Pro-gun ownership but not pro-NRA?

[TexasRifleman]

Well, you're carrying Wayne's salary on your backs at least.

And this one again. I sure wish he was working for free, but would you?

NRA Exec salary - 633,823
Red Cross exec salary - 651,957
Boy Scouts of America - 1,577,600
University of Delaware - 2,377,100
Wildlife Conservation Society - 628,642
Masonic Homes of California - 1,224,987

These are salary numbers, not including other benefits. Those don't tend to compare well because they vary so much.

Annual revenue for the NRA in 2004 was $205,000,000.

Charity Navigator, a group that watches and rates all kinds of non profits, has a rating system for charities/non profits based on revenue in vs how much is actually used for the stated purpose, etc.

The 4 star rating is the highest. NRA has been on the 4 star list for the last 6 years at least.

So, the financials of the NRA is another one of those things that people use as an excuse not to join or participate, but again it's BS compared to every other charity. They are right in line with every thing else.

For the sixth consecutive year, The NRA Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Rated for efficiency and effectiveness, four stars is Charity Navigator's highest rating. In the past 16 years, the foundation has funded more than 15,000 grants totaling more than $100 million dollars, becoming America’s leading charitable organization in support of competitive shooting, range development, education and training, and the second amendment.
Charity Navigator's Vince Bogucki said in a letter to the foundation, "Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing your finances in an efficient and effective manner." He added, "This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year.

 

[BushyGuy]

the NRA does recongize our rights and what gun owners want, i have been a member since 2003 cuz i realized they help law abiding citizens be able to protect themselves . yes the NRA isnt perfect but it cannot control the government as a single agenda nor can it convince the "anti-gun " fellows.

but we can still support the NRA best we can and our 2A rights to keep and bear arms and lets hope there is never another "assault weapons ban" again.

 

[BP Hunter]

I fully support the NRA. I am a green card holder and live in the State of WA. Many months ago, as most of us most probably know, the NRA sued WA State government for not allowing non US citizens to legally possess a firearm where every other state allowed it. And because of the NRA's action, WA opened their policy to allow legal aliens like me to own guns.

 

[Deanimator]

Well, you're carrying Wayne's salary on your backs at least.

Better his salary than that of some Quisling on AHSA's BoD, who's also a board member of Brady and VPC.

The OP was very clearly just one more AHSA troll, in just one more doomed attempt to con gun owners into contributing to the dying "movement" to keep them from BEING gun owners.

AHSA and its shills are no different from "Gays for Anti-Sodomy Laws", "Blacks for Jim Crow" or "Jews for the Nuremberg Laws".

 

[qajaq59]

Is the NRA perfect? Nope. Will they ever be? Nope.

But they sure are better then nothing!!!! And just imagine the clout we'd have if EVERY gun owner belonged. Then perhaps we'd be left alone.

 

[mljdeckard]

I'm happy to pay Wayne Lapierre his salary as long as he earns it. I want A-list talent running this fight. I don't want to bargain-shop for these people any more than I want to bargain-shop for a doctor.

 

[9mm+]

Couldn't agree more, MLJ!

 

[oneounceload]

And just imagine the clout we'd have if EVERY gun owner belonged.

Imagine the clout over AARP, the NEA and other anti-gun groups indeed! If they had everyone, that would be about 1/4 of the entire population, and because you're talking about gun owners, they would most likely all be of voting age...WOW

 

[Deanimator]

The recent AHSA style trollery appears to be part of a pattern. There's another one on DefensiveCarry babbling about how the NRA "won't give an inch" and about the "gunshow loophole". He won't answer questions either.

 

[tju1973]

While I think the NRA doesn't do all they can, they do do a lot of good...I like the GOA, but still, the NRA gets our cause in the media, and usually--usually that helps. Now get Tom Selleck as pres of the NRA, and we can move forward...

 

[TEDDY]

nra

I have been a member since 1939 in high school.the main NRA is the official record keeping org in this country.it is recognised by congress.it cannot be active in politics that is what the ILA was started for.if you were a member you would know what it does.as you are not and dont want to be.you are a minus number and can be ignored.I have gone from a annual member to a life and in 2000 became a endowment.you should go to one of the annual meetings.the exibit hall is an eye opener.at one time the NRA was in many schools that had rifle clubs.but the people let the liberals get control and now very few have rifle clubs. :banghead:

 

[Frank Ettin]

Well, you're carrying Wayne's salary on your backs at least.

