I'm not a member now.

In a nutshell to me it seems to foster the problem. As a citizen of this country with basic rights,,, I don't get it. By me buying into this mess of political palm greasing I'm just fostering the problem in my mind. I understand things are not fair. But this group of idiots shell out this amount of money,,, then this other group shells out there cash, then you have the fly by night nut jobs mixing it up,,, It all seems so down right stupid!

While we demand gov. to be fair and honest. Not one time in human history have they done more than enough to keep us from killing them. Look at history. Well except maybe the French and a few others over all.

While buying a lifr time NRA membership can be done here at the shack in a heart beat. Are the,,, what I see to be shallow victorys really worth it. Cali and the northeast over all are flaming fools. How do NRA members feel about there dollars concerning there limp wristed states and sorry [edited] job politicians. How much money does the NRA really need to do the job?

How many NRA members would really show up if the chips were down and we needed to take our country back by force? Would the general membership empty there safes and ammo lockers to save our rights and or our country? Or is it like most other things in our country since WWII,,, entitlement and blow for so called go? Let me pay somebody else to do my [edited] light work for me. And if it does not work,,,mmm O-Well! I tried because I believed in the corrupt system.

To me it's all special interest **** and a waist of money time and energy. I know to date a dollar put into ammo is worth more in the hands of somebody that will use it. Than its worth in the hands of a politician or special interest group.

Just look at what the Taliban and other factions can do with bomb, AK, and fight in there soul. I spent lastweek on a AFB here in Oklahoma. It became very clear to me with in one hour why we have not won a war outright since WWII. We have no back bone. We have a lot of over paid Chief's and no Indians. [Edited] Pointing fingers at each other like they were trying to make the cover of 17teen. I was born on Barksdale and the young boots made me proud! But the career guys ruined it. Be them Air Force or Contractors or the Ave. person that di just enought to keep from being fired or thrown in the brig.

I just don't understand what the merit is behind paying out and loosing. It's like the ins. company's being glad we have air bags in our cars and charging us more for coverage and paying out less on our claims. I thought it was suppose to go the other way if we allowed ourselves to be forced into the safer cars and laws made to make us buy ins. Look at that basic example of bureaucracy and legal mainstay and ask yourself.... Does it work? Why after cars have been out well over 100 years are we Americans faced with buy mpg cars. Of which I do like for the daily grind driving. The wife and I both work in Tulsa and live in Okmulgee. We car pool. I enjoyed the 67 mpg we got today in our 09 Civic hybrid. And I'm not a greenie weenie. Not bad daily grind carpooling mpg in my book. And we did not use your tax dollars to buy the car. I just played my cards right and got it at well over $5k off msrp. And no tax credits will be filed for,,, and it was not a cash for clunkers purchase. I don't need your help to do for us ,,, what is the right thing,,,, not a group of people paying for my right to use my brain. Do they have to have big block front ends on them. Law is pedestrian safety. Well I don't know about you. But I learned to walk in the early 1960's. I was taught,,, walk out in front of a car,,, your dead! I don't walk out in front of cars!!!!

[Edited] And in the case of firearm ownership..... Just tell the folks that wish to disarm us. No!!!! This is in black and white. Can you not read???? Do you wish to die?

I have been a member in the past. But clicking on the button or mailing application back in now. Seems dirty to me knowing how the system works. I honestly would rather take the issue up in the streets face to face.

Honestly the whole mess has me really pissed off!!!!!!

I can understand your point but unfortunately in today's world, lobbyists and special interests groups are really the power behind the scenes. And while the NRA may not be perfect in the legislative arena, they also support youth programs, education programs, range grants, etc., in their efforts to cover all the bases. I think that we are better off with them than without them, and that's why I support the NRA.

regardless of all the political **** that surrounds these situations the NRA is there with money in their pockets to defend your rights as a gun owner. without them you wouldn't be able to own a slingshot. not a perfect system but a necessary one.

"How many NRA members would really show up if the chips were down and we needed to take our country back by force?"

