Ace of Spades HQ

April 11, 2021

Wayne LaPierre, The NRA, And Defense Of The 2nd Amendment [CBD]
— Ace Open Blog

Wayne LaPierre is the fifth-highest paid non-profit head in the United States, according to Charity Watch. They give the SPLC an "F" grade, so they can't be all bad.

The recent revelations about out-of-control spending at the NRA, coupled with internal struggles and a conspicuous absence of the NRA in the 2020 elections has me wondering whether I should continue to give them money. And LaPierre's use of a contractor's yacht for a hide-out from the media (and he claims death threats) is simply awful optics, especially when that contractor's company was being paid $2,000,000/month! Whatever happened to self defense? Isn't LaPierre armed? Doesn't he believe in the natural right of self defense, or is he sufficiently isolated from reality that he prefers armed guards and gated harbors and yachts to keep him safe?

What disturbs me most about the NRA is not only the cult of personality that LaPierre has managed to create, but its bloated and out-of-touch bureaucracy and inability to focus on the dominant issue of the day. Do a web search and the stories are not about the organization filing law suits against encroachments on our 2nd Amendment rights, the stories are about the bankruptcy filing in NY (apparently done rather badly) and LaPierre's lavish lifestyle that is funded by the organization...which means you and me.

A visit to the NRA website is an exercise in frustration if one has any curiosity about its finances. How about some recognition that people may want to see exactly how their money is spent? Or a recognition that all is not rosy and wonderful in its headquarters?

Cooler and calmer heads on these august pages have pointed out that while the NRA is nowhere near perfect, it is by far the largest 2nd Amendment advocacy group in the United States, and that it does some fine work in many areas, including training and firearms safety.

Yes, that is true, but an NRA without Wayne LaPierre would be a far better organization. Their best and really only course of action is to force him out, hire someone who is less enamored of the trappings of non-profit wealth and celebrity, and get back to doing what we pay for: the defense of our gun rights.

Posted by: Ace Open Blog at 12:00 PM | Comments (191)
Post contains 384 words, total size 3 kb.

1 First

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 12:04 PM (Cxk7w)

2 I'll fetch em

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 12:04 PM (Cxk7w)

3 Yea.... the NRA really went to shit.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 12:05 PM (3H9h1)

4 When my current membership lapses I'm done. They did nothing to help any conservative, especially PDT. I've unsubscribed from their constant emails. I tell them no when they call.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 11, 2021 12:06 PM (vLT5l)

5 Hahahahaha
I'll never give the NRA another dime. Not. One. Dime. They had their chance to defend the Constitution. They instead wanted to win a popularity contest.

Posted by: nurse ratched at April 11, 2021 12:06 PM (U2p+3)

6 Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?
I'd kind of like Larry Correia, just for the speeches and letters.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at April 11, 2021 12:08 PM (Dc2NZ)

7 What are the best alternatives to the NRA?

Posted by: Hey Skipper at April 11, 2021 12:08 PM (gx/6s)

8 If did come away with a change in attitude reading The Deep Rig, by a non Republican I would add, is the Republican party and tossed in NRA have become the bureaucracy the Democrats have had for a long time.

Posted by: Skip the guy who says Nood at April 11, 2021 12:08 PM (Cxk7w)

9 The NRA also needs to radically trim its BOD. Currently it numbers 75, IIRC.

Posted by: butch at April 11, 2021 12:09 PM (cHvOo)

10 Like many non profits, donations start getting more for payroll than anything else.

Posted by: Skip the guy who says Nood at April 11, 2021 12:10 PM (Cxk7w)

11 Running late today. I'll wear them pants on my next trip to the range. And yeah. What is the alternative to the NRA?

Posted by: Diogenes at April 11, 2021 12:11 PM (axyOa)

12 Charities are like Government. The longer the people in power are in power the more they come to cling to it. Yes stability is a good thing, and there are those who resist the siren call to see their office as about them rather than they are simply there for the good of others, but by and large the longer one is in a role that has power/money that can be used for self the stronger the temptation is to do so. And most people eventually succumb to that lure because that is what human nature almost always does.
So should the NRA survive they need to take a hard look at just what the head can do, how much cash they have access to and explore term limits.

Posted by: Bete at April 11, 2021 12:13 PM (Ojki1)

13 I became a life member of the NRA when I lived in California, kind of a F.U. gesture. They haven't done a thing for me, other than send me a certificate "suitable for framing" and a couple decals for my truck. I've never given them money outside the membership.

The revelations about their spending habits, the infighting and the perpetual Wayne LaPierre have left me less than enthusiastic.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 12:14 PM (3H9h1)

14 I still wonder why we don't hear much of anything from the NRA about all the common-sense gub laws that are already on the books, particularly after some PROGDA-generated mass shooting event which seems to be all the rage these days.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. at April 11, 2021 12:15 PM (HaL55)

15
As a Lifetime Endowed ( well endowed, to be fair ) member I will never give them another dime until there is a radical change at the leadership level.
They utterly betrayed us in every way and have materially contributed to PDTs loss and the downfall of our representational republic.
The last few years, all of my donations have gone to state rifle and pistol organizations. Not that it's done any good. The fix is in and the shining city on the hill has burned the ground.

Posted by: Zyprexa Cowboy at April 11, 2021 12:15 PM (uMqnc)

What are the best alternatives to the NRA?

saf.org
gunowners.org
jpfo.org

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 12:16 PM (qc+VF)

Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?

Keanu Reeves.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. at April 11, 2021 12:17 PM (HaL55)

18 I donated ~$600 for a life membership a couple years ago, thinking the fight for gun rights was important and they were in the lead. Then I started to learn of Wayne's love for the lavish. ... Illinois has a gun rights group (ISRA) I have given to ... not sure that is a better route, but I probably won't give more to NRA (and they are constantly asking).

Posted by: illiniwek at April 11, 2021 12:19 PM (Cus5s)

19 Hola

Posted by: Thanatopsis at beautiful Chancre del Diablo Ranch at April 11, 2021 12:19 PM (MhbK0)

20 And the fight for the 2nd amendment is getting very serious. The Leftists are coming for them all

Except maybe my Brown Bess

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 12:22 PM (Cxk7w)

21 Howdy, Horde,
I managed a grassroots race against a RINO gun grabber incumbent long ago.
My candidate was 100% 2A.
NRA endorsed the gun grabber.
The NRA was, and is, a mixed bag of great 2A activism and lobbying for good laws...and selected surrender and RINO / corporate B.S.

Posted by: callsign claymore at April 11, 2021 12:23 PM (+ABad)

22
They are trying to ban the over-the-counter sales of black powder/muzzle loading weapons as well. Bye bye Brown Bess.

Posted by: Zyprexa Cowboy at April 11, 2021 12:23 PM (uMqnc)

23 Wealt corrupts and absolute wealth corrupts absolutely.

Posted by: George at April 11, 2021 12:24 PM (DWX7l)

24 The RKBA is about the ONLY area the right has been competitive over the last 20 years.

The NRA has a lot of issues right now, but it is beating the stuffing out of every other conservative advocacy group.

