My suggestion to the NRA and their response

[MartyG]

I sent this to the NRA:
I've got an idea, but it maybe ought to go through an organization like the NRA. Because communications with pictures have more of an impact than text or voice mail, how powerful do you think it would be if we sent in actual pictures of ourselves (computer printout is fine), under the heading of (take your pick) "I'm the NRA," or "I am a gun owner and I vote," etc. We flood the Senate and House with these pics, showing them real, live, ordinary Americans who are for the 2A. Right now they see us as some kind of evil "blob," or have some negative stereotype in their minds when they think of gun owners. Let them know we are real! Even the timid, or those not wanting, for privacy reasons to divulge their identity, could show their face without a name. I don't think anything like this has ever been done. What are your thoughts?

Today I received this response:
Thanks for your ideas. I will be forwarding this to our Public Affairs Department for further review. I think this is a great idea. Thanks again, and thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Krista Cupp
NRA-ILA Grassroots Division

Who knows? Maybe I've started something?

 

[tcrocker]

Sounds like a real good ideal to me. Pics of the hole family at a shooting rainge would be nice I think a family that shoots together stays together.

 

[Colt Smith]

Anything to show ourselves as regular people who are not "gun nuts" would be beneficial. Let's not loose sight however that gun rights is not primarily about "sporting purposes".

 

[lanternlad1]

I think its a good way to get yourselves targeted by a vengeful anti-gun Congress. Now that they will know what you look like, it will be easier to find you. (theoretically)

 

[CoRoMo]

I can't imagine that the fascists who want to disarm this nation would ever be swayed by this.
I think they know good and well who it is that they want to disarm.
They can't be swayed, informed, converted, or educated on the matter.
Statistics, facts, and reality are not important to them.
They want your guns, period. They want to disassemble the 2nd Amendment of our Bill of Rights.
Their stated method will be one gun at a time; one law, one regulation, one restriction at a time; and they won't stop until the last gun is taken.
I believe that these politicians look at me and you as a threat to their power.
That is what drives their efforts rather than some mythical crime prevention intent.
Seeing a multitude of American gun owners' photos might just energize them to act sooner than later.

If that sounds gloomy... welcome to sobriety.
They're hoping that you are in the mood for another "compromise".

 

[matrem]

"I think its a good way to get yourselves targeted by a vengeful anti-gun Congress. Now that they will know what you look like, it will be easier to find you."
WHAT!
Good thing there are a few million NRA members who are willing to take "risks"!

 

[TMM]

I'd be in for it if the plan got solidified. aside from CoRoMo's thoughts, it can't hurt to do it. it would hurt more to be inactive in the fight.

tmm

 

[Fifteen+1]

The government already knows who we are.....We own guns. Last I checked we had to file paper work with a federal office to get it.


I think this is a great idea. Just a simple head shot (maybe not a good choice of words on that) to show that we are American people and we are what matter to you. Not the scum at Gitmo. By scum I mean the terrorist that live their. Whole nother thread though.

I can't imagine that the fascists who want to disarm this nation would ever be swayed by this.
I think they know good and well who it is that they want to disarm.
They can't be swayed, informed, converted, or educated on the matter.
Statistics, facts, and reality are not important to them.
They want your guns, period. They want to disassemble the 2nd Amendment of our Bill of Rights.
Their stated method will be one gun at a time; one law, one regulation, one restriction at a time; and they won't stop until the last gun is taken.
I believe that these politicians look at me and you as a threat to their power.
That is what drives their efforts rather than some mythical crime prevention intent.
Seeing a multitude of American gun owners' photos might just energize them to act sooner than later.

If that sounds gloomy... welcome to sobriety.
They're hoping that you are in the mood for another "compromise".

I read that again and thats how I feel. But I am willing to try anything once.

 

[Defense Minister]

I'm with matrem, and I'm also a member of the NRA! If the government wants to know who I am, they don't have to look very hard. And, if you enjoy your right to keep and bear arms, you'd better step up and join the fight. We won't get ANYTHING accomplished if most of the "army" is hiding in the bushes!!!

P.S. If most of the army was hiding in the bushes when the British came ashore, NONE of us would ever have had the right to keep and bear arms in the first place, much less the Constitution.

 

[MartyG]

Today I replied to the NRA lady, and told her I posted this in 5 different gun forums, including this one. Virtually all responses are very positive. I don't know if this will result in some kind of pile of pictures, or scrapbook, or what. I suggested to the NRA that they do the work, and receive photos by jpg or other computer file as well as printed versions. If they could amass them, then "dump" them all at once on Washington, with proper PR, it could have a visual impact. I further suggested that they categorize these by states, so the state reps could see "their" people.
As to photo suggestions, most suggest a classic family portrait, or a face shot. This is not the time to send your favorite photo of your biggest, baddest gun in one hand, or anything less than either "wholesome,' or "neutral." This will be the time for us to put our best foot forward. If there is only ONE shot of a "redneck" stereotype, then you know that will be the shot the media projects.
I'll ask the NRA, if they undertake this project, to accept NRA members as well as non-members. They can, if they wish, sort into "I'm the NRA" and instead, "I'm a gun owner and I vote."
My local (Kansas) board is getting pretty fired up about this, and ready to start sending me photos!
This could be JUST what we need to combat the "you-gotta-believe-it's-coming-soon" AWB.
I'll keep you posted!