National Reciprocity

[safecracker]

Harry Reid is blocking the vote because he fears it will pass. Rand Paul is pushing hard for the vote:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jul/5/gunning-for-dc/

 

[dist1646]

Didn't the NRA endorse Harry Reid?

 

[MDFF2008]

I object to giving DC residents the right to buy a gun in any state in the union. I don't get that perk.

Limit it to MD and VA.

 

[GNLaFrance]

Didn't the NRA endorse Harry Reid?

No, not really. NRA has run it up the flagpole a time or two, but it attracted more flak than salutes, so they hauled it back down. And even if the organization had endorsed Dingy Harry, what would that have to do with the subject of the OP?

 

[leroygibbs]

I object to giving DC residents the right to buy a gun in any state in the union. I don't get that perk.

Limit it to MD and VA.

Heck, they're not a state, so why not? Especially if it keeps their votes from counting in the presidential elections.

 

[safecracker]

Didn't the NRA endorse Harry Reid?

The NRA considered endorsing him during his 2010 Senate campaign due to the 'B' rating (indicating PRO-gun rights) that they gave him. They pulled their support due to the huge outcry by conservatives. Sometimes the NRA refuses to look at the big picture with respect to a candidate and focuses only on their gun voting record. The conservative leaning of their membership notwithstanding, the narrow view of the NRA (with respect to their rating of candidates) is not surprising when you think about it as the NRA is, first and foremost, a gun rights organization. I imagine that the NRA feels safer with a proven 'B' rated Democrat than a Republican with no track record on gun rights.


NRA Ratings For Congressional Candidates:

The following ratings are based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionaire sent to all Congressional candidates; the NRA assigned a letter grade (with A+ being the highest and F being the lowest).

What the Grades Mean:
A+: A legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.
A: Solidly pro-gun candidate including voting record.
AQ: A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record.
B: A generally pro-gun candidate; may have opposed some pro-gun reform in the past.
C: A candidate with a mixed record or positions on gun related issues, who may oppose some pro-gun positions.
D: An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.
F: True enemy of gun owners' rights. A consistent anti-gun candidate.
?: Refused to answer the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire, often an indication of indifference, if not outright hostility, to gun owners' rights.

 

[dist1646]

No, not really. NRA has run it up the flagpole a time or two, but it attracted more flak than salutes, so they hauled it back down. And even if the organization had endorsed Dingy Harry, what would that have to do with the subject of the OP?

Has to do with the big picture of why things are so messed up in this world. As I recall, the NRA supported Reid in Nevada and did well publicised photo ops with him at a newly opened range in Nevada. Since Reid in in the OP as opposing the measure, I feel that people should be aware of who pro-gun lobby organizations are supporting with your donations. They also donated to Md. senate president Mike Miller and that is public record though this info is not related to the OP.

 

[GNLaFrance]

The conservative leaning of their membership notwithstanding, the narrow view of the NRA is not surprising when you think about it as the NRA is, first and foremost, a gun rights organization.

The NRA's view isn't narrow at all; it's wider now than it ever has been. In the beginning, the Association was entirely about promoting shooting skills, specifically riflery. When, in the 20th century, serious threats to the right to keep and bear arms arose, the organization necessarily began to focus on the civil rights aspect. Thus, the NRA is the oldest civil rights organization in the nation.

The organization's main missions are still, and have always been, to promote firearm and hunting safety, enhance marksmanship in shooting sports, and educate citizens on firearms in the contexts of history, technology and art. Defending gun rights is merely the most obvious aspect all the things the Association does.

 

[GNLaFrance]

Has to do with the big picture of why things are so messed up in this world. As I recall, the NRA supported Reid in Nevada and did well publicised photo ops with him at a newly opened range in Nevada. Since Reid in in the OP as opposing the measure, I feel that people should be aware of who pro-gun lobby organizations are supporting with your donations. They also donated to Md. senate president Mike Miller and that is public record though this info is not related to the OP.

