National Rifle Association, Why I Still Support It

Sierra Time s ^ | 12--04-02 | Sheriff Michael E. Cook

[SJackson]

Last week I asked people to help the National Rifle Association. Well I got a bunch of feedback from people who were upset that I would consider the NRA for help. Some even blamed the NRA for the bad gun laws that were passed by Congress. Well I think some things need to be said in this regard, so here goes.

I'm an Endowment Member of the NRA. I learned about this organization from my father when I was a small child in the 50's. My father was an Endowment Member and a very loyal member of the NRA his entire life. He passed on to me my passion for this great nation of ours and the fight to protect our rights. So I became involved in the NRA and have always backed them through good and bad times.

The NRA I grew up knowing had many duties in this great nation of ours. They were formed to help civilian marksmanship. They published magazines that talked about our hunting heritage and firearms. These were the things that they are required to do. The National Museum is one of the best I have ever seen. All these things and the training they make available for law enforcement and citizens is without comparison. The shooting facilities they have built and helped build are without comparison. The competition shooting they support and the Olympics is top notch. None of these things would be so good without the NRA.

The political side of the NRA known as the NRA/ILA only gets money from those who send it in to them for that purpose. You see, they can't use member money for political purposes. That is against the charter and believe me Uncle Sam is watching them real close. So the funds for the political fight are not as great as many think.

Now let me say right up front that I don't always agree with the NRA on every political stance they take. I was upset about the way they leaned on the CARA bill and told them so. That even caused me to have to cancel a Friend Dinner here in my county because of the strong feelings of those who live here about that bill. My county is a very strong pro NRA county with almost 46% of the voting population being members of the NRA.

The point is that any organization or elected person must make decision's that don't please everyone. That is impossible to do. That doesn't mean that the person is wrong or undeserving of support. The NRA is no different. This organization is run by it's members who vote in their representatives. Once again the majority must be happy with what they are doing or they wouldn't vote them in over and over. Majority still rules.

I know that Mr. Knox attempted to get control of the NRA a few times and change the direction of the NRA. I have great respect for Mr. Knox and his knowledge. I don't agree with all his politics and there are many who don't. That doesn't make him or me always right. I also know there are many who believe Mr. Knox is right and that is their right. For them to say that the rest of us are not out attempting to save our rights and the Constitution is wrong and very sad. That shows those who would take those rights that we are divided and gives them hope.

I have never attacked those people in public because I don't want to hurt the cause. I think they should have the same respect for those of us who don't always agree with them. I also believe that they will find that there are many areas we do agree on. Those are what we should keep in front of the public.

Like it or not the NRA is still the largest lobby we have protecting our rights under the Second Amendment. They swing the most power on the hill and in state politics for our point of view. That means that if you don't help them you are not part of the big team and so your voice has less effect. If every gun owner who loves this nation and our rights would help the NRA we could get so much done. Many of the complaints that so many have wouldn't be a problem.

This is one of our problems in this nation is there are so many setting back and letting everyone else fight their fight for them. There are also those who don't want to help because they don't believe the NRA is doing it right. They will continue to cause us to lose ground until they get on board and fight. Change only comes from within, not from the outside taking shots. I hope this clears up my view.

God Bless America. Michael E. Cook,
Coos County Sheriff, Retired

© 2002 SierraTimes.com

[SJackson]

*bang_list

[Tijeras_Slim]

Ping

[Tijeras_Slim]

The political side of the NRA known as the NRA/ILA only gets money from those who send it in to them for that purpose. You see, they can't use member money for political purposes.

This bears repeating, especially in light of how Unions and organizations like the NEA use member money to advance the liberal agenda in direct violation of the laws. Once again, conservatives are punished for being honest, which all liberal RATs view as a sucker's game anyway.

[Huck]

What do you think of the man's points?

