The Big Guy
Regular Member
The following is the letter I am sending to NRA Executive VP Wayne LaPierre. My stated purpose of posting this is not to cause NRA bashing but to show that even though I have problems with the organization, it is my belief it is much better to work from the inside rather than to sit outside their window and through rocks.
TBG
05/27/12
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President
National Rifle Association 1
1250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax VA 22030
Mr LaPierre
I have just finished reading your article entitled “All In” in the June 2012 issue of the American Rifleman. In it you state “Sales of firearms and Right to Carry permit applications are skyrocketing.” I must say this phraseology angered me. It is NOT a “RIGHT TO CARRY” permit, but a Concealed Carry permit. There is a tremendous difference. The US constitution confirms that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right existing long before the Constitution. We do not need a permit to grant us the “Right to Carry”.
Here in NV we have an even more strongly worded constitution and it states in Article 1, Section 11, #1 Every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use.
I have been a Life Member of the NRA for about 35 years give or take and I nearly resigned my membership some years ago when the NRA began to push for mandatory conceal permit issue instead of fighting for Constitutional Carry. It is quite clear to me that the NRA believes in what I call permission slips. Permits to do what the Constitution calls a fundamental right. It is quite clear that the NRA does at least in some degree believe in and work for firearm regulation and control against the benefit of its members and the community at large.
Because of this I stopped my financial support of the NRA ILA and now donate it to firearms rights organizations that I feel have a better stand on the right to keep and bear arms. I have kept my Life Membership in the NRA for the sole purpose of being able to vote and put in my 2 cents.
I am an active member of the open carry movement and Mr LaPierre it is my belief that in general the NRA has some real problems with support from this community. We don’t feel the NRA represents us.
Your comments and clarification would be appreciated.
TBG
05/27/12
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President
National Rifle Association 1
1250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax VA 22030
Mr LaPierre
I have just finished reading your article entitled “All In” in the June 2012 issue of the American Rifleman. In it you state “Sales of firearms and Right to Carry permit applications are skyrocketing.” I must say this phraseology angered me. It is NOT a “RIGHT TO CARRY” permit, but a Concealed Carry permit. There is a tremendous difference. The US constitution confirms that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right existing long before the Constitution. We do not need a permit to grant us the “Right to Carry”.
Here in NV we have an even more strongly worded constitution and it states in Article 1, Section 11, #1 Every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use.
I have been a Life Member of the NRA for about 35 years give or take and I nearly resigned my membership some years ago when the NRA began to push for mandatory conceal permit issue instead of fighting for Constitutional Carry. It is quite clear to me that the NRA believes in what I call permission slips. Permits to do what the Constitution calls a fundamental right. It is quite clear that the NRA does at least in some degree believe in and work for firearm regulation and control against the benefit of its members and the community at large.
Because of this I stopped my financial support of the NRA ILA and now donate it to firearms rights organizations that I feel have a better stand on the right to keep and bear arms. I have kept my Life Membership in the NRA for the sole purpose of being able to vote and put in my 2 cents.
I am an active member of the open carry movement and Mr LaPierre it is my belief that in general the NRA has some real problems with support from this community. We don’t feel the NRA represents us.
Your comments and clarification would be appreciated.