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Life member. There are good reasons to disagree with a lot of what the NRA says and does, and I can understand those who refuse to be a member and who are critical of them. Never the less, I remain a member for 2 reasons that I feel are compelling.
1. It gives me a voice as an insider that would be ignored if I was just some random Joe on the street.
2. Despite disagreeing with them on a lot of things, overall, I feel that they accomplish more good than bad.
It really sucks that we need licensing for CCW at all, but without the NRA, we'd likely have nothing right now. The same thing we had 20 years ago.
The NRA was instrumental in preventing a repeat "assault weapons" ban. They've also successfully lobbied for a LOT of pro-gun legislation over the years.
I agree more with SAF or JPFO's take on the issues, but I very much disagree with their tactics. They spend more time attacking other gun owners than they do lobbying for real change. Rather than teaming up with the NRA where appropriate to leverage greater resources, they are constantly attacking the NRA.
P.S. I have contacted legislators many times about gun-related issues they hadn't yet heard about. Almost without exception, their first response is generally "what's the NRA's position on this?" Like it or not, NRA = gun rights lobby, as far as many/most legislators are concerned.