As appalling as our political system is, it is far, far ahead of whatever system is in second place! The whole idea is that neither NRA members nor anybody will ever have "to to take our country back by force." NRA members have been showing up since 1871 KEEPING our country.

Interesting OP and I sympathize with parts of it, fact is we can't just roll over and pee on ourselves and hope it will get better. Until a better tool/organization comes along I'll be a NRA member. We are not to the point where a revolution to take our country back is ready, but if you listen very carefully I think you can hear the hoofbeats of discontent.

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- Change it back -

on a positive note, the NRA does send out email alerts to members affected by pending legislation, just a "heads up"kindasorta thing. I'm sure the brady bunch wont send me their agenda.

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UNDER THE CONE OF SILENCE

Go look at the Brady group's website. You can see where they stand. They don't care what happened in the 1700s. They don't care what's written in the Constitution. They would pass laws to make you and all of us who would actually stand armed against agression criminals. They would take all your guns, and all your ammo, reloading equipment, magazines, gun books, and probably your holsters too. They should all be NRA members too, since the NRAs victorys are probably the main reason we haven't had to kill those traitorous, yet well meaning cowards. Yet.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I think this is a very interesting thread. But I also think that we are all screwed into a "lesser of two evils" kind of situation at this time.
I think there are sheeple on both sides... going along with any 'party line' platform whole-hog is just being lazy.

I think there are both positive and negative elements and philosophies on both sides of the fence. Our political system is totally flawed structurally. Nothing can get done when our country is basically split along a near 50-50 line. Legislation gets so watered down so it's palatable to both sides that it has no teeth, no real power, it's a big waste of time and OUR money.

I love getting things right. I hate being wrong. But more than anything it is downright dangerous to get nothing done. Lethargy is killing us all. We have little access to un-edited, and un-flavored news - I mean the REAL intel.

I am as avid a 2nd Amendment supporter as can be. But I also strongly believe in (some) socially progressive programs. There ARE people who need help, a free lunch, a helping hand, charity. Our education system is virtually in ruins and our kids get a fraction of the education they need - the least educated 6th grader in most of Europe and Asia knows more than most current US college graduates. SHAME ON US. Our health care system is also in ruins, controlled by special interest groups who frankly don't give a damn about us. How much do YOU pay for drugs when you need them? Do you know anyone who doesn't get the health care coverage they need because it's too expensive, or their HMO said 'no' to something they need? Our health care system DOES need fixing - not the way the current bill is written of course, but how can we expect anything to get better when all we know and think is what we are told in the media - which is most often less than a fraction of the real info.

We vote what we believe, and what we believe is being influenced by corrupt media, ranting lunatics on both sides, and politically controlled agendas. No wonder so many people vote for idiots – they really don’t believe they are idiots because they only know what they’ve been told.
Our government is corrupt at all levels, and our citizens are more apathetic than not. Nixon got impeached for a simple breaking-and-entering job in a hotel room. Today we're lucky if some really horrible act by a president gets more than a few days coverage in the press. Have we all gotten so lazy? Have we become so much less personally engaged and active that we need and rely on others to do our dirty work for us?

Unfortunately for many of us the answer is yes.

And because of that, organizations like NRA serve a critically important function in today's society. I read all the NRA alerts, and I agree with MOST of their positions, but I do disagree with some. I don't just go along with anyone's position or opinion, I actually take time to read the bills, and to think about what is being proposed.
If more people spent the time it really takes to become informed, we'd all be better off.

When was the last time you actually spoke with your congressman or woman? When the front page headline on Yahoo is about what dress some bimbo wore at the Golden Globes it’s a sign folks.

Sorry for the long rant, but it is a GOOD thing to question what's going on. I'll give one more example:

Generally I think our president is ineffectual. I don't care if he's white, black or purple. I don't care if his middle name is Hussein or Houdini. All I care about is this country being safe, my family having the services and support we need, and living my life the way I want with as little interference as possible. But I also travel internationally quite a lot, and I can tell you from direct experience, that during the Bush era, a lot of the rest of the world thought we were laughable. The general opinion of a lot of the educated world was "Sarah Palin? Are you guys kidding? She has less knowledge of international affairs than does a 6th grade student in most of Europe and Asia." And unfortunately they are right. Just because someone is a conservative does not mean they are equipped to lead us forward in this world.