Posted by: 18-1 at April 11, 2021 12:25 PM (JMMlQ)

25 The leadership change has to be driven by the membership, not imposed by Letitia James and her ilk.
How do we do that? Vote out the current BOD?

Posted by: Fox2! at April 11, 2021 12:26 PM (qyH+l)

26 IMHO, a national gun lobby is useless anymore. DC is totally aligned with the communists. It's going to be the states that stand against the national gorgon. They have to and many will. So I'd say contribute to local and state organizations. That's where the battle begins. lol

Posted by: Justsayin' at April 11, 2021 12:27 PM (Fs5vw)

27
Their best and really only course of action is to force him out, hire someone who is less enamored of the trappings of non-profit wealth and celebrity

"Rested and ready!" - Joel Osteen

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 11, 2021 12:27 PM (mht8P)

28 Wasn't the AG of NY going after the NRA for some bullshit reason? Fraud or some such? I know the NRA is supposed to be moving their HQ to Texas at some point or was. Why they setup in gun unfriendly NY was a real mystery... maybe had something to do with lobbying? Manufactures' locations?
Honestly I don't fucking care what they do at this point. Along with just about every other "conservative" outlet they've been a major disappointment.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 12:27 PM (3H9h1)

29 The NRA was never a fire-breathing defender of 2A rights.
Their image does not match their actual record.
Compare their impressive budget with their actual achievements.

Posted by: callsign claymore at April 11, 2021 12:28 PM (+ABad)

30 Oh, and as "common sense" NGO/charity reform, how about any org can't exist for more then 20 years?
If the issue is still something people care about they can start a new org, with new leadership.

One of the newer problems we face as a society is organizations and social structures that LONG outlive their usefulness - looking at you GOPe

Posted by: 18-1 at April 11, 2021 12:28 PM (JMMlQ)

31 Scratch the LOL. I hate commenting with my phone.

Posted by: Justsayin' at April 11, 2021 12:28 PM (Fs5vw)

32 Several years ago the NRA endorsed Harry Reid. That was enough for me.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 11, 2021 12:29 PM (kTF2Z)

33 I stopped renewing my membership two years ago, so I'm already down one duffel bag and a cheap flashlight.

Posted by: Mark1971 at April 11, 2021 12:29 PM (xPl2J)

34 LaPierre sucks. Personally I'd like to see someone like Trump Jr. running the NRA show.

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 12:29 PM (MVjcR)

How do we do that? Vote out the current BOD?

In theory, yes. But the bylaws are 100% rigged to prevent it. Dominion could take lessons from the NRA BOD.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 12:30 PM (qc+VF)

Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?

Ted Nugent. We need a Madman.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 12:31 PM (VVEnO)

37 >>> 33 I stopped renewing my membership two years ago, so I'm already down one duffel bag and a cheap flashlight. Posted by: Mark1971 at April 11, 2021 12:29 PM (xPl2J) What are the odds both were made in CHYna?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 11, 2021 12:31 PM (b8eqQ)

38 I 2nd for Ted Nugent

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 12:32 PM (Cxk7w)

39 Pepe LePew > LaPierre

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 12:32 PM (VVEnO)

40 ""Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?""

Genghis muthafuckin Khan

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at April 11, 2021 12:32 PM (9Om/r)

41 I want to thank a poster (Jim New Sunk Dawn) for the advice on stopping the NRA marketing calls (coding membership no promotions). I called them, and had to wade through several marketing mouth breather types but finally got it done. I am a lifetime NRA member and vocal critic of them, as I think the NRA is the GOPe of guns rights organizations (never the hill to die on for those guys). I also belong to the GOA, which is a far better organization The NRA needs to 1.) emulate the GOA and 2.) boot out Le Pierre and his pack of grifters. However with that said, I did sign my wife up for a 5 year membership. We need all the help we can get to stop Beijing Bidens trashing of the Constitution and 2nd amendment.

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 12:32 PM (cCxiu)

42 I think the NRA BoD also has some "celebrity" nominations. What they actually do is anyone's guess.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 12:33 PM (3H9h1)

Why they setup in gun unfriendly NY was a real mystery...

At the time that they did, NY wasn't gun unfriendly. In fact, it was probably the center of the industry in the US.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 12:33 PM (qc+VF)

44 I joined the NRA a few years back, paid my 35 bux or whatever. A few weeks later, one of their phone reps calls "Obama's gonna do something bad, we need your money"
So the first time I said "Sure, here's 20 bux"
A few weeks later "Bazz, we need more money, Obama's gonna do something!"
Uh....doesn't my dues cover this stuff?
I knew something was up. I stopped giving, despite the monthly calls. And when I did quit, they'd call nearly monthly to have me sign back up.
The NRA isn't about guns rights as they are about getting money.

Posted by: Sgt Bazz at April 11, 2021 12:34 PM (FrIb1)

45 You know an organization has lost its way when it has a wine club.

Posted by: Mark1971 at April 11, 2021 12:36 PM (xPl2J)

46 Wayne LaPenis is a lifelong parasite who has been profiting from the NRA for far too long. He needs to go away already but he won't. He loves the money and the power, etc, etc.
The GOA just won a court decision in Michigan about bump stocks not being classified as a machine gun. I sent them 50 bucks to keep up the good work.
Until the NRA changes leadership and stops Fudding around, I will give them not one red cent. We have the 2nd Amendment to protect ourselves from the government. Not hunting, not match shooting, not 2 or 3 gun competitions, etc. All of those are nice, but your 2nd Amendment rights may, and the way things are going, will, be your last line of defense for freedom.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 11, 2021 12:37 PM (R/m4+)

47 The Walking Dude, yes -- GOA fights. 2A Foundation looks like it fights.

Posted by: callsign claymore at April 11, 2021 12:37 PM (+ABad)

48

We supported a breed rescue organization for years by contributing, adopting and fostering. Its long-time head became rather deranged about other rescues and people trying to do something to help outside the group.

It culminated in a sad rescue here in Texas last year, when she threatened to go nuclear on us for our arrangements in care and fostering. No more, no more.

I did conformation statistics for our parent club for 10 years and gave it up not because I didn't enjoy it or because others didn't think I did a great job, but simply because I didn't want anyone to think I was entrenched in that position.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 11, 2021 12:37 PM (mht8P)

49 The NRA isn't about guns rights as they are about getting money.

Posted by:Sgt Bazzat April 11, 2021 12:34 PM (FrIb1)

Don't give away the game! Biden is gonna do something!

