User Panel
Posted: 1/1/2007 5:18:07 AM EST
Since there seems to be a handful of people on this site who always complains that the "NRA does nothing but send out donation requests" here is the year in review on what the NRA has actually done or been involved with. There are some federal issues and a lot of state issues that the NRA worked on. There is no other pro-gun group that such a powerful voice and there is no other pro-gun group that works just has hard on state level issues as they do national issues.
For an organization that "doesn't do anything" the list below is pretty impressive. I'm sure there will be still be a few people who look at what didn't get done instead of evereything that was accomplished and complain. Those types of negative people will always complain, so I say to you how about instead of bitching why don't you get off your ass and get something constructive done. 2006--THE YEAR IN REVIEW Here are some of the top stories we brought you in the NRA ILA Grassroots Alert in 2006. With the new challenges we will inevitably face next year in Congress and the states, we must re-double our efforts to ensure we are prepared to effectively defend the Second Amendment. To that end, we will continue to provide you with information in future Alerts to ensure our success. JANUARY: The Wisconsin State Assembly, by a vote of 64-34, fails to override Governor Jim Doyle's (D) veto of Senate Bill 403, the "Personal Protection Act" (PPA). The vote was two short of the 66 required for an override. Canada's anti-gun Prime Minister Paul Martin and the ruling Liberal Party are ousted in the country's federal elections, bringing an end to the Liberal Party's 12-year reign. Outgoing Prime Minister Martin's scandal-plagued administration gained notoriety for its ill-advised gun registration program that has cost the country more than two billion dollars and, of course, did nothing to reduce Canada's escalating crime rate. FEBRUARY: The U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security hears testimony from individuals affected by heavy-handed enforcement tactics of the BATFE at gun shows in Richmond, Virginia. Testimony outlines instances where dozens of BATFE and local law enforcement officers intrusively question dealers and customers, trying to discourage people from buying guns, and stopping show attendees on the roads after they left. In some cases, customers' lawfully purchased guns were confiscated, and returned only when the owners visited BATFE's office for more questioning. In other cases, local police officers visited gun buyers' homes to conduct "residency checks"--intrusive questioning of family members and even neighbors. MARCH: NRA files a motion for contempt against the City of New Orleans, its mayor, Ray Nagin (D), and the acting chief of police for failure to comply with a temporary restraining order mandating an end to all illegal gun confiscations that occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Shortly thereafter, an agreement is reached in which the city of New Orleans admits it holds a number of firearms, and sets up a mechanism for owners of these firearms to begin retrieving their property. In Kansas, Governor Sebelius' (D) veto of NRA-backed Right-to-Carry legislation, Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act," is overridden. The Nebraska legislature gives final approval to a measure granting law-abiding Nebraska citizens the right to carry a firearm for personal protection. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R) signs two NRA-backed, high-priority bills into law-SB 2426, a "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, and HB 1141, a bill containing two pro-gun, and one pro-hunting provision, for law-abiding gun owners and hunters in the state. APRIL: Anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) convenes a meeting with a cadre of like-minded mayors to discuss "reducing gun violence." Among the attendees is Anthony Williams (D), Mayor of Washington, D.C., where handguns have been banned for decades, but where the violent crime rate remains stratospheric. Predictably, the outcome of the meeting is a call for more restrictive gun laws. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman (R) signs Legislative Bill 454 into law, making Right-to-Carry the law of the land in Nebraska. Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) signs NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" bill SB 283 into law. MAY: NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox announce a two-part initiative to ensure that the forcible confiscation of lawfully owned firearms--such as occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina--never happens again. The first part of this important initiative consists of the nation's mayors and police chiefs signing a pledge promising the citizens for whom they work they will never forcibly disarm them. The second part outlines NRA-ILA's commitment to pass state and federal legislation to make it a crime to forcibly disarm law-abiding citizens. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry (D) signs HB 2615, the NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, into law. JUNE: U.S. Senator George Allen (R-Va.) introduces S. 3275--the Senate version of H.R. 4547--a national Right-to-Carry (RTC) reciprocity bill that would provide national reciprocity for state carry licensees. This legislation would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if he or she meets certain criteria. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses. San Francisco Superior Court Judge James Warren strikes down San Francisco's Prop. H handgun ban, asserting that under California law local officials do not have the authority to ban firearms from law-abiding citizens. NRA-ILA opposed the ban from its inception, both at the ballot box and in court. JULY: The "U.N. Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects" ends in deadlock with no recommendations on ammunition, civilian possession, or future U.N. meetings. The failure of this five-year program to impact the legitimate firearm industry, and the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens, is a great victory. However, anti-gun Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and liberal governments serve notice they would not give up and would present all of their issues to the U.N. General Assembly in the future. The U. S. Senate overwhelmingly passes (84-16) an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill (H.R. 5441), offered by Senator David Vitter (R-La.), that prohibits the use of funds appropriated under H.R. 5441 for the confiscation of lawfully possessed firearms during an emergency or major disaster. The U.S. House of Representatives passes H.R. 5013, the NRA-backed "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act." This legislation, sponsored by Representative Bobby Jindal (R-La.), will amend federal emergency laws to prohibit federal, state, and local authorities from confiscating lawfully-owned firearms during emergencies or disasters. HR 5013 passed by a broad bi-partisan margin of 322-99. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) signs into law a package of six self-defense bills backed by NRA, bringing "Castle Doctrine" protections to law-abiding Michigan citizens. The six-bill "Castle Doctrine" Package passes with bi-partisan, supermajority support in both houses of the Michigan legislature. AUGUST: In a landmark victory for NRA and law-abiding gun owners, Judge Carl J. Barbier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denies the City of New Orleans' motion to dismiss NRA's lawsuit against the city. Judge Barbier holds that the Second Amendment does apply to law-abiding residents in the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. The City of New Orleans argued just the opposite--claiming that the Second Amendment does not apply to residents in the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. SEPTEMBER: The U.S. House of Representatives passes NRA-backed H.R. 5092, the "BATFE Modernization and Reform Act of 2006," by an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 277-131. This legislation was drafted in large part to address BATFE abuses at the Richmond, Virginia area gun shows last year. H.R. 5092 will help curb BATFE's efforts to revoke dealers' licenses for minor paperwork errors, establish new guidelines for BATFE investigations, and improve the appeals process for dealers. OCTOBER: President George W. Bush signs legislation that includes language to prohibit the confiscation of legal firearms from law-abiding citizens during states of emergency! Passage of this legislation becomes a top priority of NRA following confiscations of lawfully-owned firearms by local officials in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to the President's recent action, NRA led the charge in passing "emergency powers" laws in 10 states. This new law is part of the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. More than 140 attorneys, law students, and members of the public attend this year's "Firearms Law & The Second Amendment" symposium. Guests hear presentations from leading scholars on key issues affecting firearms ownership. NOVEMBER: The American electorate takes out its frustration and anger on the Republican Party and turns over control of Congress, not to mention governors' mansions and majorities in several state legislatures, to the Democrats. On a day that sees voters expressing dissatisfaction over conduct of the war, over political corruption, and over competency to govern, Americans cast their votes for record numbers of pro-gun candidates, both Democrat and Republican. Many of the newly elected office holders pledged their support of the Second Amendment while on the campaign trail. They got elected when voters took them at their word. Unfortunately extreme opponents of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms have been elevated to seats of power, especially in the House of Representatives, where Nancy Pelosi will become Speaker and John Conyers is set to take over the powerful Judiciary Committee. Anti-gunners will also assume the chairs of important sub-committees. There will be battles ahead, and, with the 2008 elections on the ever-nearing horizon, NRA members and their fellow gun owners remain ever vigilant. We must let our representatives, both Democrat and Republican, know one thing: we expect our Second Amendment rights to be respected. DECEMBER: Governor Bob Taft's (R) veto of crucial statewide preemption legislation is overridden by the state legislature, marking the first time in 29 years that the Ohio legislature overturns a Governor's veto. Championed by Representative Jim Aslanides (R-94), HB 347 creates statewide preemption ensuring that firearm laws are uniform throughout the state. Passing statewide preemption eliminates problems for gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances, such as the Columbus "assault weapons" ban. In addition, this legislation corrects a number of problems that have surfaced during the past year for Right-to-Carry permit holders. The most common complaint for license holders has been the "plain sight" requirement in a motor vehicle. HB 347 will eliminate this requirement. Michigan's State Legislature passes a two-bill, NRA-backed package, to create the state's "Emergency Powers Protection Act" (HB 6363 and HB 6364). The new laws prevent local governments from confiscating lawfully-owned firearms during a declared state of emergency. Michigan's bills pass overwhelmingly in the State Senate, 37-1, and unanimously in the State House, 105-0. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli declares Jersey City's one-gun-a-month handgun rationing law null and void, holding that it violates state preemption, equal protection, and was "arbitrary and capricious." |
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I want to see the NRA get behind more publice shooting ranges. We must get people to the range more often. After that, they can lobby the states for a promo liscense plate for the shooting sports. For christ's sake, the square dancers here in Indiana have one! Use the money to develop the aforementioned ranges and sponsor clinics and youth programs.
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One of the biggest problems with shooting is lack of places to shoot.
