I have thought long and hard about joining the NRA. I don't agree with a lot of their positions, but focusing on only the negative isn't the way to get things done. And sitting on the sidelines, I had no say in anything.
Not any more.
I was offered the possibility of a "discounted" membership, but that defeats the purpose. I don't simply want to claim membership, I want to make sure I fund the NRA so that they can do what needs to be done to protect our rights. Granted, I can only afford a single year membership right now, that's at least a start. So from now on, I am proud to say I am a member of the Triangle of Death.
Now, this isn't to say I won't be joining the GOA as well. I would like to, but at this moment while I agree with their stances on gun issues even more than the NRA, I don't feel comfortable giving them money as I've watched them waste resources fighting the NRA instead of fighting those who truly want to strip our rights. The NRA is the proverbial 800 pound gorilla and therefor not as agile as smaller groups like GOA, something the GOA tends to take personally. I don't want my money for one group fighting the money I gave to the other.
For now, I am pledging my support to the NRA and as funds permit, supporting other organizations such as GOA or the Academics for the Second Amendment. If you are already a member of one group and can afford it, I'd highly suggest supporting what you can.
So, to all you NRA members out there, how many weeks until the first wheelbarrow of cash comes in? I could us it about now.
By the way, folks. Don't be too hard on the funraising/membership renew/etc. stuff you get from NRA. Sadly, that's what it takes to maintain a multi-million member grass roots organization. Our influence is directly proportional to the members on the roll, and the funds the members supply to get the work done.