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Who is the NRA?

Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
edited January 2002 in General Discussion
Who is the NRA?FrontPageMagazine.com | January 15, 2002MANY WRITE vituperatively about the National Rifle Association (NRA), but when an editorial appears that is so blatantly ignorant about the organization and its 4 million members, it's time to respond. The latest anti-NRA diatribe was composed by Terry Bass of Prescott, Arizona and published in the Prescott, Arizona Daily Courier and on its website. Terry begins by saying that he and his best friend Jeff are both ardent Second Amendment supporters, but Jeff is an NRA member and Terry isn't. He is not an NRA member because:I find, in trying to reconcile my other strongly held beliefs with the NRA, and their brand of Second Amendment supporters . that I can't. I am not willing to sacrifice the environment, ally myself with those that would build a Wal-Mart in my favorite hiking spot, allow special interests to raid our treasury and control our government, mine the Grand Canyon, and trash the rest of our Constitution, just so I can own a gun. What irresponsible hate mongering. NRA is not an organization that supports sacrificing the environment, mining the Grand Canyon, or building a Wal-Mart in anyone's favorite hiking spot. It is an organization that has supported conservation both legislatively and financially long before today's liberals and Terry were in diapers. Just recently the NRA supported the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), which was opposed by many conservatives among its members. In support of CARA, the NRA chief lobbyist, James Jay Baker, wrote, "NRA has supported CARA since it was first introduced in 1998 by Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska). All national conservation and hunting organizations are on record in support of CARA." Where did Terry get his information? Terry's problem is that most politicians who agree with him on liberal issues disagree with him on gun rights; so he blames the NRA. "NRA-approved political candidates.are virtually all right-wing conservatives (often radically so.The NRA says they support these people based solely on their advocacy of the Second Amendment. Is it necessary, then to elect these right-wing ideologues, all in the name of protecting the Second Amendment? I think not."Yes, Terry it is. For NRA to support politicians that try to destroy Second Amendment rights is foolhardy. NRA works with and supports those politicians that support firearms' freedom no matter what their political or other affiliations.Their support of any candidate is based only on his or her Second Amendment principles. They have over the past several decades worked with NRA Life Member Representative John Dingell of Michigan, a very liberal Democrat, as well as others whom Terry might support. Unfortunately, over the past several decades, the number of Democrats who support the Second Amendment has dwindled. On the other hand, NRA has formed coalitions with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other liberal groups when laws and government action threaten civil liberties. NRA is dedicated to the entire Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment that guarantees everyone freedom to publish their thoughts. Lily M Sieu, 1996 NSCA Ladies National Sporting Clays Champion, responded to Terry's rant with a letter to the editor. She summarizes the views of many NRA members that we both know. As a 3rd generation female American born of Chinese descent in my late thirties, I have had personal experience of being stereotyped throughout my life. But I've never been put in the strip-mining-religion-spouting-old-boy's politician club until now!I am NOT atypical of the women that I meet every year that belong to the NRA.Although not all NRA members share all of my beliefs, the people that I have met through shooting have been more responsible, caring, and safety conscious people in all facets of their lives than those I have met who do not shoot. Find me a politician that supports all of my views, including a women's right to choose, responsible natural resource harvesting and ALL of the Bill of Rights, and I'll vote for them. Until then I am forced to pick and choose candidates as best as I can."The NRA consists of millions of Americans from all walks of life, who have joined together in the common defense of Second Amendment rights for everyone, including Terry. They, like Lily, look to the NRA to give them guidance, not orders, about political candidates. They then make their choice in the privacy of the voting booth - exercising another right supported by the NRA. Americans who believe in the entire Bill of Rights and vote to keep it are the foundation of NRA's strength. http://www.frontpagemag.com/columnists/metaksa/2002/metaksa01-14-02.htm
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  • CAndres35CAndres35 Member Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I GET SO SICK OF THE WAY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE NRA. I AM THE NRA!!!! 6MILLION OTHERS ARE THE NRA. IT ISNT SOME IMPERSONAL ORGINISATION THAT IS OUT TO MAKE A PROFIT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PUBLIC. IT IS US. CARL
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The NRA stinks!
