Pros and Cons of NRA membership

[TexasRifleman]

wonder what our 2 Amendment would Look like if the NRA wasn't Around?

It would no longer exist most likely.

The original National Firearms Act of 1934 intended to include handguns as NFA firearms requiring a tax stamp.

The fledgling NRA was involved in some of that early arguing, and the legislative affairs division (now ILA) was formed in response to the 1934 NFA.

 

[chevysquid]

Did yall know that if you go to the MidwayUSA website they have a link where the NRA is giving away 1 year memberships for free? it's on the homepage, can't miss it.

 

[Boba Fett]

I wonder what our 2 Amendment would Look like if the NRA wasn't Around?

Imagine if you will a world without the NRA. There you will find a Mr. daorhgih, a common man with ideals and pride. Mr. daorhgih once wished for a world without the NRA. Well, tonight, that wish will come true. You see, Mr. daorhgih has entered...The Twilight Zone.

"What a wonderful morning, I wonder how the Second Amendment is doing to day?"
He picks up the phone to call his friend Joe, "Hey Joe, you want to go to the gun range today?"

"Gun range? daorhgih, guns are outlawed."

"WHAT!? Since yesterday?"

"No, daorhgih, since 1871 when the government stopped the formation of the NRA. There haven't been any firearms in America since then. Except for the government and criminals of course. You feeling alright?"

Mr. daorhgih: "But what about the Second Amendment, Joe?"

"Oh that shoddy piece of garbage was burned back in 1872. What were the founding fathers thinking!? I'm sure glad our government decided to get rid of it. Can you imagine what the world would be like if average citizens had the right to keep an bear arms. HA! What a world that would be!"

"Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!" daorhgih screamed in vain. "Come back NRA! COME BAAAACCCCCKKKK!!!"

 

[TexasRifleman]

Here is the form for the 1 year trial membership.

https://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/accept-membership.asp


If you join, take the time to read the material they send you, buried in there somewhere is all the info on how to opt out of most of the emailings and phone calls.

Using that as the excuse not to join is just admitting illiteracy basically, since it's written right in the membership docs

 

[christcorp]

The NRA is similar to being in a UNION. Now personally, I am not a very big supporter of Unions. However; they do have their place. And having worked in certain industries, I have been made in some states to be a member of the Union that supported the employees for the company I worked for. Now; with all the good and bad that I've seen come of unions, there were 2 FACTS that I learned about them.

1. NUMBERS: As in people for or against something, mean very little to the larger organization unless A) There is an election on a specific matter (Local) that the people can vote on or B) The "Cause" has a lobby or similar to represent the masses. Individually, you can write all the letters and emails you want, but rarely will it get nearly the attention that a lobbiest can gather by SPEAKING FOR a group of individuals. The corporation, or in the case of politics, your rep, doesn't have the time or patience to listen to hundreds and thousands of individuals. But they do have time to talk to someone who REPRESENTS hundreds, thousands, or even millions.

2. The Union isn't an inanimate object. It is made up of the members. If there is anything that you don't like about the union, then it is up to YOU the member to get involved and change it. YOU ARE THE UNION! And you can't make changes or fix anything about the union if you aren't a member and active in the process. You can't just whine and bitch and say "I'm not going to be a member until they get their act together". That is totally stupid.

Well; the same thing applies to the NRA. You CAN'T under any circumstances present your wishes to your representatives, congress, or the white house with the power and force that a lobby can. Politicians care about numbers. A state rep/senator doesn't have time to seriously consider your individual phone call or email. Yes, if you organize enough people, (The concept of a union/NRA); you could try and make your point better. But again; your reps don't have time or the patience to listen to you all. But they can and will speak and listen to a lobbiest who is representing 4 MILLION + voters. And the bottom line is; You can't just say "I'll join when they change their practices". If you believe in the "CONCEPT" of the NRA; which I'm sure everyone here does, being it's a gun site, then the only way to change and correct some of the things about the NRA that you don't like, is to be part of the system. You can't change it if you're not a member. You mean nothing to them if you're not a member.

