Quoted: Quoted: I hope those of you who are angered by Joaquin Jackson's anti-gun rhetoric, and don't want him representing you as an NRA Director, are at least equally as angered at Rudy Giuliani's anti-gun rhetoric, and don't want him representing you as POTUS. Here's Rudy on Charlie Rose back in 1995: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ99sBfdqE0&NR=1 To be fair that is from 12 years ago. Any change in his position may or may not be sincere.  It's probably not.  However, people can and do change their opinions.

Understood.  I just found it funny that you see a lot of "off with his head!" reactions here in this thread, when (I'd bet a few dollars, at least) if we corrolated the responses here with the answers in the "Would you vote for Rudy" thread by username, it'd probably be interesting.

Quoted: I am a member of the NRA and will continue to be because as stated above, it's a necessary evil.  The problem with the NRA is there aren't enough of "us" that do any more than pay our dues.  Then there is the group of "us" that won't send them money because they don't promote the black rifle.  I have been part of both groups and probably still lean towards the "I don't have time to mess with it" group.  I'm as guilty as the next guy.  However, only "us" can change the NRA by overwhelming the population with "us".  Like it or not (and I don't like it) they are the biggest game in town.  If you don't join and try to take over the biggest game in town, you are only part of the other little game in town forever while the biggest group transforms into the "take your black rifle group".   I wrote the GOA a letter to see where they stand on general issues.  Since I"m used to sending letters to mega money grabbing organizations such as the NRA, I really didn't expect a response.  To my surprise, I got a response quite quickly and it was apparently not a form letter.   Just thought I would share.   originally written by firebug: > Subject: fed up with the NRA > > What is GOA's stance on Class III weapons (legally owned of course) > and assault type weapons? > > After hearing that the NRA has a director that has publicly said no > weapon should have more than 5 rounds, and simply being fed up with > NRA ONLY fighting for hunting rifles and shotguns and not handguns and > other types of weapons, I'm trying to locate an organization that supports ALL gun rights. > Although, hunting rifles and shotguns are very important to me because > I am a hunter, I also have assault weapons of which some are registered NFA > weapons.   Is the GOA pro ALL guns, or just some? > > Thanks : originally written by the GOA: Thank you for the note. We support the repeal of the machine gun ban and have been actively trying to do so but about as far as we gotten in the past and currently is Ron Paul's bill that would repeal the "sporting purposes" language from federal law. --  H.R. 1096 (Paul): This bill would (1) repeal the Brady law and the Instant check system; (2) repeal federal provisions discriminating against firearms which the government determines to have no "sporting purpose," and (3) repeal the requirement that trigger locks be purchased by anyone purchasing a handgun from a dealer. We feel that the weapons carried by our Individual Combat Infantry Soldier is what the Second Amendment covers with its "shall not infringe."  So yes we support the private non restricted ownership of "assault weapons." Peruse our web site and I think all doubt will be removed. Thank you for writing Robert E. Duggar Public Liaison

Ha ha..... I like how they also subtly/politely repudiated your assertion regarding the validity of the term "assault weapons" by putting it in quotes.

You're in Texas, like me.  With the sunset of the '94 AWB, there are no longer any such things as "assault weapons" in our jurisdiction(s).

I can see speaking about them as curiosities/oddities in states like CA or NY, which have retained their state AWBs, but there's not even any *real* consistency between the two (e.g. an AW in NY != an AW in CA).

Whenever I write about these things, it looks like this:

Blah blah blah, blah blah blah so-called "assault weapons" blah blah blah, blah blah blah blah.

Just because language is a powerful and persuasive thing, and the person who can define the terms of the debate usually has an advantage.

Mr. Land emailed me a response to my email and included the following statement from Mr. Jackson:

"STATEMENT OF JOAQUIN JACKSON

Recently, some misunderstandings have arisen about a news interview in which I participated a few years ago. After recently watching a tape of that interview, I understand the sincere concerns of many people, including dear friends of mine. And I am pleased and eager to clear up any confusion about my long held belief in the sanctity of the Second Amendment.

