NRA Questions

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What does it cost to join the NRA? What exactly do they do? Someone told me they soldout to the government recently, something about a ban on a certain automatic gun. Are there benefits? Are there lots of members on the forum? Would you encourage us to join? Thanks.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), October 11, 2000

Answers

1 Year Adult $35
1 Year Distinguished $30(age 65+ or Disabled Veteran)
2 Year Adult $60
1 Year Associate $10(no magazine)
3 Year Adult $85
5 Year Adult $125
1 Year Junior $30
Life Membership $750
1 Year Junior $15(InSights only)
Distinguished Life for $375(age 65+ or Disabled Veteran)
Junior Life $550 (InSights plus magazine choice)

The NRA doesnt per se do anything beyond organizing shooting events, running hunter education and safety programs, etc. You can find that type of information at http://www.nrahq.org

When most people refer to the NRA, they are talking about the political lobby arm of the NRA which is the NRAILA at http://www.nraila.org and there is extensive political information at their web site.

-- William in WI (thetoebes@webtv.net), October 11, 2000.


Someone told me they soldout to the government recently, something about a ban on a certain automatic gun.

Im not sure what your friend would have been referring to as far as the automatic gun issue. Automatic firearms have been illegal for the common joe to buy or sell with the exception of class III firearms dealers who can sell and people who have gone through extensive background checks and paid a special automatic weapons tax for each fire arm purchased since the National Firearms Act of 1934. More were restricted in subsequent ammendments until the Firearms Act of '68 where even further restrictions were placed on us. The NRA was involved in negotiations on the "National Assault Weapons Ban" of '92 (which had nothing to do with assault weapons). I dont know what the recent ban would have been. The NRA regularly "compromises" away our gun rights but many support them because they are the largest and most effective firearms rights group in the US. I myself am a life member.

Are there benefits?

There are benefits to being a member. Besides getting a hat and a bunch of bumper stickers, the benefits you receive are discounts on hotels and rental cars and stuff like that plus a small death and dismemberment insurance ($10,000?) and insurance on your firearms (most homeowner type insurance policies do not properly cover firearms and equipment).

Would you encourage us to join?

I would but if you are only going to join 1 firarms rights groups then I would suggest the GOA. The Gun Owners of America (http://www.gunowners.org) are a no compromise gun lobby. Im a life member with them, too. No "benefits" though besides 2 nifty stickers and the undying gratitude of future generations. I also encourage all females to join the Second Ammendment Sisters (http://www.sas-aim.org). They are the pro rights antithesis of the Commie Mommies, er, Million Mom Marchers.

-- William in WI (thetoebes@webtv.net), October 11, 2000.


Yes, after the Commie Mommies, er, Million Moms (thanks William, I like that), rigged march, I located and decided to join the Second Ammendment Sisters. Great group for women to balance the fear mongering from the Million Moms. I get tired of these types of "womens" groups laying claim to "women"!! If they would just declare themselves, liberal women or afraid of guns women or maybe unthinking, reactionary women or how bout', throw away the right to keep and bear arms women, then it would not bug me so much. But I am a mom (therefore a woman) and object to even being catagorized with such as these. Same goes with all the "feminist" type "womens" groups. I much prefer Concerned Women for America as an organization. Again to balance these groups who lay claim to my female type persuation.

Sorry, back to your question. I also really like Gun Owners of America. I really appreciate their no compromise postions regarding our rights. God Bless! Wendy

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), October 11, 2000.


Our NRA also gives monies for grants that help support: the Boy Scouts, 4H, College Scholarships, Hunter safety courses, ROTC in our schools, Hunters For the Hungry, The Eddie Eagle programs and the Refuse To Be A Victim Programs, and our local Concealed Weapon Safety courses!!!Our entire family has become members. I am proud to have the right to bear arms and don't want to lose it!

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), October 11, 2000.

The NRA is a good group, so is the GOA. These people may be all that ends up between the Clinton/Gore firearms grabbers and us. I would encourage you to join either/both along w/ the 2nd admendment sisters. NRA has a good gun safety course if your new to firearms. Ask around about a local shooting range or gun club also. The NRA has a special $25.00 sign up going right now BTW.

Interesting thing I heard yesterday, U.S. vs Emerson. U.S. Justice dept. lawyer states or submitted documents to the effect of "Private citizens do not have the right to keep arms. Only Military and police have that right" Quotes are mine. Wording is as I recall it, so don't quote that directly to anyone. Anyone heard this?

Interesting thing #2. To see the original Million Moms March in 1943 go to www.guntruths.com and look for the heading of the million moms march. Very good thought provoker.

-- John in S IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), October 11, 2000.



I forgot to mention that there are people from all walks of life who are members in our area. At the last meeting there were 11 Doctors, 4 Judges, 7 attorneies at law, 3 police officers, 6 fireman, 27 women and the average number of rednecks! LOL !!!Just thought you might like to know!

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), October 11, 2000.

