I Love the NRA!

[cedestech]

Most choices are like trying to pick up a turd by the clean end....

[Snake]

While I'm an entrenched cynic I will choose as opposed to avoiding the problem. I usually don't like the available choices but I'll make one as opposed to letting some flaming left wing dip shit make it for me.

[Bigfoot]

I'm going to regret this I'm sure but what the hell.

As a rarified city kid on this site I wince in discomfort when those in my social circle demonize the left just as much as I do when someone is surprised as I don't seem "like one of them gun nut types".

In my humble opinion, the yelling at either end of the spectrum is getting louder and the listening is getting rarer. I can't count any more how many people that over a dinner party or a beer out on the town that I've been able to have a calm, rational discussion about the pros of gun ownership, competitive shooting and the like that has resulted in if not a softening of opinion then to a 180' turn around.

Now that I'm typing it I can't think of anyone in my rather large social circle that would identify themselves as anti gun after we've spoken about the subject calmly for a while. And yes these are liberal downtown types. Many of whom end up asking if I'd take them to a range much to their surprise after breaking through a few cultural barricades.

I think if we back off the rhetoric and calm the jets down a bit we can look back on the last decade of anti gun politics fondly in 10 or 20 years. But to do that we're going to need to stop institutionally demonizing politicians, liberals and the like as the fact of the matter is everyone in this country has a vote and the most powerful tool you can use to win someone to our side is calm, rational logic. You can't sway everyone but you're never going to change someones opinion by calling them "stupid" or other names.

Now in regards to the subject of this string. I do believe the NRA is part of the problem. While in the good old days they were about education and fostering the culture it does seem that they've fallen into the part of the problem rather than solution. Until we get better representation though, I'll continue to fund them but if and when I have a say, I'd rather they advocate in a way that doesn't isolate our members as others from the general culture but represents us as the millions of members across all social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Rant over...Phew...

[BCloninger]

Can it be? I'm no longer the sole liberal here?

[Jim T.]

JimT, as I recall in 2008 the NRA gave Obama a B rating. I am referring mainly to their rating on senate, congressional and local races, they are way off base. No, I did not vote for Obama, but truly research many of the ratings they give your local politicians. In Florida where we have Marion Hammer I can tell you she is way off base as well, supporting those that respond to her agenda. I have not even looked to see what rating they give Charlie Crist now, 'mister sway with the wind' but he did receive high marks in his previous runs, in fact he even came and spoke to the FSSA general meeting years ago. Was not impressed then and even less impressed with his 'gun rights second amendment' support now.

Mary Watkins

Mary:

It looks like your "recall" is faulty. Please see the following link:

http://elephantsinthebluegrass.blogspot ... m-nra.html

While this is not a definitive source I believe they are correct in their statements. One only has to Google "2008 NRA rating of Obama" to validate that a "B" grade is far from the truth.

As Snake so clearly points out, the NRA is looking to advance our gun rights via endorsements of candidates that have a chance of winning. It does not help our cause for them to endorse every crackpot Libertarian who has no chance of ever holding public office.

I am with you on Charlie! Of course you can't blame the NRA for the chameleon nature of Mr. Crist's ongoing metamorphosis into who knows what.

With respect to our local politics and the NRA endorsements they have it exactly right in my estimation.

[High Speed]

The system is broke!! When you have to vote for the lessor of two evils? The tree of liberty needs refreshing, if there's any tree left.
Stay Safe
Mark

[Innocent]

JimT. my comment on Obama was during his run for the prez nomination and the NRA printed and mailed some stuff on him vs. Billary and his marks were much higher, claiming he has supported some gun stuff while in the senate.
I will stand by my remarks that the GOA (Gun Owners of America) publishes facts more than opinions such as actual voting records of senators and congressmen on bills pertaining to gun rights. The GOA does not attempt to cover any other issues than how the person voted on gun bills, they leave it up to you to determine what you think about your elected representation.