So people need to stop coming up with lame excuses. Forget how much it costs. Forget that they spam you sometimes. Forget that if you don't take the initiative, they will call and beg for money. Forget that they sometimes spend and contribute your dues and donations to some things you might not agree with. Forget all those excuses. The only thing you need to decide is: "Do you agree with the PREMISE, the CONCEPT, of the NRA. If the answer is Yes; then you should be a member to help fight for the premise and concept of the 2nd amendment and what the NRA stands for. Then, once you're a member (Which your number alone is more valuable than your dues/donations); then you can decide at what level you want to get involved to seek change in areas you believe the NRA needs changing. Maybe all you do is opt out of solicitation. Maybe you get involved with local NRA chapters to do training and such for children and adults new to weapons. Maybe you get involved with the political action side. Maybe you just give them your dues and read the magazine. Any/all of that is perfectly fine. But it's the premise and concept of what the NRA is there for; to speak for us in a 4 million + strong voice. Just like the unions do. This is what you should be supporting.

 

[hillbillydelux]

If anyone is afraid of being on a "list" for something thats perfectly legal now then you are a coward now and probably will be more of a coward if ever the time came to stand up for our rights. I am not talking about doing anything illegal. It really pi$$&$ me off when people are afraid of joining an association that protects our rights or are afraid of getting a CCW for fear of being put on a list. Get this straight. There will be a list if we continue this way of thinking!! The best way to protect our rights is to stand up and be loud. Let it be known where we stand and let it be known we are damn proud of it. I am glad to see that most posts agree that without the NRA the 2nd ammendment wouldnt exist. As for you sissys that are afraid of something that doesnt even exist. Grow a freakin backbone, Go join the NRA and go tell everyone that you believe in freedom and will not sit back in fear and watch if fade away!!!!!!!



Sorry for the rant. Just srtuck a nerve thats all.

 

[pharmer]

When it comes to guns, the NRA is like your big badass friend. Nice enough but good to have around when things get rough. Join, now. Joe

 

[pharmer]

And about the lists. ANYONE who does not agree with the BObamination is on a "list". Good company. Joe

 

[dullh]

Wow! All this hot-air bandwidth wasting and name calling and I still ain't gonna join!

"FREELOADIN' BASTARD OVER HERE!"

I guess my memberships to GOA and SAF mean nothing unless I have an NRA card in my wallet...


Again....whatever...

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I guess my memberships to GOA and SAF mean nothing unless I have an NRA card in my wallet...

No one is saying memberships in those organizations means nothing, just not much. The NRA by far has more clout in DC.

 

[Gunnerpalace]

Is it cool if I just give to the ILA?

 

[HammerheadSSN663]

yeh, the CONSTANT emails, phone calls, mail flyers trying to sell you stuff you don't need, sending you DVDs with instructions to send them back if you don't want them. Huh? Now I have to take time out of my day to send them something back when I never asked for it in the first place??!! Not a chance NRA, you send me something, I'm keeping it free of charge.

 

[PT1911]

what has the NRA done for me? not a damn thing...

the only thing the NRA has done is become something that people THINK is actually getting something done.... makes you feel a little better when you go to sleep at night knowing your membership dues and donations have gone into someone elses wallet. If we would stand up for ourselves rather than hoping the NRA will stand up for us we would not have the issues we currently have.

it is much like sending a couple dollars a month to some "Charity" that then sends 15 cents to do something for starving kids overseas... or better yet... for the starving dogs and cats in our streets.... give me a break...

The NRA is all Political... meaning... it is all about compromise... we give this you give this and we are all happy.... OR NOT. there should be nothing political about it. The NRA and its members has the ability to take back all the rights we complain about...Why dont they? wouldnt want to step on the wrong toes...

if you want to do something do it... dont depend on someone else to do it..

 

[TexasRifleman]

if you want to do something do it... dont depend on someone else to do it..

That's funny considering that's the opposite of what you are doing.

By not joining a large group you have no voice.

By not joining a large group you have no say in the direction of the group.

Political? You think this fight is NOT political? What are you suggesting, that we all head to Washington with our rifles and take over?

So you find it more productive to complain about what the NRA does or doesn't do, as a non member, than to join and try to change their direction.

As for what they have done recently I guess their work in San Francisco and New Orleans means nothing to you?

No, you live in Alabama and if it doesn't impact you directly it doesn't matter I guess.

So basically you advocate what?

This is the standard anti NRA, GOA, SAF, you name it, thread.

They suck, they don't do anything, they take your money, but no alternative whatsoever is offered.

Yeah, that's gonna work well.

This idea that you get everything you want instantly or game over is the real problem.

The reality is that in today's political world there are no all or nothings. To sit and wish for the return of those days is a waste of time and THAT behavior is what will be the undoing of our gun rights.

What is your alternative suggestion?

 

[eqfan592]

"The NRA and its members has the ability to take back all the rights we complain about...Why dont they?"

