TNCarry.org

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

This is something I've been mulling as a spinoff of this thread. One of our GA colleagues has mentioned the success the Georgia Carry advocacy group has had in getting their recent changes passed. Many other states have formed similar groups to improve CCW rights within their borders.

Anyway, when I read the thread, I went and checked and discovered that tncarry.org is available, which got me thinking about putting together a site where we could really focus our efforts on affecting things in this state. As a web developer by trade, I'm willing and able to donate my time to put together such a site.

I am a bit unsure, though, as to whether it would be somewhat redundant with TGO around. Obviously a major difference would be the focus on CCW issues as opposed to the broader topics around here.

What do you all think? Redundant? Worth thinking about? For now, it's just a little seed of an idea, but I think it could be viable. I'd like to know what kind of interest there'd be in this.

[molonlabetn]

It would be redundant, but not so much because of TGO, since we are not a political organization (and it works well that way)... but because of the existence of the TFA, which is a political/lobbying organization, and Legally Armed, which is an informative site regarding legal & political news.

Either way, the more people who are active, the better... If you have found a niche which hasn't been filled, I'd personally be happy to see you succeed.

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

I was thinking the same thing. Why not just join an existing group?

[Guest nraforlife]

Nice offer, but I tend to agree with the others.

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

Well, this is good info nonetheless. As a fairly recent TN transplant, I'm not extremely familiar with what sort of groups are in existence already that I can get involved with. Really, my only interface with the existing TN community is here on TGO, and I just found you fine folks about two months ago.

At the end of the day, I just want to get involved and contribute. I'm not a charismatic public speaker, I'm not particularly good with people, and I don't have lots of spare money lying around, but i do think that I can write some mean PHP code.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

Here are the links to the 2 already mentioned.

http://www.tennesseefirearms.com/

http://legallyarmed.com/

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

Outstanding. I'd seen legallyarmed.com before actually, but not TFA. TFA is more along the lines of what I'm looking for, since it's state-specific.

Thanks!

[Marswolf]

I'd like to see a good enthusiastic group be put together. But it can't just be a web address. Something along the lines of http://www.vcdl.org/.

I hate to say it again, but the TFA is worthless.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

I hate to say it again, but the TFA is worthless.

Why so Mars? Im just asking.

[saintsfanbrian]

Well, for one thing the Shelby County Chapter lists a contact person (with no phone number) and when you click the link to see the schedule of meetings there are none scheduled. Not a good sign.

Even the Knox County Chapter doesn't list any upcoming meetings. What good do you do if you don't meet and discuss the upcoming legislation/representatives etc? In fact, the Knox County contact person doesn't list a phone number. I know putting your number on the web can be a dangerous thing, but if you are willing to take the time to be the head of a local chapter of something you need to be accessible by phone and email.

[Guest titanwolf]

I would like to see it along with a Gun Club, Band of Brothers Gun Club. Start local then maybe go nation wide. (keep it local IMO) Membership fee kept low $10 or $12 a year.

if you want Tncarry.org, better get it. If not someone else will

[Marswolf]

TFA? I can't think of anything they have done in years except individual chapters meeting for dinner and/or a speaker and send out an email telling what didn't happen in this past legislative session - and collect dues (as a friend of mine used to say about them). That sounds pretty worthless. I lost interest in them years ago when everyone was too "busy" (?????) to even plan a state convention. I've seen no action since to redeem the group.

Morristown has a good group, but that seems to be thanks to local leadership, not state leadership - if any such leadership exists. They might disagree with me, but I think TFA is more of an anchor than a sail to that chapter.

The VCDL sometimes annoys me, but they do actually keep in contact with the legislature, keep the members informed about what is going on, protest and sue municipalities that don't follow state law, and plans positive media events for publicity.

Ever hear of the TFA doing anything like that - ever? Didn't think so.

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

I just checked and Tipton County doesn't have any reps listed or meetings scheduled either.

[Guest readyornot]

I too was a member of TFA and got very frustrated with them. The Knoxville chapter would have the same 4 -5 people each month and the topics were usually pretty lame. You would think an area this size would have more than 4-5 peole interested in their rights. To me the leadership did a poor job of recruiting and then communicating. Plus they always meet in Seymour, sort of out of the way for most in our area. Any way just my two cents worth.