[airborne]

Here's a personal story on why I support the NRA. I belong to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association.
Recently, with the help of the NRA and Dave Baskin, who is an NRA shooting instructor for people with disabilites, our Lebanon,PA group formed an air rifle shooting team. There are a couple of Veterans who have told me that they are so grateful for this chance to get out and do something like this. One fellow told me, "I finally have a reason to get up in the morning."
The NRA is more than a gun lobby. It is an organisation that provides services to a wide variety of local groups.
BTW, our team receives our 5 individual and 3 team medals for 2002 NRA/EPVA Annual Air Rifle Competition. We beat 6 other V.A. teams in the PA, NY, NJ area. (gloat)

[Destructor]

"God Bless America. Michael E. Cook, Coos County Sheriff, Retired"

A true American if ever there was one!

[Vision]

I will always support the NRA. They were only only ones to stand up to Clinton in 2000. Even some conservatives denounced that. But LaPierre(?) spoke and shot them down on that Sunday morning show.

[SJackson]

Illinois firearms & Second Ammendment ping list. If you'd like to be added or removed, please FRMail me..

[stevio]

I totally agree with this retired Sheriff's position, man it's good to have these guys on our side. I get a little frustrated when people refuse to join the NRA because they are not Second Amendment enough, as they are for me at times. If that's the case, you should also join GOA, JPFA and/or local groups. Strength in numbers my friends.

[Gorzaloon]

I will always support the NRA. They were only only ones to stand up to Clinton in 2000. Even some conservatives denounced that. But LaPierre(?) spoke and shot them down on that Sunday morning show

Within one month of the Clintons being elected, my wife and I both upgraded to Life Memberships.

It was our way of voting twice, without being dead or Democrat.

[Protagoras]

You really mean, what do I think of Reagan's 11th commandment don't you?

[jrp]

NRA Life Member BUMP

[Shooter 2.5]

Thanks for the ping.

As my profile page says, I'm an Endowment Member of the NRA. I enjoy working with them, I enjoyed working with the other members who were active in electing Jeb Hensarling who is an A rated Candidate for the Fifth Congressional District this election.

When I go to my High Power Matches, it's run by NRA members with NRA rules. My "Shooting Sports USA" Magazine has half a dozen pages of NRA sanctioned matches across the country and I could easily spend every weekend shooting in different disiplines all sponsored by the NRA.

The NRA does the best it can although no group is perfect. If someone doesn't like the NRA, there are other gun groups to join. We have to work together to defeat the enemies of the Constitution.

[bmwcyle]

I pass the main office driving on interstate 66 before I exit for my house. I pull a salute everytime I pass. It pisses off my girlfriend as I tell her they are defending our freedom.

[vetvetdoug]

Unfortunately the only way most liberal women can signal the "V" for victory is by spreading their legs.

[MissTargets]

You might already are aware of this, but I thought I would send you this link.

wheelchair trapshoots

[bboop]

I saw earlier this am a thread about Terrorist Hunting Stickers and a 1-800 number (1-800-356-2869). That number is no good and now I haven't the faintest idea where I saw that original post... (such a brain)... Anybody know??? thanks.

[hot august night]

Thank God for the NRA, and all those hard-working people who lead it like Charlton Heston and Wayne LaPierre. Despite being vilified and trashed in the press every day, they keep walking the walk, and continue to fight to keep our right to self-defense alive and well. I was devastated to hear about Charlton's Alzheimers, and pray for him regularly. I'm proud to be a member of the NRA, and wear my caps and T-shirts with pride (despite all the dirty looks I get since I live in the People's Republic of NJ). I sent NRA/ILA another donation a fews ago.

[airborne]

Thanks. I participated in a trapshoot at the 22nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games this July in Cleveland. It was a blast!(pun intended)
Actually, I won 5 gold and 3 bronze medals over the last two years at this event. But my true love is archery.I won gold both years. and am preparing myself for competition at a higher level. My goal is to make the USA Paralympic Archery Team. In fact, archery is, to my knowledge, the only event that a paraplegic is eligible to compete in the regular Olympics, there being no need for rule modification.