You complain about "compromise" but the simple fact is that a democracy CANNOT function without compromise. Unless you're talking about an armed revolt, then I really don't see how your statement is valid.

The way to secure our rights is not to say "it's my way or the highway" but rather to continue to convince people who are "fence sitters" on this issue to see reason. This involves pointing out the logic in our arguments and the lack of logic in the anti's arguments, among other things. And yes, even with that, it will mean SOME compromise at some point, as you will NEVER find a large group of people that agree 100% about anything. Sure, we all agree that the 2a must be protected, but many of us are OK with background checks while others are not. Many are OK with limitations being placed on fully automatic weapons, but others feel that such limitations are horrible. At some point, you have to be willing to bend on some of these issues. If you are not, then you risk losing everything because you are unable to forum any sort of united front with a large enough number of people.

 

[PT1911]

You complain about "compromise" but the simple fact is that a democracy CANNOT function without compromise. Unless you're talking about an armed revolt, then I really don't see how your statement is valid.

You are correct in the necessity of compromise, BUT eventually, after you give and give and give, there is nothing left. The NRA is in a great position to do A LOT of things but pick and choose cases to back , seemingly to keep face, and otherwise throw millions at museums that are not designed to sway "fence sitters."

That's funny considering that's the opposite of what you are doing.

By not joining a large group you have no voice.

I respectfully disagree.. when you join such a group you have the tendency of allowing them to speak for you without ever actually making your voice heard. The "its ok, the NRA will take care of it" mentality.
I educate, introduce, and encourage shooters, hunters, fence sitters,... etc....

I would love to support the NRA, but cannot support something I see no evidence of... My geographical location should mean nothing to the NATIONAL rifle association's influence. If they supported our (my) rights as they COULD, I would have no worry about having to shoot someone in self defense and suffering repurcussions. The NRA would have my back. We would have no fear of upcoming tax increases on guns and ammunition or national registration.

 

[TexasRifleman]

If they supported our (my) rights as they COULD, I would have no worry about having to shoot someone in self defense and suffering repurcussions.

So what you really want is the NRA to ignore gun issues and go after tort reform.

That makes a lot of sense........

The NRA is in a great position to do A LOT of things but pick and choose cases to back , seemingly to keep face

Yeah, frivolous suits like Heller and the NRA v City of San Francisco, and NRA/SAF v City of New Orleans.

Yep. Face saving cases with no real outcome or positive benefits.

You seem to have it all figured out I guess, with all the facts well in hand.

We would have no fear of upcoming tax increases on guns and ammunition or national registration.

You are aware of some pending legislation on these topics? Since you're so up to date, please post the relevant proposed legislation so we can look into it.

Oh, wait. There ISN'T ANY other than HB45 and, shockingly, it's completely dead.

So basically you want the NRA to spend time worrying about lawsuit reform and fighting proposed legislation that hasn't been written yet.

That's an interesting tactic for sure......

I'm serious. Your alternative proposals are sound bites with no substance.

educate, introduce, and encourage shooters, hunters, fence sitters,... etc....

That's great. Then do you help them get educated on the political process? Because making happy hunters doesn't help, making active voters does.

Because in the end, that's all that matters, votes.

Right or wrong, whether we wish it was different or not, voting blocks are what scare the politicians.

The only alternative to getting what we want with large voting blocks is to begin armed rebellion.

I respectfully disagree.. when you join such a group you have the tendency of allowing them to speak for you without ever actually making your voice heard. The "its ok, the NRA will take care of it" mentality.

That certainly has not been my experience. But as I posted earlier, the NRA direction is guided by members, not outsiders. So, not being a member you have no say in what happens. As a member, active at meetings, I am heard often. Dunno what to tell you about that, you tell me something doesn't exist that I know for a fact does.

 

[eqfan592]

PT1911, I can't say that there isn't some logic in your arguments. And if you'll see my first post on this topic, you'll see that I also have some large issues with the NRA. However, I still think the best way to resolve those issues is form the inside out, not the outside in. This can only be done by becoming a member.

 

[stevelyn]

No cons. Disagreement on how to go about dealing with some issues? Yup. I would prefer they become a bit more aggressive, but that's my opinion and not a deal breaker.

As far as being on a list? Having had a military security clearance, being an active cop, a certified firearms instructor, holding a C&R license and a couple of other things in my background I'm sure I've been on the list for quite sometime. Being an NRA and American Legion member is just icing Janet Napolitano's cake.

 

[PT1911]

So what you really want is the NRA to ignore gun issues and go after tort reform.

