Other than this subject we argue all day about laws. Even though I can’t turn on all the steam when I know he is wrong about something. (Laughs) Doubt he would fire me for biting his head off when it comes to gun laws, but I’m sure he could make my employment miserable.

I really wish the money I contribute to the NRA to help with gun rights activism didn’t need to be channeled through the Republican party. The Republican party (at least since the 1960’s) has invaded too many of our rights and only appears to be advocating bigger/more government these days.

NRA-ILA doesn’t channel money through the Republican Party, but through pro-gun candidates–who are disproportionately Republicans. The solution is simple: more pro-gun Democrats running for office.

My suggestion is to accually get local grassroots organizations started in area’s, at least in my area (Nebraska) we feel that we have no support. If we could get help organizing locally we may be able to become more effective on a larger scale.

I will not say anything new, but maybe will frame it slightly differently. We really do need a “no compromise” attitude as a first step toward keeping our rights. The NRA must understand that the purpose of the 2nd Amendment to provide for community and personal defense. Community and personal defense implies miliatarily useful rifles. If the NRA endorsed this belief, they would be able to keep not only militarily useful rifles, but hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, and all the rest. As it is, they are losing the fight to keep hunting weapons, never mind so called “assault rifles” and “high capacity magazines.” Unfortunately, I got fed up with the emphasis NRA placed on hunting, and hunting firearms. That was thirty years ago. I have seen some small efforts to bring in folks who are interested in persuing the real purposes of the 2nd amendment, but to me, it still looks like a club for hunting.

Finally, perhaps the GOA isn’t really a “no compromise” organization, but their attitude is at least that no law will affect those who are willing to break the law, and hamstringing the law abiding should only be done in the rarest extreme. It seems to get results. I would be happier to give my money to the NRA, but I really have to ask myself ” does the NRA represent me?”

Regards,

Wade

OK, NRA, you have my attention.

The letter begins, and I quote:

Dear Shard (real name edited),

Our Second Amendment rights are in grave danger because some NRA supporters like you have not renewed your memberships.

*blink blink*

What? I thought my Second Amendment rights were in grave danger because some idiot nannies were convinced that inanimate objects caused crime? My fault if I don’t renew?

I don’t like having guilt trips laid on me. The entire letter is full of “If you don’t want” this or that then you must act now.

And at the end, the “P.S. Save $2.00 off your membership when you renew online…” bit really kinda got me. Then I looked at the flier that was included that told me to “Go to http://www.nramemberservices.org for all your customer service needs….” So am I a member or a customer? Am I just being nit picky?

I dunno, I am still on the fence. Not about protecting my rights as an American citizen, but whether or not I will continue to be an NRA member.

So what would be my suggestion to the NRA? Don’t try to guilt trip me into renewing. I’d rather read two pages of NRA propaganda reiterating NRA’s Second Amendment battles and how I can help rather than being told that if I don’t renew the battle is lost.