I have voted in every election that I am eligible for since 1978, and take the time to research the entire ballot, both for persons and any amendments to the state constitution. In each case I don't only look at the gun rights, I look for economic records, connections to known criminal activities (anyone I have seen run from Chicago) and general education and knowledge of the office they are running for.

I still feel that overall NRA has picked the wrong candidates in Florida for the last twenty plus years, now that may be because of one or two individuals in the state.

Mary

[cedestech]

we're going to need to stop institutionally demonizing politicians, liberals and the like :

When those people quit trying to take, curtail, or other wise hinder the rights given to use by a very special group of people a couple hundred years ago, then they will stop being demonized. Just sayin and IMHO.

[OldRanger]

Personally I look at what the NRA has to say, but I also check voting records when I can. For instance one of the MT politicians got an Aq from NRA and is a vet, but also does NOT believe in our right to bear arms. As long as a voter is informed before voting its all good in my book. I do weigh other factors but if a person is going to try to take my gun rights away that can trump economics etc.

Be informed and vote. Enough said.

[Jerry G]

Mark, you are correct. voting for the lessor of 2 evils really sucks.

Decent people won't run because of the dirt and lies about a canidate. Let's face it most of us have a skelleton or 2 hidden somewhere in our past and running for office will bring all of that out and more that are damn lies. I wish there was an answer to the problem but it escapes me.

[Jim T.]

Personally I look at what the NRA has to say, but I also check voting records when I can. For instance one of the MT politicians got an Aq from NRA and is a vet, but also does NOT believe in our right to bear arms. As long as a voter is informed before voting its all good in my book. I do weigh other factors but if a person is going to try to take my gun rights away that can trump economics etc.

Be informed and vote. Enough said.

WOW! They gave him an "A" rating??? I can't believe the NRA got that wrong. What is the name of that candidate???????

[High Speed]

Mark, you are correct. voting for the lessor of 2 evils really sucks.

Decent people won't run because of the dirt and lies about a canidate. Let's face it most of us have a skelleton or 2 hidden somewhere in our past and running for office will bring all of that out and more that are damn lies. I wish there was an answer to the problem but it escapes me.

I know the answer, but I don't know how to get it started. Tared and Feathered, Boiled In Oil, come to mind. Most of what is going on in this country now, would have been considered an act of treason, back when those fellows put all the rules and regulations down on paper. When scum can go to a college campus, make $250,000.00 spewing lies about, (You know there lies, because their mouth is open) I don't understand. Streets are named after them, Air Ports, on and on. They are not accountable for the actions. Better stop before the whisper of the black helo is heard. The system needs purged.
Stay Safe,
Mark

[Jim Beckley]

Let's see here Mr. Cloninger, A typical liberal when a problem arises with yourself, you are supposed to go to Starbucks in sandals, sip lattes, sing a couple chorus of kumbaya and leave with a smile on your face. When a problem arises with a liberal they scream loud, long and hard (maybe even a Deer hunt in Mexico), even call a spade a spade. If that's the case yes your not the lonesome liberal here.

[OldRanger]

WOW! They gave him an "A" rating??? I can't believe the NRA got that wrong. What is the name of that candidate???????

They gave him an Aq which means an A based on the questions he answered, not on a record. And it is Lewis. They rate his opponent (Zinke) an A- based on his voting record.

I also want to mention what our political strategy should be here. What we need is to elect some Democrats that will support the second amendment. We know most Republicans will vote (or be pressured to by the party) for 2A, but we need support from the other side of the aisle.

[Jim T.]

WOW! They gave him an "A" rating??? I can't believe the NRA got that wrong. What is the name of that candidate???????

They gave him an Aq which means an A based on the questions he answered, not on a record. And it is Lewis. They rate his opponent (Zinke) an A- based on his voting record.

I also want to mention what our political strategy should be here. What we need is to elect some Democrats that will support the second amendment. We know most Republicans will vote (or be pressured to by the party) for 2A, but we need support from the other side of the aisle.

Yeah, after reading the issues section of their websites, I think it would be safe to vote for the former Seal Team Six Commander!