Rammer Jammer
Member
No
I don't pay for junk mail.
I don't pay for junk mail.
Your Thoughts on the NRA Today?
- Thread starter JeffKnox
- Start date
- Status
I pay the annual dues and it's a long time since I've done more.
I joined GOA about five years ago and, frankly, they seem to do as much or more with a lot less. No question they run leaner and meaner than the NRA. I send GOA occasional contributions in excess of annual membership. GOA is also obviously active in my state and I don't hear much of anything the NRA is doing in Texas.
I consult on organizational governance for a host of non-profit organizations and a board of directors the size of the NRA is almost always indicative of a dysfunctional organization that values the social and personal benefit trappings of board membership over board member's contributions towards good governance. It's ridiculous. Apple has the largest capitalization of any (for-profit) corporation in the history of the world and they have eight board members. Most well-functioning non-profits have ten or less directors. Anyone who has participated on committees in their communities knows the larger they are the less accountability there is.
Wayne LaPierre and the unwavering board support of him did an incredible amount of damage to the organization. Most of us have a hard time accepting someone who makes well over a $M annually needing a clothing allowance, never mind the other accusations of malfeasance.
Until the organization spends more defending our Second Amendment rights than they do on salaries and benefits for management, and this is made plainly obvious, I fear trust will be hard to re-earn. I'd venture that most forum members do their research before contributing to "worthy causes" by investigating how much of their contributions actually goes to the worthy cause as opposed to admin. The NRA isn't passing that test right now.
Bryan
I joined GOA about five years ago and, frankly, they seem to do as much or more with a lot less. No question they run leaner and meaner than the NRA. I send GOA occasional contributions in excess of annual membership. GOA is also obviously active in my state and I don't hear much of anything the NRA is doing in Texas.
I consult on organizational governance for a host of non-profit organizations and a board of directors the size of the NRA is almost always indicative of a dysfunctional organization that values the social and personal benefit trappings of board membership over board member's contributions towards good governance. It's ridiculous. Apple has the largest capitalization of any (for-profit) corporation in the history of the world and they have eight board members. Most well-functioning non-profits have ten or less directors. Anyone who has participated on committees in their communities knows the larger they are the less accountability there is.
Wayne LaPierre and the unwavering board support of him did an incredible amount of damage to the organization. Most of us have a hard time accepting someone who makes well over a $M annually needing a clothing allowance, never mind the other accusations of malfeasance.
Until the organization spends more defending our Second Amendment rights than they do on salaries and benefits for management, and this is made plainly obvious, I fear trust will be hard to re-earn. I'd venture that most forum members do their research before contributing to "worthy causes" by investigating how much of their contributions actually goes to the worthy cause as opposed to admin. The NRA isn't passing that test right now.
Bryan
Life Member since the mid-60s. Definitely in the wait-and-see mode.
Grayfox
US Veteran
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
Member for about 40 years now. Came very close to quitting a couple of times, but my gun club requires NRA membership.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I pay my dues as required and nothing more. The NRA has wasted too much of my money for me to give extra.
BTW: I regularly give extra to GOA, FPC, SAF, my state 2A organization TFA and others. They are fighting for me and other gun owners.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? N/A
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Under WLP the NRA was compromising on 2A issues. There is NO COMPROMISE on the 2nd Amendment! You were playing politics, not fighting to win.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the size of the BOD. No more than 20, less would be even better. I like the idea of regional representatives.
Quit playing politics. Get back in the fight, fight hard and fight to win!
I've always said that when it comes to competition, training, safety and education the the NRA can't be beat. But you have seriously failed in protecting the 2nd Amendment and gun owners of this nation.
I'm in wait and see mode. You gonna get back in the fight for real or just keep playing politics and lining your own pockets?
Member for about 40 years now. Came very close to quitting a couple of times, but my gun club requires NRA membership.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I pay my dues as required and nothing more. The NRA has wasted too much of my money for me to give extra.
BTW: I regularly give extra to GOA, FPC, SAF, my state 2A organization TFA and others. They are fighting for me and other gun owners.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? N/A
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Under WLP the NRA was compromising on 2A issues. There is NO COMPROMISE on the 2nd Amendment! You were playing politics, not fighting to win.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the size of the BOD. No more than 20, less would be even better. I like the idea of regional representatives.