You recall wrongly. As has already been pointed out to you, the NRA never went so far as to actually endorse Sen. Reid. If you can find any official NRA announcement of an endorsement of Reid, please post a link to it here.

As far as bad political decisions are concerned, the NRA has made many more than I think you're aware of. Regardless, it is the 600 pound gorilla, and maintaining my membership and promoting the Association is worth my time and trouble.

 

[safecracker]

The NRA's view isn't narrow at all; it's wider now than it ever has been. In the beginning, the Association was entirely about promoting shooting skills, specifically riflery. When, in the 20th century, serious threats to the right to keep and bear arms arose, the organization necessarily began to focus on the civil rights aspect. Thus, the NRA is the oldest civil rights organization in the nation.

The organization's main missions are still, and have always been, to promote firearm and hunting safety, enhance marksmanship in shooting sports, and educate citizens on firearms in the contexts of history, technology and art. Defending gun rights is merely the most obvious aspect all the things the Association does.

By 'narrow', I was referring to the basis on which they rate candidates. The ratings are based on their gun voting records and support for gun rights. These ratings DO NOT consider the candidate's record on any other issue, regardless of how liberal or conservative their voting record may otherwise be.

 

[Boondock Saint]

You recall wrong. As has already been pointed out to you, the NRA never went so far as to actually endorse Sen. Reid. If you can find any official NRA announcement of an endorsement of Reid, please post a link to it here.

As far as bad political decisions are concerned, the NRA has made many more than I think you're aware of. Regardless, it is the 600 pound gorilla, and maintaining my membership and promoting the Association is worth my time and trouble.

Correct. NRA specifically did not endorse Reid in the last election: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/41538.html

 

[GNLaFrance]

By 'narrow', I was referring to the basis on which they rate candidates. The ratings are based on their gun voting records and support for gun rights. These ratings DO NOT consider the candidate's record on any other issue, regardless of how liberal or conservative their voting record my otherwise be.

Ah, okay, I've got it now. Yes, I think the way they rate candidates is need of an overhaul.

 

[safecracker]

Ah, okay, I've got it now. Yes, I think the way they rate candidates is need of an overhaul.

The way I worded things created some confusion. I edited the post for clarity.

 

[safecracker]

As far as bad political decisions are concerned, the NRA has made many more than I think you're aware of. Regardless, it is the 600 pound gorilla, and maintaining my membership and promoting the Association is worth my time and trouble.

I agree 100%. The NRA has made it's share of mistakes in the past but they will always have my support.

 

[swinokur]

What's the alternative? GOA?

No way IMO.

 

[GNLaFrance]

What's the alternative? GOA?

No way IMO.

I have a catholic attitude about gun rights organizations - see my sig block

 

[safecracker]

I have a catholic attitude about gun rights organizations - see my sig block

I feel the same way..... I belong to a bunch of orgs., including Monumental. At the end of the day, we are all on the same team.

Are you a CW reenactor? Your name looks familiar from my days on the AC forums.....

 

[GNLaFrance]

Are you a CW reenactor? Your name looks familiar from my days on the AC forums.....

I am 'Frenchie' LaFrance! Formerly of Co'y B, 3rd US Regular Infantry Reg't! Golly, I haven't been on the Authentic Campaigner forum in ages. I pop in to the Civil War Reenactors forum from time to time. I'll have to check the AC and see if they've managed to drive Paul out of his mind yet

 

[safecracker]

OK I thought your name looked familiar. My name on AC was 'Grenadier'. I bailed on the site after skirmishing with some dumbasses about the safety and legality of disarming and possessing live CW-era ordnance. This was after that untrained dummy blew himself up in Va.

I was a member of the Southern Guard until internal politics destroyed the unit. Haven't done much in the last few years except for some civvy stuff at Governor's Island.

I'm on the right in the pic with Tim Ertel at an event at Pt. Lookout.

 

[GNLaFrance]

I was a member of the Southern Guard until internal politics destroyed the unit.

A common lament, and the story is always ugly.

I'm on the right in the pic with Tim Ertel at an event at Pt. Lookout.

A very "authentic" photograph - who struck it?