imported post
SA-TX wrote:
The reason they claim they can't lend even verbal support is that members of the Legislature will assume they are sponsoring the bill and, if they aren't in control of it, could make TSRA look bad if it isn't handled well. No matter the disclaimers, they will be associated with it because it is a "gun bill". My argument was -- and is -- that if all pro-gun bills are naturally associated with you whether you like it or not, it is in your best interest to make it succeed.
I prefer your argument to theirs.
I am partially persuaded by your argument to join TSRA, and I have reached this conclusion: If, at the end of this session, TSRA has not hindered
in any way our efforts to pass an OC bill, then I will join. And by "any way" I mean public statements, private statements, lobbying efforts, or legislative backroom shenanigans.
Following that, if TSRA will
actively support open carry in the 2011 session, even if they don't push their own bill, then I will sign up my entire family. By "actively support", I mean that any time they're asked, TSRA will say they welcome
all increases in gun owners' rights, and welcome other groups to the cause.
I plan to be OCing in New Hampshire before 2011, but I'll still buy the memberships.