Quit playing politics. Get back in the fight, fight hard and fight to win!
I've always said that when it comes to competition, training, safety and education the the NRA can't be beat. But you have seriously failed in protecting the 2nd Amendment and gun owners of this nation.
I'm in wait and see mode. You gonna get back in the fight for real or just keep playing politics and lining your own pockets?
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
Member for about 40 years now.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I pay my dues as required and nothing more. The NRA has wasted too much of my money for me to give extra. I would consider going lifetime and or benefactor if the organization can show how it is efficiently using donations.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
Poor management has convinced me not to give more.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
0 Compromise on 2A - this is a brightline there is no grey.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the size of the board of directors. I have worked for and consulted non-profit organizations, and the vanity board seats are a waste. The directors need to bring something to the table. Too much resume padding in the non-profit world.
As others have stated the more you give the more you are targeted for donations. This is an issue with many non-profits. Ask fatigue is real and insulting us with tchotchkes is not a good strategy.
Money should be spent on core mission, training education and defense of 2A on behalf of membership. Set % of donations so be spent in each area and measure / publish results. This will pry free donation dollars that are currently on the sidelines due to waste. I am not giving to pay increases in administrative costs.
Member for about 40 years now.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I pay my dues as required and nothing more. The NRA has wasted too much of my money for me to give extra. I would consider going lifetime and or benefactor if the organization can show how it is efficiently using donations.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
Poor management has convinced me not to give more.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
0 Compromise on 2A - this is a brightline there is no grey.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the size of the board of directors. I have worked for and consulted non-profit organizations, and the vanity board seats are a waste. The directors need to bring something to the table. Too much resume padding in the non-profit world.
As others have stated the more you give the more you are targeted for donations. This is an issue with many non-profits. Ask fatigue is real and insulting us with tchotchkes is not a good strategy.
Money should be spent on core mission, training education and defense of 2A on behalf of membership. Set % of donations so be spent in each area and measure / publish results. This will pry free donation dollars that are currently on the sidelines due to waste. I am not giving to pay increases in administrative costs.
I'll play:
1. Are you a current or past NRA member? Not since 1978
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? Possibly
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? NA
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.) My focus has always been on the shooting sports, hunting, target, etc. I watched the NRA become 98% focussed on the armed citizen and frankly operating as a PR arm of the firearm manufacturing industry. The more outrages and scared the membership is, the more guns they will buy! Not my cup-o-tea.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address? 1. Continue cleaning grifters out of the house. 2. Don't forget the outreach to the younger generation (and organizations that serve them) to increase understanding and participation in the shooting sports.
1. Are you a current or past NRA member? Not since 1978
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? Possibly
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? NA
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.) My focus has always been on the shooting sports, hunting, target, etc. I watched the NRA become 98% focussed on the armed citizen and frankly operating as a PR arm of the firearm manufacturing industry. The more outrages and scared the membership is, the more guns they will buy! Not my cup-o-tea.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address? 1. Continue cleaning grifters out of the house. 2. Don't forget the outreach to the younger generation (and organizations that serve them) to increase understanding and participation in the shooting sports.
Autonomous
Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2017
- Messages
- 1,164
- Reaction score
- 1,808
The NRA has taken a step forward by eliminating their most apparent source of corruption. However, a journey requires more than a single step. The entire board should be replaced with a smaller, efficient, and accountable team that upholds the NRA's fundamental purpose. It is essential to eradicate all potential sources of inertia and corruption.
In recent years, I have contributed more to causes that I believe will improve America than I have in all my previous years combined.
Will the NRA receive contributions from me again? Refer to the previous sentence.
In recent years, I have contributed more to causes that I believe will improve America than I have in all my previous years combined.
Will the NRA receive contributions from me again? Refer to the previous sentence.
Last edited:
I am a current member and don' send additional funds.
I have taken NRA summer classes at two of the gunsmithing schools, and eventually, taught a class at the Trinidad State College gunsmithing NRA summer program.
Talking with the program manager I asked what kind of financial support they got from the NRA. I was shocked to fine out that the schools had to pay the NRA. What kind of support is that to the firearm industry? Gunsmiths are getting harder to find with the baby boomers retiring.
I would wager that the 76 Board members don't know this fact.
I have taken NRA summer classes at two of the gunsmithing schools, and eventually, taught a class at the Trinidad State College gunsmithing NRA summer program.