I encourage the class# 3 weapons license with a carry permit ! Ain't nuttin that gets you more respect in a crowd than a AK-47 with multiple clips on an assualt vest. Gun clubs are fine for beginners, I encourage them. However, if you want to be a bear----BE A GRIZZLY !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), October 11, 2000.

You go Joel!!! Thanks William for the information on the Second Amendment Siters, now I know that there are some like minded women out there that are not afraid of guns or to learn how to use them properly. My father taught me how to shoot rifles when I was about 8 years old, how to clean them, etc., and most importantly, how to respect them. Personally, I don't hunt, I'm a semi-vegetarian, and I believe you should eat what you kill, so...I don't hunt. But, I enjoy target shooting just to keep in practice; we keep rifles for personal protection. I don't feel it is necessary to join NRA because of their political connections/concessions that I don't agree with.

-- Annie Miller (annie@1st.net), October 11, 2000.

I have never been much of a joiner, but from the standpoint of sheer numbers the NRA has the biggest lobbying effect, but the GOA has it more right. No compromise.

I just watched the "debate" and Gore really pushed the whole hunting target shooting misapplication of the 2nd Ammendment and Bush didn't even respond to that misrepresentation. I resent the carry permit laws on a Constitutional basis as well. Here in Texas, they have the concealed carry permit, BUT you get to go on file with the FBI and must keep them updated on where you live, etc. etc. I declined to participate under those conditions. "An armed society is a polite society" is one of my favorite quotes.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), October 11, 2000.


These times are hard ! Carry ? Not Carry ? To each his own is my amswer.

When I'm armed there is no concealment. Do I have a licence ? A question is not really a question if you know the answer too. If it is an AK-47 it doesn't really matter, does it ? DUCK !

Doreen is correct--don't register or buy permits-----some of us are condemned--we will survive---or lead the parade out of town !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), October 12, 2000.



I have a carry permit and have never carried concealed but I do have a belly gun that I keepin the console of my pickup. I am a member of the NRA.

-- Hendo (OR)r (redgate@echoweb.net), October 12, 2000.

Dear Doreen and Wendy,etc, If "an armed society is a polite society", could you be so kind as to explain to me why so many of your posts sound so strident, judgemental, and hateful? Why do you find it necessary to demonize people who have different points of view from yours, who have had different life experiences which have made them who they are, just as yours have. We may see the possibility of the confiscation of our guns as a threat to our freedom, but this does not mean that the Million Moms are evil people. I believe these women come from a place of love for their children, and of fear of the indisputable violence in our country. Their methods may be misplaced, but to call them names seems counterproductive and arrogant to me, and creating divisions between people when they arent necessary doesn't jive with the teachings of Christ, as I see it, that so many of you are so frequently claiming to follow. I don't believe people who advocate the control of guns are involved in some conspiracy; I think they are by and large good people who are scared, and don't know what else to do. Perhaps we might accomplish more if we all try to put ourselves in each others shoes, instead of pointing fingers and putting each other down?

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), October 12, 2000.

Congradulations, earthmama ! You are the winner of my most famous response. Just be scared than, a little fear is a GOOD thing. I agree that you have the right to not bear arms but when it comes to my rights ?--you have the right to remain silent !!!!

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), October 13, 2000.

Earthmama, Your "by and large good people who are scared and don't know what else to do" can be pretty well summed up in one phrase. "Like lambs to the slaughter".

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), October 13, 2000.

Earthmama, perhaps my post sounds strident because I am stridently opposed to the loss of my rights due to others ignorance. And the absolute unwillingness for those same people to pursue the "facts", and when faced with the facts the reaction being-don't care, I know what I feel.

Perhaps I seem judgemental because I am. I judge daily, moment by moment. I judge situations, arguments, positions, people (gasp). I judge continually. In fact, I consider it my duty to do so. I inform myself enough to have a foundation from which I judge. Those who claim not to judge are either lying, ignorant or lazy. Is this name calling? How does one go through life without either good or bad judgement? And is it moral to do so? I think not.

How, in practical terms, does this judgement play out? It affects how I vote, what I wear, who I support, whom I help, how I raise my children, who I married, who my friends are, what I eat, my life's work, etc.... you get the idea.

Does this mean I wish to impose my judgements? Yes & No. In public policy, yes. In editorial opportunities? yes. In the voting booth? yes. In my neighbors life? no. This would seem obvious. Is it possible to reach out to others in love even when you are in opposition to them? Of course. Reasonable judgement would dictate one's course. I thought my post clearly stated the reason for my "harshness". I am fed up with these liberal groups labeling themselves under the guise of "moms"-fill in the blank, "women"-fill in the blank. That assumes more "power" or "position" than they can rightfully claim. At least the Second Ammendment Sisters label themselves truthfully. They make no claims on all "womanhood" or "motherhood".

As to being "hateful", one's judgement (gasp), would dictate the reaction to my post or Doreen's post. If you judge it to be hateful, so be it. I respect your right to judge. I may disagree, but will not imply nor insist you should not judge because you might seem hateful or strident.

