Just my opinion

[ancient-one]

I have been a member of the NRA since 1968 and have supported it both with money, attending rallies and working gun shows. I have also had numerous articles published in the Oklahoman supporting gun ownership and rebutting those were against. I have no idea how many letters I have written or calls I have made to our elected officials. I have only said the above to ensure you know that I have actively supported our right to own guns.
The blowup that happened not to long ago was a surprise to me and many others. Maybe it shouldn't have been. I was never really comfortable with the way the slate of board of directors was picked or the fact that the membership had little access to what was happening or input into what would happen. I think that management changes and increased member information and input are overdue. Personal example. A number of years ago and after a lot of conversations with the Outdoor Editor of the Oklahoman, he agreed to publish any 2A info from the NRA affecting Oklahoman's. It took me a more than year of being shuffled from one person to another until I ended up speaking with Mr. LaPierre. Finally, he agreed for those responsible to send info to the Oklahoman. He even sent me a copy of the letter directing this action. What happened, not one single bit of info was ever received by the paper.
The prior blowup and today's Court decision are something that will make it hard to achieve the clout that the NRA once had. I really hope that it can recover because the NRA, especially as it once was, is sorely needed.
Without it, and some smaller like minded organizations, I sincerely believe that there will be little, if any, legal civilian gun ownership. Today the New York A.G. won and she will not quit trying to disband the NRA and she has most of the media and millions of dollars behind her. We are in for a long hard fight that we cannot afford to lose.

 

[merl67]

I would suspect many of us feel as you do. The NRA being the only game in town as far as gun lobbyist goes makes it hard for anyone else to step in. Do I personally think it's a bloated beaurocrocy yes. I do perhaps hope this will have a positive impact on that. I sure hope so. Perhaps the NRA can somehow
remove it's self from the anti gun state of New York and reorganize elsewhere that would be a huge thing. Time will tell

 

[STCM(SW)]

I would suspect many of us feel as you do. The NRA being the only game in town as far as gun lobbyist goes makes it hard for anyone else to step in. Do I personally think it's a bloated beaurocrocy yes. I do perhaps hope this will have a positive impact on that. I sure hope so. Perhaps the NRA can somehow
remove it's self from the anti gun state of New York and reorganize elsewhere that would be a huge thing. Time will tell

I hope so.......

 

[hkcavalier]

NRA has the framework, membership, and political inertia we need to keep, and staff, officers, and budget we clearly do not. One would think the latter three are easier to change, but recent history proves otherwise.

 

[tops]

And a word too the wise should be sufficient but I'm afraid there aren't enough wise people. Larry

 

[chief38]

I believe that many of us feel similarly but as the "only game in town" at the moment it might be time to start a new organization that isn't as "comfortable' with its members money. Until that happens, the NRA is what we have to work with. I wish we could straighten them out fast to put their FULL efforts behind our cause and not just do this to benefit themselves. Yes - they NRA does help us but they help themselves an awful lot as well. Thus is what happens to every organization or group that has been around for a long time! Charities are no better and sometimes worse!

 

[RSBH44]

Personally I think GOA is gaining clout and shouldn't be discarded so easily as just a little guy. They have plenty of skin in the game.

 

[Goldstar225]

I hope the planned demise of the NRA by the NY AG fails. There is a reason that it's the target of the antigun faction and that's because it remains the most influential pro-gun force we have. I have reserved judgement on the leadership for a long time because I didn't feel that I had enough reliable facts to make an informed decision. I now join the chorus of those who believe that it's time for WLP and his crew to depart and new, ethical leadership to step in.

I am and will remain a believer and supporter of the NRA, but it's past time for change.

 

[ancient-one]

Mr. LaPierre did a commendable job for years and in my opinion his tenacity is responsible for many of the firearm freedoms that we have today. He has made some irresponsible decisions in the last few years that, in my opinion, should have been stopped by the Board of Directors.
As far as salary and perks for running a 5 million member organization I have little problem. Compare his to some of the College Coaches whose won and lost record matter little compared to our ability to insure our freedom to own firearms.. I did have a problem when I found they were in the process of buying him a high dollar house.
These mistakes in judgement have degraded the support that we have in Congress and we can overcome some of that loss by keeping the pressure on with letters, emails and phone calls. That is our responsibility.
I think that this Forum should have a member on the NRA Board of Directors. We and other gun groups need better input to the operation and goals. It would take someone who had the time and was very committed. I tried our fearless leader a couple of years ago but he does not have the time.
Think about it.

 

[JH1951]

Graydon is not blowing hot air. With his age he brings us wisdom and insight. He has seen similar attempts over the decades to limit the freedoms that we cherish and responsibly exercise.
With all of the problems and concerns stated, many of which I somewhat agree with, I remain a NRA supporter and contributor. I see no alternative that can be a heavyweight contender in the current and upcoming fights. I also support some of the lightweight and bantamweight players, as I honestly see this as a turning point for what has been a unique American way for centuries.
Writing your representatives in Congress is also something of value (if larger numbers of us do it).
If a strong stand to represent our wishes and interests is not taken now, do not be surprised at the outcomes.
Please give more than lip service to whatever organization you feel best represents your interests.
I do care, therefore I contribute.
I sincerely hope you do (or will do) the same.

 

[s&wchad]

Please click on this link and read:
We Stand with The NRA

The NY case is just one more battle in the war to protect our individual rights and freedoms. The NRA needs our support now more than ever.

If you're ready to surrender your property at the whim of bureaucrats, give up your right to defend yourself, your family and your friends, and abandon the cornerstone of the Bill Of Rights, find some lame excuse to give up on the NRA. They are the big dog in the fight and our best hope.

It will take money, phone calls, letters, emails and votes to defend our freedoms. Do everything you can to support the cause. Basing the NRA and holding back funds is the worst thing you can do and plays right into the hands of the anti-gun crown. DO NOT post that garbage here.
Sincerely,
s&wchad