Pro-gun ownership but not pro-NRA?

[jimmyraythomason]

Divide and conquer. It still works today. Get gun owners fighting among themselves and the banners job gets a whole lot easier.

 

[GForceLizard]

The NRA is consistent in it's politics. If you support and vote for 2nd amendment rights they give you a good grade. That's why Harry Reid has a good rating. Gun rights is the NRA-ILA's job. You can be conservative or liberal the NRA doesn't care. It's only about gun rights.

 

[DonP]

"I just can't support some of the NRA's positions."

In my experience that usually translates into - "They supported George Bush or (insert favorite conservative/Republican here) in the last election and I'm too embarrassed to be a member".

It's easier to say "I'm against some NRA positions" than actually admit they support a party that calls for more gun control in every election and have to defend their continued support of a platform that calls for a new AWB and more gun control in general.

They'd rather complain about the NRA then admit their party is led by gun grabbers of the highest water.

Of course, I could be wrong ... Nah!

 

[Sam1911]

Heh, I actually go the other direction on some things. Voicing these opinions on a gun forum is not useful however, so i won't.

Well I can certainly understand why. Bringing opinions like that out into the light of a public forum does open them up to a level of review which can be uncomfortable. If the bases of your views are proven wrong or logical faults in your conclusions are pointed out, it can bring on a lot of internal stress if you wish to still hold those beliefs.

As a friend once told me, "I may be right or wrong, but that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it."

Never fear that you are alone in feeling this way. A lot of folks won't respect an opinion that can't stand up to critique -- and that's just RUDE!




-Sam

 

[TexasBill]

I'm a Democrat, moderately liberal, a member of the NRA and have given hundreds of dollars to the Foundation. I don't find it a conflict; I am a member of AARP, too, and I don't always agree with them, either.

So I am proud to be a member of the NRA and will continue to support them with donations when I can. While we may not agree on all the tactics, we have a common goal.

By the way: I read the platforms earlier in the thread and was amused. During the 2000 Presidential election, George W. Bush said he would sign the renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban if it came to his desk. Always be careful of what politicians say.

 

[CoRoMo]

the minority which seems to control the organization

Yeah... okay... sure.

 

[fatelk]

Generally when someone says that they believe in responsible gun ownership but just can't support everything the NRA does, they really mean that they are totally cool with the following "reasonable measures":

1. A ban on "assault weapons" (scary guns), and "big clips"
2. National gun registration
3. Strict control of handguns
4. A ban on private transfers, "close the loophole"

In other words, they are generally folks that are very comfortable with big government, the bigger the better. There are many, many of them on this board and others. I think many of us would be surprised just how many of them there are here.

They like guns too, and are usually quite sincere, good people with a different perspective. Definitely not lacking in ignorance, but usually sincere.

I'm disappointed when someone brings something like this up, then is too cowardly to say what they really think.

 

[fatelk]

By the way: I read the platforms earlier in the thread and was amused. During the 2000 Presidential election, George W. Bush said he would sign the renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban if it came to his desk. Always be careful of what politicians say.

I disagree. Forget about what they say; watch what they do. Too many people are enamored with what politicians say, hence the current resident in the White House.

 

[twice barrel]

My first post here - boy what a way to start!

I'm a Life Member. After a number of years of annual renewals I made the plunge 20-25 years ago. Proudly displayed my NRA sticker on my pickup window back then.

But the NRA changed aggressively back in the Handgun Control, Inc. days. Emotions ran high the the focus seemed to shift away from the enjoyment and nurturing of the shooting sports and more towards very visible political action committees. In an effort to jolt folks into awareness, joining the association and increase contributions to the lobbying and campaign activities they seemed to me achieve almost radical activities. The flood of media coverage focused on this aspect and not shooting sports.

I'm glad the NRA fought for gun ownership rights then as they do now. But I won't display the stickers again. Haven't seen an American Rifleman in years and my American Hunter arrives most every month and goes directly to the trash can. Too many ads.

And I've asked them to stop sending in the past just so they could save costs as well as the contribution requests and urgent plea notices. They wouldn't. This alienates me as well.

Glad I am a member so I can participate in NRA sanctioned activities if the spirit moves me as well as some insurance I've maintained for years thru them. And I hope they'll continue effective political activity but less sensationally. I'm weary of being bombared with it after 25 years.

Hello and kindest regards to all,

TB

 

[Warhawk83]

The Dove wrote:

And if you act now you can get a bag embroidered with the NRA logo at no additional charge!

BWAHAHAHA

I never got mine!

The Dove

I got mine, after using it twice on handle fell off and all zippers but one quit working.

I am a proud member however, I hate politics in general but in today's world you have to be involved or you're just willingly going down with the ship.