If we want less government intrusion in our lives, if we want to protect ourselves and our families, if we want to enjoy the freedoms our troops are dying to protect for us, we need to take a deep breath, stop being party-line sheeple, search out the real facts behind media coverage and events, and make our own decisions.

Most of all we need to SPEAK UP, but we need to speak up with ACCURACY based on facts.

WE NEED TO DO THAT OURSELVES! And this is the whole point of defending our rights and our liberties. I can assure you that our Founding Fathers did not simply go along with what anyone else told them.

As I said at the outset of this rant, I think the real problem is that we don't have a lot of very smart choices for leading our country, so we are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils - we choose the one whose position supports what each of us thinks is most important to us - and that imposes on us all the other positions of that person whether we believe in them or not, whether they are good for us or not.

Selfishness is what is destroying our society.

A very funny thing to think about. If you read Rawles on survival, he proposes - and I think he is dead right! - that one family going it alone won't work - find yourself a group of families and share responsibilities for surviving together - divide the tasks and conquer - like a collective of people all working for the greater good of the whole group - hmmmm. On a micro scale, this is textbook definition of a socialist group. But we demonize the word when it suits political purposes.

Folks, if we all don't stick together - on gun rights and a whole bunch of other issues - we are going to wake up sooner or later to WTSHTF.

Can’t you already smell it coming? I know I can, and I don't like it one bit. I keep my guns well maintained and sharp. But I do that with my mind as well. They both take time, and they are both well worth the effort.

+1 for this forum for the op to speak out. OK, now you can throw tomatoes at me if you like.

I don't neccessarily agree or disagree to the original post. However I'm another who is greatly annoyed (to put it nicely) by the NRA.

I was a member a few years ago. But they really made me mad by constantly asking for money. I'm just the average working stiff with not a lot of money. I can't afford to give anyone money everytime I turn around. They called constantly. They mailed requests. I was really turned off. So I didn't renew.

Then about 3 months ago they started to call again. Two or three times a day. Early on I told the caller that I wasn't interested. They still kept calling so I ignored them. Finally I got pissed off and blocked their number.

I really wonder how much they spend/waste on phone calls and mailings? Maybe they should save that money. Here is another organization that people give money to, that the members have no control of where the money goes or how it is spent. That bothers me.

I have discussed this with many ex members and current members young and old. Many of them feel the same.

I am not saying that I will never be a member again. But I would like more accountability first.

A couple of things come to mind:

1.The OPs arguement is similar to "Why vote / it doesn't matter / it only encourages them / they're all crooks anyway / etc."

If you sit back and do nothing you will get what you deserve.

2. Their enemies are my enemies. That puts us on the same side. If you want to do more than just whine, be part of the program.

I realize that's not very warm and fuzzy but we aren't living in a time where being philosophical about right vs. wrong is getting us anywhere. We have serious enemies to our Constitution. Stand up.

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Get off my lawn.

I agree completely.

However some people don't like to be led by the nose somewhere unless we know where it is we're going.

Nor do I. That's where you need to be a critical thinker. Ask "why?" What's in it for them?" Be suspicious. Watch for things that just don't pass the smell test. BUT, you can't fix the problem alone. You need the help of others.

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Get off my lawn.

Plus one.

(RIP Will Terry)

So many things I want to say, but I was raised a gentleman. Sir, The only reason you are able to own a gun today is the NRA. If you see them as ineffectual, ask former President Clinton what he thinks. When Republicans took back the House and Senate in 1994, he blamed it on the NRA. Do I agree with absolutely everything they do? No. I sometimes disagree with my pastor too, but on the vast majority of issues we are on the same page. And those issues have eternal implications. I hope you can find an organization that you can always agree with. Seems to me it would be a pretty small group with those requirements.

