I've been reading, and will post today, that the NRA is rapidly losing credibility by overplaying its hand ~ the original ideology of the NRA was laudable, but it has been perverted by the likes of LaPierre ~ and there is apparently an inter-group "positioning" war going on between the NRA and a few other, growing, more extreme [if you can believe that] groups like Gun Owners of America ~

For me personally, I see great danger in labeling people indiscriminately ~ but I also see the connection of people to organized groups ~ and then there are the exceptions, as MP explains why her hubby is a member of the NRA ~ we can never truly know what is in anyone else's heart or what might be the "final straw" that makes someone snap ~

Again for me personally, I think far too many are misreading/misinterpreting the 2d Amendment ~ but I'm a realist so I also don't see any possibility of banning or confiscating all guns ~ and that personal conflict is why I see it as imperative that the responsible gun owners work with officials to craft meaningful regulations that have a core principle of "public safety" ~ the NRA flatly refusing to consider any regulation should, in my opinion, remove them from the table ~

Sooz

You said there were 4 million members for the NRA, there are 52 million gun owners in America.

I think it should be illegal to make someone join anything for a job, especially something that doesn't have their career/income interest at heart (like a union) or somehow enhances their knowledge for their job. Why would that be a requirement?

That being said, if all NRA members would quit, it would cripple the organization. I wonder how many people are unwilling members like mp's hubby? Interesting thought.

I strongly agree with Kathy's comment that responsible gun owners should have a voice and a seat at the table ~

Sooz

I don't even know where to start on that. I listen to all these people talk and I just want them to shut up.

Thanks mp. I wonder if there are any other organizations that have a good conceal carry program and, if so, why the NRA is the only one allowed by the state? Who trains cops (local and state)? Does the FBI or Homeland security have a program?

kathy, that's why I asked mp. To me the NRA is about as far from a "professional association" as it can get. There is no degree required to own a gun or be a member. There is nothing professional about gun ownership. Anyone can own one.