Talking with the program manager I asked what kind of financial support they got from the NRA. I was shocked to fine out that the schools had to pay the NRA. What kind of support is that to the firearm industry? Gunsmiths are getting harder to find with the baby boomers retiring.
I would wager that the 76 Board members don't know this fact.
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
Member since the 80's, currently Benefactor.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
Not really, last donation was to ILA in 2018 during the successful suit against the Boulder AWB ban.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
I was a plaintive.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Figured Wayne had enough suits. Disappointed NRA didn't engage in the current wave of state/local ordinances in CO.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Board is too large, dilutes focus. "A camel is a horse designed by committee"
Member since the 80's, currently Benefactor.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
Not really, last donation was to ILA in 2018 during the successful suit against the Boulder AWB ban.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
I was a plaintive.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Figured Wayne had enough suits. Disappointed NRA didn't engage in the current wave of state/local ordinances in CO.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Board is too large, dilutes focus. "A camel is a horse designed by committee"
1. Are you a current or past NRA member? - Joined 2012, moved up to Benefactor a couple years later. Golden Eagle for the last few years
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? - only "extra" contribution is the annual Golden Eagle cost
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? - I decided last year I was going to cease Golden Eagle because of all the abuses of $$ and power by the board and most especially LaPierre. Then LaPierre went away, so I renewed this year.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
a) Get rid of at least 50% of the BoD (75% would be better) - who the heck thought 76 board members was a good thing? Having been president of a non-profit in the past, I have direct experience with ungainly boards. More directors means less gets done since each will have their own agenda and priorities.
b) Get back to supporting the programs that encourage new gun owners and firearm safety. As stated in posts above, when qualified instructors are having problems finding where/how to get recerts, there's a serious problem.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? - only "extra" contribution is the annual Golden Eagle cost
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? - I decided last year I was going to cease Golden Eagle because of all the abuses of $$ and power by the board and most especially LaPierre. Then LaPierre went away, so I renewed this year.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
a) Get rid of at least 50% of the BoD (75% would be better) - who the heck thought 76 board members was a good thing? Having been president of a non-profit in the past, I have direct experience with ungainly boards. More directors means less gets done since each will have their own agenda and priorities.
b) Get back to supporting the programs that encourage new gun owners and firearm safety. As stated in posts above, when qualified instructors are having problems finding where/how to get recerts, there's a serious problem.
I have been a life member for 50 years, and am a Benefactor. I stopped contributing when I grew disenchanted with LaPierre and the things the BOD let him get away with.
Like many, I have been donating to GOA - but I realize that they are primarily a reactive organization, initiating lawsuits after legislation is past rather than camping out in congress and state legislatures to stop such legislation before it becomes law. Both tactics are needed, but the latter requires far more people and money than GOA has available, whereas the NRA has practiced this method for years.
I also agree with reducing the BOD. Large boards are usually ineffective because everyone has their own special interests and stuff just does not get done. I would like to see the BOD pared to 9 plus 2 non voting alternates unless they are filling in for or replacing an absent member.
The NRA needs to reestablish itself as a political "kiss of death" for anti gun politicians. While the NRA isn't big enough to go after all anti gun politicians, they could single out key individuals who are vulnerable and return to the organization that used to be feared enough to cause politicians proposing gun legislation to fear the possible ramifications.
Like many, I have been donating to GOA - but I realize that they are primarily a reactive organization, initiating lawsuits after legislation is past rather than camping out in congress and state legislatures to stop such legislation before it becomes law. Both tactics are needed, but the latter requires far more people and money than GOA has available, whereas the NRA has practiced this method for years.
I also agree with reducing the BOD. Large boards are usually ineffective because everyone has their own special interests and stuff just does not get done. I would like to see the BOD pared to 9 plus 2 non voting alternates unless they are filling in for or replacing an absent member.
The NRA needs to reestablish itself as a political "kiss of death" for anti gun politicians. While the NRA isn't big enough to go after all anti gun politicians, they could single out key individuals who are vulnerable and return to the organization that used to be feared enough to cause politicians proposing gun legislation to fear the possible ramifications.
Like so many others who have posted...
Former member. Quit when I felt the organization was going the wrong way. Glad to see a change in leadership. Now I will consider joining again.