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sorry salzo, I'll take a shower in the morning. That'll fix 1/6,000,000 of the problem.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    People ask me how it is that I am not a member of the NRA, easy. I dont like the fact that new members pay less dues, upon intially becoming a member, than a current member, like I use to be. I dont like the fact that I have to threaten to stop being a member to get a benefits package sent to me, when my check was cashed 6 months earlier. I dont like the fact that as an active duty Marine I am prevented from participating in certain shooting matches or joining other shooting organizations without being a member of the NRA. The only thing I've gotten, for sure, from the NRA is lousy membership service and discrimination for not being a member. If you are a member of the NRA, great, this is not directed at you personaly, as you are not directly the NRA, as you claim, you are a member yes, but you are not responsible for the lousy service, ok? I do find it odd that members of the NRA, however, would support the fact that shooters as a whole are discriminated against for not belonging to the NRA. I will give you one example, but there are many more. A ceratain gun shooting range will not allow you to be a member if you are not a member of the NRA. Is it a private range, yes, is it their right to say that, yes, are they members of the NRA, yes, is that a good example to set for non shooters interested in becoming a member of the club or the NRA, absoloutely not! Its straight discrimination. Members of the NRA tolerate this discrimination all over the country, I will not. I serve proudly and fight for your NRA rights. What gives your NRA the right to tell me I must be a member of them to participate in a sport I love, with friends I like, at ranges across the country? THE NRA, PRESERVING YOUR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS, DISCRIMINATING AT WILL IF YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER. THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!! STIR THIS AWHILE......
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC[This message has been edited by robsguns (edited 01-16-2002).][This message has been edited by robsguns (edited 01-16-2002).]
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  • jdb123jdb123 Member Posts: 471 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    first of all whoever john dingell is the "very liberal" democrat from MI who is in the NRA-F--- off you piece of s--- he does nothing while "real" gun owners are being crucified by his bed buddies in the media and by ignorant libs every time i freakin' turn around,that guy is a punk and needs to stay on his side with the other gun grabbers and leave us alone we dont want him!I myself have yet to join the NRA but am CMP "certified" and a member of the Texas State Rifle Assc. so thats good enough for me!
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  • Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Without the NRA and their lobbying power in government,this forum would be called "The Airgunsforhunting.com.How does airgunbroker sound?How about Auction Airarms?Bottom line is with all the petty gripes so many people have with the NRA,those same people should thank the NRA every time they buy,shoot or admire a firearm because the gungrabbers would have had a field day while Klinkton was in office if not for the NRA.Like it or not,they ARE the voice of American Firearm freedom lovers,respectfully,Josey
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Josey, I hear you buddy. However, I thank the American people, and the other organizations out there that share the same cause and as the NRA. I thank the people who are members of the NRA for making their voices heard on election day, election after election. I do not however thank the NRA for representing themselves as the soul provider of the 'right to bear arms'. I do not thank the NRA members for blindly following along with ALL the NRA's practices, that I have mentioned. The NRA, as I see it, does whatever they have to in order to survive as a lobbying group, and through out their existence that has been the primary effort, to merely survive. The 'BIG' push for members occurs when times are really bleak in the face of adverstity. Yes the common goal of all shooters is to be albe to do so, and the NRA has led the way for a long time, but their are other organizations doing the same type of things, with safety programs etc. What is really important isnt the NRA, its the Americans vote. I personally dont like politics, and I hate lobbyists, pushing and pulling on elected officials, forcing them to do what they have to in order to get re-elected, instead of what is right. The NRA will do what ever it takes to further their cause in the same way as any other lobbyist group. I believe in groups who make their voice heard, but not in groups that exert their power in ways that can be detrimental to all, including the people they represent. No offense to the NRA members, I know why you do what you do, I've done it too, but think about the practices of the NRA, and encourage the practices to me ammended where needed.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • Gordian BladeGordian Blade Member Posts: 1,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    One of the themes I see over and over on conservative forums and in discussions with conservative people is their insistence that every organization they join, every cause they support, every politician they vote for needs to be 90+% of their own "ideal". I'm not saying that's necessarily wrong; it's good to believe in what you believe and stick to it.But consider what the liberals do. They don't go for ideological purity, they go for moving society in the direction they want, one step at a time. Any coalition they need to form to do that is OK with them. What's happened to firearms is a great example. What Sarah Brady and the rest of them really want is to ban private ownership of firearms entirely. They know they can't come right out and say that, so they nibble a little piece at a time. When was the last time you heard a liberal say, "That blankety-blank Sarah Brady, she's only nibbling around the edges. I will only support an organization that comes out for 100% confiscation of private firearms now."? You don't. They win by increments, going from "Saturday night specials" to "assault rifles" to "pocket rockets" and now it's "terrorist sniper rifles."So if you don't like the NRA, that's fine, don't join. But imagine a USA where the NRA suddenly ceases to exist -- nobody joins or renews next year. Is that going to be a better or worse country for firearm owners?