Posted by: The RNC at April 11, 2021 12:38 PM (ONvIw)

50 ""Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?""
Colonel Quantrill
Jesse and Frank James as Media Liasons

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 12:40 PM (cCxiu)

51 And to add further to my comment. It's really going to come down to each of us individually. Organizations help only to the point politicians will pay attention to them.
We're the ones with the guns. It's probably going to come down to each of us having to decide if we'll give them up or not.
Difficult days with difficult decisions ahead.

Posted by: Justsayin' at April 11, 2021 12:40 PM (Fs5vw)

52 Antiracism has been bery bery good to me.

As protests broke out across the country in the name of Black Lives Matter, the groupâ€™s co-founder went on a real estate-buying binge, snagging four high-end homes for $3.2 million in the US alone, according to property records.
Patrisse Khan-Cullors, 37, also eyed property in the Bahamas at an ultra-exclusive resort where Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods both have homes, The Post has learned. Luxury apartments and townhouses at the beachfront Albany resort outside Nassau are priced between $5 million and $20 million, according to a local agent.

https://bit.ly/3uUJdS3

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 12:41 PM (VVEnO)

53 Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 11, 2021 12:37 PM (R/m4+)
-----
Agreed!

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 12:41 PM (MVjcR)

54 Genghis muthafuckin Khan

Posted by:Berserker-Dragonheads Divisionat April 11, 2021 12:32 PM (9Om/r)

---
That's your answer for everything!

Posted by: All Hail Eris at April 11, 2021 12:42 PM (Dc2NZ)

55 Yeah, I'm not renewing until LaPierre is gone, and I tell them so.

Posted by: gp Discovers Geepeenium, 1st Element With Negative Half-Life at April 11, 2021 12:44 PM (qpX6U)

56 This site is still running well? I like the new format. lols

Posted by: RatBastard at April 11, 2021 12:45 PM (RKqlf)

57 What color are orange collard greens?

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 12:46 PM (Cxk7w)

58 What are the best alternatives to the NRA?
Second Amendment Foundation (saf.org) comes to mind. You can even set up charitable donations to them through smile.amazon.com.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at April 11, 2021 12:46 PM (SchxB)

59 NRA... RNC... same shit, different suits.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 12:46 PM (3H9h1)

60 And to add further to my comment. It's really going to come down to each of us individually. Organizations help only to the point politicians will pay attention to them.
We're the ones with the guns. It's probably going to come down to each of us having to decide if we'll give them up or not.
Difficult days with difficult decisions ahead.

^^^^^^ This.

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 12:47 PM (cCxiu)

61 They supported Whorehouse Harry Reid.

Posted by: torabora at April 11, 2021 12:47 PM (Y274z)

62 Thinking instead of renewing NRA, sending it to California Rifle & Pistol Association.

Posted by: Getting the band back together for lace wigs n rolex replicas at April 11, 2021 12:47 PM (YloEm)

63 So NYS is doing this because of their unshakable search for justice??

Posted by: andycanuck at April 11, 2021 12:49 PM (1yPl/)

64 Dropped my NRA membership nearly two decades ago when they kept pestering me to donate above & beyond membership dues. It wasn't that they asked for money but that they wouldn't take 'sorry, but I can't right now' for an answer & kept on & on. After that I read enough about the NRA sabotaging other gun rights organisations to make me think I should have stopped giving them money long before I did. I've kept my membership in the TSRA, but don't have any use for the NRA.
That LaPierre has been treating the NRA as his own personal piggy bank isn't surprising. Disappointing, but not surprising.

Posted by: aelfheld at April 11, 2021 12:49 PM (Zy9Yy)

65 Posted by: Getting the band back together for lace wigs n rolex replicas at April 11, 2021 12:47 PM (YloEm) ----- Supporting your state organization is always a great idea.

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 12:49 PM (MVjcR)

66
Ollie North blew the whistle years ago

Posted by: Pennies Zaday at April 11, 2021 12:49 PM (tZTjM)

Oh, and as "common sense" NGO/charity reform, how about any org can't exist for more then 20 years? If the issue is still something people care about they can start a new org, with new leadership.

Posted by: 18-1 at April 11, 2021 12:28 PM (JMMlQ)

HaHa, good one. But no.

Posted by: Democrat Money Launderers at April 11, 2021 12:50 PM (uhPTO)

68 We may finally get to find out whether SCOTUS' collapse is as complete as it usually seems. The foundation for finally making laws conform to the 2A was laid with Heller, but it's like it never happened. Don't see how this can continue much longer. Though just ignoring a presidential election being run counter to the constitution in several states might be fairly judged as "complete collapse", already, I guess.

And I wouldn't rely too much on states being able to be sanctuaries, at least most of them. Recall AZ's belated and modest attempt to do something about being inundated with mass illegal migration and cartel violence a few years back, via a state law that would assist the feds. Crushed quickly and easily in court.

If the insurrection against SCOTUS on Heller continues without consequence, then there really will be nothing left but state-level defiance (or county level, in recently ruined states like CO or WA). And depending on the head count of seats in Congress, the Beltway can and would ruthlessly apply its $$ and other power to persecute anyone out of line. And in the new soft-but-firming-up fascist America, the Fortune 500 and cultural institutions will join the mob in a nanosecond.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 11, 2021 12:50 PM (OTzUX)

69 6Who would you like to see as head of the NRA?
I'd kind of like Larry Correia, just for the speeches and letters.

Posted by:All Hail Erisat April 11, 2021 12:08 PM

At this point I would take Conan the Barbarian and his philosophy about what is best in life:

To crush your enemies

To see them driven before you

And to hear the lamentations of their women.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at April 11, 2021 12:52 PM (tkyK5)

70 GOA fights. 2A Foundation looks like it fights. Posted by: callsign claymore

One thing I like about the GOA is they email you for both Federal and State legislation, whats pending, whats good, whats bad, time windows to submit comments etc.. They provide contact info (phone, fax, email and snail mail- HINT-Do all 3) as well as fillable forms and letter templates to send to various congresscritters. They also encourage people to show up and comment in person, peacefully assemble to show support and organize this. What a far cry from the NRA "send us money, join our wine of month club"

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 12:53 PM (cCxiu)

They supported Whorehouse Harry Reid.

