victories for ALL gun owners, via the National Rifle Association.

I wrote in my very first post here that after leaving the world of federal law enforcement and finishing grad school, I went to work as a writer for the NRA's ad/marketing/pr agency. That was in the very early 90's, right after Clinton was elected. President Clinton immediately went on the offensive and attacked gun owners, the NRA and everyone involved in between.

Anyone remember any of these ads?

t_ClintonAdsLm_39feb0a.png

If anyone doubts the power and force of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Activity or Political Victory Fund, think back to 1994--a year in which a staggering number of anti-gun defeats happened.

t_1994Victorim_ce9fa4f.png

As a former federal special agent turned advertising writer, I was heavily involved in this campaign--anyone else remember the silly, stupid furor over these things?

t_PlasticGunsm_9733043.png

Were it not for the NRA's leadership, agressive public stance and very effective, quiet behind-the-scenes talks and demonstrations with key elected officials, the Glock you own today might never have been--unless you have a badge.

And finally, when the liberals, fence-sitters and soccer moms pull out the "save the children" card, what are gun rights and pro-Second Amendment organizations have a program as effective as this one?

t_EddieEagleLm_8d98bc6.png

I also worked on the "I Refuse To Be A Victim" campaigns and strategies--we made unbelievable strides in a number of largescale media outlets. We're talking about publications that previously had never allowed the NRA or any pro-gun organization or product to purchase advertising.

In the past twenty-five years, the NRA has done an incredible number of things for gun owners and freedom lovers everywhere. If you don't believe me, go to their website and inquire about purchasing the Freedom Restored book, then come back and let us know what you think.

And for the record, I do not work for the NRA. I just know which side my bread is buttered on and who keeps it that way.

Jeff
 
Just what exactly has the NRA done for me?

Simple.
If people my age (70) had not supported the NRA the last half century, the limits of gun ownership today would, at best, probably be a 22 single shot rifle.

We have and are still losing gun rights because only 2-3-4 million gun owners are fighting the battle for the other 80 million. Most of who are even too lazy to vote.:(
 
You just gave me a good reason to plunk down my money and join - again. I was a member in my youth but during my military career it was difficult to own any handguns so I left it behind. BTW, recognize your "signature" from TFL - I'm the same name in both places... Dave
 
NRA

Oldest and largest Civil Rights organization in the world.
Oldest and Largest, private Firearms instructional and training organization in the world.
Oldest and largest, Police training organization in the world.
Created a Lobby group in the mid 70's so as to legally fight the problems stemming from the 68 gun control and follow on gun control issues.

Now this may come as a shock to many folks. Unlike you, the NRA ain't perfect. Honest men may disagree on how to accomplish the same mission. If you do disagree with what or how they do things, become a voting member with your life membership.

Supporting the NRA doesn't mean do not support other worthwhile pro gun organizations. Just no matter what other pro gun organization that you support, you really ought belong to the NRA too.

Belonging to the NRA is like Voting. Many folks make up many excuses why not. None of them carry water.

No other group does half of what the NRA does to support shooting. Not just in the gun control fight, but in training, safety, kids programs, Sport, and Police training. No body else comes close.

Go figure.

Fred
 
I'm an NRA Life Member, and proud of it; but I'm ALSO a member of the Texas State Rifle Association too. My opinion is that, as good as the NRA is, it is not enough. The NRA has national clout, but not as much at the state and local levels. Gun enthusiasts, and those who aren't but are pro 2nd Amendment, need to also join their state, regional, and local RKBA organizations.
 
Counting down until someone will argue that all the good NRA has done is negated by some junk mail now and then.

That extra envelope in the mail just isn't worth defending the 2A to some...


3.....2.....1.... :)
 
NRA is doing more than anyone else to fight for our gun rights. I wish many of my friends who hunt would also join.

They say if they had handguns they would, they do not believe anyone will ever threaten thier rifles???
 
Counting down until someone will argue that all the good NRA has done is negated by some junk mail now and then.

Exactly why I posted those pictures. They represent less than five percent of what is found in Freedom Restored as it pertains to the battles and campaigns the NRA has fought against those who wish to destroy the Second Amendment.

Someone can have a differing view or opinion regarding guns or the NRA or other pro-gun organizations. But when their opinion is based on nothing more than ignorance because they're too damned lazy to make the effort to research what IS the truth, then their opinion means zero.

Like you, I'm waiting for the "NRA is selling us out" posts. . .

Jeff
 
OK, I just plunked the money down and rejoined for 2 years. No, it's not a perfect organization - there are none. Any organization that will support our basic rights as Americans is worth a bit of investment... Dave
 
Well,the NRA has saved our gun rights during these last ,most difficult 44 years(11-22-1963),to my mind.
I recently up-graded to life member and although not without flaws ,the NRA is our single most effective weapon against the gun grabbing,anti -Republic,Socialists of this world.
See,Schumer,Feinstein,McCarthy,Clinton,Kennedy,Durbin,Lautenburg, the UN,Brady's,VPC,ad nauseum,on the list of enemies they have helped to beat back.
 
I've been waiting for someone like TexasSkyhawk to appear here but I'd just about given up hope. It's a Christmas miracle.

For a while, at least, maybe we can get some relief from the Gun Owners of America attacks on the NRA that do nothing useful and split us all apart.