Are the people who work for the NRA not entitled to salaries consistent with what they could earn elsewhere in jobs requiring similar skills, training, education and experience -- and having similar responsibilities? Choosing to work full time for the RKBA should not require that one take a vow of poverty. The NRA is not a monastic order.

Any organization, like the NRA, has to be able to offer salaries to top level executives that are competitive to those being offered by other organizations of a similar size. And the NRA can't offer stock options or stock grants like those generally used by publicly traded companies as part of executive compensation packages.

 

[oneounceload]

Wayne deserves a raise, as do the rest of them - they're doing great in light of everything

 

[Eliot Smith]

I would be interested to hear if there are any other members here who support responsible gun ownership but are turned off by the NRA.

For clarification, if possible from you, Owlnmole, would you have rather asked "Are there any other members here who are turned off by the NRA?" If you are not willing to remove the "responsible gun ownership" portion, then you shouldn't be upset about the need for definition. How can we answer a question without defining the terms? For your own sake, you should save your face before you become the victim comments spawned from ignorance about your true opinion.

I don't think you can or should want to separate that which you hold dear from "politics". Politics has become a dirty word where it need not be. Humans are, I agree with Aristotle, political animals.

Stop wallowing in fear of your society and neighbors being in opposition to your preferences. If you are going to take a half-baked approach to discussion, then you might as well keep your mind shut. Although you might not like the ranting for all its noise, at least those making the noise are so sure of their opinions that they are comfortable yelling them. And I've never met a person who is not willing to change his or her mind if really convinced of the truth of your assertions. But that takes the courage to continue asserting.

And yes, after all my rambling, I support the NRA and will continue to do so.

And responsible gun ownership is using a gun to shoot enemies and not friends.

 

[Michael Thomson]

Compensation of 50 highest paid execs of trade associations, interest groups, unions

I see a lot of organization execs on here that do considerably less than NRA or Wayne LaPierre and who make significantly more than Wayne allegedly makes.

The Top 50: By Compensation Only
http://www.nationaljournal.com/members/news/2008/02/0215nj2.htm

© National Journal Group Inc.
Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

These were the 50 highest-paid executives of trade associations, professional societies, think tanks, interest groups and labor unions, based on compensation, and excluding benefits and allowances, according to the organization's reports filed with the IRS for 2005 and 2006. Compensation figures may include deferred compensation and bonuses.


TOP OFFICER


ORGANIZATION


COMPENSATION

Robert R. Glauber


Financial Industry Regulatory Authority


$4,913,311

C. Manly Molpus


Grocery Manufacturers Association


$4,514,811

Thomas Donohue


U.S. Chamber of Commerce


$3,256,685

Jack Faris


National Federation of Independent Business


$2,876,086

Robert D. Somerville


American Bureau of Shipping


$2,630,485

Jack N. Gerard


American Chemistry Council


$2,151,729

John J. Castellani


Business Roundtable


$2,099,228

David A. Wilson


Graduate Management Admission Council


$2,023,304

Eugene Upshaw


National Football League Players Association


$1,862,301

Daniel A. Mica


Credit Union National Association


$1,818,501

William D. Novelli


AARP


$1,797,751

Kyle McSlarrow


National Cable and Telecommunications Association


$1,728,164

Scott Serota


Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association


$1,626,235

Ernie Csiszar


Property Casualty Insurers Association of America


$1,592,200

Billy Tauzin


Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America


$1,530,935

Donald Evans


Financial Services Forum


$1,500,000

Mitch Bainwol


Recording Industry Association of America


$1,455,769

Franklin W. Nutter


Reinsurance Association of America


$1,444,913

Craig L. Fuller


National Association of Chain Drug Stores


$1,439,758

Frank Fahrenkopf Jr.


