So we agree the NRA stinks?

[swingset]

Well, all of us seem to have our serious gripes with the organization and it's operations (unless I've read the last 10,000 posts about the NRA all wrong).

The funny thing is, and I find this each and every time someone posts a gripe, that there are always 4 or 5 Hank Hill types standing up and holding the NRA banner proclamating "Well, they are the only effective lobby" or "They are the only dogs in the fight", or even "The other groups are ineffective".

Does anyone see the irony in this???

If everyone seems to see the folly of the NRA and we all wish there were a better alternative, why don't we all switch? Isn't that the only way the NRA will get the message, or likewise a group like GOA will ever truly get the power it needs to fight for us?

Idealistic, I know, but if we stopped sticking up for them and clinging to a leaky dingy, I think more of us would migrate to a group who better echoes our values and opinions of RKBA. Just a thought.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox now.

 

[jmbg29]

Does anyone see the irony in this???

You mean the irony of you having to be able to speak for "everybody" in order for your post to make any sense?

Yeah.

 

[MitchSchaft]

why don't we all switch?

I can't speak for everyone else, but I'm not a member of the NRA and never will be.

 

[Jim March]

Well I *am* a member, and will renew again.

The guys running the Fairfax operation are crafty political operators following a long-term plan, one I mostly support. Now granted, that sort of craftiness sometimes comes out in funky ways but overall, when directed against the grabbers it's highly effective.

Do they do *everything* right? No. They don't even do everything. So fine, some of us have to go out and get the other stuff done.

In California, the NRA runs the largest grassroots operation, plus has a number of highly effective people around that if you ain't hooked up with, you're not operating at max efficiency. Ed Worley is the best lobbyist in the state, possibly one of the best in the country.

Most of the "anti NRA types" don't have a gameplan, they've got an endless wail of complaint (usually involving the words "Vermont carry" which they'll never get, so they just run around throwing wrenches at anybody they call "compromisers").

It's about as meaningful as a newborn baby's first screech.

 

[Wildalaska]

Most of the "anti NRA types" don't have a gameplan, they've got an endless wail of complaint (usually involving the words "Vermont carry" which they'll never get, so they just run around throwing wrenches at anybody they call "compromisers").It's about as meaningful as a newborn baby's first screech.

ROTFLMAO...

Sounds like the same people who just quote the 2nd A endlessly without knowing anything about constitutional law...

WildnicelinejimAlaska

 

[stellarpod]

swingset states:

Well, all of us seem to have our serious gripes with the organization and it's operations (unless I've read the last 10,000 posts about the NRA all wrong).

Apparently, the latter. Don't pretend you speak on my behalf. I agree almost word for word with what Jim March stated. I frankly don't see any other organization out there that's poviding the breadth of current political status updates and mobilizing resistance that the NRA does.

But, the cause of errosion of our rights has more to do with individual apathy than the perceived misguided efforts of the NRA. Grow up folks! Sending your money to the NRA, GOA or whomever might be a good start, making you feel like you're "fighting the good fight". But, we could all take a lesson from the environmentalists playbook - "Think GLOBALLY, act LOCALLY".

I believe the NRA, albeit imperfect, is at least providing cover fire. But, if we don't get off our duffs and do more as indivuduals to swing public opinion it will all be for naught. To be honest, I know there's more I can do and I intend to challenge myself everyday to do more.

stellarpod

 

[dakotasin]

i'm a member, and i will renew again. and, i am mostly thrilled w/ the job the nra is doing.

why don't i switch? why would i?

 

[Hawkman]

I am no longer a member, nor will I ever be again. NRA is fighting a rear-guard battle, gradually ceding our gun rights. Someone please point out to me an area where they have made inroads that RESTORED a lost right or influenced a reversal of an anti-gun policy.

And don't talk to me about McClure-Volkmer - that has turned out to be a huge flop as more and more restrictions have followed. Not to mention the NFA situation that resulted.

All my money goes to GOA and JPFO.

I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it any more!!!

Rant off.

 

[PALongbow]

Well darn.... let's just close the NRA and then we will have nothing to discuss here other than memories of our guns that we use to own.

Ron

 

[mini14jac]

So we agree the NRA stinks?

Nope.

We don't agree.

Just like our government, or the legal system, Medicare, etc.
They certainly have room for improvement.
Don't you? (I know I do.)

But to answer your question.....

Nope.

 

[seeker_two]

I'm an NRA member and will continue to be. For better or worse, they're the biggest of the 500lb. lobbying gorillas, and they're slowing the anti's progress. Do I agree w/ all NRA does? Absolutely not--but read on...

I also support JPFO & GOA--as an influence on NRA. Their policies are more along my line, but they don't have the muscle that NRA does. What they DO have is a visible alternative to the NRA that reminds them that they are not the only kid on the block. And I remind the NRA fundraisers that, if they screw gun owners, the contributions that I would send them will be sent to GOA or JPFO.

Money talks...

