An idea for the NRA

[Bret4207]

I've talked with a lot of guys lately about the Zumbo debacle and the gun rights movement in general. The one recurring problem I see is none of these guys wanted to join the NRA for simple reason it was "too much money". Understand these are working class guys who like to hunt and fish, but their main interests are things like food, shelter, clothing, paying off Christmas, etc. They don't have a lot of disposable income, and the $25.00 for an NRA membership is just too much for them. So, here's my idea- Have the NRA come out with a $5.00 membership. That gets you a card a couple decals and on the mailing list to advise them of the issues. No magazine, which is no real loss considering the poor state the Rifleman is in these days.

If this flew I'd think the 3 million member NRA could easily be a 10-15 million memebr NRA.

Opinions welcome.

[eka]

Sounds like a good idea to me. Fifteen million at $5.00 is the same amount of money and a lot more voices. And a lot of people would opt for the premium membership to get the magazine. As long as the money is there to fund the cause, it seems more people just makes more sense.

Keith

[Pepe Ray]

It's a greaty idea!!
The $5 token may not be enough to cover the administrative costs but it should be very close.
How do you get the NRA to intertain the idea and calculate the charge?
Pepe Ray

[lovedogs]

Good idea. And it's been presented to them before. I had that and several other suggestions a long time ago. But, as usual, the NRA doesn't listen to their members. I also suggested that they begin a campaign to hold elected officials to their oath of protecting the 2nd Amendment instead trying to eliminate it. For breach of oath we could have many of the anti's impeached from their office. That'd help a lot! Over the years I've brought many things to their attention, to no avail. It seems to me that all they care about from us "normal Joes" is to collect out dues, then do as they darn well please. If it weren't for the fact that they are doing some good and are the most powerful pro-gun lobby I'd tell them to kiss my... well, you get the idea. They are one of our necessary evils and about all we have. It does seem to me that they've made a big business out of it all. Kind of like our insurance companies... we don't like how they do things (or don't do things) but they are the only show in town. Good luck if you plan on asking them to do anything!

[Old Ironsights]

....It seems to me that all they care about from us "normal Joes" is to collect out dues, then do as they darn well please. If it weren't for the fact that they are doing some good and are the most powerful pro-gun lobby I'd tell them to kiss my... well, you get the idea. They are one of our necessary evils and about all we have. It does seem to me that they've made a big business out of it all. Kind of like our insurance companies... we don't like how they do things (or don't do things) but they are the only show in town. ...

Summed up my sentiments pretty well... and I'm a Life Member.

[wills]

What about the NRA percent? As I understand it, if you buy something from a participating dealer you get something like a one or three percent discount if you are a member.

The amount of money I spend with a participating dealer is not enough to make me drag out my membership card for the money saved. BUT, what I have always thought they should do is have the dealer donate that percent to the NRA. The idea of the donation would get me to hunt for that card, and the cumulative effect of everyone doing that would be a lot greater than the individual benefit that any one person would receive on must purchases.

[carpetman]

The idea might work. Key word is work. Heaven forbid some fat cat might take on an endeavor that creates more of that for him. Your plan had no mention of a pay raise for him. This makes it a hard sell and would go on deaf ears.

[leftiye]

Tpr bret, You should email this idea to the NRA webstie. I think your idea is super. I also think that NRA should provide a site where anyone can go, and find out about the issues most current, AND HOW TO CONTACT whomever it will do the most good to tell about it.

We need to start by zumboing the NRA (not publicly, but rather on their website, etc.), and get them modified into respnding to the membership's concerns. If NRA had the aforementioned website, they could coordinate a continuing zumboing of the antis is why I suggested that.

[wills]

How much would it cost the NRA to put non members on an e mail legislative alert list?

[leftiye]

The real problem is that like virtually everyone, the only real way to get them to listen is to hurt them in the pocketbook. That means hurting the cause too. Probably a dilema we can find a way around.

NRA needs to get serious about survival, theirs. When they lose the war for the Second, they won't have any further excuse to exist. Country clubbing it will come to a screeching halt (as my dad used to say).

[bruce drake]

There is a $10 Associate Membership that I use every year in order to compete in their Highpower competitions. I don't care for their magazine content so I don't purchase the additional $25 subscription fee.

Bruce

[Scrounger]

The real problem is that like virtually everyone, the only real way to get them to listen is to hurt them in the pocketbook. That means hurting the cause too. Probably a dilema we can find a way around.