GOA helped pass H.R. 5013 along with the NRA and they sunk the 'McCarthy Bill' which would have expanded the NICS system. Join Both! |
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Well the GOA said they were going to "keep an eye on things in New Orleans". We know they did that much. Of course watching something and actually putting people on the ground who can file the proper lawsuit are two totally different things. I remember the day after word came out about guns being confiscated in New Orleans. GOA put up a public statement on their website condemning the actions and saying they would keep an eye on things. The NRA didn't post a response to the events for 48 hours and the bashers on this site went ballistic condemning the NRA for not doing anything and stating the NRA must support those actions. The people on this site who know how the NRA opperate said to wait until the NRA gets a chance to all the facts and then see what they do. Still the bashers continued on how useless the NRA was. Well now history tells the real lesson. GOA, did nothing but talk about how bad it was while the NRA put people on the ground, filed lawsuits, went to court, got an injunction, went back to court on an appeal, and made sure people had a way of getting their guns back. Then the NRA pushed forward the "no confiscation during emergencies bill" and got that passed on the federal level so this could never happen again. Meanwhile GOA is "still keeping an eye on it". chapperjoe your link is the dumbest thing I have ever read. According to the though process described in your link the politicians are the ones who came up with "no confiscation during emergencies" bill and forced the NRA to accept and sell the idea of a federal law prohibition gun confiscations to it's members. That is just stupid. |
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Or more like when they have NOLA type confiscations no American gun owners took advantage of the new target rich environment. Molon Labe! Some people DO believe and WILL act on it. How many times did we let them take our rights with legislation in the past before we had to physically do something about it? |
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Firstly, I don't think that Chapperjoe is a supporter of that site because of the smiley. Secondly, I'm sure that most who are actually involved in this fight understand that GOA is not the end-all-be-all of organizations. CATO Institute has accomplished more than GOA these last few years far and away without all the hubbub (sp?). Further, those who have been involved for some time remember certain compromises that GOA has made because of their boards interest in another issue. Regardless, support GOA and always question your local, state and regional reps at NRA about current strategy. |
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nra is SO proud of their 1986 Firearms owners protection act... you know, the one that anned new manufacture of machineguns for us peasants?
and the NRA backed NICS backgorund check, which directly notifies our progun friends in the FBI every time we buy a gun. (I can kep going) |
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Respectfully, I have to wonder whether or not you are simply repeating things you have heard second or third hand. Do you know the history of the bill? Do you know how the artificial cap came to be? Further, I am unable to locate a position statement whereby NRA brags about the inclusion of the artificial cap. In your opinion, did FOPA do anything positive for firearm enthusiasts? You also say that you can keep going. I think you should in the interest of the thread. |
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I'm not an NRAWOL supporter or detractor.
Having said that, the NRA is not perfect and I think we can do better with a more JPFO attitude than NRA attitude. The government is the natural enemy of the 2nd amendment which exists as a check on it. Making deals with, working with, even coopting the federal government is something no 2nd amendment organization should do. the one thing I do agree with nrawol is that the NRA has a vested interest in keeping this a 'fight' as well and keeping themselves relevant. They do ALOOOOOOT of good. But there are many tactics and strategies that I won't support with a life membership. I think if it was balls to the wall for the NRA and they had to choose between fighting for a complete RKBA or dropping us 'black-rifle' guys to protect the 'wood' crowd, they'd drop us like a sack of bricks. We're not their yet, but the day will come. |
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In some cases I think that this is very true. Moreover, this is much more true with many of the state level organizations that I have interacted with. |
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Thank G-D for the VCDL. I often hear that other state org's model themselves after VCDL, and I can see why. |
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80 million gun owners and only what 2.4 million NRA members.
Pathetic. Join the NRA and push the black rifle issue. Otherwise, STFU. |
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I don't think the outstanding 77.6 million gun owners are mostly EBR guys, no way. We might be the most passioante, but the apathy is from teh wood rifle hunter crowd. |
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Of course not, my SWAG is less than 1 to 2% of gun owners are EBR guys. I'm just sick of the bitching and moaning from so called gun owners that the NRA does not represnt THEM. If all EBR owners joined it would alomost double the membership of the NRA. That would put the EBR owners in a SOLID postion to direct the NRA's efforts. For the cost a few boxes of ammo, YOU as an EBR owner can join the NRA, vote in the elections and help shape the form of the orginzation. All the other gun owners orginzations combined do not even come close the NRA membership and power. The cost of membership is worth the monthly magazine alone. Any gun owner who is not a member of NRA does not truly want to keep their guns. |
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+1 |
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My wife just received her membership card last week!
JOIN UP or SHUT UP! |
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NRA Life Member
GOA Life Member SAF Life Member JPFO Life Member SAS associate member NRA-ILA contributor CCRKBA contributor Never put all your eggs in one basket. Sam |
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EPL member, with a sense of urgency to get it paid off.
Having said that, there is no excuse not to join yearly. For $10/year it is well worth it. You don't get a magazine, but if you really want it, email me and I'll send you mine. |
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They don't get my money.