To be fair, I liked the NRA better when they were -- or at least claimed to be -- explicitly nonpartisan and didn't take a position on any issue other than gun rights. For all the the shitweasel he was on everything else, Reid was actually not bad on gun rights as long as he wanted to be reelected in NV.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 12:54 PM (qc+VF)

72 I abandoned the NRA for good when they endorsed Harry Reid when we had our best chance to boot his ass out.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 11, 2021 12:55 PM (2DOZq)

73 What's a 75 Bag Of Dicks???

Posted by: andycanuck at April 11, 2021 12:55 PM (1yPl/)

74 How about Uncle Palpatine, with his armored train, to head the NRA?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 11, 2021 12:57 PM (joJfO)

75 Grifter.
The time for grifters is over.

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at April 11, 2021 12:58 PM (Ndje9)

76 What's a 75 Bag Of Dicks???

$20, same as in town.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at April 11, 2021 12:58 PM (SchxB)

77 Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 12:54 PM (qc+VF)
Sorry but he was the leader of the party who did everything in their power to strip the 2nd Amendment. He was anything but an ally of the 2nd Amendment and I can't believe anyone would fall for that.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 11, 2021 12:58 PM (2DOZq)

78 Go for one of the others. There's a bunch to choose from.
I quit the NRA cause the month after I signed up they were dunning me to sign up for the next year telling me my membership was expiring soon.
Soon? Like 11 months. And frankly after a couple of questionable moves on the NRAs part, I don't hold with them as being all that active defending the 2A.
They always were more oriented to the manufacture and to organizing folks to practice safe firearm handling and stuff. Only when forced did they get into the defending the 2A part.
There's others who are more active and actually have won some big gains.

Posted by: Jakee308 at April 11, 2021 12:58 PM (LS3oW)

79 Second Amendment Foundation seems like a decent choice if one assesses that giving $ or time to an organization really will accomplish something.

They operate through the courts, and as I said above, it's about crunch time to see if the federal judiciary retains any legitimacy or self-respect, at all. Or maybe I should say whether the brazen lawlessness, arrogance, and idiocy that has mostly hollowed out the judiciary will in the end prevent the courts from fulfilling their self-appointed but de facto responsibility of enforcing the constitution.

I wouldn't bet $5 that Heller will be enforced, finally.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 11, 2021 12:59 PM (OTzUX)

80 Received an apologetic e-mail from Primary Arms yesterday. I ordered a weapon on the 6th, and they said that they have it reserved for me, the overwhelming demand of late has backed up their shipping/fulfillment center, but I should still get it reasonably soon.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 11, 2021 01:00 PM (2cS/G)

81 Plus he has a faggy, French-sounding name.

Posted by: Farmer Bob at April 11, 2021 01:00 PM (SZcI2)

82 Plus he has a faggy, French-sounding name.

Posted by: Farmer Bob at April 11, 2021 01:00 PM (SZcI2)

Even worse it sounds French Canadian.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 11, 2021 01:01 PM (2DOZq)

83 Well, their stone silence on the McKloskey case is telling.

Or alternatively...

The NRA is trying to nudge out the GOP in the useless pile of dog shit race.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at April 11, 2021 01:03 PM (FVrDO)

84 How about Uncle Palpatine, with his armored train, to head the NRA? Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 11, 2021 12:57 PM (joJfO)
Concur...When his train passes I can yell "Palpatine!" instead of "Strelnikov!"

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 11, 2021 01:03 PM (R/m4+)

85 Didja see this BOLO for a dangerous man?
https://bit.ly/3se0LXb

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 01:05 PM (VVEnO)

86 I abandoned the NRA for good when they endorsed Harry Reid when we had our best chance to boot his ass out.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth

Same with me They spent more money trying to get me back than i ever sent them.

Posted by: f'd at April 11, 2021 01:06 PM (Tnijr)

87 Just a reminder that the NRA itself does not and cannot lobby or spend money on legislative issues or candidates dates. As a 501c3 it is illegal to do so. That job falls on the NRA pac known as the NRA-ILA. So when LaPierre want money for the NRA to fight gun grabbers he is not being truthful unless the NRA is suing on behalf of the members.

Posted by: Jen the original at April 11, 2021 01:06 PM (17jI+)

88
I want to read the Deep Rig book, but haven't for two reasons:
1.) I don't enjoy reading e-books. I spend too much of my life gazing at screens as it is.
2.) It seems to be kindle or nook only, and I'm sure these companies are handing off the IDs of any insurrectionist users who order it for investigation by the feds.
It's like I'd like to read it to know more details, but I already know enough detail that I have zero doubts that this "deep rig" did in fact occur... Not enough to be gained from it for me to clear those other hurdles.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 11, 2021 01:06 PM (Uh2oA)

89 I lost faith in the NRA when they went AWOL during the 2019 Virginia Gun Grab. Meanwhile, Virginia Civil Defense League (VCDL) was organizing buses and protests outside the state house.
You had one job, NRA.

Posted by: WaitingForMartel at April 11, 2021 01:07 PM (frK3g)

90 Received an apologetic e-mail from Primary Arms yesterday. I ordered a weapon on the 6th, and they said that they have it reserved for me, the overwhelming demand of late has backed up their shipping/fulfillment center, but I should still get it reasonably soon.

At least they're talking to you. I ordered some stuff from MFJ (not a gun place) in December. Got a notice that it shipped last week. In between I had to threaten to reverse the charges on the credit card to get any response. The excuse for the delay was, of course, Covid.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at April 11, 2021 01:09 PM (SchxB)

91 Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 01:05 PM (VVEnO)
That has to be a photoshopped joke. Just has to be.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 11, 2021 01:09 PM (2DOZq)

92 A few years ago I thought the NRA was making real progress. NRATV was reaching a new younger audience and changing minds.
When they dropped that channel and fired the cast it seem to be out of jealously on the part of LaPierre. Maybe it was not but I adjusted my donations as if it was ol' Wayne's fault.
2nd Amendment Foundation now gets my money now. They fight.

Posted by: Big V at April 11, 2021 01:11 PM (6Pqz7)

93 I'm sick of these fad diets.
https://bit.ly/2PMEiUk

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at April 11, 2021 01:12 PM (VVEnO)

94 I'm to the point where I've decided it's pretty much all a grift. In some ways, Obama was a Marxist Trump, advancing the ball too deep. It's not about policy, it's about balancing opposing positions to grift us rubes. Guns, abortion, Healthcare, immigration, etc. You're not supposed to actually do anything, just threaten and fundraise.

Posted by: Farmer Bob at April 11, 2021 01:13 PM (SZcI2)

95 Walking Dude, thank you for the laugh about the wine of the month club.
VCDL does outstanding work.

Posted by: callsign claymore at April 11, 2021 01:13 PM (+ABad)

I'm all for a renewed and reinvigorated NRA. One sans LaPissant and his ilk. That said, I still advocate membership, as the sheer clout of 5 million + does bear weight and strikes fear into the hearts of many a congressturd.

How much more fear and clout would a 10 million membership inspire? I, for one, would like to find out. Membership is CHEAP, folks, and by having your membership coded NO PROMOTIONS, you don't get the solicitations. Hold and Maintain your NRA membership, and if you're a life member, learn which board members to vote for or against, and VOTE. One million new members voting out LaPissant would see an end to his yachting days, I think?

Hold that NRA poker chip. It's not garbage, merely a bit lower in value than before. But your real time, money and effort is best spent with your State Rifle/Gun Association, and then with GOA/SAF, as you please.

