NRA getting a little heavy handed
My yearly membership expired with the June, 07 issue. I had meant to renew earlier but due to the pressures I have been under the past two months I just kept putting it off day to day.
Yesterday I received a letter (over the "signature" of Wayne LaPierre) with FINAL NOTICE stamped on the outside of the envelope. Inside, they accuse me that "because of people like you" our 2nd Amendment rights are once again under attack by lawmakers. This, of course, is the same old drum they have been beating for years.
Over the past several years I have always been a member, a few years I bought memberships for my son and daughter, and if I have some extra money always contribute toward their Legal branch.
While I realize that this is direct mail and put out in a shotgun effect to members who haven't renewed, it does appear a little over the top. I only contribute to help out the cause. As far as their magazine, it has nothing to offer that I already do not know. I probably will continue to be a member but may wait a few months to re-join.
I first thought I would write them and convey the above message. On further consideration I decided that for the good it would do, it wasn't worth the stamp.
Yesterday I received a letter (over the "signature" of Wayne LaPierre) with FINAL NOTICE stamped on the outside of the envelope. Inside, they accuse me that "because of people like you" our 2nd Amendment rights are once again under attack by lawmakers. This, of course, is the same old drum they have been beating for years.
Over the past several years I have always been a member, a few years I bought memberships for my son and daughter, and if I have some extra money always contribute toward their Legal branch.
While I realize that this is direct mail and put out in a shotgun effect to members who haven't renewed, it does appear a little over the top. I only contribute to help out the cause. As far as their magazine, it has nothing to offer that I already do not know. I probably will continue to be a member but may wait a few months to re-join.
I first thought I would write them and convey the above message. On further consideration I decided that for the good it would do, it wasn't worth the stamp.
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Send them back your renewal envelope with a large note saying "I have decided to join "GOA" (or JPFO). The GOA (or whoever) actually supports the Second Amendment as it was written and for what it was intended. NRA does not.....No compromise, no collusion, no facilitating further infringement, period.[;)]
Then go join the other group. That would have a much bigger impact on the future of Amendment II, than anything the NRA will do. Do some research, don't be fooled.
Lt, the NRA Life-Member who finally had an awakening.0 -
I can't stand LaPierre, never could, either. He's a heavy-handed jackass who does more harm with regard to public relations and the 2nd Amendment than he does good. I'm sure he's a decent guy and all, but if it were me, I'd have him working behind the scenes, not at the forefront of the limelight. 0 -
I am a Life Member of the NRA but after their stance supporting the background check expansion I wrote and told them "never another penny, I'm joining the GOA" 0 -
quote:Originally posted by spanielsells
I can't stand LaPierre, never could, either. He's a heavy-handed jackass who does more harm with regard to public relations and the 2nd Amendment than he does good. I'm sure he's a decent guy and all, but if it were me, I'd have him working behind the scenes, not at the forefront of the limelight.
Btw, why?0 -
quote:Originally posted by thesneakyrussian
quote:Originally posted by spanielsells
I can't stand LaPierre, never could, either. He's a heavy-handed jackass who does more harm with regard to public relations and the 2nd Amendment than he does good. I'm sure he's a decent guy and all, but if it were me, I'd have him working behind the scenes, not at the forefront of the limelight.
Btw, why?
Because you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. LaPierre wouldn't know how to be civil and nice if it bit him in the ass.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Henry0Reilly
I am a Life Member of the NRA but after their stance supporting the background check expansion I wrote and told them "never another penny, I'm joining the GOA"
Which, if I may repeat myself from another post, is why I'll never become a life member of the NRA or anything else. I'm on a strict budget, and things like magazine purchases and membership in organizations have undergone serious scrutiny in my household. I only keep the ones that I feel I'm getting any use out of.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
quote:Originally posted by Henry0Reilly
I am a Life Member of the NRA but after their stance supporting the background check expansion I wrote and told them "never another penny, I'm joining the GOA"
Which, if I may repeat myself from another post, is why I'll never become a life member of the NRA or anything else. I'm on a strict budget, and things like magazine purchases and membership in organizations have undergone serious scrutiny in my household. I only keep the ones that I feel I'm getting any use out of.
Plink,
What organization are you a member of? Why?0 -
If the NRA had *any* brains they'd have a good looking WOMAN as president, not some idiot like LaPierre. HE IS A FRENCHY, FOR GOD'S SAKE!
The NRA has zero clue about marketing/self-promotion.
Merc0 -
quote:Originally posted by john carr
My yearly membership expired with the June, 07 issue. I had meant to renew earlier but due to the pressures I have been under the past two months I just kept putting it off day to day.
