GO-NH "in shambles?" Hardly. I think they're much better off than when I first joined 5 years ago. There certain seems to be a lot less petty bickering. They even let members attend their meetings(!) As it was explained to me by a BoD member, a lot of the tension that led to the much-ballyhoo'd "split" a couple of years back had to do with differences in philosophy among board members, specifically whether or not an organization who's stated purpose is to lobby legislators should have directors who are legislators. That's a tough question, IMO, and I can see arguments on both sides.
A shambles from the perspective of a unified state activist stance. Perhaps, as you note, the individuals are better off now separated, but a cause divided is diminished.
I'm personally acquainted with some of the leadership team of NH Firearms Coalition, and know them to be avid shooters, passionate gun owners, and personally committed to gun owners' rights.
No disagreement from me on their committment to the ends, just aversion to the means. Again, with these guys, it's my way or the highway. I was only of several dozen people that didn't exercise my 2ndA rights in a manner they supported and got swept aside with malicious intent. I'm glad they are working for the 2ndA cause, but regret the treatment doled out to those that wouldn't drink the whole glass of Kool-Aid.
It's always good to have strong voices in support of gun owners, and there are some good folks at PGNH (although, unless something has changed, the President/Director doesn't even live in NH), but they burned a lot of bridges with me over SB44. When the most vile piece of anti-gun legislation in recent years was initially co-sponsored by a member of the Pro-Gun NH Council of Advisors, you have to ask yourself if we're all pulling on the same oar.
That was indeed messy. Just as NRA and GOA have had their tensions, and got it togeter for the common cause over Parker, but remain separated over the so-called Veteran's Disarmement Bill, hopefully they can manage two steps forward and only one step back.
I have no problem standing up in a room full of hostile gun-grabbers, but it really does take the wind out of my sails when those on "my side" won't even piss in the same bathroom at the state house. If the Dems get control top-to-bottom in '08, crap like this could set us back decades.
Who do 3 different Pro-2ndA organization represent in a small population state like NH? How do you divide 0.4% of the US population 3 ways and have any impact?
Time to suck it up and shake hands - have guest seats in each each directorship for part of each meeting - they can each have their own "secret" sessions if necessary. This is the time to do it - not, God forbid, should TSHTF in Nov08.