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    GordfianBlade- You are certainly correct about the incrimentalism approach with respect to the antis. But us on the right are in a different position than the lefties. Once we give up a gun right, we are not going to get it back. Show me one gun control law that has been repealed. The NRA should not support ANYTHING that takes gun rights away, or allows more government interference in our right to keep and bear arms. Everytime we compromise, it gets the antis one step closer to their desired result. And it causes us to lose ground that we will never get back. And the next time they go to the bargaining table, the most "right" position the pro gun crowd can argue, is to keep things the way they are(which is a compromised position because of all of the compromising that was done in the past). The compromising that the progun crowd does, is exactly what the antis want. They know, that once the position is compromised, you cant get the ground back that you lost-you can only go in the direction the antis are taking us.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well my experience as an NRA member is that I've not encountered the discrimination voiced here. I'm not saying it doesn't exist and I would certainly be offended in encountering it whether or not I was a member - we need to encourage people to participate in the shooting sports regardless of affiliations. If a club wants to encourage NRA membership, there are far better, more positive approaches.salzo, I respectfully take issue w/ your assertion of 'no' rollbacks - remember the completely bogus paperwork requirements for ammo sales under GCA68 which were finally removed many years ago? We have lost far more than we have gained in the last 33 years, but it hasn't been entirely one way.Yes, there are other, more conservative pro-firearms groups. Show me the numbers of their members. Show me their impact - on a national basis - on political campaigns. When they rival the NRA in these matters, I'll give serious thought to putting some money into them. I disagree w/ some things the NRA has done before & likely will again. But there's no doubt in my mind that w/o the NRA's real and symbolic influence on American politics, we would be far worse off - regardless of the motivations of the staff or institutional culture, whatever mix that may be . . . and self-perpetuation is certainly part of it.[This message has been edited by Iconoclast (edited 01-16-2002).]
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    Saxonpig--You took the words right out of my mouth. The last time i expressed my support of the NRA on this forum,i was blasted from all angles.Glad to see there are a few of you who agree with me.
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  • njretcopnjretcop Member Posts: 7,975
    edited November -1
    I am a member of the NRA. In fact, I am an NRA Certified Instructor teaching others the sport and safe handling of firearms. No, I do not agree with all of their positions on everything. Overall, however, the work they (we) do is very important. I would like to call your attention to the home page of the NRA, where you can surf on down to the legal page and see the monies that the NRA has spent on individual members legal fee's. Many of the cases they get involved in, as you can see, they have won!I, myself, am currently receiving backing from the organization on a C&R issue here in NJ.If you don't feel that the NRA is an effective lobbying group for gun rights, then ask yourself why the anti,s are always screaming about the NRA. Join us or not as you wish, but take it easy on your criticism of our only big stick in the fight to preserve our rights.-Charlie the member (Sorry Mudge, I did it again, lol)
    It's the stuff dreams are made of AngelNRA Certified InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com [This message has been edited by njretcop (edited 01-16-2002).]
