Mama Liberty commented on my post yesterday, mentioning the National Rifle Association’s flip-flopping with regard to various issues involving federal law. Specifically the whole ‘no guns in school’ thing.
It seems they initially supported such a thing, then became wiser. They’ve done the same thing with regard to other gun control laws and politicians (giving some folks a Grade of A, when they voted mostly in the anti-rights tent).
In short, they’re wafflers and inconsistent, at best.
I’ve thought on more than one occasion about sending back my Life Membership Card (which I paid for in monthly installments!) with a better-than-terse letter regarding many of these inconsistencies.
But I’ve not yet done that. Why not, you ask?
Well, because, in spite of their failings, they’re still one of the best tools we have in this battle. There are others: The Second Amendment Foundation and Jews For The Preservation of Firearms Ownership come to mind.
Find the group or groups you can support and do so. Four-and-one-half million people coalesced into a lobbying force is remarkable! 47% of American households reportedly possess firearms. The NRA and other pro-rights groups memberships should be even larger.
Yeah, they aren’t perfect. But…
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately” - Benjamin Franklin
Or you could look at it like their membership is driving a change within the organization…
Posted by bluesun | January 25, 2013, 7:52 amThat’s true.
Posted by guffaw1952 | January 25, 2013, 7:59 amGood point, sir, and I hope Bluesun is right.
Posted by Rev. Paul | January 25, 2013, 8:03 amThanks. I hope so, too!
Posted by guffaw1952 | January 25, 2013, 8:08 amDon’t forget about state organizations, such as the Arizona Citizens Defense League.
Posted by AuricTech | January 25, 2013, 12:19 pmGood Point! Thanks.
Posted by guffaw1952 | January 25, 2013, 2:05 pmAgree. The way to FIX the NRA is to work within and elect more board members who share our views, not just walk away and try to build something from scratch. (I don’t conside GOA to be anything except a family business and cash cow for the Pratt family, especially as they have been caught fear-mongering and lying about proosed legislation many times and as tey actually have no lobbyists, political action committee, education compoent or anything else that the NRA has.)
The NRA really is the only game in town, and voting members can change it if they coordinate their efforts and ake their vocies heard.
Posted by Murphy's Law | January 25, 2013, 12:27 pmSorry Murphy. Your post found it’s way into the rathole of a spem file, and took and act of congress to get it posted. (I know, irony)
Regardless, I appreciate including your opinion!
gfa
Posted by guffaw | January 26, 2013, 5:34 pmTo require integrity and consistency is not to require perfection. The NRA is neither honest nor consistent. The simple fact that they pretend in the least to speak for, and COMPROMISE with the disarmers in our name, even if we have not given them that authority… seems simple betrayal enough to me.
Yes, there are many other organizations available to help us in this fight. I will support those with integrity.
Posted by MamaLiberty | January 25, 2013, 2:29 pmI appreciate your point of view! And addition to the commentary. Thanks.
Posted by guffaw1952 | January 25, 2013, 3:11 pmExcellent points… and they ARE better than no representation at all…
Posted by Old NFO | January 25, 2013, 5:43 pmThanks!
Posted by guffaw1952 | January 25, 2013, 9:09 pmWrite a letter to the NRA and tell them how you feel. I did.
http://robertsgunshop.blogspot.com/2013/01/letter-to-nra.html
Posted by Robert Fowler | January 26, 2013, 12:49 amI have, Robert. Many times. I get stupid form letters back wanting more money. That’s all they really care about.
Posted by MamaLiberty | January 26, 2013, 5:19 am