imported post
...and don't forget the hat.
What!? I never got a hat!
To rebutt some of the other comments: I don't expect an all or nothing stance but, having said that, giving up any of my 2A freedoms doesn't sit well with me. It's hard for me to say an organization has done a "very good job" when I need to have a background check to buy a gun, need to have a permit to carry a gun, can't have an automatic weapon, can't have a silencer, can't even carry a gun in many metropolitan areas, etc. While I agree that the NRA has done a
lot to protect our rights, that doesn't mean I can't wish for more.
I also will agree with the people who say they ask for money far too often. I get a mailer from the NRA at least once a month. Now, I know they need money to fight the good fight, but I can't help but feel I'm being constantly badgered. I would much prefer they raise the price of membership and then send out letters, say, twice a year, asking for a contribution. I know for a fact that a lot of former NRA members left the organization precisely for this reason. I've spoken to numerous people who, when I told them they should join the NRA to help preserve their 2A rights, have said "Nah. I was a member a long time ago, but got sick of all the letters asking for money". Not only does this drive people away, but I think it lessens the impact when you do hear from them. Instead of thinking "Something from the NRA? Wonder what congress is trying to pull now?" people think "Great. Another letter from the NRA asking for money". I think they could do a lot better in this regard.
So, while I like the NRA and think they do a good job, I think they could do better. One of the other threads about the NRA mentioned how low membership is. Well, perhaps if they addressed some of the reasons that people leave the group, they could grow the membership. Then, after they grow the membership, they could have a bigger voice and more power to affect policy.
But, who am I to say? I'm just a lowly gun owner who loves the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
I just re-signed for two more years...still no hat.