As to the Million Moms March itself, I am growing weary of ignorance of the facts being used to excuse misguided, reactionary response to problems in society. I am becoming zealous in my reaction to those who are deliberately working to tear down and destroy the foundations of a moral society. The MMM was anything but a way for "good people" to come together out of "fear" for their children. Sure, probably a handful were, but consider that many were paid, bused in, etc.. Do the research for yourself. The leadership of the MMM have an agenda and it does not involve "protecting children". Once again, women are being used to push an agenda that seeks to destroy our rights, under the guise of protection. And yes, I do believe the leadership of these group and others are conspiring to "relieve" us of our rights.

I am unwilling to "put myself in someone else's shoes", in regards to liberty, freedom, truth, justice, etc... it is not neccesary. Do I have more compassion for those who are deceived? Yes. Does it change my postition? No.

I will concede that if I were to have an opportunity to speak to someone, face to face, who supports the MMM, I would approach the subject in a more gentle way. Again, using my judgement to discern who my "audience" is, and what level of understanding they have concerning the situation, how receptive they are to facts, what thier motivation is, etc... I have found this forum to have a large % of knowledgeable participants who have done thier homework and know why and how they stand on issues. I therefore worry less about causing "division". I appreciate anyone who reaches a conclusion based on something other than just a "reaction". Even when I am in oppostition to that conclusion. God Bless! Wendy

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), October 13, 2000.



John,

Excerpted from the record:

Judge William Garwood, one of three judges on the panel that heard arguments, asked Mateja [US Government Attorney] if it was the government's position that it could "take guns away from the public," and "restrict ownership of rifles, pistols and shotguns from all people," to which Mateja responded, "Yes." ~ U.S. v. EMERSON ORAL ARGUMENTS: June 2000 ~

-- William in WI (thetoebes@webtv.net), October 13, 2000.


Very happy to see so much pro-gun response on this site!

-- JC (survivors00@hotmail.com), October 13, 2000.

Earthmama,

I think Wendy responded as I would have. Here are two quotes which might help.

When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty,
There arises the recognition of ugliness.
When they all know the good as good,
There arises the recognition of evil.
----Lao-tzu

, "Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions."
--G.K. Chesterton

-- William in WI (thetoebes@webtv.net), October 13, 2000.


I do not belong to the NRA but I do belong to Gunowners of America and Second Amendment Sisters; also Second Amendment Foundation and Jews for the Preservation of Firearms. All have web sites if you want to check them out. I like the www.dogpile.com search engine.

I don't belong to the NRA because they compromise too much for my convictions and they use up a LOT of trees. If you are a member you get solicitation mail almost every week. It gets really annoying to have to throw out all that paper.

One thought on the Million Moms March. They originally said they were holding the rally in D.C. to bring awareness about the problem of children and guns mainly because of school shootings. A good goal. They said that they were not a political organization and they were not advocating the removal of firearms from the landscape. Within two days of the march they changed position and are now a political entity with the goal of removing firearms from private citizens in the United States. They are now Sarah Brady clones. I don't appreciate the hypocracy of this group.

If you have to choose one group to join, make it Gunowners of America.

Mary

-- Mary in East TN (barnwood@preferred.com), October 13, 2000.


Dear Earthmamma, I just re-read my post twice and find no hate. I do find judgement and would have to mirror Wendy's response that we all judge continually.

If you have poor judgement you make monumental mistakes that often times cost others more heavily than yourself. You have a right to not keep nor bear arms and I would never make you do it because I feel it is important. However, these people who are so ill informed on history and simply operating from fear would MAKE me give up my right and also the ability to protect others who CHOOSE not to keep arms.

Essentially, on every single political thing I judge from a Constitutional perspective. I also realize that in these times that is considered radically right wing and extremist and to those who JUDGE that to be something to FEAR, you are going to love your kids right into slavery and I will not stand for it without you prying the EQUALIZER out of my , cold, dead, hands.

I must say that I think the people who want to control firearms are MOST definitely involved in a conspiracy, they just haven't got their eyes open enough to see it.

Who has called names???

Yours truly, Strident Judgemental and Hateful.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), October 13, 2000.


Dear Cindy, Join and take a stand! Take note of history. Perhaps William in WI can answer this? Where in history is it written? I believe the year to be 1935. Adolph Hilter was proud to say..

"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!"

We must stop attacks against our rights now, before future goverment shoots the messengers.

-- James (triquest@about.com), October 16, 2000.


Cindy: The best pro-gun tool you have is right at your fingertips. Use your computer and it's email access to inform your local, state and national politicians (not leaders) that you are prepared to die free, one way or the other. History teaches one lesson for sure. If you surrender your means of self-defense, be it sword or rifle, your government will enslave you. Better you give up your life than your weapon.

-- john and patricia james (jjames@n-jcenter.com), October 17, 2000.

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