Where is the NRA?

[dblas]

That's me, not heavily involved though following with great interest. Blame the liberal media maybe. When I checked in on progress via the internet or TV I simply never heard about the NRA's efforts or never heard a representative speak. The media tended to interview protesters who ran the gamut from well-informed and well-spoken to disheveled and irate.

Ah, OK, even more reason to perhaps use the search function on topics of "interest." Just a thought, not an accusation.

 

[Mr H]

The truth is that I have always felt that the NRA didn't really do much for us because they felt we were a "lost cause". We constantly vote these socialist A-holes into office and we are upset when they do what socialists do.
Last year was different, we got mobilized and went to Annapolis and mailed, called and e-mailed the hell out of them.
The NRA noticed that we were finally going to try and help ourselves so they jumped in and helped. Shannon, the NRA rep spent A LOT of time in Annapolis (a lot of it behind the scenes)
You don't want the NRA to be the focus of the fight, it's too easy for the media and liberals to dismiss them as "out of touch lobbyists". It's much better when the everyday citizens are the ones in the forefront.

The bolded above is the key.

They fight where there is support to fight, and the bang for the buck has the greatest chance of effecting change.

 

[SRD]

The truth is that I have always felt that the NRA didn't really do much for us because they felt we were a "lost cause". We constantly vote these socialist A-holes into office and we are upset when they do what socialists do.
Last year was different, we got mobilized and went to Annapolis and mailed, called and e-mailed the hell out of them.
The NRA noticed that we were finally going to try and help ourselves so they jumped in and helped. Shannon, the NRA rep spent A LOT of time in Annapolis (a lot of it behind the scenes)
You don't want the NRA to be the focus of the fight, it's too easy for the media and liberals to dismiss them as "out of touch lobbyists". It's much better when the everyday citizens are the ones in the forefront.

+1

 

[dblas]

With all due respect, if that's "rocking them back on their heels", I'd hate to see what happens when they break it off in us.

They tried to, but instead of taking the whole thing, we managed to clench our cheeks and only take the tip. Had the used lube, provided a reach around and perhaps a kiss, the might have gotten more. Butt they didn't

 

[dblas]

That's me, not heavily involved though following with great interest. Blame the liberal media maybe. When I checked in on progress via the internet or TV I simply never heard about the NRA's efforts or never heard a representative speak. The media tended to interview protesters who ran the gamut from well-informed and well-spoken to disheveled and irate.

Might I suggest that this year, you become a little more involved.

 

[Huckleberry]

Also, if anyone doesn' t like the way the NRA is being run then 5 yr Membership and Up gives you not just voting privileges but you can run for the NRA board as well.

If you only go for the 1 yr for competitions and classes or get an occasional membership because you got it with a gun show admission then fine and dandy but don't complain about how the NRA is being run.

 

[eruby]

You reap what you sow.

Do you really think your post was polite and informative?

As for being a "Moderate", the time for being a "Summer Soldier and Sunshine Patriot" is quickly drawing to a close in Maryland and the rest of our Country if we want to save not just the 2A but all of our Bill of Rights.

Once the 2A is gone, do you think the 1A and the rest all of our Rights are going to be respected and honored by those career politicians and bureaucratic Statists inside the DC Beltway?

Now you can either man up and join our fight or take your hurt feelings and slink away, makes no difference but to you.

Win!!!!!

 

[STeveZ]

Ah, OK, even more reason to perhaps use the search function on topics of "interest." Just a thought, not an accusation.

I did search "nra" before posting and the result did not relate to their involvement in MD 2A (mostly national issues and training announcements). Restricting my search to this forum (which I just did) admittedly returned a lot of results.

Regarding further involvement, well that's what prompted my post. I received a MSI update this morning and wondered to myself; given the history, isn't going to Annapolis a fairly futile gesture? Call me pragmatic but isn't life too short to pursue a cause that may be truly lost? I may just have to come see for myself.

 

[vinjet700]

Rather than coming in with an accusatory tone, as if you KNOW that the NRA wasn't there, you could ask.......

Your post was not one of inquiry.

Also, if anyone doesn' t like the way the NRA is being run then 5 yr Membership and Up gives you not just voting privileges but you can run for the NRA board as well.

If you only go for the 1 yr for competitions and classes or get an occasional membership because you got it with a gun show admission then fine and dandy but don't complain about how the NRA is being run.

this ^^^^^^ on both...

 

[ShallNotInfringe]

That's me, not heavily involved though following with great interest. Blame the liberal media maybe. When I checked in on progress via the internet or TV I simply never heard about the NRA's efforts or never heard a representative speak. The media tended to interview protesters who ran the gamut from well-informed and well-spoken to disheveled and irate.

Come on down to 'Naptown! Its never too late to get involved.

We need as many foot soldiers as possible down there to represent the 2A. Any day is good. The NRA is doing a lot down there, but nothing beats a constituent showing up to make a visit, IMHO. Shows they took the time to share their concerns and will most likely talk to their neighbors/community about the reception down there. Schedule/visit your representatives, let them know you are out there and that you either support them for supporting the 2A (if they voted against that monstrosity) or that you were NOT represented by their vote (if they voted for it). At least they know you are actively watching and may be the one voice that makes them rethink their votes this year. The FSA is up for repeal, who knows.

Let us know if you need some orientation or someone to walk you through the process.

 

[DC-W]

I can understand why some folks don't think that the NRA is involved here, but if one has spent time in Annapolis last year when the FSA of 2013 was being legislated, they'd know the NRA is working very hard with us.

The NRA does have to keep a certain amount of distance with their visibility however. They are supporting the lawsuits against the laws passed last year, but they should not spearhead it all for us. This resistance must come from Marylanders, not directly from a mammoth national group like the NRA. I mean no offense at all towards the NRA in saying that, but their name here in MD is poison because of the political makeup in Annapolis. That's why local groups and citizens are plaintiffs in this case.