In the interview, when asked about my views of “assault weapons,” I was talking about true assault weapons – fully automatic firearms. I was not speaking, in any way, about semiautomatic rifles. While the media may not understand this critical distinction, I take it very seriously. But, as a result, I understand how some people may mistakenly take my comments to mean that I support a ban on civilian ownership of semiautomatic firearms. Nothing could be further from the truth. And, unfortunately, the interview was cut short before I could fully explain my thoughts and beliefs.

In fact, I am a proud owner of such rifles, as are millions of law-abiding Americans. And many Americans also enjoy owning fully automatic firearms, after being cleared by a background check and meeting the rigorous regulations to own such firearms. And these millions of lawful gun owners have every right – and a Second Amendment right – to own them.

As a hunter, I take great pride in my marksmanship. Every hunter should practice to be skilled to take prey with a single shot, if possible. That represents ethical, humane, skilled hunting. In the interview several years ago, I spoke about this aspect of hunting and my belief that no hunter should take the field and rely upon high capacity magazines to take their prey.

But that comment should never be mistaken as support for the outright banning of any ammunition magazines. In fact, such bans have been pursued over the years by state legislatures and the United States Congress and these magazine bans have always proven to abject failures.

Let me be very clear. As a retired Texas Ranger, during 36 years of law enforcement service, I was sworn to uphold the United States Constitution. As a longtime hunter and shooter, an NRA Board Member, and as an American – I believe the Second Amendment is a sacred right of all law-abiding Americans and, as I stated in the interview in question, I believe it is the Second Amendment that ensures all of our other rights handed down by our Founding Fathers.

I have actively opposed gun bans and ammunition and magazine bans in the past, and I will continue to actively oppose such anti-gun schemes in the future.

I appreciate my friends who have brought this misunderstanding to light, for it has provided me an opportunity to alleviate any doubts about my strong support for the NRA and our Second Amendment freedom.
"

Quoted: Mr. Land emailed me a response to my email and included the following statement from Mr. Jackson: "STATEMENT OF JOAQUIN JACKSON Recently, some misunderstandings have arisen about a news interview in which I participated a few years ago. After recently watching a tape of that interview, I understand the sincere concerns of many people, including dear friends of mine. And I am pleased and eager to clear up any confusion about my long held belief in the sanctity of the Second Amendment. In the interview, when asked about my views of “assault weapons,” I was talking about true assault weapons – fully automatic firearms. I was not speaking, in any way, about semiautomatic rifles. While the media may not understand this critical distinction, I take it very seriously. But, as a result, I understand how some people may mistakenly take my comments to mean that I support a ban on civilian ownership of semiautomatic firearms. Nothing could be further from the truth. And, unfortunately, the interview was cut short before I could fully explain my thoughts and beliefs. In fact, I am a proud owner of such rifles, as are millions of law-abiding Americans. And many Americans also enjoy owning fully automatic firearms, after being cleared by a background check and meeting the rigorous regulations to own such firearms. And these millions of lawful gun owners have every right – and a Second Amendment right – to own them. As a hunter, I take great pride in my marksmanship. Every hunter should practice to be skilled to take prey with a single shot, if possible. That represents ethical, humane, skilled hunting. In the interview several years ago, I spoke about this aspect of hunting and my belief that no hunter should take the field and rely upon high capacity magazines to take their prey. But that comment should never be mistaken as support for the outright banning of any ammunition magazines. In fact, such bans have been pursued over the years by state legislatures and the United States Congress and these magazine bans have always proven to abject failures. Let me be very clear. As a retired Texas Ranger, during 36 years of law enforcement service, I was sworn to uphold the United States Constitution. As a longtime hunter and shooter, an NRA Board Member, and as an American – I believe the Second Amendment is a sacred right of all law-abiding Americans and, as I stated in the interview in question, I believe it is the Second Amendment that ensures all of our other rights handed down by our Founding Fathers. I have actively opposed gun bans and ammunition and magazine bans in the past, and I will continue to actively oppose such anti-gun schemes in the future. I appreciate my friends who have brought this misunderstanding to light, for it has provided me an opportunity to alleviate any doubts about my strong support for the NRA and our Second Amendment freedom. "

F-him anyway He needs to be Zumbo'd.

 From meeting with and talking to Ranger Jackson at a couple of the gun shows, that is probably as close to an apology that you will get.

I'll accept it.  I can believe he honestly thinks it is a misunderstanding or miscommunication.

If the NRA would publicly state that it supports and intends to protect civil rights and place less emphasis on hunting(which I abhor), then they might get my support.  But the organization seems to only want to support hunters and the "shotgun crowd".


mm

Know what?  The 2nd Amendment doesn't have a dividing line between semi-auto and full-auto.

QED

Quoted: Know what?  The 2nd Amendment doesn't have a dividing line between semi-auto and full-auto. QED

Professor Feynman, is that you?

So where is everyone sending their e-mails?  To the general NRA site?  I had planned on joining this year and want to let them know that this generation is not the five-shot rifle mentality of years ago.

i am really confused...I am an NRA member and very SERIOUSLY believe in the right to bear arms...with little additional explination/interpretation required. Yet this really bothers me.

If i don't stick/support the NRA then who else is going to help our cause? yet...it seems that the NRA has gotten so large that it is indeed a comprimise...yet..maybe a comprimise is required to keep from losing ALL rights?...i just don't know..

Smarter minds than mine should tell me the right course...i am concerned and certainly want to help....but NRA?...or NOT?...or who?

F**k the Liberals...?

The NRA is doing it's job and supporting gun rights. I wouldn't sweat it. I'm fine with hunting, especially killing feral hogs and exterminating coyotes.

I accept the statement by Joachin Jackson that it's a misunderstanding and that he has had a change of heart after 2 years. It's best to let things such as this slide.

He's still a horse's ass for doing the vanity piece in that Marxist/Socialist commie magazine "Texas Monthly".

I hope this topic gets put to rest soon.

Support the NRA despite some of the internal crap. No organization is perfect.

If the NRA won't support AR15's in their existing config w/high cap mags, then F-them I will give them zero support. Even if they are protecting hunting rifles. Who in the F wants a California legal AR? I'll switch hobbies to drag racing or something. Take up NASCAR. Let all the hunters lose their favorite hobby too.

Just because there is one bad apple in the bushel you do not through away the bushel. Join and demand that the people that make these statements, and have that attitude, are removed from their positions. Staying away only hurts the organization and in return ourselves.

Members: Write the organization and demand his removal fro the Board.

We may understand, and even, accept his explanation but the damage has already been done. He should never have said what he said because the general population does not understand the minute details of semi, full... He has damaged our cause and should be sanctioned. He either accepts the 2nd amendment or not. It does not differentiate between semi, full-auto, single shot... He is wrong.

In the interview, when asked about my views of “assault weapons,” I was talking about true assault weapons – fully automatic firearms. I was not speaking, in any way, about semiautomatic rifles. While the media may not understand this critical distinction, I take it very seriously. But, as a result, I understand how some people may mistakenly take my comments to mean that I support a ban on civilian ownership of semiautomatic firearms. Nothing could be further from the truth. And, unfortunately, the interview was cut short before I could fully explain my thoughts and beliefs."

In other words, Mr. Jackson doesn't support a ban on semi-auto weapons, but he does support a ban on full-auto weapons...

