NRA in Massachusetts

Executive

Executive

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My NRA membership expires this month. (I've been swamped with renewal offers) I'm thinking about NOT renewing. What has the NRA done for us here in Massachusetts? Is there a MA NRA rep or office? It seems to me that they have thrown in the towel on us. If I'm wrong and should renew, please tell me why. I have a letter drafted to the NRA explaining my position and am ready to mail it to them. I value the opinions of members here so please help me out.


Chris
 
JellyFish said:
NRA is not particularly strong here, true. But I think that has more to do with how far left this state leans. The NRA does not have unlimited resources and needs to focus on the states and especially the federal issues that they can do the most good on. Don't forget that NRA fights a LOT of battles at the federal level for us.

I am a life member of the NRA. I firmly recommend that you renew your membership and begin working toward a life membership. NRA is not perfect, no organization is. But it is a HUGE asset for gun owners and each member makes a difference.

So please DO renew! The more members the NRA has, the stronger it is across the country. Don't let Taxachusetts' crazy politics deceive you into weakening the NRA by leaving it.
Click to expand...

I'm on the EPL. Big plus one to what JellyFish said.
 
lmhat.jpg


In order to join the MSC, you must be a member of the NRA.
 
I would rejoin if I were you, as the others have said they fight the big battle.

I to was thinking of not rejoining years ago also, I changed my mind and rejoined. One thing I did right was to rejoin under the "easy pay Life Plan". It is the best way to rejoin!!!

As far as helping local, my local club was being "land locked", a big section came up for sale and a builder was looking at it, it would have closed the club, The NRA came in with there loan program and now we own that land and the club is stronger now.
 
IMO the NRA is limp-wristed compared to what they could be.... and IMO given the amount of $$$$ that people are sending
them more courld be done. All gripes aside, the fact of the matter is that they are the 800 pound gorilla where the only other players
at the national level are the equivalent of toy poodles. ( JPFO and GOA might be great organizations, but they don't have nearly the
political might that the NRA does). And even if they're not perfect, they are still helping gun owners WAY more than they're hurting us. So
I think we all have to support them, at least with a membership nugget here and there.... and if we don't agree with how they do business,
we have to tell them how to change from within, rather than abandoning them entirely. There is too much political capability there for gun
rights advocates to just ignore.

One other little addendum.... IMO if you're having trouble finding a reason to support the NRA... think of a few things....

-The NRA is the reason why some states stay in our favor- they can use "vote terrorism" to destroy anti gunners in contested states, or
at least get the existing politicians to play a lot nicer with gun rights. (Example... if the NRA was gone, do you really think Arlen Specter would
be pro gun at all? Part of the reason he votes in our favor is because the NRA has a knife to his throat politically.... their message gets far in PA).

-The NRA is a big part of the reason why the house went pro-gun after the Clinton era. They were responsible in getting the word out to
voters about the politcians that sold them out on the AWB. As a result of this a lot of poltiical blood was shed on both sides of the aisle as voters
killed off anti-gunners in congress politically. While this may not mean anything for MA residents directly, there has been numerous side effects of the
AWB dying... one of which is the price of preban mags and some preban rifles have plummeted.

-Knowing the NRA cost some anti-gunner politician his job- Priceless.



-Mike
 
Last edited:
Another Life Member here.

The NRA is the best group working for our interests in the country. I urge you to renew.

They have had many successes around the country, and some of it spills here in Massachusetts.

If we don't all stick together, we will surely get stuck alone.

I recommend the Easy Pay Life plan, even if you don't contribute to every solicitation the NRA sends in the mail.

Do what you can, we need each other

Bill
 
+1 for JellyFish

I'm a life member of the NRA and GOAL.

While both the NRA and GOAL certainly need our money, even if they both had boatloads of bucks, the reality is that the majority of the people in MA are anti-gun. The legislators and our legislation reflects that. The best that the NRA and GOAL can do in MA is to fight a rear-guard action to minimize the damages.
 
ChristosX said:
My NRA membership expires this month. (I've been swamped with renewal offers) I'm thinking about NOT renewing. What has the NRA done for us here in Massachusetts? Is there a MA NRA rep or office? It seems to me that they have thrown in the towel on us. If I'm wrong and should renew, please tell me why. I have a letter drafted to the NRA explaining my position and am ready to mail it to them. I value the opinions of members here so please help me out.