The NRA is supporting us and they will so long as we all put forth the effort in restoring our rights.

Oh and Shannon Alford kicks ass.

 

[dblas]

Come on down to 'Naptown! Its never too late to get involved.

We need as many foot soldiers as possible down there to represent the 2A. Any day is good. The NRA is doing a lot down there, but nothing beats a constituent showing up to make a visit, IMHO. Shows they took the time to share their concerns and will most likely talk to their neighbors/community about the reception down there. Schedule/visit your representatives, let them know you are out there and that you either support them for supporting the 2A (if they voted against that monstrosity) or that you were NOT represented by their vote (if they voted for it). At least they know you are actively watching and may be the one voice that makes them rethink their votes this year. The FSA is up for repeal, who knows.

Let us know if you need some orientation or someone to walk you through the process.

And THIS ^^^^^^^^^

Now that we have brow beat him, lets get him up to speed on what is going on this session.

 

[MDFF2008]

The NRA is in Maryland; but the problem is that Maryland is so liberal, and the NRA is the great satan to liberals. So they can't do too much.

When Maryland residents shut down the Senate building last year, lawmakers were afraid; then in one sentence, leadership allayed their fears.

"Oh, those are just NRA people who got robocalled, they don't represent real Marylanders."

In their minds, NRA is a bunch of mindless backwoods hicks who enjoy seeing kids get shot, not "real marylanders". When they head about the robocalling, it destroyed some of the momentum we built.

 

[ShallNotInfringe]

And THIS ^^^^^^^^^

Now that we have brow beat him, lets get him up to speed on what is going on this session.

And you just might run into the NRA rep while you're there

 

[Hopalong]

To the OP:

1. When you make a post like yours that sounds more accusatory than inquisatory, your reply will not likely be all rainbows and unicorns.

2. I can tell you from firsthand experience working with the NRA's Maryland state legislative rep that they have not written us off, and they are busting their humps to help us. Heck, I was on a conference call with her this week setting up our upcoming 2A Tuesday event.

3. Given the current political climate in Maryland, the NRA is a very convenient boogyman for the gun control crowd to use against us. One of the most visible things that the NRA did last year was send out a wave of "robo-calls" to members about one of our later events, and the media jumped all over it. Because of this, most of their support has been behind the scenes while local groups are the more visible face of the fight.


If you're really interested in keeping up with what's going on and/or want to help out, join MSI. They send out updates as to what's going on, and provide plenty of opportunity for members to step and help the cause.

 

[LCPIWB]

I have been to practically all the rallies and calls to action in the last couple years.
If you have been to ANY, even just one, you would think it was sponsreed by the NRA due to all the posters passed out.

I personally....I personally wish that NRA posters were not passed around. I want politicians to see that "I" am there, as voter, a citizen, and this is my voice and I am not a stooge for the NRA. While I am a NRA 5 year member, I refuse to hold a poster for them at the rally that is advertising NRA.

 

[Traveler]

Good points, all.

With the make up of the GA, the chances of getting any meaningful pro-2A legislation through is minimal. Most of them know their jobs are safe. Their constituents are either in favor of what they are doing, or really don't care either way. All the lobbying in the world won't make a difference. That said, if you look at the original draft of SB281, and the one that passed, we made a huge difference. It may not feel like it but it is true. Some people feel that if we did more that somehow these Kool-Aid drinking antis would have changed their mind. Not the case.

NRA was there in a big way. NRA continues to support MD in a big way. They have had the sense to know that they are seen as "the great Satan" in MD. It is best for them to take a back seat, while providing all the support we need. They have put ego aside and done just that.

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.

When people started emailing and calling their representatives, it came to light that shockingly few of them were even registered to vote. It is past due time to resolve that.

 

[ShallNotInfringe]

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.

When people starting emailing and calling their representatives, it came to light that shockingly few of them were even registered to vote. It is past due time to resolve that.

The thing that astounded me about their "revelation" about the folks not being registered to vote, is their lack of realization that that status could literally be changed overnight. And they have until June to make that happen,

 

[CyberBat]

As for being a "Moderate", the time for being a "Summer Soldier and Sunshine Patriot" is quickly drawing to a close in Maryland and the rest of our Country if we want to save not just the 2A but all of our Bill of Rights.

Once the 2A is gone, do you think the 1A and the rest all of our Rights are going to be respected and honored by those career politicians and bureaucratic Statists inside the DC Beltway?

Now you can either man up and join our fight or take your hurt feelings and slink away, makes no difference but to you.

When you are middle of the road, you just get hit from both sides.

I totally agree with your comment about losing the 2nd amendment. Losing one weakens them all. There have been many incursions made on Constitutional rights through the years, but if the change was something that didn't impact someone personally, they usually didn't care - the whole slice the salami effect. It has just served to embolden people who don't really believe the Constitution should be the basis for our form of government - from the president on down.

No diverse group will ever see eye to eye on every subject - including how to play nice in the forums. But we definitely need to be shoulder to shoulder together in opposition to whatever the antis throw at us.

I'm looking forward to 2A Tuesday in Annapolis - not because I think it will change a politician's mind, but because I hope to show solidarity with the people who are defending my right to bear arms and will encourage others to speak out who may not have participated in the past. And I hope to effect change in the membership of the GA - not the minds of the GA, but in who is a member. Let's start picking off some of those big ole targets hanging around - by voting in case anyone is wondering. Hi John Bohanan. Hope to see you soon!

 

[Traveler]

The thing that astounded me about their "revelation" about the folks not being registered to vote, is their lack of realization that that status could literally be changed overnight. And they have until June to make that happen,

Shades of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto?