NineseveN
member
This thread has really brought out some interesting points. My original post, a copy of the GOA press release, stridently pointed out the difference between the 2 organizations. The GOA is a political action group that tends to work on the local level. The NRA tries to be all things to all gun owners and, in some areas, they fall short.
My main problem with the NRA is that they wear the label "Defender of the Second Amendment" which, when taken literally, is true. They DEFEND, because they don't want to offend. They also have gotten so cozy with the GOP that when the GOP does something that is anti gun, like GHW Bush's semi-auto ban, or the ATF's recent restriction on parts kits under this administration, they remain silent so as to preserve their relationships with the GOP. In short, politically they've been co-opted. This isn't to say that they are completely ineffective. The sheer size of their membership gives them indisputable clout when it comes to lobbying, because lobbying takes money. My problem stems from the fact that they eliminate the Neal Knox's and embrace the Charlton Hestons. Understand, Heston is, I think a principled and decent guy, but I don't think he got that the 2A isn't about hunting.
Moreover, I think that the NRA has lost the know-how to go on the offensive. They have lots of political capital that they could use to influence Court Appointments, repeal bad law, rein in the ATF and instead they continue to ride on their laurels. The current issue about S 397 vs HR 800 is a good example; rather than fight for one and settle for the other, they are willing to settle for a bill that's "good enough" and ignore the other bill, even thouygh there's enough support to push it through.
Good post, excellent points.