NRA needs to get serious about survival, theirs. When they lose the war for the Second, they won't have any further excuse to exist. Country clubbing it will come to a screeching halt (as my dad used to say).

And that is why neither the NRA nor the opposition are not and never will push for a 'final decisin' on the Second Amendment. NRA sees that result as a clear signal that they're no longer needed, at least as they see themselves now. There would be little reason for people to give them money and thousands of people would have to go out and find jobs. Scary thought.

[felix]

Nobody, but nobody, country clubs on thier own (that which is required to live) money. Money taken (stolen) from others is sublimed into haste and waste. ... felix

[Scrounger]

How much would it cost the NRA to put non members on an e mail legislative alert list?

Very little, almost nothing. But non-members aren't likely to send them money. Any organization, union, club, whatever, when it gets so big, it takes on a life of it's own and gives pursuit of it's original purpose lip service only. Survival is it's only real goal.

[Scrounger]

Tpr bret, You should email this idea to the NRA webstie. I think your idea is super. I also think that NRA should provide a site where anyone can go, and find out about the issues most current, AND HOW TO CONTACT whomever it will do the most good to tell about it.

We need to start by zumboing the NRA (not publicly, but rather on their website, etc.), and get them modified into respnding to the membership's concerns. If NRA had the aforementioned website, they could coordinate a continuing zumboing of the antis is why I suggested that.

NRA has a website; Have you checked it out? http://www.nra.org/

[Scrounger]

Wills, the money does go to the NRA. Midway always offers to round up your purchase to the next even dollar and send the change to the NRA. You can increase that round-up if you like. Over the course of the year they collect thousands of dollars that way. I think most national level distributors have similar programs.

[madcaster]

I think that itb was in 2001 I sent them a handwritten letter stating that at the time I was out of work,no income whatsoever,and I asked if another NRA member could could be asked to pay my dues up for a year and when i recovered from the situation that I would pay for another member's fees or sign one up.
"We have no such program" I was told bluntly.
You know,I would have followed through on my end,maybe went on a spree for signing up members.As it was I dropped the idea and do not reply to anything from the NRA,aein't a member,probably never will be now....

[leftiye]

Scrounger, I know, I sent them an email about this a couple of days ago. "the aforementioned webstie" that I mentioned was the proposed one helping to coordinate an email campaign. If we were to stop taking shots at each other, it would be immensely better.

[mike in co]

the only thing the nra has in its favor is the topic"2nd ammendment"....

every fundraiser is done by an outside profit motivated company....i would guess that 80-90 percent of funds raised go to the company not the nra.
they are just another money sucking self serving group of fools.

i belong because my club REQUIRES it to be a member.

have you ever recieved a comerative coin...then get billed for it ??
a tape on some subject and then get a bill for it ??

a its unethical, but only a small percent goes to the nra

i would like to support a pro 2nd ammendment group but the nra is just another group of politicians....their next task is to keep themselves employed.

i should check out goa i guess....

own lots of ammo, lots of guns...know how to use one very well...
like the boy scouts....be prepared!

[tanstafl10]

mike in co, and others,

http://www.gunowners.org/

Here is the GOA address... your idea to check them out is a good one. Before joining, I corresponded several times with them about issues and their eimail Alert system. They always responded courteously and with respect. Not liking NRA as being the 'only game in town' I ended up joining GOA and rely on them more than NRA for political action.

GOA does not like to compromise with the 2nd Amend. I like that too. I also saw/heard Larry Pratt talk on a few newscast interviews and I like his style.

member or not, I believe you can get on the legislative alert list.

your choice, but I hope you think about it.

Take Care

[Obsolete]

The NRA is the 800 pound gorilla that the press and the anti gunners both fear and despise.It would also be cool if some of the other pro gun associations would start to gain some of that fear from the anti gunners also.Give the anti second ammendment people several others to have to worry about.Those wanting to take away our 2A rights hit us from several directions at once..... It wouldnt hurt to give them a taste of their own medicine and fight back or take the offence from several directions also.

I certinally would like to see the NRA get stronger but also would like to see some of the effective others get stronger also.

[waksupi]

When you get something like the tape, or other commemorative item in the mail, requesting a donation, it realy isn't from the NRA. These are done by outside entities, that give a portion of the money made, to the NRA. No money from the Association actually is used in these fund raisers. And yes, they are a pain in the butt!