 

[texas bulldog]

don't worry. those of you that hate the NRA but want to keep your guns can continue to have your weight carried by the rest of us.

you're welcome.

 

[CUTENAME]

"Life Member of NRA.........."

And four other organizations." I pay yearly, because I'm approaching 80 years old, and one year membership may be LIFE membership. On the O.P., ArmedBear,Member."The anti-gunners demonize the NRA. You've fallen for it." NOPE; the NRA has fouled its own Depends, and is leaning on and counting on its consituents-sheeple to bail it out. 'ArBe' again, "You need not like your allies, but turning on them is counterproductive." YOU are counterproductive in denigrating, and not even seemingly to know that there are several organizations more active than the NRA. These organizations, although ignored by some and demonized by others, are carrying the battle into inside the Beltway -- which is where the NRA is located. " There really isn't a third path." Patently false. There are several, but since the O.P. was on NRA, I'll leave it there. Armed Bear, you need to get out of the woods more often. Beyond money I'm not sure what the NRA's interest is in the U.N. gun ban initiatives are (previous post, mocked by other comments). The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution and SCOTUS ruling that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right, will surely at least LIMIT U.S. involvement in a WORLD-WIDE ban on personal firearms. There was a scare-ploy tried in (I think) Wisconsin, concerning having the NRA come and help pass a 'privileged' ruling about CCW in that state. The tactic involved the U.N. treaties that were being worked on behind closed doors, which would override the Constitution and will never expire. A 2A-based law defending the 'right', not a privilege, was passed instead, and is in force NOW. Many members of the NRA are tired of the emails, junk mail you get in the mail-box & telephone calls are all about money how much more you can give them they always want more. It does get old.
The N.R.A. Not Right for many Americans.

 

[inherentical]

Generally when someone says that they believe in responsible gun ownership but just can't support everything the NRA does, they really mean that they are totally cool with the following "reasonable measures":

1. A ban on "assault weapons" (scary guns), and "big clips"
2. National gun registration
3. Strict control of handguns
4. A ban on private transfers, "close the loophole"

In other words, they are generally folks that are very comfortable with big government, the bigger the better. There are many, many of them on this board and others. I think many of us would be surprised just how many of them there are here.

They like guns too, and are usually quite sincere, good people with a different perspective. Definitely not lacking in ignorance, but usually sincere.

I'm disappointed when someone brings something like this up, then is too cowardly to say what they really think.

It would be more useful to gun owners to pry their fat butts off the couch and go vote. When my state rep was up for re-election and stopped by to shake hands (a Democrat by the way) I invited him in and talked guns to him. My doctor is running for office (as a Democrat) and I talked to him at my last appointment. I, personally, gave them both food for thought regarding the ridiculous ban on concealed carry in Wisconsin during hours-long conversation.

I think the NRA is a waste of money in its current incarnation. Use that money to buy good American products from American manufacturers. People need to stop buying the cheapest crap they can get their hands on and take some pride knowing that they're supporting their fellow Americans in doing so. You can spend your money however you wish, of course, but I'm as free to have my own opinion of the wisdom of your decision.

Republicans have done as much damage to our gun rights as Democrats have, and if someone makes it out to be a partisan issue I label them as fools. This issue has nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with the attitude that you need someone to do something for you. Why? Do it yourself. Make things happen. Go visit your state reps, hell, go visit any elected official that represents you. Learn the issues and make articulate arguments instead of calling people cowards.

Or should I let you know how I really feel?

 

[Deanimator]

I think the NRA is a waste of money in its current incarnation. Use that money to buy good American products from American manufacturers. People need to stop buying the cheapest crap they can get their hands on and take some pride knowing that they're supporting their fellow Americans in doing so. You can spend your money however you wish, of course, but I'm as free to have my own opinion of the wisdom of your decision.

Does that include AR15s?

How does "buy American" help me if I'm not allowed to buy American GUNS?

 

[Fremmer]

I think the NRA is a waste of money in its current incarnation. Use that money to buy good American products from American manufacturers.

Well, when you go to the gun shop and buy an AR 15 that was made in the USA, you can thank the NRA on your way to the range. Because without the NRA, a new "assault weapon ban" would have already passed. That's not by accident; it's because the NRA is the most effective pro-gun lobbying group in Washington D.C.

They have great training programs, classes, and other programs, too. I'm very happy with the NRA so far; despite the anti-gun positions that are celebrated by the current Administration and the Speaker of the House, no new gun control legislation has been enacted. So far, so good.

 

[mljdeckard]

tmpick-

how could it possibly be a bad thing to do BOTH?

 

[Deanimator]

They have great training programs, classes, and other programs, too.

And without their fight against repressive anti-gun laws, those training programs would be the equivalent of brontosaurus riding lessons, purely theoretical at best.

