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I don't feel the smaller membership is as much about what they do that folks don't like as it is about what they do not do or provide.

A good example is my Father-In-Law. He has nothing against the NRA. Being a gun owner in a rural area, he hasn't seen the need to really belong, even though he has been a member in the past. He doesn't see the benefit of paying out $35 a year for a membership that gets them one more magazine that he may or may not read. He also doesn't shoot at the range that requires an NRA membership. He doesn't need the insurance it provides or the discounts on items. He has been through the Hunter Safety classes (hunting is his draw.) So there is not really an incentive from that angle. Many gun owners have this view.

Many individuals are also not tied into politics at all, so when we have a gun friendly government, they don't see or understand the constant threats (Brady, etc.) against the RKBA that exist and the need to continually fight to keep a level playing field. If they aren't hearing continually about the potential for THEM to loose rights, and they don't see it in the media, they don't understand the need to support a lobbying group. A good example of this is the threat of reinstating an AWB. Look at what it has done to increase the demand for EBR's. Prior to that, it was 'Someday I will buy one.' It all comes down to priorities. I talked to him and other family members that don't belong at Thanksgiving and enlightened him on the reasons they SHOULD make it a priority. They now understand the need.

I think we will see the ranks increase though. With the now large impending threat of gun owners rights being trampled, there will be more attention to the need to belong and help support the one organization that has the voice in DC for gun owners. We will see an increase in membership as it will draw more folks to the call, but there needs to be more done. The NRA needs to find a way for those who don't belong to make it a top priority, no matter what the current status of RKBA is, so we can keep the ranks strong and the fight funded. Marketing is key. I know they try to do this, but I feel there needs to be more focus on the demographics and figure out how to reach those that are not joining, and find out why there are those that choose not to renew their memberships.

We need that collective voice of the NRA and we need to stand behind the organization, even if we may not like some of the things it does. We can show our support and spread the word to those out there that are not members. As a member you can also participate and help get things changed that you don't particularly like, but you won't succeed by standing back and complaining about them.

mr.72 wrote:

Keith B wrote: But, the NRA DOES exist, and that is the best voice we have today. If it didn't exist, then I would support that other theoretical bargaining group if they had the voice.

Well there is no chance of that theoretical other group ever emerging as long as we continue to support the existence of the NRA! That's my whole point!

There is no reason you can't support more than one group if another one shows promise. As an analogy, look at it like insurance: You need to make sure you have coverage, until a company comes along with better coverage for the money. At that time you can get a policy with the new company, but don't let your initial policy lapse until the other coverage takes affect or sure as shootin' you will need it when you don't have it.

mr.72 wrote:If the NRA didn't exist, then there would be some other organization which would carry the flag. The reason some other organization with a more singular purpose to defend the RKBA has not emerged is because the NRA is the "face" of the RKBA movement.

If the NRA ceased to exist, all of the current NRA members and supporters of the RKBA would not suddenly decide to join the Bradys. The people would continue to support RKBA legislation and hold their politicians to account.

Actually I think without the NRA, the Bradys would lose a lot of their raison d'etre. One hand clapping...

But, the NRA DOES exist, and that is the best voice we have today. If it didn't exist, then I would support that other theoretical bargaining group if they had the voice. Until that time, I will support the one that can speak for me the best (AKA the NRA and TSRA.)

And, if the NRA or some other support group for RKBA didn't exist, the Brady's would be able to push anything easily past Congress and the law makers without any opposing view and voice. That would be the death of us.

mr.72 wrote:So, I am getting the message: you are a fool who lacks common sense if you do not swallow the idea that the NRA is the only possible hope for the defense of the 2A in America, is that it?

Good thing they had the NRA when the Constitution was drafted then. Free Americans, on their own, could not possibly support their own rights without the precious NRA, could they?

Those couple of posts in this thread added another reason for me to not join the NRA. Maybe it's NRA members' attitudes that are preventing others from joining. Just a thought.

IMO, the only way anyone gets the real attention of Congress or other law making groups is by a collective voice. The best (and most cost effective) way we have to get that voice is to join a group that has a pathway into the law makers and will lobby for us as a whole. Now, while you may not agree with all of the views or ideals of the NRA or TSRA, it is important too help support them.

I think you will agree that the Brady Bunch has a very big hook into those that make the laws. How many organizations, other than the NRA, do you hear the Brady's fighting against? To me, that means the NRA has that voice and the Brady's are concerned about it. I am going to do what I can to help support a group that is that much of a thorn in the Brady's side!