[floodgate]

waksupi:

"When you get something like the tape, or other commemorative item in the mail, requesting a donation, it realy isn't from the NRA. These are done by outside entities, that give a portion of the money made, to the NRA. No money from the Association actually is used in these fund raisers."

That's exactly how the direct mail system works; the NRA is lucky to get 50% of the proceeds. It isn't their money that is wasted, it is the money WE send in response that we THINK is going to NRA, ILA, etc. The "Beltway Bandits" are getting fat off us.

floodgate

[monadnock#5]

The only purpose the NRA serves in our society is as a barometer of gun owner sentiment. When membership is up, gun owners are feeling threatened. When it goes down, gun owners don't care.

Love the NRA or hate it, it is the only game in town. Spend your money as you see fit, but you can't cripple the NRA without inviting our enemies in for the coup de gras. And by that I mean the Second Amendment as a whole, not just the NRA.

Ken

[montana_charlie]

They don't have a lot of disposable income, and the $25.00 for an NRA membership is just too much for them.
Tpr. Bret,
Somebody mentioned the $10 associate membership. Maybe you could pass that information on to those who have raised the question with you.

But, to say what I hit the 'Reply button' for...

A $25 annual fee is about two bucks per month. And, these are guys who like to 'hunt and fish' which (as we all know) have become rather expensive.

I have always been one of the working class, with a modest amount of 'extra' capital. I never bought the Lifetime Membership, because I never could come up with that lump sum. But I've been paying dues since 1967...when my monthly income was about $400.

Ask those guys who can't manage the dues if they have HD TVs, carry cell phones, and own a boat. I'd bet that most of them do...and wouldn't be surprised if they subscribe to a few 'movie channels' and one or more of those 'sports channels'.

It's really a matter of priorities...
CM

[Bret4207]

I'm going to try to touch base with the local NRA rep to see who to contact. I'm not real happy with the NRA but I have to support them despite their short comings.

[leftiye]

" the only game in town" NOT! Up until a day or two ago, I thought that the NRA was the only real game in town. I've been hearing good things about the Gun Owners of America. I think I'll investigate them!

Given the established fact that NRA doesn't much care about the wishes of its membership, and is for the most part unresponsive to them (Us), it sounds good to me to go elsewhere. This is what NRA should expect, and is also what they need to make them more responsive. Just as we should not allow a government to rule us if it doesn't respond to our needs and wishes, we are STOOPID if we join organizations that are likewise unresponsive. The fact that they share our goals may not be enough, that can change if we don't have a way to influence it to an acceptable degree. Has already?

As for THE CAUSE, if the NRA doesn't want to get off their dead @$$*$, then someone else will endeavor to facilitate the internet, and mail, etc swell that started with zumbo's folly. We are entering a time that may just sound the death knell to our gun rights. The only thing that can stop that from coming about is US. As they say "Lead, follow, or get the h*!! out of the way." Goes for NRA too!

[TAWILDCATT]

I have been a member before most of you were born,and an NRA member since about 1939.i have had my questions about the NRA in the past. however the NRA is the bigest game in town.you think the antis do not read posts. they join the NRA to keep track of whats going on.I contacted the NRA yrs ago on this subject.but I think as posted by bruce drake that you should pay the $10 and be an ass. member. all this bitching about the NRA does no one any good. for upur $25 you do get insurance a decal and alerts.I have many times been sorely in need of money but I alwas paid my dues.do you know you can pay instalments for life membership. why don't you subscribe to THE NEW GUN WEEK. to get your latest news. now the NRA was started because of the poor markmanship of the civil war soldiers. it was not a political organization and it can not be by law.that is what the ILA is.think of the power of the NRA if all gun owners joined,then it would be listened to and the antis would fear the gun owners voice.just like sara brady heard dumbos voice,and is using againts gun owners.I too would like to see suit brought against pols violating their oath of office. me I'm getting tired of the fight at 83 yrs but I still fight on.

[Scrounger]

That's a good assessment of people, Charlie. I know NRA used to have a time pay plan for life membership because that's how I bought it. I can't say for sure but I'd bet they still have something like that. Here's another thought: How about the NRA gives a free one year membership to everyone who will make a tax deductible $25 donation? Have your cake and eat it too. Same deal with life and status symbol memberships. Having said that to help, now I must say that I am one of those who thinks the NRA is not doing its job and won't as long as the money keeps rolling in. If I weren't a life member I might quit in protest and send the money to some other organization.