Chris
Click to expand...
I'm with you on this ChristosX. I renewed this year, but that's only because my license expires in a year and I felt it right to be a member as long as my license is valid. If Deval comes to be elected, I'll allow my license to sunset and deal with the NRA issue afterward, possibly taking up a renewal after leaving MA. One thing is certain, I'm disgusted with the NRA in the PRoM.
 
Those complaining about the NRA's actions - or its lack of same - should note this:

If you aren't a member, you can't vote in its elections!
 
The magazine subscription is worth the $35 a year...

I can't provide any info on what they have done or are doing for MA, but I would imagine the NRA Money spent on this state has direction relationship with the number of MA NRA Members...
 
Jellyfish and Drgrant are right!

I became a NRA-Life Member back ~1980 on a payment plan. I'm also a GOAL-Sustaining Member.

NRA has funded GOAL's lawsuits in the recent past. [Not well known, but verifiable with a call to GOAL.]

NRA has given grants to numerous gun clubs in MA, and continues to do so annually.

NRA provides an insurance option to gun clubs, officers of same, and gun owners at reasonable prices.

NRA scares the living shit out of legislators and other politicians outside of MA! The value of this is priceless!!

They are the only game around that matters in DC! I don't agree with a lot of their positions either, but nobody else has any significant clout.
 
Concurring with what has been posted by others...

The NRA is easily one of the smartest and most effective lobbying organizations out there, but even they have their limitations and they know it. Part of the reason they are so effective, is that they know how to pick and choose their battles wisely.

I don't think they've totally abandoned MA, per say, I think they realized long ago that until there's a massive turn around in the legislature, that spending time and money in this state is a fruitless effort (FWIW, when I attended the meeting for Larry Frisoli, a rep from the state NRA office was there to lend support).

I've read the same frustration, disappointment and anger in other gun forums... "f*** the NRA, they let XXX bill pass without a fight". "God damn NRA compromised with the antis on the xxx legislation". "Why isn't the NRA doing more to get xxx legislation passed"... etc.

A lot of people have unrealistic expectations of what can and cannot be accomplished; as an example I've read many angry posts asking why the NRA hasn't done anything to repeal the 86 machine gun ban. Why? Because even with a solid Rep Congress, it just ain't gonna happen.

Others have posted that they're sticking with the GOA or JPFO. Myself, I could really get behind the legislative agendas and positions of both those organizations, but they're not even a blip on the radar on Capitol Hill.

I don't want to sound like a defeatist, but MA is beyond salvation as far as making any significant strides forward WRT to 2nd amendment rights. The best we can hope for is ensuring that no more new anti-gun laws are passed in this state. If Patrick and Coakley get in... we are in for a world of hurt.

With that in mind, I still have the full support and respect for the NRA because of what they accomplish at the federal level (don't forget... what takes place in DC effects us here in MA also).

There's been a number of predictions that the Dems could gain control of one or both chambers of Congress this year... I think that's a very real possibility. Should that happen, then we here in MA are doubly-screwed. the only thing standing in the way of that happening, is the involvement of the NRA.
 
+1 for Jellyfish and others. Remember, part of the strategy used by the anti's is to slowly wear us down. Each member's decision to leave or remain a NRA/GOAL member contributes is some small way. Our strength lies in numbers and the willingness of members to stay the course.
 
I've been an NRA Life Member since about 1977. I believe that with whatever faults the NRA might have they are still the most powerful national force we have going for us. But, I guess it's time for my membership speech again.

[soapbox]

Every gun-owner in the United States who enjoys owning and shooting his/her firearms and wants to continue enjoying this freedom needs to belong to at least three different organizations.

1. National: Many anti-firearm initiatives are started at the national level. It takes a dedicated, organized, and recognized body to combat these issues in the places where they begin and are decided. The NRA is without a doubt the premier national organization defending our rights on the national stage. The NRA is not always perfect or successful but they still have more stature than anyone else. Can you name another national gun-rights organization that has the NRA's experience in legal issues, firearms training, and shooting sports organization under one roof? You may discount the last two but they add to the NRA's base of expertise in many ways that other groups cannot match.

There are other national organizations to be sure. GOA, SAF, CCRKBA, JPFO, and the Pink Pistols to mention just a few. And they do add to the national effort. But when the anti-gun forces seek to demonize gun owners, which organization do they pick on? It doesn't take much debate to see who the anti-gunners fear most.