Marty 919, I agree completely with what you have said. Especially this:

kanewpadle,
You can request not to be contacted. It works. Actually, if you do not care to re-up, you should call the NRA and tell them exactly why you are not doing so. What you mention is the number one reason that people get turned off to the NRA. We do need you and every other gun owner to become a member (again). This will be the only way to affect change within the NRA itself. We get to vote for our reps there too!

To blastfact:
The NRA does so much more than lobby. Actually, it is the NRA-ILA that does most of the heavy lifting to fight for our second amendment rights. Without that force working for us, we would not get the legislative alerts that set us into motion, and urge us to call our state and federal reps. We need to send those letters and make those phone calls.

I can let your rude and insulting statement slide, only because you obviously do not know anything about my state (RI) and how aggressively the pro-gun lobby (NRA led) have kept the anti-gunners in check. They have not been able to squeak by a single anti-gun bill in our RI legislature BECAUSE of the legislative alerts we get from the NRA, and because we pro-gunners do what it takes to let our politicians know that we will not stand for what they are trying to push on us.

Also,in case you missed it, the bluest of blue states just replaced Ted Kennedy's 50 year hold on the Senate with a pro-gun, AMERICAN named Scott Brown!!! People are waking up all over this country. If you don't like how the NRA is spending the money of it's members, I suggest you get involved with your NRA rep and try to either get better informed, or try to get things changed.


WG840

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Freedom above all else.

I think you (the original poster) are absolutely wrong. Here's why: The NRA is 100% made up of members who want only one thing. One thing only. We want the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution upheld.

We're not a group of dues paying members of a lobby that wants something from government officials that will result in a direct payoff for money.

Many lobbies are trying to constantly get government to levy more or less taxes or give monetary breaks or get laws passed to help one company or union or whatever do something that lets them make more money.

These other lobbies take in money to spend money on political campaigns so that they can make more money in the long run.

The NRA is not about making money. It is simply about ensuring Constitutional rights. You may stretch it to say that gun companies donate to the NRA to keep themselves making money, but what we're talking about here is a Constitutionally guaranteed right of the people of the United States.

We're not talking about Colt wanting to keep Beretta from selling guns in the US. That's not what the NRA does.

People need to realize that those who propose anti-gun legislation (no matter what party they're with) have been doing it for decades upon decades.

They are like the Terminator. They will never stop. The fight will never end. The NRA will always need its member's support.

I love my guns. They are gleaming artistry that I appreciate for more than their ability to save my life and the life of others. I have a generational connection to them. I will always be an NRA member. They do more than most people know. They are the single most powerful weapon I have to support my rights. I shouldn't have to support my rights, they are rights, they shouldn't even be challenged. But they are and I donate often to the NRA-PVF and the NRA-ILA.

There is a huge difference between the NRA and all of the other lobbyists.

As said earlier, if the main thing that bugs you about the NRA is the constant barrage of "Beg Letters", all you have to do is request that you be taken off their mailing list.
You don't even have to take the magazine if you don't want it. (Just join as an Associate Member at $10 a year).
About the only thing you will continue to get is a monthly "Please renew your membership" starting about 4 or 5 months before your current one expires.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I've been an NRA member since 1962. I've seen it change from a competitive shooting organization to a civil rights organization. That's fine with me. There is strength in numbers, and the NRA is the thousand-pound gorilla on Capitol Hill. Most of the Congresscritters are deathly afraid of what the NRA can do to their "career" if they cross the most effective lobbying group in the country.

It takes money to do what the NRA does. Like many here, I resent the constant barrage of money requests, not only from the NRA, but from dozens of organizations and charities to which I occasionally contribute. I do insist on one thing in these solicitations: Mail me or e-mail me. Don't phone me.

I've had the NRA call me on the phone, and I told them bluntly that they are NEVER to call me. Send me mail. Send me e-mail. And then I will decide how urgent/valid the request is without being harassed on the phone. They complied with that request, and I have not been bothered again on the phone. And I do send them money from time to time if I think the request is valid. The NRA itself admits that they do not expect everyone to contribute every time they make a request. But they have to keep the issues in front of the membership. Enough contribute to make the organization work. See through the phony "surveys" and the "Here's your official card" **** and decide for yourself when, if, and how much to contribute.

