Should I join the NRA?

[Warbird]

Cater to the anti's? Ah, I don't know about that.

I think the NRA is a business that doesn't really act out of conviction. --- I would bet you base this w/o knowledge of a single solitary NRA employee who has fought for your rights don't you? You have no idea of their conviction do you? THE NRA may well have saved your right to gripe of how little you have lost in the last 30 years. In fact most bitch because things aren't going fast enough forward for them and naturally that's the NRA's fault too. They live in a place where they haven't lost anything due to the fear the NRA put into a still anti gun government and yet people still whine, 'what has the NRA done for me?'

All this while a few short years ago most gun rights people fought tooth and nail to keep what we had and weren't even contemplating really moving forward.

At some point, yes, you don't give any ground at all. The Hughes Amendment has never been addressed by the NRA except by token speech, and even that was hushed-up pretty quick. Likewise, compliance with NICS requirements to destroy identifying information hasn't been championed enough.

The NRA needs to more. Now. That's my point.

How much are you willing to give up? I've pretty much reached the end of my rope.

The NRA endorses McCain. McCain wants to regulate private sales and assault weapons. Where do you people stand on these issues?

Ummm excuse me. Hold it right there for a minute.

The NRA has not endorsed ANYONE for president as of yet.

The NRA has continually stood firm on their opposition to private sales regulations and on the opposition of the Crime Control Act of 94, worked for its repeal, sunsetting and is against any new similar legislation.

IF you look at McCain's record on gun control it was extremely good for many years, followed by some bad nd worrisome calls on his part, and his support to an gun rights community opposed Campaign finance reform. Based on what he says he would do as president and the people he would pick for justices and knowing exactly Obama's on gun rights record we each have to make our own decision.

There are always those who whine and moan and most never join anything saying well they all suck and none will do it my way, so none will get my money.But, know of what you speak before you speak please.

Edited June 4, 2008 by Warbird

[The Rabbi]

That would be a change in character.

Besides, the NRA gave us the GCA of 1968, right? They've got to be evil.

[Guest Major Pain]

I think the main fear is if he picks Clinton to run as his VP. The worst of either world.--Mike

[Guest Abominable_Hillbilly]

Ummm excuse me. Hold it right there for a minute.

The NRA has not endorsed ANYONE for president as of yet.

The NRA has continually stood firm on their opposition to private sales regulations and on the opposition of the Crime Control Act of 94, worked for its repeal, sunsetting and is against any new similar legislation.

IF you look at McCain's record on gun control it was extremely good for many years, followed by some bad nd worrisome calls on his part, and his support to an gun rights community opposed Campaign finance reform. Based on what he says he would do as president and the people he would pick for justices and knowing exactly Obama's on gun rights record we each have to make our own decision.

There are always those who whine and moan and most never join anything saying well they all suck and none will do it my way, so none will get my money.But, know of what you speak before you speak please.

So, the NRA hasn't endorsed McCain? OK. When will they finally do that, or do you think they're going to endorse someone else?

McCain's record on gun control is horrible, if only for his stance about registration of private sales and his ignorance of "assault weapons".

I can appreciate that the NRA spreads money around when it comes to vote time on bills that aim to disarm law-abiding citizens. That's all fine and good. What I'd like to see are some categoric statements from them that clearly show that they understand the meaning of the Second Amendment. While I love figured walnut and stainless steel, I really need these guys to act like they understand that it's the black rifles that endow power--preferably the kind with selective fire FCG's. Until the NRA unashamedly asserts this, they will not be much more to me than a hunters' rights group.

[G27]

So, the NRA hasn't endorsed McCain? OK. When will they finally do that, or do you think they're going to endorse someone else?

If he were electable (he's not, or is he?), they could get behind Ron Paul who was Rated A by the NRA regarding gun control issues...

[Guest Abominable_Hillbilly]

I liked Thompson myself.

[The Rabbi]

I liked Thompson myself.

We all did. He just ran a lousy campaign and had a poor record.

[Punisher84]

We all did. He just ran a lousy campaign and had a poor record.

And he was my favorite DA on Law and Order *cries on Rabbi's shoulder*

[Tobashadow]

Here i'll make it easy for you.