Jim

Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 11, 2021 01:13 PM (QzJWU)

97 Blanco, yes I was glad to hear from them. They still haven't applied the charge to my credit card, so I was afraid that my order was lost somehow. They included a line that said "Please understand that requesting follow ups pulls people from fulfilling orders". I'm guessing everybody in the same boat as me has been calling/e-mailing every day.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 11, 2021 01:15 PM (2cS/G)

98 When Joe issues his EO banning all of the things, are we gonna get a circuit court judge to issue a nationwide injunction? I crack myself up.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 11, 2021 01:15 PM (kTF2Z)

99 waitingformartel, VCDL could launch a credible PAC. Recruit solid 2A candidates, primary a ton of RINOs.

Posted by: callsign claymore at April 11, 2021 01:16 PM (+ABad)

100 That has to be a photoshopped joke. Just has to be.

---------

Yeah that's shopped. Not well, either.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 11, 2021 01:16 PM (Uh2oA)

101

When Joe issues his EO banning all of the things, are we gonna get a circuit court judge to issue a nationwide injunction? I crack myself up.

We need a reliable and committed Originalist on the bench in Guam or some other tiny, far-flung parcel of America to start issuing nationwide decrees against the Puddinhead's Puppet's incursions upon 2nd Amendment rights.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. at April 11, 2021 01:21 PM (HaL55)

102 If they are going to piss away millions on yachts they should away a few mil$ on frivolous lawsuits.
Such as class action against big blue cities and states for disparate impact against black americans with the racist gun laws they have.
No matter what the outcome it will be a win.
- No standing -> Black Americans have no standing when it comes to enumerated rights.
- Loose -> disparate impact gunned down by SCOTUS.
- Win -> umm, win.
BTW. It matters not what SCOTUS actually rules. In the end the plain english substance will be one of the above... if it is the first two that is when they can start throwing some real money at the problem.

Posted by: Burnt Umber at April 11, 2021 01:21 PM (/Dgcm)

103 How can there be a cult of personality when La Pierre has no personality? I just allowed my more than thirty year membership lapse. Probably going to GOA.

Posted by: Henry Lee at April 11, 2021 01:23 PM (ZaZvt)

104 Life member here. Bravo on defending the 2A and on the progress on concealed carry. But Wayne has forgotten about the need to practice good stewardship of membership's dues -- a basic operating principle for any honest non-profit. He needs to resign...while he may have been effective in the past, he's a liability now.

Posted by: Brian at April 11, 2021 01:25 PM (CHorZ)

105 103 How can there be a cult of personality when La Pierre has no personality? I just allowed my more than thirty year membership lapse. Probably going to GOA.

Posted by: Henry Lee at April 11, 2021 01:23 PM (ZaZvt)

The GOA and SAF are great alternatives, and as Jim mentioned, so are your state organizations.

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 01:26 PM (MVjcR)

106 I know it's OT but I'm still fighting that damn cactus. I'm about a third of the way through it but these gloves are not protecting my hands. Tired of pulling those tiny thorns out. These are super thick rubber gloves. Any suggestions? Wish I could just burn the damn thing lol!

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:26 PM (nxdel)

107 Jewells45 - do you have a pair of good leather gloves about? Maybe those would work better.

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 01:28 PM (Rvt88)

108 Welding gloves.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 11, 2021 01:29 PM (Uh2oA)

109 Flame thrower

Posted by: DB- just DB at April 11, 2021 01:30 PM (iTXRQ)

110 Explosives

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 01:31 PM (MVjcR)

111

Jewells. Get a propane Cactus Burner torch. It's made to burn the spines off of the Prickly Pear cactus, so that cattle can then munch on the plump, succulent plant, itself. Do a Bing search, then buy one from eBay.

Hooks up to your standard BBQ propane tank. Flame the spines off of your cactus, and removal becomes a cinch.

Good luck!

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 11, 2021 01:31 PM (QzJWU)

112 Tonypete no I don't. I'm thinking YD's suggestion may be the best. Do they sell those at Lowe's or Home Depot?

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:31 PM (nxdel)

113 106 I know it's OT but I'm still fighting that damn cactus. I'm about a third of the way through it but these gloves are not protecting my hands. Tired of pulling those tiny thorns out. These are super thick rubber gloves. Any suggestions? Wish I could just burn the damn thing lol!

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:26 PM (nxdel)

No-ethanol gas. Burns hotter. Just spray and light.

Posted by: Justsayin' at April 11, 2021 01:32 PM (Fs5vw)

114 LAAWS Rocket

Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 11, 2021 01:32 PM (kTF2Z)

115 Jim, I don't have a propane tank.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:32 PM (nxdel)

116 I at one time thought about reaching out to the county sheriff, but last year he was involved in that public relations disaster with the Linscott family and the local health department. With the sheriff's help they were put under house arrest after a COVID test popped hot.

I got all over the sheriff's office when I was still on FB and called it for what it was, a huge PR disaster. He vigorously disagreed and got a little snippy with me.

Bottom line with me is if I can't trust the local LE or Gov I'm going to look after my rights myself. Which is as it should be.

Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 11, 2021 01:32 PM (3H9h1)

117

When Joe issues his EO banning all of the things

It will be slicker than that, but almost as fast.

The ghost gun silliness that Joe is having the unelected, unaccountable ATF enact in <30 days with the heaviest and most oppressive force of law (but that requires no legislation) isn't because Deonkay and Trayvon are milling receivers in the hood. It's because they're going after serial numbers.

They're going after serial numbers because there's going to be a massive gun registration requirement in six months or less. And the registration is so that the confiscation can come next. The only question is whether it will happen before or after the mid-terms.

Full circle, it's why the military is being purged and "extremists" sorted out, so that they won't hesitate when it comes time to fire on regular Americans with guns even though it won't change anything that Deonkay and Trayvon continue doing in the hood.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 01:33 PM (q8U4k)

118 You guys the cactus is just inches from the house. I can't burn it.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:33 PM (nxdel)

119 Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:33 PM (nxdel)
------
Sometimes sacrifices must be made.

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 01:35 PM (MVjcR)

120

Jewells. Here ya go. Hooks up to a standard 1 lb. propane (camping) type bottle. This one is from Tractor Supply. There's sure to be a location near you.

Bare Ground Bare Ground Propane Torch, BB-100 at Tractor Supply Co.

Jim

Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 11, 2021 01:36 PM (QzJWU)

121

Jewells. Getcha a 4'x4' bit of Hardi Backer, which is a quarter-inch thick material made to go behind tile on shower walls, kitchen backsplashes and the like.

Slide it between house and cactus, then Flame On! This is a SOLVABLE problem, ma'am!

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 11, 2021 01:38 PM (QzJWU)

122

If they are going to piss away millions on yachts they should away a few mil$ on frivolous lawsuits.

Related, when I kept seeing the left win victory after victory by never sitting still and judge-shopping until they got the result they wanted was about when I started realizing that the NRA was fairly useless.

It was neat because it was before all the wardrobe, yacht, etc. stories came out, and a bit before they stood up and pushed for gun parts bans alongside the people they were telling me they were protecting me from.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 01:38 PM (q8U4k)

123 lol Weasel. That's one way to get out of this house. Looking at the real estate situation right now I don't know what we're going to do now.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:38 PM (nxdel)

124

You guys the cactus is just inches from the house. I can't burn it. Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:33 PM

First, move it away from the house, then blow it up. Jeez, I have to think of everything!

Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 11, 2021 01:38 PM (kTF2Z)

125 I heard shit about La Pierre 15 yrs ago. To me, he reminded me of another con artist thief that belongs to that Scientology org. LaPierre should have been removed 20yrs ago. But NOOOOOOOO, people just kept sending in their money as long as they could buy as many guns as you wanted. We are on the precipice of have our gun rights taken from us and still, nobody is doing shit to get this fucker out and -"hire someone who is less enamored of the trappings of non-profit wealth and celebrity, and get back to doing what we pay for: the defense of our gun rights."

Posted by: sidney at April 11, 2021 01:39 PM (7/kmB)

126 Hot iron.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. at April 11, 2021 01:39 PM (HaL55)

127 jewells45>can you get a hold of a chainsaw?

Posted by: sidney at April 11, 2021 01:39 PM (7/kmB)

128 And there are going to be so many rare and beautiful pre-1960 guns turned in and destroyed because they don't have serial numbers. It breaks my heart to think about it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 01:40 PM (q8U4k)

129 Jewells rubber is not the choice, leather work gloves are better.. how about pliers?

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 01:41 PM (Cxk7w)

130 I can just see the look on my husbands face when I tell I'm going to burn the cactus.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:42 PM (nxdel)

131 #PrickLivesMatter!!!

Posted by: cactus protection league at April 11, 2021 01:42 PM (1yPl/)

132 Hmmm, Skip now that's not a bad idea either. Big set of pliers would work. It's mostly rotting underneath so some of it is pretty easy to just pull up and dump in the lawn bag.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:43 PM (nxdel)

133 Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:42 PM (nxdel
---
You might want to let that be a surprise.

Posted by: Weasel at April 11, 2021 01:43 PM (MVjcR)

134 You only need to remove the area you need to get to

Posted by: Skip at April 11, 2021 01:44 PM (Cxk7w)

135 > And there are going to be so many rare and beautiful pre-1960 guns turned in and destroyed because they don't have serial numbers. lost in canoe accidents.

Posted by: WaitingForMartel at April 11, 2021 01:45 PM (frK3g)

136 I believe Red State governors for the most part will not voluntarily allow gun confiscation.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 11, 2021 01:45 PM (2DOZq)

137 Sidney yes but thats sort like using a flamethrower on a fly. This isn't all that big. I'd say maybe a 3x4 ft area is all that's left. Besides I'd probably cut my own arm off.

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:45 PM (nxdel)

138 "Honey, the smoke alarm went off. What are you cooking?"

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. at April 11, 2021 01:46 PM (HaL55)

139 It was revealing to me about the NRA's mindset when Jim in SND described how to stop the mail spam. How you had to call the NRA and use a specific word in order to get placed on the no-spam list, and how if you didn't use that specific word, your effort would be wasted. This is not a knock on Jim, but on the NRA. Why place such a roadblock for members to get the spam stopped? How many people even know about the existence of that word? Is it prominently mentioned or described somewhere? Why even spam members at all?

Posted by: president kg at April 11, 2021 01:47 PM (9npt1)

140 Remember Jewells, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Plus, when the fire department shows up, they can explain it to him.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at April 11, 2021 01:48 PM (kTF2Z)

141

Jewells, that combo of the Tractor Supply torch and the 4'x4' of Hardi Backer will surely suffice. The 1lb. tank is disposable, and they're typically sold damn near everywhere. Tractor Supply will have 'em, and Wal-Mart, too. A two-pack is common, and is the right plan, here.

The Hardi-Backer is a cement based material, and is relatively impervious to direct flame. During the Great February Freeze, I did manage to "bake" my way through a piece of it, by repeatedly building small campfires atop a slab, as was necessary to heat coffee, tea, soup and the like. The heat eventually cyrstallized the Hardi, and then the bit directly under the flame crumbled, powdered and failed. But that was only after four days of repeated treatment of wood, a splash of gasoline, and the resultant burning of the wood down to nothing but ask. That thing got HOT!

Your Cactus Torch won't result in anything near what my campfires did. It'll singe the spines off of the cactus, and nothing more.

BONUS: You won't be out a buncha money to solve this, nor will you have to pay a landscaper or such a buncha money to solve it for you.

BONUS II: The look on your hubby's face when you tell him you're going to burn the cactus. PRICELESS!

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 11, 2021 01:50 PM (QzJWU)

142

Jewells rubber is not the choice, leather work gloves are better.. how about pliers?
-- Skip

Wait? What are we talking about here? I could've swore we started off discussing cactus removal.

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 01:50 PM (Rvt88)

143 "And the registration is so that the confiscation can come next. The only question is whether it will happen before or after the mid-terms."

My guess is that they will start an annual tax per gun after registration. Not to worry, it will only be $50/weapon for the first year ... soon to be $1000. They will also find excuses to start some limited confiscation probably ... like if you are crazy (like a deplorable MAGA type, or climate denier, or veteran, or Christian)

Posted by: illiniwek at April 11, 2021 01:50 PM (Cus5s)

144

And there are going to be so many rare and beautiful pre-1960 guns turned in and destroyed because they don't have serial numbers. lost in canoe accidents.

No, Maude and Charlie aren't going to get all "COLD DEAD FANGERS!!!" about their Remington 572 that Charley saved up and bought when he was a boy. They'll just turn it in and it will be sawn in half.

There will be millions of similar losses. I'd bet a paycheck some widows turn in $20K+ side by side shotguns to be destroyed, because I saw it done with an authentic Thompson a couple of decades ago.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 01:51 PM (q8U4k)

145 Sorry. "Swordfish" is no longer da password, boss.

Posted by: nra spam dept at April 11, 2021 01:52 PM (1yPl/)

146 lol Jim! Yeah, look I don't want to give the poor man another stroke!

Posted by: jewells45 at April 11, 2021 01:54 PM (nxdel)

147 Don't overlook insurance policies as a source of serials -

Nothing is private or privileged any more if the feds really want that info.

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 01:56 PM (Rvt88)

148 143 "And the registration is so that the confiscation can come next. The only question is whether it will happen before or after the mid-terms."