Yesterday I received a letter (over the "signature" of Wayne LaPierre) with FINAL NOTICE stamped on the outside of the envelope. Inside, they accuse me that "because of people like you" our 2nd Amendment rights are once again under attack by lawmakers. This, of course, is the same old drum they have been beating for years.
Over the past several years I have always been a member, a few years I bought memberships for my son and daughter, and if I have some extra money always contribute toward their Legal branch.
While I realize that this is direct mail and put out in a shotgun effect to members who haven't renewed, it does appear a little over the top. I only contribute to help out the cause. As far as their magazine, it has nothing to offer that I already do not know. I probably will continue to be a member but may wait a few months to re-join.
I first thought I would write them and convey the above message. On further consideration I decided that for the good it would do, it wasn't worth the stamp.
Dont like being accused huh?Well I agree with the NRA when it comes to people like you.[}:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by spanielsells
quote:Originally posted by Colonel Plink
quote:Originally posted by Henry0Reilly
I am a Life Member of the NRA but after their stance supporting the background check expansion I wrote and told them "never another penny, I'm joining the GOA"
Which, if I may repeat myself from another post, is why I'll never become a life member of the NRA or anything else. I'm on a strict budget, and things like magazine purchases and membership in organizations have undergone serious scrutiny in my household. I only keep the ones that I feel I'm getting any use out of.
Plink,
What organization are you a member of? Why?
I'm still an NRA member. Just not a life member.
And I joined the NRA specifically because of brand recognition. I simply didn't know about the GOA.
So far, the NRA hasn't pissed me off enough to not renew their membership, though they've come close. Calling into question my patriotism is not an effective marketing technique, and I let them know about it.0 -
Quote: By Phillip
"Don't like being accused huh? Well I agree with the NRA about people like you."
Don't be petulant! The truth doesn't hurt me like it does you. Grow up and admit when you're wrong.0 -
The NRA is a GOOD example of why I like the internet so much. You can get BOTH sides of the story.
In the old days, about the only news you received concerning what the NRA was doing, was FROM the NRA. Do you think it may have been a little biased? If you heard any other reports about the NRA, it was telling you how much the NRA was doing "FOR" you, in respect to our second amendment rights.
With the advent of the internet, people (that care) can do some research and find out just what the NRA has been doing "TO" you in respect to our second amendment rights. Any organization that supports, as well as WRITES, anti-gun legislation, and then somehow twists it around and tries to pass it off to their members as a GOOD thing, is not my choice for an advocate.
There are good branches of the NRA, like Friends of the NRA, where NO monies collected go for political purposes or salaries. All monies collected by them go to help groups that most here would donate to anyway. But their political side is NO friend of gun owners.0 -
quote:Originally posted by john carr
Quote: By Phillip
"Don't like being accused huh? Well I agree with the NRA about people like you."
Don't be petulant! The truth doesn't hurt me like it does you. Grow up and admit when you're wrong.
Do you live in Haughton,La.,And do you post(to your credit)under your real name?Also,Are you a Sr.Or a Jr.?0 -
Yes. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by john carr
My yearly membership expired with the June, 07 issue. I had meant to renew earlier but due to the pressures I have been under the past two months I just kept putting it off day to day.
Yesterday I received a letter (over the "signature" of Wayne LaPierre) with FINAL NOTICE stamped on the outside of the envelope. Inside, they accuse me that "because of people like you" our 2nd Amendment rights are once again under attack by lawmakers. This, of course, is the same old drum they have been beating for years.
Over the past several years I have always been a member, a few years I bought memberships for my son and daughter, and if I have some extra money always contribute toward their Legal branch.
While I realize that this is direct mail and put out in a shotgun effect to members who haven't renewed, it does appear a little over the top. I only contribute to help out the cause. As far as their magazine, it has nothing to offer that I already do not know. I probably will continue to be a member but may wait a few months to re-join.
I first thought I would write them and convey the above message. On further consideration I decided that for the good it would do, it wasn't worth the stamp.
I agree. I even went as far as to contact them and request to added to their "no contact" list. Didn't do a bit of good.0 -
So the NRA is accused of being "heavy-handed" while they attempt to re-enlist another (annual if he remembers to send the check) member because of the suggestion that "fair weather" members are the problem?
I don't see anything wrong with the truth, especially if the recipient has myriad excuses for not rejoining.
If GOA or CCRKB or Jews For The Second Amendment were such firebrands about saving the 2nd Amendment (without compromise, etc.); then why does the NRA get the blame when Dimocraps lose a crucial gun-control vote?
I guess nobody remembers the old fable about the 3 brothers that always fought amongst themselves until their Father showed them a pile of sticks. It was easy to break the sticks individually, but when the sticks were bunched together in a bundle; none of the brothers could break them. The moral of the story is that: United we stand, Divided we fail.