I found the link i used to join the NRA a few months ago after i got my carry permit to help fight for the casue.

It's a offical $10 off link and they will give you a coupon in the mail in your packet to get a second year for $10 off also.

https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp?CampaignID=XP019286

$25 for a year just to try it out.

Heck the Free Hat and the year of the magazine was worth it (i picked america's first freedom if it will show up finally LOL) plus you get a free $1000 gun insurance policy.

$1,000 of ArmsCare coverage with your NRA membership. This plan covers insured firearms, air guns, bows and arrows against theft, accidental loss, and damage.

The $1000 insurance for $35 a year (regular price) with a nice magazine thrown in was the seller for me.

The helping lobby the 2nd Amendment stuff was just a huge bonus!

The insurance even covers if it's stolen out of your car.

You know for those times you have to work and cant carry and going into a resturant and cant carry times, atleast your carry weapon is covered.

Edited June 4, 2008 by Tobashadow

[Warbird]

No organization is perfect, including the NRA. However, in my personal opinion (I'm a Life Member of NRA) the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of membership. I do not always agree with the politics or strategies of the NRA, but they (we) are a loud, vocal, well-respected voice on capitol hill and in state houses around the country. NRA's commitment to training, education, safety and charitable work is also to be highly commended.

If you want to get involved locally, I would suggest taking a look at Tennessee Firearms Association (http://www.tfaonline.org/). TFA has local chapters around the state and does lobbying in Nashville. The organization is in the middle of a re-birth and the future of TFA looks brighter than the past.

If NRA is too moderate for your politics, you might check out Gun Owners of America. If NRA is too extreme for your politics, you might check out American Hunters and Shooters Association, although they are more related to gun control organizations than many (including me) find comfortable.

Getting involved is a good thing, with rewards both personal and global. Good luck.

The American Hunters andShooters Association is a sham group, a front group for gun control advocates to try and create divisions and diversions. Their income is derived from liberal gun grabbers. BE ye not fooled. This old argument about hunting is one the libs and so-called progressives are using to try and obfuscate the terms. We cannot allow it. For one we all know and must adhere to the fact that the second amendment is not about hunting rights. But, this is the way they won in England, Austria and Australia. This is part of the same PR campaign put up by the gun grabbers in the U.N, now they seek to do it to us here, slowly but surely.

[Guest Len]

Ummm excuse me. Hold it right there for a minute.

The NRA has not endorsed ANYONE for president as of yet.

Well, maybe not technically...

But, as you know, much of NRA's time in Louisville was spent making Obama/Clinton look like satan incarnate while practically fawning all over McCain. The message essentially was "Vote for Clinton/Obama and the world will come to an end, meanwhile over here we have this real nice American Patriot who answered all of Wayne's and Chris' questions perfectly."

Certainly not an official endorsement, but I think the subtle underlying message managed to leak out...

The NRA is a large organization, with millions of members and an audience of hundreds of millions. We are never going to please everyone with every policy and idea, whether large or small. Some will quibble over minute bylaws changes, others will debate the merits of Ted Nugent vs Tom Selleck, others the finer points of wording in some obscure bill in the Montana state House. But all in all, if you agree with the basic principles on which NRA was founded, you should plunk down your $35.00. Too much? I can get you in for $25.00.

[The Rabbi]

But Obama and Clinton ARE Satan incarnate. They are irredeemable as their track records and public statements are unambiguous.

McCain at least is redeemable and no doubt part of his appearance there was to shore up both his support for the NRA and theirs for him.

But the NRA does not need to endorse anyone. THey might just choose not to.

[G27]

Thanks for the push, got my NRA member number emailed to me just yesterday!

[GLOCKMEISTER]

1st of all, the NRA is really the only way to go to support gun rights, they are the only ones really doing anything on a National Level... that said we sure could use some help here in Tennessee. I'm a member, have been and plan on always being.

Now on the election, no gun owner, nor real American in their right mind should vote for Obama... period... He has no positive qualities to fill the position at all, and no record to show what little he has done.

On the other side McCain is the only option out there, btw ... What legislation and exactly when has Mccain voted against gun owners?