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  • mudgemudge Member Posts: 4,225 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Lobbyists....DC is filled with 'em. The NRA is just one of the mob. A powerful one, needless to say, but still only one. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, that gets done in this town is due to the work of some lobbyist. I was a lobbyist when I worked for United Airlines. Didn't line any pockets but did the legwork promoting UAL, so that when members of congress travelled, they'd pick United. Used to bribe their travel staff with "goodies",. You know, give aways that had the UAL logo on 'em. Used to run into the Reps. from the other airlines, up on the hill, doing the same thing.My point here is (finally, you say) The NRA is no different than the others "special interest" lobbying groups that plague capitol hill, every day.I would bet that almost every one of us is, if not a single issue voter, has only 2 or 3 issues that determine who they'll vote for.How many of you voted for "Dubya" primarily because he's pro-gun? Don't lie. I already know who you are. I support the NRA because they are the most powerful lobbying group that I can find that supports my views on the Second Amendment. Sure, I could jump up and down and stomp my little feet to get the attention of my members of congress. They'd pay little attention, though.The best way I know to get their attention is when I join with 3,999,999 other people who are jumping and stomping. Mudge the Life MemberIt's OK Charlie. Plagiarism is somewhat complimentary.
    I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS![This message has been edited by mudge (edited 01-16-2002).]
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  • offerorofferor Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with Mudge's last point. I'm a member of the largest most powerful pro-gun organization. Some of them I'm sure I wouldn't much enjoy hanging with. But at least they are 6,000,000 grass roots Americans. Unlike some other lobbies, the NRA is not a bunch of rich, elitist special interests and no peons allowed. The thing that sets it apart for me is its membership. I don't always agree with management's emphasis on one thing or another, but generally they do a good job of keeping our rights intact. I gave them my lifetime membership money years ago hoping they would invest it wisely and it would continue to pay dividends in lieu of an annual membership check from me. I hope they did. Last time I ordered some stickers & license plate frames & decals from them off their web site, I had my goods within a week. For their size, I think they're doing okay in terms of member service, and certainly in terms of politics. I'm not much of a hunter anymore, and I hope they don't emphasize hunting and sport to the detriment of American defense. We've already lost a lot of imports, the larger capacity magazines, and had certain entire breeds of shotguns classed with machine guns. That's plenty far enough, thanks, over the line.
    "The 2nd Amendment is about defense, not hunting. Long live the gun shows, and reasonable access to FFLs. Join the NRA -- I'm a Life Member."[This message has been edited by offeror (edited 01-16-2002).]
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  • CAndres35CAndres35 Member Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    THOSE OF YOU WHO CRITIZISED THE NRA SEEM TO SUPPORT THERE MAIN GOAL. SO WHY NOT ALL JOIN TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF ALL THE DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT WANT THE FREEDOM THE NRA AND THE OTHER GROUPS ARE FIGHTING FOR INSTEAD OF FIGHTING AMONG OURSELVES? I BELONG TO MORE THAN ONE GROUP,IE DUCKS UNLIMITED, NOTHAMERICAN HUNTING CLUB ETC. AND THEY ALL SUPPORT THE SECOND AMMENDMENT, BUT THE NRA HAS THE STRONGEST VOICE DUE TO THE LARGER MEMBERSHIP. AS FOR AS I KNOW ALL THE OTHER CLUBS ALSO SUPPORT THE NRA IN SOMEWAY.JUST MY $2.OO WORTH. CARL
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  • soopsoop Member Posts: 4,633
    edited November -1
    I`m an NRA life member....Nuff said!
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  • BUCK/91/92BUCK/91/92 Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm also a life member and all us NRA members should make sure the people we buy guns from support the NRA. Without them (the NRA) none of us would have guns right now. We don't even know how hard the gun grabbers are hoping we,ll bicker amongst ourselves. Let's unite against them and try to get more members signed up. The people who are not members will cry the loudest when they're guns are taken away.