What needs to be done? The organization is way, WAAAY too top-heavy. Finances need to totally transparent to the membership. Constant appeals for donations need to be scaled-back -- I don't want more than one a month at the ABSOLUTE MOST! Two or three times a year would be better.
And maybe most important, as others have said, quit making nice with "bipartisan compromises" and get back to scaring the bejeezus out of politicians who support gun control! (Personal suspicion is that Wayne was enjoying all the perks of being a friend to everyone too much.)
Former member. Quit when I felt the organization was going the wrong way. Glad to see a change in leadership. Now I will consider joining again.
What needs to be done? The organization is way, WAAAY too top-heavy. Finances need to totally transparent to the membership. Constant appeals for donations need to be scaled-back -- I don't want more than one a month at the ABSOLUTE MOST! Two or three times a year would be better.
And maybe most important, as others have said, quit making nice with "bipartisan compromises" and get back to scaring the bejeezus out of politicians who support gun control! (Personal suspicion is that Wayne was enjoying all the perks of being a friend to everyone too much.)
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
Life Member
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
No contributions planned.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Many years long practices that were not in the fiduciary interests of the members.
NRA money was treated a personal piggy-bank by directors. (e.g. Speaking and Travel fees)
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Four directors is a minority and likely to be out voted.
Reduce the number of mis-directors.
Control payments to directors.
Publish an itemized list of ALL payments and/of benefits to each director.
I remember hearing back in the 80's about poorly planned purchase of land in a western state.
I remember hearing about Designated Stooges holding Large Signs Directing members HOW to VOTE on matters before the members at annual meeting.
Bekeart
Life Member
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
No contributions planned.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Many years long practices that were not in the fiduciary interests of the members.
NRA money was treated a personal piggy-bank by directors. (e.g. Speaking and Travel fees)
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Four directors is a minority and likely to be out voted.
Reduce the number of mis-directors.
Control payments to directors.
Publish an itemized list of ALL payments and/of benefits to each director.
I remember hearing back in the 80's about poorly planned purchase of land in a western state.
I remember hearing about Designated Stooges holding Large Signs Directing members HOW to VOTE on matters before the members at annual meeting.
Bekeart
My 2 ₵
1. Are you a current or past NRA member? Yes, Patron
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? No.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? N/A
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Past malfeasance. I may if I see tangible change in the NRA's direction. I currently support California's 2A organizations.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Too many Directors. If it is an ego thing or past voting directors, have non-voting Emeritus Directors.
Real term Limits, only 2/3 terms - The NRA wouldn't have been driven over the cliff had limits been in place.
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
Get back to core values, teaching and education for the shooters and the public.
Support state and local organization with visible support, not just banners and stickers at the events.
Focus political pressure on local gun legislation, not just national issues. When was the last time a press conference was held and shown on the nightly news about a state attempting to limit 2A freedoms? Pick your battles for sure but get back into the fight.
The current political focus about firearms is one leading to confiscation. Absolutely NO COMPROMISE! I live in California, and I see daily the results of compromise; I also see where it is heading.
1. Are you a current or past NRA member? Yes, Patron
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future? No.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so? N/A
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Past malfeasance. I may if I see tangible change in the NRA's direction. I currently support California's 2A organizations.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Too many Directors. If it is an ego thing or past voting directors, have non-voting Emeritus Directors.
Real term Limits, only 2/3 terms - The NRA wouldn't have been driven over the cliff had limits been in place.
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
Get back to core values, teaching and education for the shooters and the public.
Support state and local organization with visible support, not just banners and stickers at the events.
Focus political pressure on local gun legislation, not just national issues. When was the last time a press conference was held and shown on the nightly news about a state attempting to limit 2A freedoms? Pick your battles for sure but get back into the fight.
The current political focus about firearms is one leading to confiscation. Absolutely NO COMPROMISE! I live in California, and I see daily the results of compromise; I also see where it is heading.
Last edited:
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
I'm Life member for many years and an annual member for many years prior to that.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
Stopped contributing several years ago when it became apparent that LaPierre was fleecing the membership and the BOD turned a blind eye to his actions. Also, was feed-up with all the compromises.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
Still waiting to see if real corrections will be made.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Need to see the NRA take the lead on issues and "stop compromising" ..... compromise leads to losing our rights. The NRA has to regain my trust before I make anymore contributions, just that simple.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the number of the BOD. Get rid of the BOD members that aided LaPierre .... seems to me they are culpable also.