Last I checked self defense (with a GUN) was a gun issue not just a tort.

Yeah, frivolous suits like Heller and the NRA v City of San Francisco, and NRA/SAF v City of New Orleans.

If there were more than a handful of cases that they deemed worthy of their all mighty presence I would be happy to retract my previous statement... If they threw themselves into cases that were more than BLATENT disregard for gun rights ie, heller, new orleans, san francisco, and more to cases that were not so cut and dry my stance would change. at least that way we could make some progress in the other direction rather than continually repeating the same rights.

I can own a gun, you cannot take my gun, ( fight for it, but it is ,at least to this point, a given)

you cant put a luxury tax on ammo and guns, you cannot require registration of all guns. ( quite a blurry area seeing as the term "infringed" can be interpreted differently depending on who is arguing it. Some, not myself, would say and argue that the aforementioned tax and registration would not be an infringement). Who are we to argue with such when we already allow registration (to a degree), permits, and taxes/expenses?

PT1911, I can't say that there isn't some logic in your arguments. And if you'll see my first post on this topic, you'll see that I also have some large issues with the NRA. However, I still think the best way to resolve those issues is form the inside out, not the outside in. This can only be done by becoming a member.

I do not disagree... I only fear that too many are dependent on the NRA rather than realizing the NRA is dependent on them. I greatly hope the NRA does change from the inside out. I WANT to support it, but cannot at this point..

Apparently Alabama is of no importance to them anyhow...

 

[PT1911]

and no.. wouldnt worry about being on a list....

 

[TexasRifleman]

Last I checked self defense (with a GUN) was a gun issue not just a tort.

Then you need to check again.

Lawful self defense generally does not have anything to do with the weapon used.

Self defense laws and resulting lawsuits have nothing to do with gun control.

If you use a knife in self defense you can get sued as much as if you used a gun. It's not a gun control issue in any fashion.

You are sadly misinformed on this topic.

f they threw themselves into cases that were more than BLATENT disregard for gun rights ie, heller, new orleans, san francisco, and more to cases that were not so cut and dry my stance would change. at least that way we could make some progress in the other direction rather than continually repeating the same rights.

There is a list of those cases in the works, but you are again not up to date on what is happening there so you are probably unaware of them since you're not keeping up with this stuff.

pparently Alabama is of no importance to them anyhow...

Which proves that you are not keeping up with things because the fight for incorporation most certainly will impact Alabama.

The problem as it appears to me is that you have no idea what is really going on from a legal standpoint in the fight for the Second Amendment. I mean that not as any kind of insult, but as a statement of fact.

You seem to be unaware of MANY of the ongoing legal battles around the country, many of which will impact you directly, most of which the NRA is in the middle of.

That's a shame. Most of the things you are complaining about are happening now, but you're on the outside looking in, and not seeing very much.

 

[PT1911]

No, you live in Alabama and if it doesn't impact you directly it doesn't matter I guess.

do you remember writing this... I was referring back to YOUR statement in a JOKING manner...


and I see plenty

I see guns omitted from mainstream news unless it is putting gun owners and the NRA in a bad light... I see men who protect themselves legally with their legally owned weapons who must suffer rediculous legal ramifications because they have no financial support while the NRA funds a milti million dollar museum and pays the beloved Wayne LaPierre's rediculous salary.

with the influence the NRA could have and should have, this should be remedied...

 

[TexasRifleman]

and I see plenty

It does not appear that way. At all.

This statement pretty much shows that:

If they threw themselves into cases that were more than BLATENT disregard for gun rights ie, heller, new orleans, san francisco, and more to cases that were not so cut and dry my stance would change. at least that way we could make some progress in the other direction rather than continually repeating the same rights.

There are cases in the works now that will argue for incorporation. The main one shockingly enough has nothing to do with guns, but will end up with the same impact. Do you know what the weapon in question is?

You think those don't matter?

You think Heller a "small" victory?

Heller was a very specific victory for a very specific purpose.

Now, that purpose will be served in the fight for incorporation. This all takes MASSIVE amounts of money. Gura is my hero, but even as wealthy as he is he can't pay for all of this himself.

But you don't think that matters? You want things instantly and since you don't know who to blame for that you have decided it's the NRA's fault.

 

[mljdeckard]

PT- What kind of organization do you think should exist that would be big enough to have clout, and at the same agree with 100% of its members 100% of the time? This is as good as it gets. I won't watch my rights get pecked away with no defense at all, holding out for the perfect guardian. You are basking in the protection the NRA provides whether you support them or not.