CNN describes a reason to support the NRA

[netcoyote]

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but it amazes me that there are still some gun owners and hunters who refuse to join the NRA. As the media vultures hover over the latest tragedy in Colorado, CNN has captured one of the best reason for supporting the NRA. In their own words:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/20/us/colorado-gun-control-debate/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
...
"Democrats including President Barack Obama know that the National Rifle Association, the nation's pre-eminent gun-rights group, can influence swing states against candidates who threaten the NRA's advocacy of the Second Amendment.

"The NRA is an extremely powerful organization and they deliver votes and they deliver money," said Jim Manley, a former Democrat strategist who now works for QGA, a public affairs group in Washington. "For many Democrats, it's smart politics not to get into the gun-control debate."

The NRA wasn't immediately engaging in legislative talk in the shooting's aftermath Friday: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the community. NRA will not have any further comment until all the facts are known," spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said in a statement.

But at its annual meeting in April, NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre told member that his group is going to deliver a "loud and clear" message to Democrat Obama.

"When we're done speaking out, sir, gun owners will have made the difference in key precincts in battleground states," LaPierre said, "and you'll have us to blame for your defeat in November!"
...

I am convinced the only reason we have the freedom to own firearms today is because of the NRA's constant vigilance and organizations like them.

I'm sure if it were left up to individuals to defend the second amendment alone, we would have seen our guns turned over to the government and melted down to make Prius's by now.

[ICEMAN]

Totally agree. Although not perfect, the NRA has saved our rights to date, and set the stage for other groups to help as well.

[pianoman9701]

You don't have to completely agree with the NRA, but it's clear that that organization stands in the way of restrictions on our second amendment rights. Joining and maintaining a membership with the NRA is essential to ensure that we sportsmen continue to enjoy the passions that we have, that we're  able to protect our families, our homes, and our possessions, and that we are all able to continue to realize the protections of our beloved Constitution.

[Johnb317]

     We all lose when we don't stand together.
First it will be hand guns, then assault rifles, then any semi auto. 
Franklin  said anyone who gives up liberty for the sake of safety Deserve neither.

Member 35+ years

If you aren't a member join today!   

[jrebel]

Me, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son are all lifetime members thanks to grandpa / father-in-law.  Wife will be the next to become a Lifetime member.      If there was ever a time to join now is it. 

[netcoyote]

Numbers count. When my kids were younger, I would buy them each a membership. Now that they are on their own, several of them still buy their own membership. Not sure they would be doing that without earlier exposure.

Life member...

[Bean Counter]

NRA has accomplished much that smaller organizations have a tough time doing. That said, they won't receive my funds in the future unless things change. The NRA lost my support after withdrawing opposition to the Disclose Act, after receiving a sweet heart deal that would effectively benefitted it only and not other pro RKBA groups at the federal level. I'm open to changing my mind, but it seems like they're interested in a power monopoly amongst gun owners than working with other RKBA interests.

[bearpaw]

There was an important issue a couple years ago that NRA waffled on and I was very upset that they sold out on the issue, I wrote them a message asking to discontinue my life membership. I'm still not sure if they ever did, it appears I am still a member, they must have figured I would cool off after that issue passed. 

Since then I have come to the realization that regardless of that issue, we do need the NRA and they are obviously still the leading gun rights group. Even though they may not be perfect in my way of thinking as I am sure they are not perfect to many other gun owners, I will support them and hope others will too. There are several other gun groups that are deserving of support as well, but they do not have the influence that the NRA has, we definitely need to support the NRA.

[Bean Counter]

I don't want NRA to roll off a cliff and I continue to appreciate the work they do on behalf of the Second Amendment. Nevertheless, next time I open my wallet to actually "support" another org, it wont be NRA .

[Bob33]

I don't want NRA to roll off a cliff and I continue to appreciate the work they do on behalf of the Second Amendment. Nevertheless, next time I open my wallet to actually "support" another org, it wont be NRA .

What organization do you support that does more for gun owners?

[Bean Counter]

I did used to support the NRA financially, just not anymore. I also used to be a dues paying member of the Second Amendment Foundation. But I got tired of weekly fundraising letters from tangentially related interests. I may join GOA some time in the future but have yet to get it much thought.

My giving money has always been 10% off the top to my church. Not 2%, not 3%... 10%. I point that out to note that I do in fact put my money where I believe in the cause. If I am going to give my money somewhere, it had better represent me well. No: it doesn't have to be perfect, but I do want to be able to say that they speak for me. NRA's acquiescence to the DISCLOSE Act felt like a sell out to me.

Recently, most of my activist money has gone to candidates who represent my views in primary elections. I generally don't contribute much come time of general elections and usually plug my nose and bite my tongue as I vote for the likes of John McSame, as I will for Mitt Romney come November.  As far as the future of RKBA/2A goes, I also feel that supporting the industry by buying stuff also helps. I hope everyone here is accumulating a lifetime supply of ammo and guns so that no matter what happens on the political level we always have an armed populace.

[huntrights]

 
Here's my opinion:

The NRA is the largest and most effective organization that we have fighting for our right to keep and bear arms.  They have also become active in fighting for hunter's rights.  I believe they frequently join forces with other organizations such as USSA, SAF, and SCI to fight for our rights. 

All of these organizations will send you requests for donations; that's ok.  Everything costs money folks; they can't fight for our rights without funding.  If you can't contribute at the time they send a request, just ignore the request.  If they don't ask, would you go out of your way to contribute to the cause?  Probably not.

I believe that anyone who owns firearms, hunts, and wants to protect our rights should join all of these organizations (NRA, USSA, SAF, and SCI), and contribute to them when you can.

 

[Mudman]

Agree or disagree with NRA.  Bottom line we would be much worse off w/o them.