I also don’t see actual specifics about how NRA is treating you so badly. You said that you “feel” they haven’t fought hard for you guys, give hard examples, please. My questions focus on the lack of evidence on this matter as opposed to those “feelings” and what would actually be accomplished by his presence.

In addition, is there evidence that this would not be an empty seat? Kollitides’s committee did not meet in January, so he did not need to be there. It did meet in September, I was there, and I noted that I don’t recall him even sending regrets for his absence. Is there evidence from past behavior that this isn’t an endorsement for an empty seat? If there is evidence, I would be happy to consider it. I made clear that I’m speaking from my experience of regularly attending the meetings – and I’m not even paid to do so. I’m not a fan of empty seat board members unless there are extenuating circumstances. If he does manage to win a seat this year, I certainly hope that he’ll prove me wrong and show up, or at least notify his chairman as to why he is unable to serve.

First off, we would never endorse someone for such an important role without having spoken to them personally and finding out what makes them tick, what their reasons are for seeking such a position, and why they will represent our growing niche in the firearms world. As such I personally spoke to George and posed a number of questions to him, things we felt were very important to us personally and to the “EBR” community. For too long we were the “bastards” of the firearm world, a small niche market attacked as much from within as from the antis. With the rise in popularity of the platform, we are now as mainstream as it can get, so it’s now important we have a stronger voice.

In regards to the NRA, they have always fought on our behalf, but not always felt as strongly towards the “EBR” rights as they have towards other areas. This changed significantly in the past several years, moving from a “secondary” concern to the front. In that time, our personal relationship with the NRA has grown as well, as we’ve encouraged and supported that all “EBR” supporters continue to back the NRA and voice their concerns. As such the bonds we have formed should only reassure the community that our voices are very important to the fight and that our impact in Washington will be felt very clearly.

So we now come down to why? Why do we support a man who, according to this post, simply is a new face to the community. While George has not had the public spotlight on him and his firearm background, he has been a strong part of the community for years. He has spent years as a hunter and the companies the Freedom Group represent are among the very best and brightest in the AR market. Earning support among what I know is a VERY rough crowd is an accomplishment in itself. For us to throw our support behind him should also be a sign that he will not only represent the firearm community as a whole, but also voice the concerns of the “EBR” fans out there who often waiver on how the NRA views us. George is a shooter, a hunter, and an AR fan. He is as passionate about firearms as anyone out there and he will serve us, yes, SERVE us, well in such a role.

Before I go, I would also like to mention our support of Joseph DeBergalis, who we also feel would be a strong and faithful voice on the board. I have access to both men and would be willing to post any questions to either/both of them on behalf of the community. I only ask that you contact me via email.

This is a critical time for our rights and we need to ensure everyone is in this together. No matter who makes the NRA Board, I am very confident the NRA and our board members will do everything in their power to represent all of us.

There’s nothing wrong with being a businessman, but I just want to know how his background really actually helps NRA members. Just because he works for a company that owns a company that makes black rifles doesn’t make him a quality NRA leader who can contribute to the organization. I think there are people with very similar backgrounds who actually have a record to stand on.

The other thing is that they have these meetings at a Westin which is more than well-equipped for people to conduct business. In fact, you’ll always see board/committee members running up to their rooms after meetings or taking business phone calls. And NRA doesn’t designate your flights. If you needed to hop down for just a day or leave first thing the following morning, they allow you the freedom to do that when making travel arrangements.

I’m more than understanding that they do have concerns with their car industry investments – and, based on the announcement this week, their grocery store investments – but that again points to someone who will be too distracted to actually contribute and properly serve on the board. If that’s the case, there are folks who will have more time and a demonstrated record of filling the seat. If it won’t be a concern, it’s up to Kollitides to prove us wrong, either by proving a longer record of activism or speaking up to explain why he didn’t attend the one meeting since last May.

Just saying…

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I don’t know enough at this point, I’ll probably vote for those I hear good support for (both Snowflakes endorsements, AR15, etc)

I am more concerned about who I should NOT vote for? (ie: those who just don’t get it, do not understand new media and are hostile to it, board members who have been petty and backstabbing to the detriment of all, etc)

I found Vital Pizza Research to be hilarious.

I actually live in the Hellish State of NY, so I will try to contact Ms. Gillibrand.

Are you guys on The High Road? just wondering.