 

[PAshooter]

Do I agree 100% with everything the NRA does? Of course not.
Am I a member? You bet your ***.
Am I a "Hank Hill type."? Ummm... not sure what that is, but no.

I also don't agree 100% with everything the Republican party does... but I'm not about to become a registered Democrat.

What's up with people who have to see the world as black and white and nothing in between? Sure, it doesn't take much intellectual effort... about as much as breathing. But in the real world things aren't that simple.

So I'm a Republican, an NRA member, a GOA member, and I fight for what I think is right. If I waited around for an organization to come along with which I agreed 100% I'd have a long wait... or have to create a new organization with a membership of one. Probably wouldn't be very effective, though

 

[Woodchuck]

The NRA certainly is not perfect and will never satisfy all of the progun people out there. But it is the strongest progun organization and has a lot of political clout. Without the NRA, you would not be on this forum because you wouldn't have any guns to talk about. Quit whining and stand up for your rights. Many like to whine but when it comes down to it, they're too cheap to pitch in. They just go along for the free ride. You know who you are. Think about it the next time you lookat yourself in the mirror. Ask " Am I doing my fair share in protecting my gun rights or am I just going to whine because everything isn't just the way I want it". The yearly dues is not that much money. If every progunner belonged, it would be twice as strong.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Someone please point out to me an area where they have made inroads that RESTORED a lost right or influenced a reversal of an anti-gun policy.

In 1990, how many states could you have carried a gun, openly or concealed, with the same ease that you can in 33 states today?

If it weren't for the NRA, the slim chance we have of even seeing the AW ban sunset in 2004 wouldn't even exist.

And don't talk to me about McClure-Volkmer - that has turned out to be a huge flop as more and more restrictions have followed. Not to mention the NFA situation that resulted.

Do you have any idea what McClure-Volkmer does? You should read it and think of what a Clinton presidency would have meant without it... for example, how about this screed from an anti site:

The McClure-Volkmer Act changed federal law in another significant way. Although the GCA requires those "engaged in the business" to obtain a federal firearms license, Congress originally did not provide a definition of that term. The McClure-Volkmer Act amended the GCA to define "engaged in the business" to specifically exclude persons who make "occasional sales, exchanges or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sell all or part of his personal collection of firearms." 18 U.S.C. § 922 (a)(21)(C).

We could all be selling firearms only through FFLs without that act. How is that for an infringement and then would you be crying about how the NRA ceded our rights?

The NRA is only 4 million people. That is not only a fraction of the voters - it is a fraction of the gun owners in this country. It amazes me that so many gun owners blame the NRA for not doing more when many of them can barely be bothered to send the NRA $35 a year - let alone actually write letters, walk door to door or get actively involved in the fight.

 

[JohnBT]

I think I'll upgrade to Life Member.

If you don't belong to the NRA you can't vote now can you?

Nothing wrong with belonging to a bunch of groups.

And, no, I don't play a cartoon character on tv or THR.

John...old enough to think and speak for myself TYVM.

 

[Boats]

Yeah the NRA is so awful that they are never repeatedly mentioned by name by gun control groups as the largest impediment to their "progress on common sense gun safety legislation" are they?

All I ever see the Bradys and the VPC railing against is the GOO, or is it the GOC, er, the GOD, nah that's not it, the GOT? Point is they do not fear Larry Pratt and they do not raise money from their flock through invoking him or the GOA as their archenemy.

Maybe the NRA and the BCCWTMMMSTVPC&AGS or whatever the leftist twits are calling themselves these days are in a shadow play of a fight that neither of them wants to win. What political action group have you ever seen that went all out as rapidly as possible and won their issue, and said, "okay let's hit the unemployment line?"

 

[Politically Incorrect]

I for one am disappointed with the stance of the NRA. Of course, the "you don't need an AK-47 to hunt with" crowd needs someone to protect their Winchesters and Remington 700s.

I struggle every March on whether or not to renew, but the NRA does support some things I support. Other issues, the NRA is lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. and I could just spit!

The NRA has its purpose, but gaining ground on the RKBA doesn't seem to be one of them. It's difficult to win arguements on logic rather than emotions like our Sarah Brady and Rosie use.

 

[Russ]

I don't and have a problem with NRA. I'm a Life Member. Sometimes I wish they could accomplish the impossible like getting a Republican majority in California but that's not really reasonable at this point.

Be that as it may, NRA made a valiant effort during the 2000 election cycle. They had informercials that stated the case pretty plainly and compellingly for those that watched. However, in a State where a large part of the population are not gun owners and are looking for govt. handouts, it's tough.

Maybe you should read another 10,000 posts. Go back to TFL and do a search.

Most of what I hear on this board talking about NRA are people moaning that the NRA doesn't do enough. Well I think they are making a good effort and have put my money where my mouth is. I'm tired of the moaning. I think LaPierre and those surrounding him have done a good job.

Put your money where you mouth is and let us know! My guess is you don't spend dime on any of it. Leave it to others. Let me know if I'm wrong.