The NRA doesn't care about firearms for self defense. They don't believe that a well regulated militia using military arms is necessary to the security of a free state. If they did, they would have tanked the whole 1986 bill when they had the chance. That's the ONLY thing that has happened in my lifetime keeping me from getting the things I want, and I blame them (partially) for it. They were supposed to be on my side. I expect this stuff from the gun banners. I don't know. When I hear them push for a repeal of 922 maybe I'll change my mind. Last I heard, the NRA wasn't interested in machineguns, and I take that to mean they aren't interested in my rights. Why would I pay them for this? |
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And this my fellow NRA members is why the continued infringement of our gun owners rights will continue. |
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ALRIGHT! ANOTHER NRA THREAD!!!!
Seriously guys, Liberals hate the NRA. What more reason do you need to join? |
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How am I bashing them? I'm just pointing out they don't have the clout to get things done. I'm all for not compromising like their supporters say they are. But we don't live in a dictatorship with GOA or JPFA or whatever they are in charge. We have to work in the system. And if more people whould join the NRA the 800lb. gorilla we wouldn't have to compromise as much. |
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I presume you are talking about (Public Law 99-570) being supported by the NRA? |
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Abraza la libertad. Is that Spanish for "annoy the libtards"? |
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By this, I must assume that you are a member of the NFA Owners Association, then? Regardless, no group outside of the NRA is capable of engaging in effective lobbying efforts. Is the NFAOA registered as a lobbying group? GOA? JPFO? KABA? If people like yourself spent any time interacting with NRA, not even joining them but calling and discussing issues important to you, we would all be would be better off. And, the only thing that smaller groups can accomplish is test case litigation. I don't see any aside from KABA (Silviera) and the CATO Institute (not even a gun rights org.) doing such things. In the end, Bama said it best -it's the cost of a box of ammo... |
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Life member since 1983... or thereabouts. If you're a gun owner and you don't belong to the NRA, you suck. |
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It embraces the freedom from a Babel Fish Translation |
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I am a life member since 1992. If you dont like what they do join and help make the changes you want.
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Not to mention they are gonna roll over on the so called 'gun-show loophole', or how in states with AWBs in the works they are totally absent or... |
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yep
FREE
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Somehow I doubt joining the very organization that helped pass many of the most restrictive gun laws will stop "the continued infringement of our gun owners rights."
Apparently you didn't read my post. THE NRA SAID THEY AREN'T INTERESTED IN MY RIGHTS. They have said don't care about machine guns. They have no interest in fighting this. Therefore they don't care about my rights. I'm not going to support them! They aren't STOPPING anything. They are compliant in the slow removal of our rights. They are on board with the gun grabbers every (slow and painful) step of the way. If you can find one piece of information where the NRA has tried to reverse all the restrictive parts of the 1986 law, I'll join TODAY. That's a promise. |
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What? No comments about their running penis cream ads in their magazines?
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+1 We have the biggest threat to our gun rights coming this year....The Demoncrats have taken over congress. Machine gun? You aint gonna be able to own a BB gun if these assclowns have thier way. Liberal shitbags fear the NRA... so get your ass in gear and join dammit |
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Are you a member? |
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They are fighting the battles they can WIN with the current membership. The NRA is the one who spearheaded the efforts to protect firearm manufacturers from frivilous lawsuits. Join or continue to see our rights eroded. Or you can just keep sticking your head in the sand. |
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They already said they don't care about my rights!
They aren't "interested." So fuck them. They don't care about rights, they care about making money and the politics of doing so. No way I'm feeding that beast. Get them to say "we'll fight that battle when we have the support to do so" and I'll join. Is that too much to ask? If yes, then they aren't interested in regaining my rights! So far, all they have said is "we only care about your rights that are politically correct enough." We that mantra, its no wonder we are losing our rights! |
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Don't waste your time. The Fudds hunters won't join because they say the NRA is "too extreme" and they only pick up their gun twice a year. The Black Rifle Commandos won't join because the NRA "isn't extreme enough" or some other dumb ass reason. $35 is a whole lot of money to some guys. That's what it all amounts to. |
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And yet another gun owner is willing to not defend their rights over a few dollars. And they don't do what I want them to do, yet. |
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The membership should be $5, the other $30 (or more) should be encouraged to go to the ILA- That is the part that matters. By doing that they would have a much higher membership plus much more money going to the ILA, lobbying for our rights. However, they wouldn't have so many millions to play around with, so they would never do it that way. |
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Programs such as youth shooting programs, Eddie Eagle, various training etc. Is what will help us in the long run. The percentage of Americans who own firearms goes down every year. Again for the cost of a few boxes of ammo a gun owner can help preserve all of our firearm rights. Or they can just sit around and bitch as the anti-gunners erode our rights away one law and one state at a time. |
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