This Jackson dude sounds like a real ass, I don't care how good of a resume he has.  This NRA bashing is another thing.  Don't all of you NRA haters remember the months leading up to Sep of '04 when it was Wayne LaPerier (obvious sp error) and crew who were on national TV and in the large papers saying that the ban was useless and needed to pass into history as designed?  I can't provide any references other than I remember and I'm sure others do to.  The AWB sunsetting is the only time in my 36 years that can remember regaining some of our gun rights instead of losing some more of them and the NRA played a big role in the AWB sunsetting.  Would I like to see the '86 Machine Gun Ban go away, absolutely, but the AWB going away is worth something.  I just proudly renewed my NRA membership a couple of months ago.

Those of you who refuse to support the NRA because of their lack of support for all types of firearms need to come to reality. That reality is that the organization needs to appeal to the braodest range of firearm pwners in America, and like it or not, these are the shotgun and bolt gun owning hunters. Alot of firearms owners don't really understand why we like our would want to own military style firearms, but we still need their support.

Like it or not, the NRA is the largest and most influential pro-gun group in existence,and we need to do our best to make sure it stays influential. While the NRA may not always broadcast their support for ar-15's etc, that does not mean that they havn't helped out in the fight to keep them legal for us. They helped to make sure thatthe AWB did not get renewed and they are currently fighting to make sure another version isn't passed.

If every gun owner was an NRA member we'd be far better off than we are now. Don't missunderstand me, my personal views are more in line with organizations such as GOA, and I will continue to support them and urge all of you to do the same.
But at the same time, I will also support the NRA. Do everything you can to defend our rights.    

talking about fully automatic firearms having five round capacity? ok I'm calling bullshit on this guy. this dude is phony. he needs to be removed end of story. he's lying through his teeth.

Quoted: talking about fully automatic firearms having five round capacity? ok I'm calling bullshit on this guy. this dude is phony. he needs to be removed end of story. he's lying through his teeth.

+1

Seems to me that he's just another lawman trying to play "politician".  F-'em.  No tolerance for doubletalkin' BS'ers.

Quoted: "STATEMENT OF JOAQUIN JACKSON Recently, some misunderstandings have arisen about a news interview in which I participated a few years ago. After recently watching a tape of that interview, I understand the sincere concerns of many people, including dear friends of mine. And I am pleased and eager to clear up any confusion about my long held belief in the sanctity of the Second Amendment. In the interview, when asked about my views of “assault weapons,” I was talking about true assault weapons – fully automatic firearms. I was not speaking, in any way, about semiautomatic rifles. While the media may not understand this critical distinction, I take it very seriously. But, as a result, I understand how some people may mistakenly take my comments to mean that I support a ban on civilian ownership of semiautomatic firearms. Nothing could be further from the truth. And, unfortunately, the interview was cut short before I could fully explain my thoughts and beliefs. In fact, I am a proud owner of such rifles, as are millions of law-abiding Americans. And many Americans also enjoy owning fully automatic firearms, after being cleared by a background check and meeting the rigorous regulations to own such firearms. And these millions of lawful gun owners have every right – and a Second Amendment right – to own them. As a hunter, I take great pride in my marksmanship. Every hunter should practice to be skilled to take prey with a single shot, if possible. That represents ethical, humane, skilled hunting. In the interview several years ago, I spoke about this aspect of hunting and my belief that no hunter should take the field and rely upon high capacity magazines to take their prey. But that comment should never be mistaken as support for the outright banning of any ammunition magazines. In fact, such bans have been pursued over the years by state legislatures and the United States Congress and these magazine bans have always proven to abject failures. Let me be very clear. As a retired Texas Ranger, during 36 years of law enforcement service, I was sworn to uphold the United States Constitution. As a longtime hunter and shooter, an NRA Board Member, and as an American – I believe the Second Amendment is a sacred right of all law-abiding Americans and, as I stated in the interview in question, I believe it is the Second Amendment that ensures all of our other rights handed down by our Founding Fathers. I have actively opposed gun bans and ammunition and magazine bans in the past, and I will continue to actively oppose such anti-gun schemes in the future. I appreciate my friends who have brought this misunderstanding to light, for it has provided me an opportunity to alleviate any doubts about my strong support for the NRA and our Second Amendment freedom. "