[carpetman]

In the past I was an avid member of NRA. But seems their main deal is telling the flock who to vote for. I don't always agree with their choice,so in effect any donation from me is contributing to the campaign of who I am voting against. I also had strong feelings about being a member of the Air Force Sgts Assn and was in fact president of the local chapter here for several years as wll as vice president for several years. This gave me some insights as to what they are really all about and I dropped out. Making money for the fat cats. They had a horrible program of sending "free" Christmas cards along with a letter of their dire needs for donations for some big project. After a few months if you did not send a donation you'd get a reminder. Then another perhaps you forgot reminder. Free Christmas cards but a hounding to send a donation. This is not right and borderline illeagle. Members complained to me about it. I wrote headquarters and you think they are going to drop something that makes money,even if it pisses off a bunch of people? Key word is money. To me the NRA seems to fit the mold.

[1Shirt]

Well, after reading all of the postings, thought I ought to add my two cents. I became a conditional life member when I had 3 stripes in the AF, and if memory serves me right, life membership was $150.00 then. It was something like 25.00 a quarter or something like that. It was a hell of a lot of money for me at the time I can tell you. However, have been a life member since 1961 or 62, and don't regret it for one minute. Like a lot of others I am not completely happy with everything the NRA does and says. However, as someone mentioned it is the 800 lb. gorilla of our right to bear arms, and support of the 2nd. ammendment. That alone makes it worth the 40+ years of membership. As to the voting factor, think it is good that they keep us informed. Information is not dictation, but can see how some might think it is. As to the promotion and the telephone calls asking for money with the start saying "i'm an NRA member just like you", my stock reply is "what do you shoot, what bullet weight, how many rounds a year, and do you know the difference between Bullseye and 4831?). Am just as tired of that line as I am from the politicians asking for money. And as far as the publications go, have 40 yrs of The Rifleman, and I agree that it has gone down in both quantity and quality. Can only hope that there is a cycle where it will return to wha it was 20 yrs ago. Someone mentioned that annual membership is about $2.00 a month.
Seems to me that if someone really wanted to garner that amount they could do it picking up alum cans along the highway. Would have been glad to do that to become a member 40+ years ago. Regardless of all other things, the key factor is the 800 lb. Gorilla. Don't let the anti's divide us, which is really what they want to do. Pro gunners need to be progunners all the way. That is particularly right now with the latest anti gun assults pardon the pun, on assualt weapons.:coffee:
1Shirt!:coffee:

[MT Gianni]

Life membership is still available for $25 a quarter. Gianni.

[SharpsShooter]

Priorities...........that's all it is. If you want to belong to the NRA, it is not difficult. I managed to buy a life membership on the payment plan by painting fence and cleaning barns back in the late 70"s and early 80's. It was hard, hot work, but even as a very young man, I felt that just maybe, it would make a difference. I spent the day at the range today and had a damn fine time, so I guess that is proof that it did. The NRA doesn't tell me how to vote, but they do let me know how my elected representatives voted on key issues and I used that information in my decision making when I voted, but it was not my only source of info. The associate membership is a good thing and the $5 token would add numbers to the ranks and perhaps that is a good thing. It was mentioned that hunting and fishing have gotten expensive and I can agree. In this state a combined hunting and fishing ticket is $46 per year and it goes up every year it seems. I grumble and complain, but pay it and consider it the cost of doing something I enjoy. Think of your membership fee to the NRA as an admittance fee to your favorite hobby...........gun ownership and shooting.



SS

[carpetman]

Sharpshooter---The NRA doesnt tell you how to vote. True. But they use your money for whomever THEY choose.

[Scrounger]

Sharpshooter---The NRA doesnt tell you how to vote. True. But they use your money for whomever THEY choose.

Yeah, and they don't listen either...

[Lee]

Now my $0.02....
The responses to this thread from the NRA are deafening! I wonder if they are reading this?? (or can read it??) Yup, 800# gorilla. Yup, 1st priority is money.

If the NRA isn't reading this, (and the similar posts on just about all of the sporting sites on the Internet), well they should, and they better, before it's too late. They aren't too big to get Zumboed'...........................