The point is, nothing is any good without participation and leadership willing to step outside the box.

[tnroadrunner]

There is also www.tfaonline.org

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

That appears to be the same TFA as in the other link.

[Marswolf]

There is also www.tfaonline.org

You consider that a plus? They have been "planning" on fixing up that board for several years. Did they finally get around to doing it?

NOPE! just checked and the "TN Legislation" click has no entries and they still list Packing.org as a site for reciprocity info.

Yeah, that site is a plus all right....

May I repeat the word "worthless"?

[Fallguy]

I have to agree, I haven't found TFA to be much help. They have a message board and there is very, VERY little activity on it. The amount of post here in one day are more than they have in a month or more.

I do wish there could be a politically active group with the amount of members and activity that TGO has.

Oh...and if there is ever such a group it would be better to discuss HCP issues not CCW....

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

Oh...and if there is ever such a group it would be better to discuss HCP issues not CCW....

Yep, right again.

[saintsfanbrian]

I have to agree, I haven't found TFA to be much help. They have a message board and there is very, VERY little activity on it. The amount of post here in one day are more than they have in a month or more.

I do wish there could be a politically active group with the amount of members and activity that TGO has.

Oh...and if there is ever such a group it would be better to discuss HCP issues not CCW....

The funny thing is, that while not politically affiliated in and of itself, TGO has the opportunity to do exactly that. To motivate people across the state/southern US in to action. How many letter writing campaigns have we had as of late? Several.

I personally have made it my cause to sit down with the Sheriff to see what we can do about the restaurant carry bill. Who else is willing to take the time to do it?

While we don't have to "force" the issue and make this forum one of a political action committee, we can use it to foster the ideas and help each other out.

As with the 3rd party candidate debate. It starts in your own community. If you can get your local politicians (county/city level) to understand your point of view, the ones in the state will have to listen. Remember, politicians "scratch" each others backs.

So, what have YOU done to help the cause?

(My wife is right, I am going to be in politics one day.)

[Marswolf]

My point here is not to "bash" TFA (and beside it's not bashing if it is true).

My point is that TFA has failed to do the job and it's time to put into the grave where it belongs and move on to a viable group.

No point to pay, as my friend said, "a lawyer in Nashville who takes your money" if nothing comes of it.

[Fallguy]

The funny thing is, that while not politically affiliated in and of itself, TGO has the opportunity to do exactly that. To motivate people across the state/southern US in to action. How many letter writing campaigns have we had as of late? Several.

I agree, however that is not really that stated intent of this board, it's owner or it's members. It would be nice to have a viable organization with that express purpose.

I personally have made it my cause to sit down with the Sheriff to see what we can do about the restaurant carry bill. Who else is willing to take the time to do it?

You have done well on that....I know my Sheriff pretty well and have intentions of contacting him soon. However I don't personally know any other HCP holders in Decatur County.

So, what have YOU done to help the cause?

Although I know it wasn't directed straight towards me, I have been in contact with my Rep, and at times through him to the AG. I have talked with Mr. Harris of the TFA on some issues. I have tried to motivate friends and co-workers who do not have HCPs into getting one. But it is a good question for each person who wants to improve things to ask themselves.

[ZenDog]

(My wife is right, I am going to be in politics one day.)

If you're a gun owner and you don't have your head stuck up somewhere the sun don't shine, you have to realize you are de facto involved in politics.

Some of us just make it a little more official than the others. I'll vote for you, saintsfan.

[Marswolf]

I have been in contact with my Rep, and at times through him to the AG. I have talked with Mr. Harris of the TFA on some issues.

Getting in touch with your Rep is a really good idea. While again I hate to say this, getting in touch with Harris seems an exercise in pointlessness. Legislators just don;t seem to even know who he is. That's pretty just damn useless. He is the "voice" and "presence" of the TFA but legislators say they have never heard of him.

Fooled me once ?

[Guest GLOCKGUY]

Oh...and if there is ever such a group it would be better to discuss HCP issues not CCW....

but then Speaker Naifeh could not discuss stuff with us