2. State: Just as the NRA works at the national level (and below) just about every state has its own organization which seeks to unite firearms owners to provide a unified response to state anti-gun efforts. If you are fortunate, your state organization seeks to unite legal efforts, sporting and hunting groups, and competitive shooters under one strong banner and provide a united front to protect all of us. When the gun banners fail at the national level they often try to go state-by-state to press their agenda. This is where a strong state voice can help blunt these efforts. In Massachusetts its GOAL. Massachusetts gun owners who fail to join and support GOAL's efforts are harming themselves and other law-abiding gun owners.

3. Local: The late Massachusetts Congressman Tip O'Neil was often quoted as saying, "All politics is local.". This is as true in the continuing fight to retain our freedom to own firearms as in anything else. The support I am referring to here is joining your local range or shooting club and insuring that they provide a strong voice to oppose local efforts to block firearms ownership or limit areas where you can can shoot or hunt. Providing a strong voice at the local level lets politicians and anti-gun groups know that we have strong grass-roots support for pro-gun rights and that we are not going to let them push their agenda here.

It takes time, effort, and often times financial support to get out there and join the fight against the anti-gun forces. And unfortunately, most of us except for the most dedicated amongst us could certainly do more in this fight. Vote responsibly. Write to your elected officials and your local papers. Take action to support your pro-gun organizations. Join them and be counted.

And remember, if you don't think you have enough time or money to do this now, think of how much of both you will have if your guns are taken away and there are no places you can go to shoot.

So get out there, join, and make a difference.

[/soapbox]
 
In addition to the volume of excellent reasons to support the NRA as others have said, one compelling reason comes to mind: In addition to them being the 800 lb gorilla, they are the defacto only game in town, state, country. With apologies to GOAL, and other smaller, efforts, who else would we turn to for support of that magnitude?
Looking at it from another perspective, where do you think PRM gun laws would be if they were not a force to be dealt with?
You know that they are the major player against the anti's, as evidenced by Mumbles Menino blaming them for the Federal Government lack of response to his "bad gun" mentality. The depth of his ignorance is truely compelling.
Support them or not, you choose. Think of this though, what would happen if they were not present, doing what they do, particularly here in the PRM.
CJ
 
JellyFish said:
After you renew your membership, I would also recommend that you get yourself an NRA credit card. I have one of these and I love the fact that each purchase helps strengthen the NRA financially and thus helps sustain the organization over time.

cards.gif


You are a proud member of NRA. Now carry the card that shows your pride with each purchase. The NRA Platinum Edition® Visa Card offers you an introductory 0% APR* on purchases and balance transfers, and with each purchase you will help support National Rifle Association programs.

NRA Platinum Edition® Visa Card features include:


* Introductory 0% APR* for the first twelve billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
* Earn 1% cash back on every purchase you make.**
* No annual fee.
* Make your credit card payment online - FREE.
* Online account access - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
* Zero Liability protection for unauthorized use on your card.
* A portion of every purchase you make with your NRA Platinum Edition® Visa Card is given back to support the National Rifle Association.


And remember that WE ARE THE NRA so every person matters and if you get an NRA credit card, every purchase will matter too. I think it's an awesome and easy way to help fund the organization with all of your usual purchases (gasoline, food, clothes, etc.).
Click to expand...

Great.. another card for me to run up buying guns, ammo and gear.[laugh]
 
JellyFish said:
NRA is not particularly strong here, true. But I think that has more to do with how far left this state leans. The NRA does not have unlimited resources and needs to focus on the states and especially the federal issues that they can do the most good on. Don't forget that NRA fights a LOT of battles at the federal level for us.

I am a life member of the NRA. I firmly recommend that you renew your membership and begin working toward a life membership. NRA is not perfect, no organization is. But it is a HUGE asset for gun owners and each member makes a difference.

So please DO renew! The more members the NRA has, the stronger it is across the country. Don't let Taxachusetts' crazy politics deceive you into weakening the NRA by leaving it.
Click to expand...
What he said.
 
It's far from perfect, but it beats the alternative of Teddy, Sarah, Chuckie, Rosie and Di. That's one reason I gave both my kids Life Memberships years ago.

Ken
NRA - Benefactor Member
GOAL - Benefactor Member
GOA - Life Member
 
I did the EPL, then paid the balance off to get the nice leather jacket. I particularly enjoy wearing it when I serve the town/city clerk with the summons and petition in a firearms license appeal. [wink]

Since then, I've upgraded to Benefactor and Patron, as well as upgrading my GOAL membership twice.

As a rule, I find that those who don't belong to NRA or GOAL don't do anything else with regards to firearms rights - except bitch about them.
 

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