For those on the fence about joining NRA

[redlevel]

My membership expires on 10/31/21

I may not have to renew.

Here's hoping you have several renewals left.

I'm going to buy a couple of gift memberships next week. One for the young boy I'm taking hunting tomorrow.

The other is for my near genius, but recovering alcoholic younger brother. He works at a near menial job. He doesn't own a gun, and doesn't want one, but he is very pro-gun. He really can't afford a membership. I asked him if he would like to have a membership and he eagerly answered in the affirmative. We'll add to the numbers, and he can feel like he's doing his part.

 

[ladder13]

My membership expires on 10/31/21

I may not have to renew.

Pizza is like the perfect food, no worries.

 

[steamloco76]

I know far to many gun owners whose sole reason for not belonging to the NRA is the constant fundraising requests the organization sends. Funny thing, many of these same people are selling raffle tickets every week for some organization!

We need the clout and resources of the NRA if we are to keep our RIGHT to keep and bear the type of arms we have now.

Do you really want to have just a double barrel shotgun and one box of shells which you had to register to purchase?

 

[CO_Kid]

You contradict yourself.
You appreciate them/US carrying your weight, but don't want to help because they might not choose your favorite candidate to back. I'm not going to research the CO race, but perhaps they don't have much to choose from.

What will you say when you can't own a handgun and have to register your bolt action shotgun? Probably be one of the first to blame us for losing the fight.

People like you amaze me.
"Others in the group won't let me have it totally 100% my way, so I won't play."
Yeah, right.
That's surely the mindset that made this the greatest nation on earth with the greatest experiment yet seen in human government, that won WW II, and that took us to the moon.
Yeah, sure.

Do you have any knowledge of what has happened in other countries like Canada, Australia, and GB in MY lifetime? Do some research if you don't.
Read this-
Just imagine...

Glad I could add some "amazement" to your day.

I guess waywatcher said it best. They are a right wing mouthpiece. I vote for probably 9 out of 10 people they support. However, they will support basically ANY republican. Blindly.

Let me ask you this, if a candidate was very pro gun, and endorsed by the NRA, but freely stated that he wanted to install very strict laws on women, what they can and cannot do, what they have to wear, ect, would you vote for them just because they're pro gun? Or they were NRA endorsed and said that they wanted to loot your pension fund, or severely restrict and reduce the industry you work in, which could lead to you being laid off, would you vote for him then just because he's NRA endorsed? Right now, the NRA doesn't really care about any of the above, just the candidates that are pro gun.

I didn't contradict myself. In probably 99% of cases, Im very happy that they do what they do. I really am. I'm a staunch supporter of the 2nd amendment. But the NRA, at times, needs to step back and say "Wow, this guy is pro gun alright, but he is WAY out there on all of this other stuff. We might want to sit this one out." If you ever saw the South Park episode"Vote or Die", youll agree that sometimes an election really is between a giant douche or a **** sandwich, and the one I brought up is one of them. To answer jeed, no, of course I have never found a politician who supports EVERYTHING I believe in. But some are more moderate about things I don't believe instead of RADICAL against things I believe in.

 

[sheepdawg]

I'm reminded why I joined every time some liberal @&%*# starts blaming the NRA for Ebola, poverty, violence, bigotry, mass shootings, problems with schools, weak economy, overweight children, etc., etc., etc., I feel it's my duty to belong to an organization that annoys the Pelosis and Nanny Bloombergs of our country so much.

 

[edslow]

IMO no should be on the fence its not that expensive an what they do for us is priceless. They keep you well informed you don't have to do or buy anything if you don't want. Without them I don't think we would have any guns at all. Again just my 2 cents.

 

[redlevel]

In probably 99% of cases, Im very happy that they do what they do. I really am.

Wow! I wish I could say the same about my wife!
I wish I could say the same about my Church.
Do you require 100% agreement from every thing you support?
I guess you never vote, 'cause I can't imagine anyone finding
a politician they agree with 100%.

I don't even vote for the NRA candidate in my own congressional district. He is a liberal democrat on other issues. But I understand why NRA continues to support him. As you say, I'm happy with NRA 99% of the time, and that is a tremendous rate.