P.S. And yes I am an NRA member. And yes, I have used emails on a couple occasions to them. NEVER heard a peep back.
Want a detail? OK. OHIO. NRA meet the candidates night. Meet Capri Cafaro. A 20ish millionaire "heiress" who tried to buy 2 previous elections with daddys money. Lost both. Daddy is a shopping mall developer. Who puts out "no firearms here" signs on his creations. Changed her address each time to be a "resident" of the area she wanted to capture. Think the NRA cared? Think they responded to my email with.......anything??? Nah! Just Google this whole affair, you'll find all the "rest of the story" as Paul Harvey says. No response from the NRA. Guess what? All my purchases from Midway get the "No Thanks NRA" box checked from now on. Until they start listening to their constituents.
HEY Sandra, Wayne??? ARE YOU LISTENING?????................Lee;-)

[georgeld]

I'm gonna step on a lot of toes and make a bunch of you mad. Tough. This is My Opinion, most of you've already posted yours.

I've been a member off and on since the late 50's, Dad was for many yrs and dropped when he quit hunting in the mid 70's.

Upon joining the gun club it's required, so I was a yearly member for ten plus, then decided to go for the LM on the $25/qtr plan. I sure didn't like getting a bill from them, or the Hunting club for it though.

When I could I sent a payment every month. In the seven yrs since that was paid off, I haven't rec'd a cap yet. and I've asked for one a few times. The reply is always: "just because you're a member, don't mean you're entitiled to a new cap every year". Maybe so, but, as an annual member I was sent a new one every year. I didn't go for the LM til after it went to $750, I voted for that too so they could buy the new warehouse I'll never go visit. I paid the full $750, not any discounted amount either even when Wayne ?? sent the "pay it off deals and we'll discount it". I could never raise that much, just the $25 was tough much of the time. When I have one in decent enough condition, that's the only cap I wear. I don't like the yellow crap on the bill. but, the $15 one I bought was junk and didn't last a full week til the leather strap broke.

Here goes: I feel a gun owner that's not a member of the NRA, is a user.
Ok, let me have it, but, you're wasting your time.

When ever I get political shit in the mail I write back, or ask: "what's YOUR NRA rating? Are you a member of the NRA? I don't vote for anyone that's not rated B+ or better---ever!"

Someone mentioned Midway's round up, the way it was written sounds like that person believe's Midway will round up and pay the difference. Whoever wrote that, IF that's the way you believe. You need to read up on it. To round up, they need YOU, the buyer, to send them the difference and they'll fwd it to the NRA. Which they have to the tune of around $4 million bucks since this was started. Whether Midway benefits from it or not, I have no idea, but, I doubt it.

Whenever I can, I donate a first years dues to my friends and others so they'll become a member. At least half say they will continue, yet I believe some drop it because I get a notice their yrs up. I fwd it to them asking them to continue and pay it as my donation is for the first year only.

ANY new member's dues is only $25, continuing costs $35 and I feel it's the best money I've ever spent in my life.

Wish you all well, and wish you'd all join the NRA, especially IF you own guns, shoot, and/or hunt.

[Duckiller]

Last year the Calif Attorney General had a hearing on what to do with/about (my version) "off list lowers" for AR15/M16 (listed assault weapons can't be bought in Cal). It is my understanding that the only organization that showed up to defend the rights of gun owners was the NRA. Hearing was in Sept and since then we have elected a new AG , but no new regulations have been issued. I think I have gotten more than the cost of my dues in value. Duckiller

[waksupi]

George, the word you were searching for, I believe, is parasite. Other than that, you pretty much nailed it.

[Bass Ackward]

The problem with a low cost membership isn't what it will bring in, it's what current subscribers will downsize too. And that will mean a loss of funds net.

I tried years ago to get them to purchase block pages in ALL gun magazines instead of publishing their own that nobody will get unless they are a member. It would support our magazines, reach more guys, and take them out of the business of .... competition.

If they did that, then they could reach more people. But it seems that the NATIONAL organization isn't interested in reaching out to MORE gun owners, only the "RIGHT" gun owners. Those with the will to part with their dollars.

The NRA does do a lot of good. But the vast majority of good work by, and in the name of the NRA, is done at the local levels by locals. IMO. And that is the only place I support it. Sadly, they are the only game in town for our purposes.

[SharpsShooter]

Sharpshooter---The NRA doesnt tell you how to vote. True. But they use your money for whomever THEY choose.

Yeah, and they don't listen either...

Both you gents are likely correct and I"ll not argue the point. However, I am sure they will not support a candidate with an anti-gun track record and if some of my money supports a pro-gun candidate, I'm ok with that.