Don
I'm Life member for many years and an annual member for many years prior to that.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
Stopped contributing several years ago when it became apparent that LaPierre was fleecing the membership and the BOD turned a blind eye to his actions. Also, was feed-up with all the compromises.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
Still waiting to see if real corrections will be made.
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
Need to see the NRA take the lead on issues and "stop compromising" ..... compromise leads to losing our rights. The NRA has to regain my trust before I make anymore contributions, just that simple.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Reduce the number of the BOD. Get rid of the BOD members that aided LaPierre .... seems to me they are culpable also.
Don
cherrypointmarine
Member
I'm a Patron member , as to the other questions , enough have answered them . I used to give money a couple of times a year , usually through the phone calls , but sometimes if they were giving something away with a contribution . But then I stopped and thought , how much is actually getting to the NRA . We've all heard about the Police Benevolent Assoc. and how they get pennies on the dollar . If I KNEW my money , at least MOST of it got to the NRA , I would go back to giving .
Once I realized they were spending my dues begging for more money, I was out. Then stories of mismanagement and extravagant spending really turned me off. I've put my money in the Va. Citizens Defense League.
I'm an annual member...
...and I've been so since 2012.
What I hope for the NRA is to advocate rights to own and shoot firearms, continue to push for safety and responsiblity, present a positive face to the non-firearm crowd, and continue to encourage gun ownership and education.
I really despise joining groups because too often their focus, mission, interests and intentions start to get warped. But I decided years ago that the NRA is a HOME for me and I hope I never have to be divorced or emancipated from it.
Thanks very much for asking us to listen and for listening to us. I feel like that litigation might have done the NRA a favor in getting their act together.
...and I've been so since 2012.
What I hope for the NRA is to advocate rights to own and shoot firearms, continue to push for safety and responsiblity, present a positive face to the non-firearm crowd, and continue to encourage gun ownership and education.
I really despise joining groups because too often their focus, mission, interests and intentions start to get warped. But I decided years ago that the NRA is a HOME for me and I hope I never have to be divorced or emancipated from it.
Thanks very much for asking us to listen and for listening to us. I feel like that litigation might have done the NRA a favor in getting their act together.
Last edited:
I've been a life member (Benefactor) for decades.
I've not contributed to NRA since the antics of WLP became public, and I'm likely not going to do so until those who knew and (in my opinion) enabled WLP are no longer in any position of authority within the NRA.
Once my trust is violated, it takes some significant action to gain it again.
I've not contributed to NRA since the antics of WLP became public, and I'm likely not going to do so until those who knew and (in my opinion) enabled WLP are no longer in any position of authority within the NRA.
Once my trust is violated, it takes some significant action to gain it again.
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
I'm a Life Member. Can't remember how many years it's been. It's been several. Prior to that, I was an annual member for several years.
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I am not financially contributing to the NRA currently.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
N/A
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
I've had a real tough time justifying any additional donations when the former CEO was spending $274,695.03 on Zegna suits. Not only that, but I was consistently bombarded with mailers and phone calls asking for more. Whatever I was giving, was evidently not enough. I was thinking that it was probably because he needed some handmade Italian shoes to go along with his suits.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently needs to address?
First off, I think the board needs to be smaller. I mean...seventy-six members??? That's ridiculous. I'd be willing to bet there are several "rubber stampers" in that group who are willing to go along with what everybody else says. As Jimmyjones posted previously..."a camel is a horse designed by a committee." Second...and I don't know what you can do about this...but the NRA needs to rebuild the trust of its members.
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
No. I've undoubtedly said enough, and probably too much, but you said to be brutally honest. Thanks for letting us share some thoughts.