 

[steamloco76]

They are a right wing mouthpiece. I vote for probably 9 out of 10 people they support. However, they will support basically ANY republican. Blindly.

The NRA has supported and does support PRO SECOND AMENDMENT DEMOCRATS in many states, including my state, PA.
The statement that they "will support basically ANY republican. Blindly." is just not true.

You are correct that the NRA's views due run conservative and right wing, however the majority of people who believe that individual citizens should have the right to own firearms for self protection without silly magazine restrictions, without prohibition of legal carry, without registration, taxation or government intrusion into their personal lives are also conservatives leaning to the right.

 

[handejector]

Glad I could add some "amazement" to your day.

I guess waywatcher said it best. They are a right wing mouthpiece. I vote for probably 9 out of 10 people they support. However, they will support basically ANY republican. Blindly.

Let me ask you this, if a candidate was very pro gun, and endorsed by the NRA, but freely stated that he wanted to install very strict laws on women, what they can and cannot do, what they have to wear, ect, would you vote for them just because they're pro gun? Or they were NRA endorsed and said that they wanted to loot your pension fund, or severely restrict and reduce the industry you work in, which could lead to you being laid off, would you vote for him then just because he's NRA endorsed? Right now, the NRA doesn't really care about any of the above, just the candidates that are pro gun.

I didn't contradict myself. In probably 99% of cases, Im very happy that they do what they do. I really am. I'm a staunch supporter of the 2nd amendment. But the NRA, at times, needs to step back and say "Wow, this guy is pro gun alright, but he is WAY out there on all of this other stuff. We might want to sit this one out." If you ever saw the South Park episode"Vote or Die", youll agree that sometimes an election really is between a giant douche or a **** sandwich, and the one I brought up is one of them. To answer jeed, no, of course I have never found a politician who supports EVERYTHING I believe in. But some are more moderate about things I don't believe instead of RADICAL against things I believe in.

We're not telling you to vote for all NRA endorsements.
We're not telling you what to believe.
We're not telling you to adopt any particular ideology or belief.

We're telling you to join the NRA.
Use the philosophy "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
It is simply a numbers game- the more members the NRA has, the more clout we all have when an anti-gun vote comes up.
You say you're holding out because you only agree with 99% of the NRA agenda.
Wow.
If we ALL did that, and there was no NRA because there were no members, you do realize this would be an archery forum, don't you?
Get in the fight.

 

[george minze]

I believe in gun ownership swo I believe in the NRA..does that mean I agree on all their tactics or lack of,,,Heck no....Do I like all their phone calls at supper time heck no! As to Wayne, well pennies less than a million pr year ain't bad,,,when and if he earns it...Lets face it the NRA has a bigger and more difficult job now days. Harry Reid a member...well that's a question beyond my pay grade......I think I'll just continue to pay my dues if for no other reason than they are the best house in the Town as of now,,,Washington being the town.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

However, they will support basically ANY republican. Blindly.

Right now, the NRA doesn't really care about any of the above, just the candidates that are pro gun.

I didn't contradict myself.

You didn't?

The reality is that the NRA does not support Republicans blindy. They support and endorse pro gun candidates in the Dem and Rep party. 2010 was a particularly eye opening example. The NRA supported 14 incumbent democrats over their republican rivals in very close House races.

You mentioned that you are happy with 99% of what the NRA does. 99% ? I very much support the NRA but I'm not THAT happy. Maybe you should reconsider joining. You'd be among the most happy members.

 

[Waywatcher]

You didn't?

The reality is that the NRA does not support Republicans blindy. They support and endorse pro gun candidates in the Dem and Rep party. 2010 was a particularly eye opening example. The NRA supported 14 democrats over their republican rivals in very close House races.

You mentioned that you are happy with 99% of what the NRA does. 99% ? I very much support the NRA but I'm not THAT happy. Maybe you should reconsider joining. You'd be among the most happy members.

14 democrats in 435 races? That's 3%.

An organization that endorses Republicans 97% of the time qualifies as a right wing mouthpiece in my book.

Also, in my current 2014 congressional district, the NRA has not endorsed my democratic congressman--which doesn't sound all that odd, given the statistics, except the NRA itself has given him an A-rating.