 

[inherentical]

tmpick-

how could it possibly be a bad thing to do BOTH?

It wouldn't be. I couldn't possibly say that it was. Part of what irks me is the whole attitude that I'm somehow being carried on the backs of others. My point that the NRA members that send in $35 and think they're contributing as much as individuals who get out there and teach people about guns is downright foolish. I really believe that the NRA right now is interested in maintaining the status quo, that they're in this for themselves. Not the people who work for them for low pay for a cause they believe in, but I'm too cynical to think that goes for the organization as a whole.

You're right, though. I should do both. It's not a black and white, either/or proposition. If it's one of the tools in arsenal, I should use it.

Thanks.

 

[Sam1911]

In my humble opinion I will submit that there is corruption in the NRA just like any other Lobby. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.

They will buy off and do what ever they have to do for there own interest as well.

the NRA has fouled its own Depends, and is leaning on and counting on its consituents-sheeple to bail it out.

I really believe that the NRA right now is interested in maintaining the status quo, that they're in this for themselves.

These kinds of statements are exactly indicative of the "I have my opinion and I don't care whether it's right or not!" thinking that gets so tiresome. Corruption? Prove it. Show us the corruption. Corruption has a specific definition. If you have no evidence of corruption with which to enlighten us -- if you can't show us where the leadership of the NRA is working to keep gun rights constricted -- then you need to look in the mirror and ask, "why do I want to add to the sea of ignorance in this world?"

Beyond money I'm not sure what the NRA's interest is in the U.N. gun ban initiatives are.

What would be the benefit of a human rights organization that is blind to the world our country exists in? That cannot recognize that we are part of that larger world, and that a great many of our citizens and leaders look to the examples set by other nations for notions of how to address social ills -- and how to distract and beguile their electorate while advancing the power of their positions?

If you do have an advanced degree in Constitutional Law and can illustrate -- to the satisfaction of the best legal minds we have participating here -- how this can truly never touch our shores and threaten our freedoms here in the USA, please post your credentials at the outset of your statement. It would save us all so much effort spent in disregarding your opinions!

-Sam

 

[rino451]

I've never heard of another one with any meaningful influence in DC, but YMMV.

Hardshell, just like Congress, when more people loose faith, they'll send their $ somewhere else. I just have less of a tolerance that others. No more, no less. Eventually, those $ could = influence. There's no way to know the future, but in the here and now, just like I will never vote for a Democrat (when there's a Repub or Libertarian) candidate, I will not send the NRA another $.

 

[HardShell]

Hardshell, just like Congress, when more people loose faith, they'll send their $ somewhere else. I just have less of a tolerance that others. No more, no less. Eventually, those $ could = influence. There's no way to know the future, but in the here and now, just like I will never vote for a Democrat (when there's a Repub or Libertarian) candidate, I will not send the NRA another $.

You stated there were "alternatives."

I simply pointed out that there weren't any meaningful ones, at least not on the national stage.

What you posted above is fine and good, and you are certainly free to spend your money (or not) as you see fit, but my point still stands "in the here and now."

 

[Frank Ettin]

....A 2A-based law defending the 'right', not a privilege, was passed instead, and is in force NOW.....

Excuse me, and exactly what law was that? If you're thinking of the Supreme Court ruling in Heller, it would appear that you don't fully understand how our political and legal system works.

The Heller decision was a beginning, not an end. And a number of lawsuits are now pending to build on Heller. The NRA is an important participant in a number of those.

 

[6-gunfun]

my dad has lots of guns my grampa has lots of guns so do my uncles also my other grampa had many but no one in my family is NRA i dont kno why but we arent im proud of them for some things thev done but some just seem pointless

 

[WLE]

I am not a republican or a Democrat. I support have attended several Fair Tax events. I am an entrepreneur and believe in personal responsibility. When I receive in the mail begging from the Rep. party for money it makes my blood boil. I have made contribution to the NRA for many years. I believe the NRA like any other big lobby can be bought. The NRA is just Band-Aid between us and gun control. I have the utmost respect for those who severed and died for our freedom but let’s face it when it comes to gun control, history repeats itself. Look at France, Germany, England they turned into a bunch of pansies asses, open your eyes and look around, that is exactly where we are heading for a society with out guns and the NRA will not stop it from happening. There are to many people that want government to take care of them why should they care about gun rights. Why any body would put all there hope and faith an organization or government is beyond me. All that hope and change will not stop it from happening.

GodBless America Bill

 

[Sam1911]

WLE, is there a "take home message" to what you wrote? I read it twice and the only actionable suggestion I can find is "give up, we're done for, don't support the government, the NRA, or any aspect of society because we're all f^(#ed anyway, so we really aught to just die."

I'm not arguing with you -- just wanted to make sure I understood your plan!

-Sam