SS

[monadnock#5]

If you want to fight the NRA and what it's become, you can't do it from the outside. The NRA doesn't care about what non members think, anymore than Hillary gives a rats rump what I think of NY politics.

If you want to fight the NRA, we need the next Neal Knox to step up to the plate. Someone who knows all the ins and outs, and where all the bodies are buried.

The NRA would have sold we mil-surp and handgun owners down the river years ago if not for Neal Knox, God Rest His Soul.

It's too much to ask for I know, but if we could find someone with the prestige of a Heston or a Selleck, and who spoke and acted like a Neal Knox, we could have an NRA we could ALL be proud of. With money and membership to spare.

Ken

[carpetman]

Waksupi--A person that is not a member is a parasite? If the NRA were conducting training and shooting programs and politically their involvement was providing a lobby that would be one thing. But when they select a candidate that they endorse and give my money to that persons campaign----with no polling of the members as to whom they endorse,I would be giving up my right to vote--a member of the flock if you will. I gave them my right to vote--even if I voted against their choice--my money would have been used to buy more votes than mine. Sharpshooter said I'm sure they wont support an anti gun person. Probably that is true. But lets say they did decide to support oh lets use Hillary as the example. You had no choice in the selection. You supported Hillary by them using your money. Lets say your a Librarian(I know it's Libertarian)--have they ever supported a Librarian? So your vote was negated if you donate. I get Jehovah Witnesses come to my house and want me to buy a Watchtower. That may be a fine publication will all sorts of good information????? But they are conscientious objectors---you think a retired military guy is going to support their cause?

[Bass Ackward]

But they are conscientious objectors---you think a retired military guy is going to support their cause?

Dang Ray,

Playing the retirement card?

[MT Gianni]

While the current talk on this thread has been of the NRA,s political arm they also do other things. Our club is in the process of setting up a new range. Our old range, 2 benchs on a hillside occasionally used by tresspassing motorcylists, is ok but not what it could be. In MT as most states, Pittman-Robertson funds are administered by FWP. We have a large mine nearby with some grants and between their grant, FWP-PR funds the NRA also donates to build a place to shoot. It must be evaluated by it's current field rep as to suitability and safety but the rewards are far greater than the initial outlay. It's insurance plans are also a benefit of membership. NRA banquets are great giveaways. More than just the politics. Gianni.

[carpetman]

Bass Ackward--Playing the retirement card? Heck yes-it's trump aint it. I got to thinking,I sure have a lot of military retirees in my family. Two son in laws,brother,two uncles,cousin,nephew,bro in law, and myself about 175 years there.

[Bass Ackward]

But when they select a candidate that they endorse and give my money to that persons campaign----with no polling of the members as to whom they endorse,I would be giving up my right to vote--a member of the flock if you will. I gave them my right to vote--even if I voted against their choice--my money would have been used to buy more votes than mine.


Ray,

You miss the point. The reason the NRA gave money to those candidates was because the ebay's and antis were supporting the other guy. When you join an organization that states that this is what they will do. Then goes ahead and does it, I say that is principled. You don't like it, .... then don't join.

And I respect your families service. But .... thanks to one parties efforts over the decades, as an American, our military service or retirement card entitles us to just as strong an opinion as a conscientious objector or, these days, a draft dodger or an illegal alien. No more, no less. Go figure.

[carpetman]

Bass A---I don't think I missed the point. I didn't like Bush for whatever reason--so I didn't give them my money. I do my own voting,and one vote is all I'm entitled to. I have written one letter to the President of the United States and that was Carter. He must have seen it as very trivial as he did not respond. I did not vote for him in his failed re-election bid. My issue must have had some importance--a Four Star General Bennie L. Davis saw fit to take the action I sought.

[Bass Ackward]

I have written one letter to the President of the United States and that was Carter. He must have seen it as very trivial as he did not respond.


Ray,

Bothered you didn't it? I get ignored from my wife all the time, so I wouldn't think that any big deal.

She calls it de-sensitivity training.

[Bret4207]

Well, my local NRA rep mentioned several problems with my idea, like not covering mailing costs/administration/etc. He also mentioned the idea had been floated before and that the $10.00 membership existed. Oh well, I keep plugging along I guess. Maybe I can sign a few guys up for the $10.00 membership.