If the NRA won't endorse Democrats that they have given an A rating, over an untested challenger, and if they recommend Republicans 97% of the time, it is delusional to believe that the NRA is anything but a right wing mouthpiece.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

14 democrats in 435 races? That's 3%.

An organization that endorses Republicans 97% of the time qualifies as a right wing mouthpiece in my book.

Also, in my current 2014 congressional district, the NRA has not endorsed my democratic congressman--which doesn't sound all that odd, given the statistics, except the NRA itself has given him an A-rating.

If the NRA won't endorse Democrats that they have given an A rating, over an untested challenger, and if they recommend Republicans 97% of the time, it is delusional to believe that the NRA is anything but a right wing mouthpiece.

Sigh...

We don't do politics here, but I'll define this as a NRA teaching moment in the hopes that Lee will not send me a PM love letter.

In 2010 there were about 20 Democrat incumbent House seats that were realistically endangered. The NRA put their support behind 14 of those incumbent democrats. That is a BIG deal. A REALLY BIG DEAL. Keep in mind, the republicans were trying to regain House majority. It was a BIG DEAL. A REALLY BIG DEAL. Can't emphasize that enough.

In total, I think the NRA endorsed over 50 democrats in 2010. But the focus was of course on the House seats that had a good chance of tossing the incumbent. See above.

The NRA has an "incumbent-freindly" policy. Basically, if the incumbent and challenger are equally pro-gun rated, the NRA supports the incumbent.

Hardly a "mouthpiece" policy.

Here's a link to better familiarize yourself with the NRA. I'll highlight a couple sections. https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20100510/nra-pvf-endorsement-policy

The NRA-PVF is non-partisan in issuing its candidate grades and endorsements. We do not base our decisions on a candidate's party affiliation, but rather on his or her record on Second Amendment issues. The NRA is a single-issue organization. The only issues on which we evaluate candidates seeking elected office are gun-related issues. While there are many issues a candidate must address with voters, and while voters evaluate a number of non-gun-related issues in factoring which candidate they will support or oppose, NRA-PVF's sole criteria in issuing grades and endorsements is a candidate's position on gun-related issues.

NRA has an incumbent-friendly policy that dictates our support for pro-gun incumbents seeking reelection. It is important that we stand with our friends who stand with us in Congress or the state legislature through their actions. Of course, should a pro-gun challenger win his election, and stay true to support for our gun rights, then he will be the beneficiary of this policy when seeking re-election.

 

[Waywatcher]

Sigh...

We don't do politics here, but I'll define this as a NRA teaching moment in the hopes that Lee will not send me a PM love letter.

In 2010 there were about 20 Democrat incumbent House seats that were realistically endangered. The NRA put their support behind 14 of those incumbent democrats. That is a BIG deal. A REALLY BIG DEAL.

In total, I think the NRA endorsed over 50 democrats in 2010. But the focus was of course on the House seats that had a good chance of tossing the incumbent. See above.

The NRA has an "incumbent-freindly" policy. Basically, if the incumbent and challenger are equally pro-gun rated, the NRA supports the incumbent.

Hardly a "mouthpiece" policy.

Here's a link to better familiarize yourself with the NRA. I'll highlight a couple sections. https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20100510/nra-pvf-endorsement-policy

The NRA-PVF is non-partisan in issuing its candidate grades and endorsements. We do not base our decisions on a candidate's party affiliation, but rather on his or her record on Second Amendment issues. The NRA is a single-issue organization. The only issues on which we evaluate candidates seeking elected office are gun-related issues. While there are many issues a candidate must address with voters, and while voters evaluate a number of non-gun-related issues in factoring which candidate they will support or oppose, NRA-PVF's sole criteria in issuing grades and endorsements is a candidate's position on gun-related issues.

NRA has an incumbent-friendly policy that dictates our support for pro-gun incumbents seeking reelection. It is important that we stand with our friends who stand with us in Congress or the state legislature through their actions. Of course, should a pro-gun challenger win his election, and stay true to support for our gun rights, then he will be the beneficiary of this policy when seeking re-election.

My incumbent congressman, a democrat, has an A rating from the NRA. He has not been endorsed by the NRA for 2014.

I really don't care if people are part of obviously partisan organizations. Just be honest about it.

