I made a special trip to Annapolis earlier this year to testify before the GA Judiciary Committee regarding HB-52. I've worked closely with one of the sponsoring delegates on 2A issues. I have printed hundreds of flyers (on my own dime) regarding VA, NC, WV, PA, and MD firearms rights, that I hand out when I travel, and leave them by the handful in rest stops and book stores. I've taken dozens of people to firing ranges for their "First Shot" exposure to firearms. And I'm currently working my way through the NRA Instructor certifications, with the ultimate goal to get my NC CHP Instructor certification.
Rather than just engaging in a bunch of internet chest-thumping, and legal-eagle wallet-waving, I actually get out and try to engage the public--educating people, converting "anti's", taking new people shooting, helping female friends find qualified instructors in their area, and helping them shop for new firearms.
I may not have much "folding money" to send to MSI at the drop of the hat for their "money-bomb du jour", but I've got plenty of "sweat equity" to offer, nearly two decades of professional experience with PR and advertising, and over a decade of experience working with LE and DOJ types.
(BTW, I saved for that Glock for 4 months, and bought it at a discount.)
I wasn't even aware that MSI was donating to SAF until they announced the total amount on another forum (which I had, at the time, just joined). But after the way I was treated at a public MSI meeting, and on another forum, to be honest, I am VERY hesitant to donate to them at all.
The cause is just, but the people behind it have some serious issues.
My money (what little spare I have right now) goes directly to SAF and NRA. I see no benefit to financially supporting an org that openly states they have written off the majority of the citizens in their own state, and treats non-residents like lepers and pariahs.
I had issues with the prevailing culture in MD when I was a VA resident for 15 years, and that was LONG before I got into 2A activism. MD is a state where the disenfranchised have been brainwashed into believing that the Government is their caretaker and entitlements are their right; the "ruling class" acts more like 18th century Prussian Nobility than US citizens; and most "activist" groups (on the "left" and the "right") believe that their way is the ONLY way and outsiders are viewed as an enemy even more threatening and suspicious than the Annapolis Oligarchy.
My energies for MD are hereafter relegated to prayer for my daughters (who live in MD) and training them to fend for themselves. The "official 2A movement" in MD doesn't want outside help unless it comes with dollar signs because in MD, they believe that ANY problem can be solved by throwing piles of money at it, with complete disregard for PR, citizen education, and "boots on the ground activism."
And I'll not have it.
If I want to be verbally abused, cyber-stalked, and slandered, I can do that on the Internet on any number of forums without having to pay a membership fee...
I'm done...