[G27]

On the other side McCain is the only option out there, btw ... What legislation and exactly when has Mccain voted against gun owners?

Not ideal from a 2A perspective, but far better than Obama: http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/John_McCain_Gun_Control.htm

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

You can go here to get the membership for $25/yr.

https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp?CampaignID=XS019289

[GLOCKMEISTER]

Not ideal from a 2A perspective, but far better than Obama: http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/John_McCain_Gun_Control.htm

<CENTER>I know how to use guns; but I don't own one

</CENTER>Q: Tell us about your gun collection, roughly how many you own, what your favorite make, model and caliber is, if any of them require a tax stamp?

A: For a long time I used a lot of guns, including carrying a .45 as a pilot flying in combat over Vietnam. I know how to use guns. I don't own one now. <CENTER>Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida Nov 28, 2007 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership

</CENTER>John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals--criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.

<CENTER>Source: Campaign website, www.johnmccain.com, "Issues" Sep 1, 2007 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Don't hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes

</CENTER>John McCain opposes backdoor attempts to restrict Second Amendment rights by holding gun manufacturers liable for crimes committed by third parties using a firearm, and has voted to protect gun manufacturers from such inappropriate liability aimed at bankrupting the entire gun industry. McCain says, "Neither justice nor domestic peace are served by holding the innocent responsible for the acts of the criminal."

<CENTER>Source: Campaign website, www.johnmccain.com, "Issues" Sep 1, 2007 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types

</CENTER>

• McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans.
  
• McCain opposes bans on the importation of certain types of ammunition magazines and has voted against such limitations.
  
• McCain believes that banning ammunition is just another way to undermine Second Amendment rights. He voted against an amendment that would have banned many of the most commonly used hunting cartridges on the spurious grounds that they were "armor-piercing."
  

<CENTER>Source: Campaign website, www.johnmccain.com, "Issues" Sep 1, 2007 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Calls for GOP "tolerance" of closing gun show loopholes

</CENTER>A recall petition drive was started in June 2001 by the Arizona far right. The petition complained that McCain was disloyal to the President, especially in voting against his tax bill, and it also complained about his proposal to close the gun show loophole. One form of the petition accused him of backing "dishonest and treasonist" legislation. Several of the petitions were posted at gun shops.

The NRA was particularly angry with him for its being included in his campaign finance reform bill, and for trying to tighten a loophole in the gun control laws. McCain himself was sufficiently concerned that he sent a 4-page, single-spaced letter to every GOP precinct leader in Arizona. He called for "greater tolerance" for Republicans "who occasionally dissent" from one or another majority position held by a party. He explained his vote against Bush's tax cut and talked about the need to build up national defense, about his work on the patients' bill of rights, and the gun show loophole. <CENTER>Source: Citizen McCain, by Elizabeth Drew, p. 78-79 May 7, 2002 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks

</CENTER>McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. He said he is intrigued by new technology that electronically identifies a person handling a gun, allowing only the owner to fire it. McCain rallied Senate Republicans behind a Democratic measure requiring background checks at gun shows.

<CENTER>Source: Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press Aug 17, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Supports ban on certain assault weapons

</CENTER>McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details.

<CENTER>Source: Los Angeles Times, “McCain Calls for Hearings†Aug 17, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban

</CENTER>McCain spoke generally of the need for some tighter gun controls on hardened criminals and children. In Congress, he pressured his colleagues to require background checks for buyers at guns shows, and he supported a requirement that trigger locks be sold with handguns. But the Senator opposed the two major gun-control measures of recent years, the 1994 ban on several types of assault weapons and the Brady Bill, which required a 5-day waiting period for handgun purchases.

<CENTER>Source: Todd S. Purdum, New York Times, p. A14 Aug 17, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos

</CENTER>If you want to take every gun in and dump it in the ocean, I’ll still take you to a Web site where it teaches children how to build a pipe bomb. And I’ll take you to a Web site where the worst kind of hate language that is terribly offensive to all of us exists. I can take you to a video game being sold to our children where the object of the game is to kill police. I understand the importance of weapons, but to define that as being the major cause [of youth violence], there’s a whole lot of causes.