[TAWILDCATT]

Tpr Bret you are right about the NRA response.at least 30 yrs ago I brought that idea up at the NRA convention in Boston in 1969.I got the same answer.I've posted earlyer about what the NRA is and is not.our enemies get millions of dollars to fight us The NRA has to beg us for nickels and dimes.we go and buy $700 guns and then do not want to spend money to fight our enemies.I'm 83 and have fought in my small way.now I am tired its time for you younger ones to get of your asses and take up the fight. good luck to you

[Pilgrim]

I'm not 83 (yet) but as is TAWILDCATT, I'm really getting tired of the "bash the NRA" view of those who own firearms. What are you suggesting as an alternate/alternative? If you can't supply an alternate way of getting a "unified" voice in WA D.C. then please shut up. If you don't support the NRA then I feel you are "cutting your nose off to spite your face." I suspect you will feel real righteous when we lose our 2nd Amendment rights. You won't have spent any money on those bastards is WA D.C. and it serves them right. You don't have any guns anymore, but what the hell, putting those sob's out of business is your goal. I seriously doubt preserving your 2nd Amendment rights is foremost in your mind.

Do I like the NRA? NO. Is there any other way to defend my 2nd Amendment rights? I'm not aware of any at this time. If the GOA gets enough members and starts being heard on a national level, then I'l drop the NRA faster than a rotten potato. Till then, I am resigned to the fact the NRA isn't listening, won't listen, and isn't likely to change in my lifetime. I'm also resigned to the fact that the NRA is the only game in town re: pro-gun rights.

We had the members revolt in 1977 (Cincinatti annual meeting) that resulted in the NRA focusing more on the 2nd Amendment rather than 100% on bullseye, etc. It's long time overdue for another internal NRA revolt. I've basically given up on sending additional $$ to the NRA, including the ILA since I only get 50% or less bang for my buck. I don't even open up the envelopes any more. Waste of time. Have I communicated with the NRA to voice my concerns? Yes. In writing, via e-mail and by phone. Did they listen to me? No chance. Will those calls have any effect? NO. Do I know any of the directors? NO. Have I ever met any of the Directors? NO. I think they move in difference circles than us common folk.

I support the SCI as well as the NRA and I assure you the wheeler dealers in that organization are so many tens of 1000's of $$ above my income is isn't even funny. There is no way I will ever move (share or communicate) in their circles. However, they are the only real power brokers in the pro-hunting and animal rights game in play at this time. Do I have any vote in that show? NO. Do I mind, not really as I want to protect my hunting rights as much as my 2nd amendment rights.

How many of us have the $$ to travel to the NRA convention? Not many I'd bet. When does the NRA conduct its' annual business? At the convention of course. That results in those with the $$ making the rules, setting the agenda (s), etc. Does that leave us common folk much of any input? What do you think? Ah phooey...time to shut up. I've had my say. Pilgrim

[dakotashooter2]

But it seems that the NATIONAL organization isn't interested in reaching out to MORE gun owners, only the "RIGHT" gun owners. Those with the will to part with their dollars

This is probably the biggest reason I am not a current member. I am not well to do. When I had a membership if and when I had a few extra bucks I would send them what I could. Usually 10 bucks here and there and I'm sure less than what they spent trying to get me and others in my financial situation to contribute more. It also bugged me that they were continually spending that money on recruitment trinkets. I didn't need any more hats or keychains and etc. Spend my money on something worthwhile. My suggestion is if you are not a member and still want to support them to send them money anonomously making sure not to put any return address with your contribution. This ensures they will not put your name on their mailing list and needlessly send you tons of stuff you do not want or want to indirectly pay for. Some of that money will still be wasted but at least some should make it to its intended purpose.

[TAWILDCATT]

dakotashooter I too have very little money social security $900 a month I do not give money to NRA because I do not have it I do know some of the directors.the ones I know are as frustrated as you and I. I was just at the NRA web site.needs a better layout.also made our conserns known. will it do any good I do not know.I suggested they get of their ass and look around.do any of you get [THE NEW GUN WEEK] I do know the editor.JOE TATARO a nice guy near my age. I'll talk to him today about this.The second amendment foundation puts GUNWEEK out.they an the NRA brought suit a gainst NEW ORLEANS.I know about the GAO.try their web site see if it intrests you.also JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE SECOND ADMENDMENT.THE ANTIS LOVE IT WHEN WE FIGHT AMONG OURSELVES AND DO NOT THINK THEY DO NOT READ THESE WEB SITES.