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Like Njrecop, I too am a certified NRA firearm instructor in five catagories, Mrs Rembrandt and I are both Life Members....Texas Senator Phil Gramm put it best when he was talking about taxes, but this applies to gun rights as well..."We seem to have more people riding in the wagon, than we have pulling it!" The NRA has been pulling the 2nd amendment wagon for most of you folks for a long time. Don't you think it's about time the 60 million gun owners in this country helped the 4 million NRA members pull the wagon?Robsguns...many of the clubs that require NRA membership do so for a number of reasons...if your club is a NRA affiliate or has a large number of members it qualifies them for range improvement grants and loans. Many NRA competitive shooting events may require NRA membership so you can qualify your scores at other clubs or events. There are special Insurance packages and other benefits for clubs that participate. In the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", Jimmy Stewart is granted a wish to see what the world would have been like, had he never existed.....you only have to look to Austraila, Great Britian, and Canada to know what the United States would have been like, had the NRA not existed....Lots of analogies can be made here...NRA members see the glass as being 1/2 full....many gun owners who are not members see the glass as 1/2 empty....
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  • guns-n-painthorsesguns-n-painthorses Member Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was a NRA member for a while. All I got out of it was a mailbox full of * from them wanting more money to fight the pending gun laws in my state and nation. What gun laws? Never sent any info on the laws. They never alerted me to anything going on in my state or anything about our politicians. They are all about the dollar. Maybe they have changed since then, oh well!
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    guns-and-painthorses....the NRA sends each member a monthly subscription to one of their magazines. Every time when an election rolls around, there is a rating for the legislators and representatives from each members area....information concerning pending gun laws and concerns are in these publications. During elections, the front cover will have a contact person in your area to let you know who to contact. There are 40,000 NRA members in Iowa, the handfull of volunteers are not going to call you on every occassion, but you can contact them, just call the number on the front of the cover. The Iowa Rifle & Pistol Association is the NRA in Iowa, and the Iowa Sportsman's Federation is the lobbying group working at the Statehouse on behalf of Iowa NRA members. We have some super people doing behind the scenes work that many will never hear about....check out this web site for more info... http://www.iowasportsmen.com/ You'll get out of an organization...just what you put into it....
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  • DarkStar11DarkStar11 Member Posts: 1,557 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Has anyone else seen a reduction in the amount of mail they get from the NRA asking for additional contributions? I hardly get anything from them anymore other than American Rifleman, and I've even contributed to the NRA-ILA a couple of times. I can't remember the last time I got anything asking for additional contributions.
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  • navariannavarian Member Posts: 33 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    YOU CAN * and gripe all ya want,,but imagine if the NRA and the GOA and JP2A would not have been there FROM THE BEGINING...you probably wouldnt even have this forum. much less public access to any form of internet..NO GUNS NO FREEDOM and if the klinton regime would have won this would be the ultimate outcome...no organization ANYWHERE is perfect...WHY?cause they are all run by humans...think about..?
    cocked,locked and ready to rock with a glock..!!!!!!!!!stand tall, stand proud GOD BLESS THE USA
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rembrandt- You brought up the voter guide that is distributed during elections. Could you explain why the NRA feels it is appropriate to give certain politicians stellar grades, when they regularly vote for gun control measures? Rick Santorum, senator from PA got an A+ rating from the NRA. Now he is certainly not the worst Senator when it comes to voting for gun control, but he is FAR from being an A+ candidate. GOA has him at a C or C-. Why does the NRA do that? WHy do they not give him a grade that really represents how he votes on second amendment issues? His A+ rating tells gun owners you cant go wrong with Rick. But the reality is, all is not well with Rick-Rick will vote for gun control.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The voter guides are based on questionaires sent out each elected official, and based on their answers....some may not be truthful. In our state, NRA leaders meet and also review what each official did and add that into the results. Wish I had more time to go into this....maybe later.