OH no, we don't do that, we just want you're name for the registry. Swearsies

Posted by: Registrar at April 11, 2021 01:56 PM (nhBb/)

149 The NRA has turned into a pure Grift operation. Better for it to die, since Wayne will never give up his position. As has been pointed out, it hasn't been doing anything for us anyways. Let it die.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 11, 2021 01:58 PM (bxPTJ)

150 Re unwanted cactus -- I've had success using my car (slowly and judiciously) and a rope to pull root balls and small stumps out of the ground.
I always assume there's a possibility the rope could snap and whip back, and clear the area around the rope accordingly.
I wouldn't even suggest this here, except the cactus doesn't sound like it would take much force.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at April 11, 2021 01:58 PM (2iDSr)

151 I let my NRA membership lapse years ago, and don't regret it for a second.

Posted by: Bea Arthur's Dick at April 11, 2021 01:59 PM (jWe5r)

152 Received an apologetic e-mail from Primary Arms yesterday. I ordered a weapon on the 6th, Posted by: Lincolntf

Heh, I ordered another wop konckoff 1851 colt percussion revolver in Feb. Was to arrive in March, then April....now pushed off to May. I think I got the Black Powder/last stand contingency idea the same time as a couple million other people.
I did get all the equipment and ingredients to safely make black powder. Still waiting on the punch/die and primer ingredients for the percussion caps. Still no Black Powder and percussion caps online anywhere I can find, so I think I'm on the correct path.

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 01:59 PM (cCxiu)

153 Insurance polices is the first place they look for anything. If you have an accident and someone wants to sue you the first thing his lawyer will do is check how much you are insured for. You may not be worth his time.

Posted by: Braenyard at April 11, 2021 02:00 PM (UIwVc)

154 Speaking of gun control, David Hogg is getting out of the pillow business. The little turd is tweeting that people are meanies because he has to concentrate on his therapy. PTSD issues are getting him down, what with nightmares about riding his Schwinn Pixie over to the shootin' he wasn't at.

Posted by: bill in Arkansas not gonna comply with nuttin at April 11, 2021 02:00 PM (I58tH)

155

Teenage Anti-Gun Activist David Hogg Calls His Pillow Company Quits After Just A Few Short Weeksâ€¦

https://www.weaselzippers.us/?p=467522

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 11, 2021 02:01 PM (63Dwl)

156 So, besides voting in 2 years and again in 4 years, how do we put a stop to all of this?

Posted by: StellasTwoCents at April 11, 2021 02:01 PM (cRbt7)

157 Speaking of gun control, David Hogg is getting out of the pillow business. Posted by bill in Arkansas not gonna comply with nuttin

Biting more of your product than you sell is not a good business model.

Posted by: The Walking Dude at April 11, 2021 02:03 PM (cCxiu)

158 Well there is a gun show this weekend in Jackson MS.

Will be skipping it since the ammo prices are reported to be outrageous and one dealer even refused to haggle when someone offered to buy his entire inventory, six boxes, off him.

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 11, 2021 02:03 PM (r6pxQ)

159 Difficult to run a corporation without a product

Posted by: Braenyard at April 11, 2021 02:04 PM (UIwVc)

160 The NRA has slowly negotiated away gun rights, much like the GOP has negotiated away the Bill of Rights.

Posted by: Blake â€ semi lurker at large at April 11, 2021 02:04 PM (1/wzH)

161 So someone put a pillow to Camera Hogg?

Beware Big Pillow.

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 11, 2021 02:05 PM (r6pxQ)

162 maybe I missed an important detail, but why can't you just dig it up

Posted by: DB- just DB at April 11, 2021 02:06 PM (iTXRQ)

163

So, besides voting in 2 years and again in 4 years, how do we put a stop to all of this?

Frivolous answer: It would require a time machine.

Serious answer: There is no putting a stop to it. It's been in motion for decades, but it was unfortunately exposed by Trump being accidentally allowed to be elected.

We're just along for the ride.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 02:06 PM (q8U4k)

164 This is not a knock on Jim, but on the NRA. Why place such a roadblock for members to get the spam stopped? How many people even know about the existence of that word? Is it prominently mentioned or described somewhere? Why even spam members at all? Posted by: president kg at April 11, 2021 01:47 PM (9npt1)
Because whores ain't cheap. Act now and get this fleshlight keychain with my face on it for one year's membership of $99.99. Made in China. You know the Chinese make good stuff!
Act now, I can't do this all day.

Posted by: Wayne LaPenis, NRA Lifetime Grifter at April 11, 2021 02:08 PM (R/m4+)

165 If Hogg were my kid, he'd be getting some learning, via a tire iron, about making money off the death of his classmates.

Posted by: Blake â€ semi lurker at large at April 11, 2021 02:09 PM (1/wzH)

166 We need common sense pillow control!!

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 02:09 PM (Rvt88)

167

Posted by: bill in Arkansas not gonna comply with nuttin at April 11, 2021 02:00 PM (I58tH)

-----

Triangle Head is sad.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at April 11, 2021 02:10 PM (2iDSr)

168 Semi-Literate Thug - that little shit does have a praying mantis shaped head, doesn't he?

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 02:11 PM (Rvt88)

169 I don't know about any cult of personality that LaPierre created. I don't know anyone who likes him. So it is like a cult of people who hate him maybe.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 11, 2021 02:12 PM (yQpMk)

170 I miss Judah Ben Hur.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 11, 2021 02:12 PM (yQpMk)

171 PSA for all you nerds out there:

Hamilton Books has Superman and Batman "The War Years" compilations for $8 each. There are some other deals if you look around.

It would probably be neat to read about and see some super heroes back when they loved America and fought to defend her.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at April 11, 2021 02:14 PM (q8U4k)

172 Tonypete - I'm a bad person, because I couldn't help but think about what happens when the male mates with the female of the species....

Posted by: Blake â€ semi lurker at large at April 11, 2021 02:14 PM (1/wzH)

173

I don't know about any cult of personality that LaPierre created. I don't know anyone who likes him.

That would be the aforementioned BOD. Although technically, I suppose someone doesn't have to like another to share in his grifting.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 02:14 PM (qc+VF)

174 I should think that once everyone realizes it hopeless, they will figure out ways to cheat the overlords. And we become a completely lawless society, well, except for when the Govt wants to charge you with something real or not. Game plan must be to operate under the radar and not play by their rules any longer, right?

Posted by: StellasTwoCents at April 11, 2021 02:16 PM (cRbt7)

175 Political organizations are either grifting or will become grifters.

Posted by: Blake â€ semi lurker at large at April 11, 2021 02:17 PM (1/wzH)

176

168 that little shit does have a praying mantis shaped head, doesn't he?

Posted by: Tonypete at April 11, 2021 02:11 PM (Rvt8

------

The mantis has bulkier arms, though. Every time I see Hogg flailing his twigs out for dramatic effect, I wonder how he achieved such vanishing thinness. Is there some exercise technique for removing muscle?

