A short memo to critics of the NRA

[seamusTX]

Start your own 4-million-member organization or deal with reality.

Respectfully,

- Jim

[pbwalker]

yeah...that will garner new members...

why the aversion to any critical thoughts / questions towards the NRA?

[seamusTX]

I'm not on the recruitment committee, and everybody has had years to come up with their rationalizations and excuses for keeping their checkbook closed.

It's not an aversion to critical thoughts. I have plenty of disagreements with the NRA.

My hot point is when people complain that the NRA is not sufficiently politically correct, or even start attributing secret nefarious motives to the NRA leadership.

Politics is an ugly business. Sometimes winning ugly is the only way to win.

- Jim

[pbwalker]

My hot point is when people complain that the NRA is not sufficiently politically correct, or even start attributing secret nefarious motives to the NRA leadership.

Ahhh ok...I thought you meant any critical comments, my apologies.

[seamusTX]

There's no need to apologize. I made an intentionally rude comment.

I'm getting tired of circular firing squads and foot perforations when there are plenty of more strategic targets.

- Jim

[TexDotCom]

Politics is an ugly business. Sometimes winning ugly is the only way to win.

Well said, Sir.

[seamusTX]

Thank you.

Our enemies never give us a break. We don't need to help them.

- Jim

[Oldgringo]

Thank you.

Our enemies never give us a break. We don't need to help them.

- Jim

Good job, Jim.

The NRA is an ally and a friend to all that hold our RKBA sacred. It may not be a perfect ally or a perfect friend but it is the best ally and the best friend we have.

[OldCannon]

With all due respect, I think the biggest problem is that many people feel that their voices are not being heard. Nine times out of ten, when the NRA takes the time to explain their position, people will nod their heads in understanding. It's the other times that really get people riled up.

Look, the NRA (and let's be more specific, the NRA-ILA) often feels like a disconnected arm from the layity of NRA membership. Doesn't mean their wrong, just that the perceived moral distance can't be closed easily. I think there's much better work the NRA can do to help people feel that they are operating in a _representative_ way, rather than unilateral way.

[seamusTX]

On every issue, the NRA-ILA (we'll call it the NRA) can take exactly one public position. Is that clear? I don't mean to be condescending. The NRA can only advise legislators to vote for or against a bill, or an executive to sign or veto a bill.

The NRA's positions in Washington, D.C., and most state capitals have proven remarkably effective. We have no new federal "gun control" laws since (what?) 1994. The federal "assault weapons" ban is dead and buried. A congressional majority and administration that were anticipated to be hostile to the RKBA have been paralyzed in that regard. Legal carry in national parks is the law over the signature of Pres. Obama.

We have more shall-issue concealed-carry states, more places to carry, and more reciprocity. We have ironclad "castle doctrine" in more states. We have federal and state prohibitions on seizure of firearms in emergencies.

The NRA is not going to reflect the views of 4 million members precisely. The NRA's explanations of its actions are not going to satisfy 4 million members. Those are simply facts of life. I don't know of any organization or even family where everyone agrees about everything.

I'll say it again: I don't agree with NRA about everything. But I realize that it's the biggest and most effective RKBA organization, and I will continue to support it publicly and criticize it privately.

Cf. Ronald Reagan 11th commandment.

- Jim

[KFP]

Excellent summary above Jim!

[OldCannon]

The NRA is not going to reflect the views of 4 million members precisely. The NRA's explanations of its actions are not going to satisfy 4 million members. Those are simply facts of life. I don't know of any organization or even family where everyone agrees about everything.

I'll say it again: I don't agree with NRA about everything. But I realize that it's the biggest and most effective RKBA organization, and I will continue to support it publicly and criticize it privately.

We definitely agree on this, Jim. It's just my opinion that the NRA needs to do a better job of showing that they're _listening_ instead of _telling_. But as you also point out, 4 million people represents a LOT of diverse voices.

[Keith B]

Excellent summary above Jim!

Thanks!!

[Bart]

As a long time NRA member, I think the picture shows the wrong end of the horse.

[srothstein]

The NRA is not going to reflect the views of 4 million members precisely. The NRA's explanations of its actions are not going to satisfy 4 million members. Those are simply facts of life. I don't know of any organization or even family where everyone agrees about everything.

I'll say it again: I don't agree with NRA about everything. But I realize that it's the biggest and most effective RKBA organization, and I will continue to support it publicly and criticize it privately.

Jim, I don't think I have ever seen this sentiment (which I fully agree with) put better.