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  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Salzo, I think you're just too damn cheap to spend 35 bucks a year. If you're that short, send your mailing address and I'll loan you the 35.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are cheap, dont worry, they'll let a non member sign up for 25.00 when they get worried again. I havent got a request to renew my membership in a while. You can bet that when election time comes around I'll be getting a request for support, along with a 25.00 membership, because I will be needed then, but for now, they dont care that I exist. Incidentally, about the free ride on the backs of NRA members comments. I dont believe in that logic. I dont believe that anyone should be told they are getting a free ride about anything. I wouldnt tell someone that they are getting a free ride on the backs of the military members, because they are not in the military, and never have been, when talking about freedom. Maybe we get a little upset now and then, but keep things in perspective, we all contribute in our own way. I get off my butt and vote each election also, and that is what really counts, to some it may not, but to me it does. If there is anyone complaining about their loss of gun rights, who does not vote, now they are just wrong. With the close election we just had, what do you suppose would have happened if all the gun owners had not voted, President Bush would be Mr. Bush.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • john carrjohn carr Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Re: Getting a free ride on the backs of the NRA members.Reply: The truth hurts sometimes, don't it?
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  • pikeal1pikeal1 Member Posts: 2,707
    edited November -1
    Instead of griping about it here, maybe write to your state reps, or to the NRA, or to a member of congress....if anything, atleast you will be pissing off the right people. (not directed to anyone in particular, just my two cents.)[This message has been edited by pikeal1 (edited 01-17-2002).]
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  • 56panhead56panhead Member Posts: 25 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I used to belong to the NRA years ago but dropped my membership because of all the Junk Mail I was recieving. I recently signed up for Life because of all the rights we are losing(Certain Guns & High Capacity Magazines)for instance. Who else is going to stand up for your Rights? Are you going to wait for them(Government) to show up at your house and make a stand alone? The NRA is the best oranization we have!
    R.J.H.[This message has been edited by 56panhead (edited 01-17-2002).]
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  • muleymuley Member Posts: 1,583 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I became a life member of the NRA in October of 1964. It was $100 and you could send in $12.50 each quarter until paid for. Each Christmas I give away at least 6 annual memberships as "stocking stuffers" to my relatives. I have always known that this organization is responsible for my still owning a firearm. Without the NRA, I wouldn't be enjoying the guns that my grandfather passed down to me and I only hope that they will be around to protect the rights of my grandkids to enjoy them as well.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    john carr, The truth, the truth is you didnt read what I typed. If you think I'm taking a free ride off of you or any other NRA member, you need to do my job for a while, then come and tell me who has a free ride. Is it you? Is it the punk on the street high on crack? Is it the butt head carrying a sign singing out peace not war? Or is is it the senator, congressman, or state governor, who has never served a day in his/her life in the service of our country, except for taking the bribe of the lobbyist,(read NRA), to line the pockets of him/her self? You tell me where the free ride is and who has a ticket for the ride. I suggest you read the signature at the bottom of my reply, the signature that doesnt hide behind a user name, the signature of a Marine that wont take crap off of anyone unless he deserves to be getting that crap. I dont deserve anyones crap on this topic, Sir. If I were bubba Joe who complains about someone taking my rights, bubba Joe who never bothers to vote, bubba Joe who is fat and lazy, bubba Joe who lives off the charity that comes off of welfare checks and unemployment checks, yes I'd deserve it, but I do not, and never will fit this description, so hold any attack on my comments, and save it for someone worthy them.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • Josey1Josey1 Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sir I respect and thank you for serving our country,but the NRA is important for current marines as well as ex marines,because without the NRA speaking up for us little guys first the pols would register,then licensce,then confiscate all firearms,whether you are civilian,current military or ex they will not discriminate.Just look at the UK,Canada or the countless other countries who stripped their citizens of their rights because there was no one to speak out against it.Respectfully,Josey.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Josey, Understood. I understand your view point and you have stated nothing that offends me.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    SaxonPig...X-Ring! Beach
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  • offerorofferor Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think I remember the NRA giving me an opportunity to check a box and "opt out" of getting the mail for contributions. I checked the box. I haven't received the so-called junk mail from them since. Just an occasional piece of mail, like a recent offer to join a James Madison group and upgrade my membership to Patron or Benefactor level at a great discount. For those of us who aspire to do that sort of thing when we have enough money, that was okay with me. I kept that piece in case I get a quick influx of cash -- it would be a good time to make a contribution and (selfishly I suppose) get something for myself out of it besides protection for my gun rights.