I think GOA (Gun Owners of America) does a fine job managing its money, and I don't get a lot of special contribution requests from them. They are really hard-line, no-compromise, and carry a lot of clout on Capitol Hill. They can organize letter writing campaigns and alerts like no other. I became a life member of GOA this year. Couldn't hurt, that's for sure.

Bottom line: Do your bit - however you want to do it. But do your bit in this constant fight against the gun-grabbers.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

The complaints about the NRA contact methods are needless and easily fixed. A simple request to HQ will tailor their contacts to your preferences. This is in stark contrast to MOST organizations like the Olympic Shooting Committee and political parties who will calll you over and over regardless of your requests, and sell their contact lists.

For those that don't like getting renewal notices, even by mail, there is a simple solution: become a life member. That also gets you voting rights on the board and more voice in policies.

A candid word to those who constantly whine that they can't join any bona-fide gun-rights group because none is perfect:
About 4 million gun activists in this country are pulling the wagon for the 80 million who ride. How about finding a way to help?

Well! That was a healthy discussion. Good points were brought up. Both sides have good points. I myself have wondered how Wayne really gets along with his fellow lobbyists. Do they go out for a martini after fighting over what to us is a life and death concern? In the 60s I was a member because I was a competitive shooter. I am a member now because like voting I want my small opinion heard even if it is in what we used to call the smoke filled rooms. Lobbyist are sort of like prostitutes they do what they are paid to do. So far the NRA has done pretty well. Are they perfect hell no! Are any of us perfect I doubt it. We had a perfect person over 2000 years ago and he hung from a cross. The alternative is being a freeloader that rides on the coat tails of those that fight the good fight. Sort of like voting isn't it. Well guys and galls if you didn't vote in the last presidential election you have nothing, absolutely nothing, to carp about and you and others like you are letting the rest of us carry the load. Pretty simple isn't it. Don't send a dime it is your right. Until your don't have any rights left. So it still is a free country. (damned expensive free country but still free) we could be like the Aussie's and set back and all of a sudden one of the largest groups of rugged individualists have lost their right to enforce their individualism......Do your share!, Pay your dues and ask questions, and drive your hybrid auto....Didn't you say you are from Oklahoma, I thought that was a oil state? I must be mistaken...Sorry

Unfortunately, the NRA has allowed public perception to morph into the notion that they are nothing more than a political lobby group. The NRA is a lot more than that. The NRA has a wide array or safety, firearms education and other programs nationwide for you and your family. If NRA politics and funding makes you blanch... that's cool.... then just participate in the other great things they do.

blastfact - I started a much longer e-mail about how frustrated folks become when they try to win a football game while playing by the volleyball rules - reality bites.

Short answer: Join the NRA because they are far more articulate than you when defending our rights. Trust me on this one.

The NRA, like a church, political party, or club, can't be changed from the outside. Join, then speak to them, they don't call me, I don't take the mag, but I am the NRA.
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

I'm mad as hell that guns have become a political issue. It's reality. I want the biggest dog to run down them freedom grabbing socialists. Who do you want speaking on your gun's behalf? AHSA (That's pronounced Asshaha). Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

One point that needs to be made ; The NRA allows third parties to solicit your business (e.g., insurance) but they do not foot the bill for the postage and costs associated with said solicitations. They make a percentage from the sale if you buy but lose nothing if you do not. This way the NRA has no dollars invested in the venture but, rather, profit when the service is sold. Not a bad business model if you ask me and any and all of their e-mails, etc. can be opted out of. Your dues, however, are spent on the defense of your Constitutional right to bear arms. I agree that those rights should never be in question anyway but the fact is that they are under constant attack. If you can name ANY other group that has that much influence on our lawmakers and precedent setters, share them. You have to look at the end results and the benefits of having one of the most powerful organizations on YOUR side. It could very easily be the other way around if every member quits and they go belly up for lack of funds. Do the math on what it costs for a regular membership per year and THEN ask yourself honestly if you blow that much in a year's time on trivial and paltry pursuits. One trip to see a movie with the works from the concession stand and you're about there.

