This was my reply to another TGT post; I believe it deserves its own Thread:
Some background from an Old Guy:
Some 35 years ago, there was a struggle for "control" of the NRA, "OUR" NRA.
Many saw the then "leadership" as too weak in support of the 2nd Amendment, too willing to compromise with restrictive laws weakening our 2A.
A very popular "Gun Personality", C. Neal Knox, was ousted over friction with Wayne LaPierre, but came back a few years later with very strong member support, to return to the board and once-again be a "thorn in LaPierre's side". This was known to many as "The Knox Revolt".
A board fight ensued, LaPierre won, Knox was ousted again, and the board closed ranks behind LaPierre.
BUT, this allowed LaPierre opportunity to insulate himself from future member discontent by a Machiavellian system of regulations, and his "fortress", the then-newly strong "nominating committee".
Wayne then anointed Charlton Heston for NRA President. Heston, who had played "Moses" on screen, and was seen as a sorta combo of Tom Selleck & Ronald Reagan. He won easily and satisfied most members, but the brouhaha had left LaPiere in unassailable control of the NRA, where he is still ensconed.
While LaPierre has superficially done an overall good job; it is unhealthy to have an organization with millions of active members continue under a protracted "dictatorship".
I am a LIFE Member of both NRA & TSRA, and was never interested in the internal NRA politics, until LaPierre became a "Big Star" of our side, by his own machinations.
At the big FONRA meeting in Austin some 25 years ago, LaPierre was treated like a "megastar", as if he were the Pope and George Washington in the flesh. It was patently disgusting to me.
LaPierre now firmly controls everything NRA, including the essential "NRA-ILA", ostensibly run by J.J. Baker. The ILA has made numerous BIG mistakes, despite member warnings, and LaPierre refuses to listen to member advice on their LOCAL political situations. This has alienated some important politicians, who should have been solidly "on our side" in D.C.
Secondary effects have been the rise of both GOA and USCCA, which are more member responsive, or at least seemingly so.
I hope this background helps younger folks understand why so many of us have lessened support of the NRA, as long as LaPierre is "dictator for life".
leVieux
Some background from an Old Guy:
Some 35 years ago, there was a struggle for "control" of the NRA, "OUR" NRA.
Many saw the then "leadership" as too weak in support of the 2nd Amendment, too willing to compromise with restrictive laws weakening our 2A.
A very popular "Gun Personality", C. Neal Knox, was ousted over friction with Wayne LaPierre, but came back a few years later with very strong member support, to return to the board and once-again be a "thorn in LaPierre's side". This was known to many as "The Knox Revolt".
A board fight ensued, LaPierre won, Knox was ousted again, and the board closed ranks behind LaPierre.
BUT, this allowed LaPierre opportunity to insulate himself from future member discontent by a Machiavellian system of regulations, and his "fortress", the then-newly strong "nominating committee".
Wayne then anointed Charlton Heston for NRA President. Heston, who had played "Moses" on screen, and was seen as a sorta combo of Tom Selleck & Ronald Reagan. He won easily and satisfied most members, but the brouhaha had left LaPiere in unassailable control of the NRA, where he is still ensconed.
While LaPierre has superficially done an overall good job; it is unhealthy to have an organization with millions of active members continue under a protracted "dictatorship".
I am a LIFE Member of both NRA & TSRA, and was never interested in the internal NRA politics, until LaPierre became a "Big Star" of our side, by his own machinations.
At the big FONRA meeting in Austin some 25 years ago, LaPierre was treated like a "megastar", as if he were the Pope and George Washington in the flesh. It was patently disgusting to me.
LaPierre now firmly controls everything NRA, including the essential "NRA-ILA", ostensibly run by J.J. Baker. The ILA has made numerous BIG mistakes, despite member warnings, and LaPierre refuses to listen to member advice on their LOCAL political situations. This has alienated some important politicians, who should have been solidly "on our side" in D.C.
Secondary effects have been the rise of both GOA and USCCA, which are more member responsive, or at least seemingly so.
I hope this background helps younger folks understand why so many of us have lessened support of the NRA, as long as LaPierre is "dictator for life".
leVieux