Most shooters never join. The plaid shirted duck hunters, etc. They figure the anti's are just out for handguns or they think someone else will protect them. Wrong! Get involved. Alot of gunowners don't have a clue.

It's the same reason so many people don't vote in this country. They figure someone else championing their views will.

 

[Art Eatman]

I upgraded to Life Member in the NRA about 20 years ago; to Endowment a half-dozen years back. Perfect? Well, no, but it sure beats whining about the guns we used to be able to own.

And I have yet to see my NRA membership keep me from sending a few bucks to GOA or the Comm. to keep and arm bears. Or the JPFO...

Just because I agree with a lot of Neal Knox' views doesn't mean I think he'd be an effective lobbyist for me. When you're dealing with the largest collection of egomaniacs in the US, "bull in the china shop" tactics just don't work. And Neal and some others are about as subtle as a drunk redneck at a ladies' social.

What I see of the NRA, they're pretty doggoned good at dealing with the political realities of the times in which we live.

From about 1965 through 1995, all pro-gun groups and we have been fighting a rear-guard action against bad odds. Maybeso the times they are a-changin'; I dunno. I grant it appears that our enemies are getting more desperate, which is a sign they're in somewhat of a retreat. Now is no time to cut and run because one thinks an organization isn't hard-core enough.

As commented before, politics ain't a spectator sport. Not if you want things to go your way.

Art

 

[rick_reno]

Jim March posted "The guys running the Fairfax operation are crafty political operators following a long-term plan, one I mostly support."

Jim - since you seem to have inside info on what their gameplan is - could you enlighten us? From where I sit it looks like this; continually cut deals with the anti-gun forces that are better than what the anti-gunners want - but continue to erode our Rights away.

Maybe you can help me understand where is the line in the sand for these crafty people in Fairfax? Do they have one?

I've been a member almost all the time since about 1975; there were a couple of years in Calif. I got so PO'd with them I dropped out. I'm a member now, but will probably not sign up again. I volunteer at the local shooting city run shooting range here in Idaho, and I can assure you I'm not the only one thinking this way. I talk to a LOT of gun owners who are very upset with the direction the NRA has taken under LaPierre/Baker.

 

[2nd Amendment]

I'm a life member of NRA and will upgrade to Endowment when i get the time. They are the 300lb gorilla in this. Having said that one has to realize it's all business to the leadership of this organization. They don't want to "win" this fight because the fight is where the money is. It's a balancing act where they must stop enough legislation to not lose ground while letting enough get past to not tip the balance in their favor either.

At some point, though, it'll become necessary to put the brakes on and fight to win. The NRA will be there to do that, counting on making its' revenues elsewhere, as opposed to simply ceasing to exist due to complete defeat. The big question is, do we trust the leadership enough to know when they have milked the issue for all they can, or will they wait too long and seal their fate as well as ours?

Meanwhile I belong to GOA and JPFO, etc because they are out to win and if nothing else they force the NRA to move where it otherwise might not.

 

[Detritus]

i was a member for one year, and then i "voted with my feet/ money" . their politics make me cringe, behind "political doors" they are accepting a slow errosion of our rights, while on the public face they are spouting rhetoric that not only drive many perspective members away but makes gun owners look like a bunch of under evolved testosteroned up chest thumpers.

 

[Monte Harrison]

No. We all agree that we are dissappointed in the efforts of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
The NRA is not "the gun lobby," only the NRA-ILA is.
Everytime we shoot an NRA-sanctioned match, read an NRA publication, take training from an NRA certified instructor, attend an NRA hunter safety class, get help from a police officer trained by NRA certified instructors, etc. etc. etc. I think we can all agree the NRA most certainly does NOT suck! No other organisation has come even close to doing half as much for the whole shooting world that the NRA has.
Now, stop bellyaching and send in your lousy $35 already.

 

[Russ]

Detritus,

You voted with your feet? Where did you end up? Do you support any organizations or is that left to the the poliically naieve?

This is not a fight we can win from the sidelines. Hope you went with GOA, JPFO or some other worthy lobbying group. Out there on your own, it's tough to get much accomplished other than the occaisional letter to a Congress Critter who likely has their mind made up and doesn't care.

Russ

 

[RayK45]

Lunacy! Total Lunacy!

Let’s boycott the NRA maybe something better will come along.

That’s 100%, grade A, #1, government inspected, Bull Sheet!

I can’t even begin to comprehend why someone would dream up crap like this!

The NRA due’s are nothing in today's economy, what is it you think your going to loose?

My dad used to say “the hole worlds going crazy“, you no what.......THE HOLE WORLD IS GOING CRAZY!

Are their people who sit around thinking of how they can convince other people from joining the NRA? You bet, be wear!

Caution: Accidental overdose of liberal or anti comments may cause excessive brain farts as well as vomiting, severe migraines, and the sheets. Keep out of reach of children. If you feel you may have been exposed to this brain washing , call someone “gunny†immediately!