A survey was done a few years ago up on Capital Hill. The question was who was the most effective and strongest lobby in WDC. The NRA was ranked in the top two - I believe it was number one. Do you have any idea how many lobby organizations are working in DC every day - hundereds of them. When you are ranked at the very top, you have real influence. People listen & those who don't walk in fear. Never underestimate the power of the NRA. Over 4 million members means a lot.

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Martin Co,FLA(finally made it)

FWIW Glenn Beck says he respects only two organizations that lobby the Government: PETA and the NRA.
He doesn't agree with PETA but he recognizes that they are consistent to their beliefs.
He is an NRA member.

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Get off my lawn.

Let's see. 6 pack of beer, 5 to 6 bucks. 12 pack of beer, 10 bucks. Cheap dinner with the wife, 30 bucks. Dinner that the wife really likes, 60 to 70 bucks. Tank of gas for my van, 50 to who knows what, depending on the price of a gallon of gas.

One year standard NRA membership, 35 bucks. It seems to me that NRA membership is very very cheap, especially when it helps to preserve our right to keep and bear arms. While I understand that many people are out of work or are working far below what they are really worth, what is the value of being able to legally own a firearm and have the right to defend yourself or your family worth? I will always find a way to keep my NRA membership active. It comes down to priorities.

Interesting post and thoughts, many reasons brought up why not to join. Asking for money (what do you think they use to lobby with?)
Too many mailings (don't read them)
Not a perfect organization (nothing is perfect)
etc. etc. etc.

Fact is, that the NRA is the ONLY pro gun lobby group in the WORLD that has the clout to sway politicians.
That should be easy enough for most to understand.

Blastfact

You have every right to your opinion, but in my humble opinion we have need for organizations like the NRA. Sure, in a perfect world we shouldn't need them but our nation and our world are not perfect. Most of the imperfections were allowed when we, the citizens of this great nation, either sat on our dead butts or just bitched instead of actively working to stop them.

The NRA, with the help and financial support of its members has stopped many legislative efforts that if successful, would have ended our ability to own firearms for any purpose. Other like minded organizations have also contributed to defeating these efforts. They all need our support, not criticism.

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Mighty 90's,Trying 4 a 100!

One reason why the NRA is so effective is in what a Midwestern Congressman I met in the 1980s told me-it's not a "Gimme" lobby. He said almost all other lobbyists have their hands out, the NRA members say-"Don't". "Leave us alone" "Don't do this, don't do that!"

As my header shows, I am a life member and very proud of it. Look at it this way, if you like your guns and the freedom to own and use them you need a voice. It is guaranteed that the gun grabbers will use ANY tactics to further thier agenda. Given the history of our lawmakers over the last 12 months where do you think your letters, e-mails etc to them end up? They have proven by thier actions that they really don't care what we as individuals think. The only thing that sways them is a unified voice in thier face every day. That is what the NRA provides. For that I am grateful and they will forever have my support.

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Regards, Kent J

I have many issues with the NRA, but realistically, they are the ONLY pro-gun organization with the numbers and the clout to get anything done. From the time I was 13 or so I started buying yearly memberships, usually always a member, but there were a number of times it lapsed. Maybe 12-15 years ago, I bit the bullet, sent the big check and became a life member; I believe I am now endowment life or something like that.

IMO, if you own a gun, you should be a member of the NRA.

As Mass. just proved a lot of little votes sometimes makes a BIG difference. 35 bucks multiplied by 4 million can do wonders. All gun owners benefit. Members and non members. Or you can let the other guy carry your water for you. You make the choice, join us or we will still carry your water for you. If that don't bother you it won't change my mind. I'm 71 6 years USMC, 40 years LEO. Wounded twice, but I'll carry you for a while....

Sometimes we try to see what is wrong with a group,rather than what is right. I think that there are many NRA members,myself included,who lay their lives on the line,so our cities,etc. are a better and safe place to raise our families. It is often easy to get disinchanted by any group, but consider the total effort and positive attributes they contribute. If anyone doubts the effectiveness of the NRA, run for office and oppose gun rights. It will surprise you.