Last edited:
jrm53
Member
A benefactor member for many years
I am thankful for the NRA I have no problem with them and we all had all better get down on our knees and thank the LORD that we have them. I just wish they would move out of New York state to a gun friendly southern state! Jeff {jrm53}
I am thankful for the NRA I have no problem with them and we all had all better get down on our knees and thank the LORD that we have them. I just wish they would move out of New York state to a gun friendly southern state! Jeff {jrm53}
HOUSTON RICK
Member
As with many organizations, I think the NRA has lost its way and has been corrupted by its own success with programs taking on lives of their own. I think the rhetoric could be more centrist. We can be firm and rational without being as rabid as the opposition. It is often hard to tell the difference between the sides by their behavior. Not a good sign. Funding and use of funds need to be prioritized to programs for the organizations fundamental purpose of protecting gun ownership as perhaps opposed to creating and enriching celebrities and personality cults. The silly prizes to entice renewal do not do a fraction as much as lower annual dues. Perhaps less enriching those involved in recruitment trinkets and just a $20-$25 annual rate. Few of us need or have space for more thin back packs, pocket knives or baseball caps, and seeing that stuff tells us where our money going. Simple, professional, lobbying, recruitment, practical programs to advance gun ownership and training and basic administration.
The NRA has their work cut out for them, clearly, reading the responses.
Mr. Knox.......Did lapierre get the GOLDEN PARACHUTE $$$ he had setup when he left?
1. Are you a current or past NRA member?
Benefactor
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I stopped contributing. I'm waiting to see the "new path" the NRA takes.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
What has changed? What are you doing differently? Is it a secret? Communicate with the membership, we know the sins committed, (at least some of them) i suspect there's more, tell me how you have or intend to correct them.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently
needs to address?
Too many board members.
I trusted you once why should I trust you again. Tell me why.
Get rid of the yes men/women.
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
Benefactor
2. Have you rejoined or are you financially contributing to the NRA now, or planning to do so in the near future?
I stopped contributing. I'm waiting to see the "new path" the NRA takes.
3. If so, what convinced you to do so?
4. If not, what is holding you back? (Please be as specific and brutally honest as you can. We need to understand your issues.)
What has changed? What are you doing differently? Is it a secret? Communicate with the membership, we know the sins committed, (at least some of them) i suspect there's more, tell me how you have or intend to correct them.
5. What internal issues (in priority order) do you think the NRA Board most urgently
needs to address?
Too many board members.
I trusted you once why should I trust you again. Tell me why.
Get rid of the yes men/women.
Any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with me and other NRA Directors?
Salaries and Compensation
Our top employees compensation is included in our annual IRS Form 990, but it is at least a year behind, if you can find it. I am promoting a Special Committee on Reorganization, with a mandate to review the entire structure, job descriptions and responsibilities, and pay, as well as exploring plans to reduce the size of the Board, which the judge is ordering us to do. The members should get easy access to all of that information.
Our top employees compensation is included in our annual IRS Form 990, but it is at least a year behind, if you can find it. I am promoting a Special Committee on Reorganization, with a mandate to review the entire structure, job descriptions and responsibilities, and pay, as well as exploring plans to reduce the size of the Board, which the judge is ordering us to do. The members should get easy access to all of that information.
No Golden Parachute for LaPierre
No, LaPierre did not receive a golden parachute. Reports to the contrary are mistaken. He's also been blocked by the court from serving in any capacity -- paid or unpaid -- within NRA for ten years. He's currently 74 years old. He's not coming back.
No, LaPierre did not receive a golden parachute. Reports to the contrary are mistaken. He's also been blocked by the court from serving in any capacity -- paid or unpaid -- within NRA for ten years. He's currently 74 years old. He's not coming back.
Member since 1966. Life Member since 1967. Endowment when they were selling them cheap.
No and no.
N/A
I don't see the NRA as significantly representing my interests, and since the Whittington debacle, they mostly didn't seem interested in doing so. While I think that Wayne LaPierre mostly improved NRA's public position, his waste of money was even worse than in the past. In the past, I have supported JPFO and your father, and will continue to support you. I am old and crotchety. It took a while for NRA to turn me off, and I am not going to be turned on again overnight.
Several good suggestions have been made above, especially reducing the size of the board and, mainly, concentrating on actually being a political threat to those who hate our Constitution. I am also in favor of genuine technical leadership, especially in the safety area.
Puller
Member
Hmmm, after reading through this thread it seems most gun owners here support the doctrine of shooting our own wounded.
Been a life member since the early '60's. Now Endowment. WLP sure used us as a cash cow but at first he did well. Now for a new beginning for a good 153 old organization that needs new leadership. PS, please don't send me any more Chinese knives. Lousy **** things, I tried to use one as a letter opener, it failed to last then would not close.
- Status