Okay, I do kind of miss the GOA elves like Dudley Brown, NRAwol, and "Thomas Paine" but I know that not everyone shares my sense of humor and affection for the theater of the absurd. Still, I wonder if I might ever again have so much fun as I did with "Thomas Paine's" comment that "The NRA/ILA is a bunch of Gucci wearing wimps." Nobody appreciates the sacrifices I'm willing to make for a good cause.

Jeff, I hope you're here for the long run and that you won't dash up the chimney in a few days to feed the reindeer.
 
Oh. It's probably worth noting that if you have a concealed weapons permit you need to thank the NRA.

Many states (maybe most) require that CWP instructors be NRA-certified basic pistol instructors or some equivalent. It's the NRA--in other words those of us who are members--that pays for the development of those instructor courses. The states don't. We underwrite them so you can lawfully carry.

TexasRifleman, it took just six minutes from the time you posted that countdown until the appearance of a winner. Although Brad Johnson didn't mention any specifics for his hostility to the NRA I think he deserves credit for speed and agility in delivering his "Oh no, not again... :rolleyes:" The clever use of a sarcastic emoticon should count for bonus points.
 
Thank you Skyhawk. The ignorance and arrogance of the NRA bashers is mind-boggling. This is a book everyone should read. I have not read it yet but I will even though I am very well convinced of all the good work the NRA does in regard to the RKBA.
 
Sen. Crapo Requests Policy Change Regarding Firearms Possession on Public Land

From NRA-ILA's website today.

Sen. Crapo Requests Policy Change Regarding the Carrying and Transportation of Firearms On Public Lands

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=3319
Monday, December 17, 2007

On December 14, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo sent a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne requesting that prohibitions preventing law-abiding citizens from transporting and carrying firearms on certain public lands be removed.

The NRA initiated and worked closely with Senator Crapo on this letter and appreciates his bipartisan effort to get 47 Senators to sign a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne requesting a change in policy allowing state law to govern the carrying and transportation of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges, as is the case of national forests and BLM lands. We have been working for nearly five years to change this policy and applaud the strong Senate support for this policy change expressed in this letter.

View the letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne
 
I can still go out and buy guns. For that I thank the NRA!
I still believe in the NRA and the TSRA. Thanks God they have been there and are still with us.
See my sig line.
 
I, my wife, and my son are life members. No they are not perfect, and in fact missed some good opportunities. But they have still done a lot of good.
 
I used to be a big supporter of the NRA... until they stuck one to me.
I've been a NRA certified police firearms instructor for the past 11 years (or thought I was). As it goes, the NRA charges an instructors fee every couple of years so you can keep your certification. Failure to pay this fee ($35 or so) results in cancellation of your certification and the loss of your instructor status. Well... roughly two years ago, my Instructor certification fee came due. I forwarded the bill to the Chief of Police (at the time) for payment, as is department protocol. Never thought about it until about six months ago when I realized I never received my new Instructors certification card. I called the Law Enforcement Training Division of the NRA to advise them that I had never received my latest certification card. The woman I spoke with, who I might add was very rude, advised me that they had never received payment for renewal of my instructor certification, and thus my certification was cancelled. I asked what I had to do to get my certification back, and the rep responded, "There's nothing I can do for you. You'll have to take our Instructor Developmental School program again." ***? She didn't want to even attempt to understand my situation. Great bunch of folks over there at the NRA................They didn't get their $35 (through no fault of mine), so now I'm not worthy of being one of their certified firearms instructors? $1000.00 to attend their school AGAIN? Not likely! It's all about the MONEY. For 35 stinkin' dollars they have no problem screwing up my career.
So... to answer your question TexasSkyhawk, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE NRA HAS DONE FOR ME!
 
Sarge55 said:
They didn't get their $35 (through no fault of mine), so now I'm not worthy of being one of their certified firearms instructors? $1000.00 to attend their school AGAIN? Not likely! It's all about the MONEY. For 35 stinkin' dollars they have no problem screwing up my career.
So... to answer your question TexasSkyhawk, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE NRA HAS DONE FOR ME!

And you're a cop?

Criminals are supposed to be the whiners, crying about unfairness and "it's not their fault," blah blah blah.

If I do not have current insurance because I trusted my wife to take care of it, and you pull me over--you gonna cut me any slack? Even if I explain to you "what happened," you're still gonna write me the ticket.

Why?

Because it is MY freaking responsibility. Your chief didn't pay the renewal, and somehow that's the NRA's fault? You didn't bother to follow through on YOUR certification, and that's the certifying agency/organization's fault?

Question. Sounds like you work for a very small department (if the chief is the one who pays the bills). Without the NRA and their LE certification program, how much you suppose it would've cost you to go to Harrisburg to get your certification--if that would even be an option?

Your department dropped the ball--not the NRA. If they made an exception for you, then they have to make an exception for everyone--sound familiar, maybe from academy days? Since your department dropped the ball and failed to pay, I bet if it cost them a grand for the second time around, they won't make that mistake two times in a row. And if they don't want to pay, then are you the only instructor-quailfied cop in the department?

Jeff
 
TexasSkyhawk,
Unlike some other astute posters,I forgot to thank you for starting this thread on the NRA,America's first bastion for our firearm's freedom's.
Again,thank you very much.We will prevail.
 
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