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J. Mark McCarver

It's pretty much this simple.....Support the NRA as much or as little as you can if you want the "Right to Bear Arms".

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YouJustCantSeeMeLaughingIsAll

Thank You all for the input. And I would like to thank a mod for taking pity on my poor miss expressed soul.

I have not reupped yet. Its not so much that I don't believe in the NRA. Fact is I am losing faith in my fellow man at a biblical level and to the point that I have no faith in our screwed up system,,, that use to be the best in the world.

Thanks for carrying me. By some folks measure.

I'm impressed. You took the critical comments from some of us much better than 90% of the people on the 'net ever would.
I hope you decide to re-up. Their enemies are your enemies.

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Get off my lawn.

I just joined again. I'll give them another try and see what happens.

Chose the Life Membership payment option.

I don't like the rest of you members "carrying" me. Guess it was the right thing to do.

Thanks for convincing me.

quote from OP:

I spent lastweek on a AFB here in Oklahoma. It became very clear to me with in one hour why we have not won a war outright since WWII. We have no back bone. We have a lot of over paid Chief's and no Indians. [Edited] Pointing fingers at each other like they were trying to make the cover of 17teen. I was born on Barksdale and the young boots made me proud! But the career guys ruined it. Be them Air Force or Contractors or the Ave. person that di just enought to keep from being fired or thrown in the brig



You spent a week at one AFB and after just one hour of that time you somehow managed to use that experience to completely interpret and figure out 65 years of war fighting history? Wow, that's pretty impressive. If we had 200 guys as awesome as you we probably would have never lost a single man in combat.

I'm one of the career guys that you say "ruined it", whatever the he** that means. And by the way, myself and every other proud member of the Armed Forces have plenty of backbone. Just what exactly makes you qualified to comment on the subject anyway? If you think you know even the very first thing about the inner workings of the USAF or any other service, you are sadly mistaken.

Next time you start to speak about things you know nothing about, do us all a favor and just keep it to yourself.

Tatonka,
Although I agree with your response to the quote you posted, I'm confused as to where the quote came from.
Maybe it's too early in the morning, but I can't find it in this thread about the NRA.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I have 6 main loves: 1 God, 1 girl of twenty-five years marriage, my 2 little girls, 1 little boy and 1 hobby (guns). God is unassailable, but my wife, kids and guns are not. Bad guys, some from the state pen and some from the state house, plan in different ways to assault them if they can. I figure my NRA membership is a small investment in the people I love and the tools of liberty I cherish.

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Southern Conservative

Thanks for the reminder to re-new my membership.$35 is cheap insurance.

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WALSTIB

I hope you do better than the butterballs I spent a week with. And the insane over the top command. I was born on Barksdale. What a mess Tinker was! No wonder we can't out right win a war now. To many chiefs and not enough warriors. A red tape insane system.

BlastFact, there is much in your post I agree with, about the general state of this country. Like these others have pointed out, the NRA is the best investment there is for keeping our rights. Annual membership costs less than a couple of boxes of 30-06 ammo.
I am left in a state of bewilderment when I learn about folks who will spend 100s or even 1000s annually on guns and shooting, while they choose not to send this organization $35 a year to help keep their rights to enjoy their interests.

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Geoff. Since 1960.

Perhaps they are not perfect but they're damn good at what they do, the best in the world. They're all volunteers who have sworn to serve, even up to the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Country.

The NRA isn't perfect either but they're doing their best to protect my RKBA. They deserve our support.

I'd suggest you consider cutting both groups some slack.

Bob

Don't know this has to do with the NRA either.

I served with some damn fine people in the Air Force. But there were some that just weren't worth a ****.

And why is it, when I go to the base exchange, everyone I see is a senior NCO with a gut that makes thier gig line look like ski slope? What happened to the "fat boy" program?

Looks to me that the AF is very top heavy and could shape up a bit. That may not be the case but it sure looks like it. I have talked to several AF vets who have said the same.