 

[dereksfl]

I don't agree with all the NRA does, but without it the only people that could have weapons would be the military and law enforcement. Civilians would not be allowed any weapons at all if the second amendment was to be wiped away by a legislative pen! I belong to the NRA as a Benefactor member, NRA-ILA, NRA Golden Eagles and donate beyond that. I also belong to SAF as a life member and donate beyond that level and support NAGR and other groups. Do all you can do to protects or rights of self-defense before they are gone forever!!!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I really don't care if people are part of obviously partisan organizations. Just be honest about it.

Just a minute ago you assumed the NRA only endorsed 14 total democrats out of 435 races in 2010. It helps to understand the facts before you can learn the truth. Good luck

 

[Waywatcher]

Just a minute ago you assumed the NRA only endorsed 14 total democrats out of 435 races in 2010. It helps to understand the facts before you can learn the truth. Good luck

Shame on me for using your numbers. I learned my lesson--I just went and checked NRA endorsements for all 50 states. Here's the rundown for the 2014 election:

Democratic Senate candidate endorsements: 0 (0.0%)
Democratic Representative candidate endorsements: 6 (1.4%)

I stand by my characterization of the NRA.

I'm all for voting for pro gun politicians; but don't trust the NRA to decide for you--they are clearly a de facto right wing mouthpiece.

 

[redlevel]

Shame on me for using your numbers. I learned my lesson--I just went and checked NRA endorsements for all 50 states. Here's the rundown for the 2014 election:

Democratic Senate candidate endorsements: 0 (0.0%)
Democratic Representative candidate endorsements: 6 (1.4%)

I stand by my characterization of the NRA.

Since support of 2nd Amendment issues, not party affiliation, is what matters to NRA, it could be that these figures tell us more about the parties than it does about the organization.

 

[handejector]

Shame on me for using your numbers. I learned my lesson--I just went and checked NRA endorsements for all 50 states. Here's the rundown for the 2014 election:

Democratic Senate candidate endorsements: 0 (0.0%)
Democratic Representative candidate endorsements: 6 (1.4%)

I stand by my characterization of the NRA.

I'm all for voting for pro gun politicians; but don't trust the NRA to decide for you--they are clearly a de facto right wing mouthpiece.

As I said to Co Kid-

We're not telling you to vote for all NRA endorsements.
We're not telling you what to believe.
We're not telling you to adopt any particular ideology or belief.

We're telling you to join the NRA.
Use the philosophy "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
It is simply a numbers game- the more members the NRA has, the more clout we all have when an anti-gun vote comes up.
You say you're holding out because you only agree with 99% of the NRA agenda.
Wow.
If we ALL did that, and there was no NRA because there were no members, you do realize this would be an archery forum, don't you?
Get in the fight.

That's all- support the NRA to protect the 2A.
Vote any way you want to.
Believe any ideology you want.
BUT, if you support the 2A as you say, do something to protect it.
Otherwise, you are just dead weight the rest of us are carrying.

Before I hear anyone chime in about the other orgs or associations they support to protect the 2A, just forget it for this discussion. NO other org comes close to having the clout the NRA does.
This is a never-ending fight. They will persist till we are disarmed- PERIOD.
Those who whine about whatever their pet peeve is concerning the NRA and refuse to support their efforts are simply one of the reasons we may one day lose.
If the NRA quit tomorrow, who, exactly, would be defending the 2A in DC?

I am pro NRA.
The official policy of this forum is support for the NRA.

I foresee the next two years as possibly the most dangerous period in our history for the 2A. That could extend into six years.
I've actually thought of amending the rules to prohibit NRA bashing/whining/moaning.
I may do that yet.
If the inability to whine about or bash the NRA makes this board untenable for you, allow me to bid you Godspeed on your journey to a happier internet abode.

Those who support the 2A but do nothing are simply part of the problem.

 

[Biginge]

Boys, I have not read the entire thread. Times they are a changing. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would see gun owners bashing the NRA. Not just this thread but many previously too. It is almost unfathomable to me that this is an issue for a gun owner. Kinda reminds me of the firemen coming around and installing smoke detectors in your house but you decline cause you don't smell, or see any smoke. Sometimes we stick our heads so far in the sand we forget that we are even ostriches.