<CENTER>Source: Todd S. Purdum, New York Times, p. A14 Aug 17, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights

</CENTER>We need to focus on halting the spread of violent crime and punishing violent criminals who abuse their Second Amendment rights, while preserving those same rights for law-abiding Americans.

<CENTER>Source: www.mccain2000.com/ “Press Releases†May 10, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids

</CENTER>McCain has introduced the “Youth Violence Prevention Act.â€

• The legislation would:
  
• prevent juveniles from illegal access to weapons and punish those who would assist them in doing so
  
• prohibit juveniles who commit acts of gun violence from purchasing guns in the future
  
• sentence juveniles convicted of violent crimes under adult guidelines
  
• and punish juveniles who illegally carry or use handguns in schools.
  

<CENTER>Source: www.mccain2000.com/ “Press Releases†May 10, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use

</CENTER>

• McCain supports the following principles regarding gun issues:
  
• Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
  
• Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
  
• McCain says, “There are penalties for criminals who use firearms.â€
  

<CENTER>Source: Project Vote Smart, 1998, www.vote-smart.org Jul 2, 1998 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.

</CENTER>A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES would:

• Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
  
• Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
  
• Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was brought
  
• Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
  
• Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety devices
  

<CENTER>Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence.

</CENTER>Vote to pass a bill that would block certain civil lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, dealers and importers of firearms and ammunition, mainly those lawsuits aimed at making them liable for gun violence. In this bill, trade groups would also be protected The bill would call for the dismissal of pending lawsuits against the gun industry. The exception would be lawsuits regarding a defect in a weapon or ammunition. It also would provide a 10-year reauthorization of the assault weapons ban which is set to expire in September 2004. The bill would increase the penalties for gun-related violent or drug trafficking crimes which have not resulted in death, to a minimum of 15 years imprisonment. The bill calls for criminal background checks on all firearm transactions at gun shows where at least 75 guns are sold. Exemptions would be made available for dealers selling guns from their homes as well as members-only gun swaps and meets carried out by nonprofit hunting clubs.

<CENTER>Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S.1805/H.R.1036 ; vote number 2004-30 on Mar 2, 2004 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted NO on background checks at gun shows.

</CENTER>Require background checks on all firearm sales at gun shows.

Status: Amdt Agreed to Y)50; N)50; VP decided YES

<CENTER>Reference: Lautenberg Amdt #362; Bill S. 254 ; vote number 1999-134 on May 20, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations.

</CENTER>The Hatch amdt would increase mandatory penalties for the illegal transfer or use of firearms, fund additional drug case prosecutors, and require background check on purchasers at gun shows. [A YES vote supports stricter penalties].

Status: Amdt Agreed to Y)48; N)47; NV)5

<CENTER>Reference: Hatch Amendment #344; Bill S. 254 ; vote number 1999-118 on May 14, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows.

</CENTER>Vote to table or kill a motion to require that all gun sales at gun shows be completed by federally licensed gun dealers. Also requires background checks to be completed on buyers and requires gun show promoters to register with the Treasury.

<CENTER>Reference: Bill S.254 ; vote number 1999-111 on May 11, 1999 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks.

</CENTER>Vote to table [kill] an amendment to make it unlawful for gun dealers to sell handguns without providing trigger locks. Violation of the law would result in civil penalties, such as suspension or revocation of the dealer's license, or a fine.

<CENTER>Reference: Bill S 2260 ; vote number 1998-216 on Jul 21, 1998 </CENTER>

<CENTER>Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC.

</CENTER>McCain co-sponsored banning gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC

• Nothing in any provision of law shall authorize the Mayor, or any governmental authority of the District of Columbia, to prohibit possessing firearms by a person who is allowed to possess firearms under federal law.
  
• Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms.
  
• Repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.
  
• Repeals the District's registration requirement for possession of firearms.
  
• Repeals the trigger lock law.
  
• Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle.
  
• Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm.
  
• Specifies exceptions to the prohibition against carrying concealed weapons in the District. <CENTER>Source: D.C. Personal Protection Act (H.R.1399/S.1001) 2007-S1001 on Mar 27, 2007 </CENTER>
  

<CENTER> </CENTER><CENTER> </CENTER>