Most of what was said at the meeting has been covered here. I just wanted to make a couple of observations. The guy running the show did a pretty good job however he obviously does not like any questions that call into question anything that was said in the presentation. On 3 separate questions he seemed to be upset that anyone dare question him or the NRA stance.
One fellow across the room tried to get an answer, very politely and earnestly put, as to why the NRA supports H.R. 822 with its obvious flaws as opposed to H.R. 2900 which addresses those flaws. His answer was abrupt with "the NRA supports 822". And then tried to move on. The questioner again asked him to expound on it and he, the MC, was visibly upset about it. This was a question that I had planned to ask too. The AZ Lobbyist stepped in to try to give some detail to the NRA stance. Stating that the NRA goes for percentages. They figure a 95% win is better than nothing.
When 28kfps brought up that not all gun stores are 2nd amendment friendly as stated by the MC, I think his name was "Jacob", that they will not allow carry in their stores, again the MC got confrontational. I was hoping Bob Irwin of The Gun Store, VP of NV Firearms Association, would comment but he was silent on the matter. It was finally decided that if that is the case, we should use our dollars to show them the errors of their ways.
In the presentation they were urging us to get involved with elections and get 2nd amendment candidates elected. They erroneously showed on the screen that we are a "Primary" state. I have a strong interest in getting people to participate, and mentioned that we do not hold a primary but are a caucus state. I urged those in attendance to get registered so they could participate in the process by attending their caucus and help to decide who we want to run against Obama. The MC sharply stated that the information they had came from a Nevada state government official, to which there were moans from the audience.
All in all it was an interesting presentation. Don Turner gave us an update on the new state association which was well received. I Talked with Don after the show and got an update on signups. Folks, it is a little lacking. Everyone needs to toss in their $25 and become a member. The association is planning some great actions on our behalf. They need numbers. They have to be able to go in and say they represent a large block of voters, this is imperative. They are going after Clark Co Blue card registration and that alone is worth the $25.00. There are many fights that we are better off fighting as an united group. Get involved.
Tom Collins talked about the campus carry bill and how Assm. Horne kept it from going to the floor for a vote. It was his daughter that was brutally raped at UNR. We were assured by the NRA state Liaison Carolyn Herbertson that this will be top priority during the next session. She also mentioned to me when I talked with her after the meeting that Constitutional Carry is also moving into a top priority spot. These are two very important issues to gun owners. We also talked about the NLV action and she stated that they are looking for a good candidate to support a lawsuit against their city ordinance. I also discussed some of my problems with the NRA and how it is unresponsive to its membership. We both agreed that this is why the new State Association is so important to us here in NV. It is small enough to hear our opinions and needs, and has the ear of the NRA with the ability to get them involved in issues important to us here in NV.
I did a head count when the meeting began and came up with just over 100 people. A sad showing. The other thing I noticed was the lack of younger people. Most of us there were us old and getting old folks. Younger people need to get involved, your input is important. Make the time to get with the program.
TBG