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at April 11, 2021 02:18 PM (2iDSr)

177 I never got mixed up with the NRA because it always came off as more of a circle jerk than a serious advocacy group. I really need to look into the state groups though.

In related news, Tennessee just went constitutional carry. LOLGF Joey, and yer little ho too.

Posted by: CppThis at April 11, 2021 02:19 PM (zcf1k)

178 I'm a Life Member of the NRA, and have been a member for over 35 years. I'm disgusted with what LaPierre has done to the org. He's begun treating it as a piggybank for his own satisfaction. Not. One. More. Dime. until he goes.

I joined Gun Owners of America last year. Much happier with the org, and much happier with its style. They don't even bother with membership cards (they give you a link to something you can print if you feel the need), preferring to spend the money on fighting the good fight.

Posted by: nerdbert at April 11, 2021 02:23 PM (mayVJ)

179 And apparently there's a nood. They've been talking behind our backs.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 11, 2021 02:25 PM (qc+VF)

180

Jewells rubber is not the choice, leather work gloves are better.. how about pliers?
-- Skip

Wait? What are we talking about here? I could've swore we started off discussing cactus removal.
Posted by:Tonypeteat April 11, 2021 01:50 PM (Rvt8

Give me 15 minutes with a ballpeen hammer and I will have that cactus spilling it's guts on any question you have.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at April 11, 2021 02:34 PM (yQpMk)

181 Everytime they call for a donation, I let them know zero donations until Wayne is gone! G.O.A. is a much better choice for your 2A dollars.

Posted by: Nekozuki at April 11, 2021 02:59 PM (hZMCA)

182 I have a friend that works at the NRA. According to them the NRA is rife with nepotism and friendly deals. Also, the BoD and President have zero power. Everything is run by Wayne and his boys. While expanding membership should be their biggest concern they instead focus on milking the current membership and courting big donors. The "move to Texas" was actually a reincorporation of the NRA from a NY charity to a TX LLC. That moves Wayne from Executive VP to the CEO of the new LLC. This move under the cover of declaring Chapter 11 nullifies the NY lawsuits. However, given an LLC structure there is little chance of removing Wayne.
Recommend you all look into your state gun rights organizations. Here in VA we have the Virginia Citizens Defense League. You may recall the 20-30,000 person rally in Richmond in Jan 2020 which stopped the wilder fever dreams of the gun grabbers. That was all VCDL's doing.

Posted by: Star Tripper at April 11, 2021 04:26 PM (FRbbV)

183 My dad was a life member, I joined back in 88 because I was talked into it. When I moved to GA in '91 I started going to the Eastman's gun shows and my eyes opened. I joined Georgia Gun Owners, Jews For the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Gun Owners of America and let the NRA go because they compromised. I'll never give them another penny, they will jump in bed with anyone that waves money at them and sell your rights down the river faster than they can put out their hand to grab cash.

Posted by: Gmac - WTF did you think was going to happen? at April 11, 2021 04:50 PM (qZdIZ)

184 It's all about the mad grift. It seems that "Patriot!!! Will you stand with me while I FIGHT for my SUITS!!!" somehow garners more donations than "Hey, lets go to the range and practice safe weapons handling." SAF has accomplished more in the courts and more for my rights than NRA, so that's where my $$ goes.

Posted by: Fyathyrio at April 11, 2021 04:58 PM (56irt)

185 I'm a Patron Life member, and I am in full agreement with the post and many of the comments. I started turning on them when they hired Oliver North as the President - everything that guy touches and that touches him turns to crap and this was no exception IMO. To all appearances that turned out to be dueling enterprises in self-dealing, and vulnerable to political attack like from the self promoting NY AG. And now this...
I'm done contributing to them until they can LaPierre and get back on mission. Support your state level orgs like TSRA down here in Texas.

Posted by: pikkumatti at April 11, 2021 07:09 PM (vjH93)

186 "by far the largest 2nd Amendment advocacy group"

Sears was once the largest retailer in the U.S.

The only reason I joined the NRA was because the range I shoot at requires it. I donate most of my money to FPC/FPF and GOA.

Posted by: Guardian37 at April 11, 2021 08:35 PM (vgKI2)

187 137 Jewells- 10-4.

Posted by: Sidney at April 11, 2021 09:19 PM (/7X90)

188 Unfortunately, NRA membership is required for joining my local range club. I bought a lifetime membership for that purpose. I would really like to move somewhere that I don't have to do that.

Posted by: Joe Bar at April 11, 2021 09:30 PM (kboeL)

189 NRA NOTES: to all and sundry, included the eminent Ace
It was founded in 1871 by Union officers appalled at their troops' bad marksmanship during the later unpleasantness. It was chartered in NY, and 2 years later established the first national rifle range at Creedmoor, Long Island. 6.5 Creedmoor anyone?

The NRA is America's oldest civil rights organization, a 501c(4) primarily to promote marksmanship, shooting sports, and firearms safety. They set standards for shooting ranges, instructors, targets, police training, and associated duties. Governed by a board of 76 members, only 7% of eligible members bother to vote.

In 1975 the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) was founded to keep member funding separate from politics. The ILA lobbies, litigates, and directs the Political Victory Fund PAC and the Civil Defense Fund. No membership dues go for any political or legal purpose.
IMO the problems arose with their Fairfax Co (DC) headquarters. It was a great idea in some ways, but constant contact with DC folks is corrupting. Aligning themselves with the GOP was another bad move.

The real problems are no organizations to replace or compete with them, and a membership (95%) who want 'the NRA' (they are the NRA) to do all their political work for them on $0 per year.
No other national organization offers training, news, competitions, insurance, or the range of services the NRA does. The NRA has problems, for sure, but there's no viable alternative.
___ Life NRA, life SAF, GOA, JPFO, and my state org.

Posted by: hooodathunkit at April 11, 2021 10:46 PM (ak5CH)

190 Most civil rights organizations have the same pattern.
They start as a righteous organization driven by a worthy cause.
Then they turn into a business.
Then a grifter turns them into a scam.
So it is with the NAACP. The ACLU. The NRA.

Posted by: Big Al at April 12, 2021 01:23 AM (vnvi2)

191 68 And I wouldn't rely too much on states being able to be sanctuaries, at least most of them. Recall AZ's belated and modest attempt to do something about being inundated with mass illegal migration and cartel violence a few years back, via a state law that would assist the feds. Crushed quickly and easily in court.

Different situation, though. This would be requiring a state to assist the feds in enforcing fed law--and current SCOTUS precedent is that the feds can't do that. The states cannot directly negate fed law, but they're not required to help the feds enforce it, either. So ATF's ~2,600 agents get to hunt down those 300 million guns all by themselves.

The other thing is, back then, we thought we could change the federal government's policies by winning elections. We know better now.

Posted by: Joe Smith at April 12, 2021 03:33 AM (zmIA8)

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