If you are not a member of the NRA...

[40Arpent]

If you are not a member of the NRA, and you don't mind sharing, I'd like to hear your reason for not joining. If it's a matter of thinking you cannot afford it, that's a pretty private matter, so no need to respond in that context if you don't want to.

Respectfully,

Pete

 

[Kerbouchard]

I hate special interest groups and lobiests...regardless of what side they are on. I refuse to participate in them. When I feel strongly about an issue, I contact my representatives, myself, the way it is supposed to be.

Special interest groups speaking for the American public is what put us into this mess in the first place.

 

[GM.Chief]

I haven't joined yet, but plan to do so in the next couple of weeks. I was a member about 7 years back, but I let it lapse as it didn't really apply to me at the time. I didn't own a gun and didn't see the possibility of being able to afford one at the time. I joined at the time because even as a non-gunowner I still believed in the right to bear arms. Although, I have to say, the other thing that frustrated me was they could never spell my name right. Gabriel was always spelled Gaberial no matter how many times I tried to get them to fix it in their computers. But now I can't see a reason not to join. Quick question though. What's the difference between the TSRA and the NRA aside from one's state and one's national?

 

[40Arpent]

Kerbouchard, thanks for your honest opinion.

 

[ebk06]

I will never join the NRA. Contrary to popular belief they have actually supported gun control on many occasions. Since pro gun people just assume the NRA will help protect the rights to bear arms they will simply sign up with them. No one bothers to research the organization. That unfortunately is part of Americas problem. We just believe what we hear and don't uncover facts for ourselves.
I'm sure this will start a debate too. I'm on my iPhone right now by once I get home I'll link some pages showing NRA deceives there members.

 

[40Arpent]

What's the difference between the TSRA and the NRA aside from one's state and one's national?

Constitutional rights (NRA) vs. state laws (TSRA)...at least that's my understanding of the biggest difference. They are affiliated, so I am certain there is quite a bit of overlap.

 

[JKTex]

No one bothers to research the organization. That unfortunately is part of Americas problem. We just believe what we hear and don't uncover facts for ourselves.

I've said that over and over and tried to hammer some of the into the foil hat, march in line, repeat after me folks that had so much fun repeating manipulated garbage during the election. I'm glad to see someone else that uses their head independently.

But some folks just don't get it, and even using their own words to prove them wrong doesn't work. The mob didn't tell them they could change their mind, so there you have it.

And here we are.

I'm also in the camp with those that don't care to trust that a PAC or special interest group will speak for me in the way I would speak. Some are OK and feel safer trusting and going along with a group.

 

[40Arpent]

I'm sure this will start a debate too.

It might, but not from me. I have my reasons for supporting the NRA, and they are not based on sheepishly following the crowd.

I was just curious to get some perspectives from non-members, and I appreciate everyone's opinions.

Keep 'em coming.

 

[GM.Chief]

Someone posted this in another thread, but I figured it fits here to. It's a free NRA membership.

http://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/

 

[GM.Chief]

I just signed up both my wife and myself. While I agree that special interest groups don't always push the way we want them to on certain issues, I also feel that they do more good than harm on average. I feel that we ALL should be in contact with our senators and representatives about our concerns to let them know what WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, who put them in their positions, want them to do. Unfortunately, most people don't. And while I'm not going to say it's ok IMO to just sign up and let a group do that for you, it's definitely better than doing nothing. Ofcourse it's best to do both, but again that's just my opinion