If you feel strongly enough about the 2nd Amendment and have somewhat limited resources, or just don't like the NRA, or don't want to have yet another gun organization hounding you for some more money; try acting locally. Volunteer for a candidate's campaign, answer phones, distribute flyers, have discussions with potential voters about why the 2nd Amendment was created in the first place, write your Legislators and express yourself, or sit on your whiney heiney and kvetch about how "they" are ruining your country.0 -
That's why I join the NRA. But it get's old getting 4 or 5 letters a month begging for more money. And when they start getting insulting, it's just over the top.
I got a "bill" from for a donation w/a note that said I had no legal obligation to pay. But it was my Moral obligation. And usually the MINIMUM amount of donation asked for is $25. or more dollars. I quite frankly can't afford to send them $25. four of five times a month.
I've also noticed that nearly all their activities seem to be aimed at weathly gun enthusiests. Shooting matches for people w/guns that cost more than I make in 3 months. I undestand that they have to go where the money is. But I also think they could do more to make the middle/lower class member feel like they have some interest in him beyond begging for his money. Or at the VERY least could simply say "We need your help, EVERY dollar counts. Please send what you CAN." Instead of placing minimum amounts of $25. or more.0 -
The NRA is controlled by a bunch of meanies! They just want your money and never do anything for you in exchange.[:0][:(]
I just throw the solicitations in the trash and read the magazine. American Rifleman has grown into a decent publication that I enjoy.
Remember they are a very tiny organization they only have a little over 1% of the population in their group. Maybe 2-3% of gun owners. I am surprised that they manage to have any influence at all with the anti-gun Congress that we now have.
We are an independent lot, we appear to choose to deal with our legislators as individuals. Few gun owners support any organization and that is our primary weakness. GOA is maybe 20% the size of the NRA.
I would like to see a new organization started on the internet that will satisfy the needs of the majority of gun owners and be able to attract a group large enough to get the attention of congress. To be heard gun owners have to be strong and unified.
What characteristics need to be a part of a successful gun owner group. GOA has a strong progun, no compromise stance and they have few members. What will it take to get gun owners signed up????0 -
Teamwork is wonderful.
Perhaps you would like to join a REAL team.
Join the team that states that ALL Federal gun control laws and ALL Federal gun grabber alphabet soup agencies are not Constitutional..and in fact illegal.
Until you can understand that.YOU are part of the problem.not the solution.
Unless and until the NRA states that simple fact..they are working for more gun control.as are you.0 -
HB, I'd love to join a "real" team, but you and those other 4 guys are not doing anything constructive RE the 2nd Amendment that I can see.
It's kinda like joining a club with only 9 members. Loud, obnoxious, overbearing, motivated, yet useless members.
Besides, taking the position that the NRA is only the problem while spouting talking points from the Libertarian Party (which National elections did they win? Oh that's right; NONE) only solidifies the "kook factor" most gun owners try so hard to avoid.
If the only way to "save" the 2nd Amendment were to badmouth any and all organizations that purport to be gun-friendly; I hate 'em all!
Now where's my parting gift?!0 -
Until you and your buddies that support the NRA without question can smarten up as to what the Second Amendment actually means...you will buy and pay for with your hard earned money more gun control.
You persist in doing the same things over and over and over...expecting difference results.
I far prefer being in the 'gang of four'..and being right...then your gang of 3-odd million compromising beg-daddy-for-a-gun children spitting on the Constitution.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Highball
Until you and your buddies that support the NRA without question can smarten up as to what the Second Amendment actually means...you will buy and pay for with your hard earned money more gun control.
You persist in doing the same things over and over and over...expecting difference results.
I far prefer being in the 'gang of four'..and being right...then your gang of 3-odd million compromising beg-daddy-for-a-gun children spitting on the Constitution.
July marked the 1st time in forty some odd years that American Rifleman didn't arrive in our family's mailbox. A tradition that was a very hard decision to make.
I figure that from the original post... that The NRA is most likey done for the way to get people back is to take steps in a positive direction, not slam those that want some freaking positive action....
Nope Wayne LaPierre must be history before I'd even consider going back!!! I don't want him and WE don't need him and THEY would do better without him!!!0 -
LT496,
Good idea. I deviated a little on it. Returned their letter in their envelope with the following message on the back:
"I consider this letter an insult. However; if you want my further views on the subject, go to the following website, www.gunbroker.com, and read my posting under my own name on 08/03/07. Somehow I doubt that you will. The heading on the posting is "NRA getting a little heavy handed."
Maybe get one more viewer (poster?) on GB.0
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