    "The 2nd Amendment is about defense, not hunting. Long live the gun shows, and reasonable access to FFLs. Join the NRA -- I'm a Life Member."
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  • 6MMX2846MMX284 Member Posts: 55 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    NRA Member NOW LISTEN Several years ago, about 10 or so, I returned from serving my country in the Persian Gulf, ARMY, Field Artillery...my membership had expired since this was not the top priority in my life at that time and we did not get much mail, my wife just put my mail to the side, after returning home I did not act on alot of the letters, mail, magazine subscriptions, etc... 2 months after returning, we lost our home due to a fire, my wife, 2 children did get out but that was it...every firearm I owned went up in smoke, this is devastating for those who have never been through it, but it happened. I was at my inlaws not more than a week after that, we stayed there until we found a place to stay, had to deal with the insurance company, who was not there for our best interest, and found out we were like most Americans, underinsured. Take a moment and think what it would cost to replace your guns right now. I was puzzled when the lady called to renew my membership, I told her at the time is was just a bad time and explained why, and then other than hang up on me she said let me check something, and sure enough, I could still renew my membership, my time had not ran out yet, and neither did the insurance money your firearms are insured for in the event you must suffer through something like this. That is right, she sent my the paperwork I needed, no I did not give her a renewal over the phone, she mailed me my papers and I had the chared barrels appraised and a copy of the fire report sent with all the papers to the claim department and was surprised when a check showed up for $1250., let me tell you that is not a lot of money, but to someone who lost everything in about 15 minutes it was like hitting the lottery! I bought one gun like one of the ones I lost and handed the rest to my wife, she wanted me to use it all since it was for my guns (just have to love a good ole country girl), but I was satisified and she was able to replace some of the things we were not covered for. Well, there you can figure the rest, since I have replaced my guns many times over, but the NRA to me means more than just gun right, the lady could have just as easy said "I am so sorry". but she didn't. Maybe this will make a few of you think, no one else has called me to date and offered to help me pay for a casing not to mention a whole gun! Not even one of my good hunting buddies, they all just stood in disbelief, well hope this will shed some light on the NRA and what it is, I know my membership is up to date.....thanks for your time.
    In God We Trust...All Others Cash!
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Salzo, wanted to get back to you on the NRA's voter guide. Each elected official is sent a questionaire concerning how they would respond to various gun issues. We have found that sometimes staff personel fill out these questions on behalf of their boss. Others do not even respond and that is usually noted with an "F". We once had a state legislator that failed to send his back in time for publication, he got listed as an "F"....(even though he was quite pro-gun). When the publication came out he began getting phone calls from the voters raising hell with him for his "F" stance....he's never again been late with a questionaire. As mentioned before, once these questionaires have been returned, we sit down with our lobbyists and review how each elected official voted on anything that was gun or hunting related. The group then grades each official and this is passed onto the NRA for publication. We have had some that were "A's" for years and voted against hunters or gun owners just once....their grades dropped. They can improve their grades as well...believe me, they all want to know how they'll score! Each one knows that a bad grade will cost them votes....you wouldn't believe how many NRA members call their representatives when they see a bad grade.....it's very effective! Why Rick Santorum has the score he did?...I'd call the NRA people in your state to ask why. The phone numbers of NRA Reps are available by calling the NRA or checking the web site. [This message has been edited by Rembrandt (edited 01-17-2002).]
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rembrandt- Thanks. I will give the NRA a call.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rembrandt- Thanks. I will give the NRA a call.
    Happiness is a warm gun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rembrandt- Thanks. I will give the NRA a call.
    Happiness is a warm gun
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
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