American Gaming Association


$1,391,000

Karen Ignagni


America's Health Insurance Plans


$1,356,109

Steve Bartlett


Financial Services Roundtable


$1,352,620

Byron M. Cavaney


American Petroleum Institute


$1,339,446

Frank Keating


American Council of Life Insurers


$1,337,000

Edward R. Hamberger


Association of American Railroads


$1,333,927

Barry C. Melancon


American Institute of Certified Public Accountants


$1,311,000

Marc F. Racicot


American Insurance Association


$1,283,333

Daniel Glickman


Motion Picture Association of America


$1,280,000

W. Henson Moore


American Forest and Paper Association


$1,245,556

Charles M. Barclay


American Association of Airport Executives


$1,219,230

Jerry Howard


National Association of Home Builders


$1,214,608

Paul S. Stevens


Investment Company Institute


$1,210,000

John Engler


National Association of Manufacturers


$1,207,500

Robert Rusbuldt


Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America


$1,197,505

John M. Fahey Jr.


National Geographic Society


$1,196,468

Edward O. Fritts


National Association of Broadcasters


$1,166,350

Pamela G. Bailey


Personal Care Products Council


$1,137,500

Marc E. Lackritz


Securities Industry Association


$1,126,400

Walter McCormick


United States Telecom Association


$1,097,570

Edward Reilly


American Management Association


$1,094,130

Steven Wechsler


National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts


$1,074,025

Jonathan L. Kempner


Mortgage Bankers Association


$1,050,130

John M. Damgard


Futures Industry Association


$1,026,065

Edward L. Yingling


American Bankers Association


$1,017,903

Micah S. Green


Bond Market Association


$1,016,667

Richard Cavanagh


Conference Board


$1,003,975

Donald M. Fehr


Major League Baseball Players Association


$1,000,000

Frank L. Bowman


Nuclear Energy Institute


$994,935

Stephen J. Ubl


Advanced Medical Technology Association


$994,027

David N. Parker



American Gas Association


$982,672

 

[WLE]

Matthew, I have been thinking about for the past couple days what you have just posted. I know the NRA is a good cause and I too like many others make contributions for many many years in hopes to preserve what is left of our freedoms. Big money corrupts, just look at what is going on with our two party systems and the relentless spending to special interest groups. Lobbies are no different and I often wonder what kind of scam is going on inside the NRA just like all Lobbyists. You touched on a very delicate subject, it’s like talking about religion or abortion, there are those can not subject themselves to any sort of critical thinking. In my humble opinion I will submit that there is corruption in the NRA just like any other Lobby. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
Bill

 

[WLE]

The NRA is just slowing down the process of what will become inevitable. The current administration has set up the ground work and it is in motion moving forward for total control and total control of out lives. Why would anyone think that gun ownership will be excluded from their agenda?
The NRA is just slowing down the gun control process. They will buy off and do what ever they have to do for there own interest as well.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms. Bill

 

[mljdeckard]

Just because your glass is half-empty doesn't mean that the rest of ours' are. If I thought that it was over, done deal, quit fighting, it's all futile anyway, I would be on the next plane to Tazmania.

I don't believe this for one second. There is not a challenge to my freedom on this planet I am afraid to confront. In saying that it's over anyway, all you are doing is excusing yourself from putting in the required effort.

This administration isn't as bad as the Carter administration. We survived that one. We will survive this one. The current administration can't get through their current crisis even with a veto-proof majority in both houses. Drop the dramatics and hoplessness. We have work to do.

 

[medmo]

Quit whining, bust out your check book and join/contribute to the NRA, GoA and your state or local rifle and pistol association. No organization is perfect. Organization is power. Take the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) for example....

 

[medmo]

Quit whining, break out the check book and join/contribute to the NRA, GoA and your state/local rifle and pistol association. No organization is perfect. Organization is power. Take the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) for example....

 

[el gato]

I do not believe that you believe in gun ownership.

 

[ExtremeSquared]

In a perfect world we would have the ACLU standing up for the second amendment. They don't so our options are limited. I'm with the OP. I just can't support some of the NRA's positions.

 

[Sam1911]

I just can't support some of the NRA's positions.

Please list the positions you can't support.

I only ask because I hear that statement often, but very rarely does the speaker have a specific "position" in mind, or if they do it seems that they haven't researched, and/or don't understand very well, the issue they're upset over.

Probably like yourself, I've occasionally been upset over what I perceived as the conciliatory nature of the NRA on some issues. Some of those issues I've had the chance to discuss, personally, with members of NRA staff at very high levels, and came away impressed with how poorly I'd grasped the intricacies of the political manuvering they were engaged in.

Further:

I will say that, having seen at least a glimpse of the world "our" lawyers and political agents operate in, if we did not have the sharpest, most shrewed operators on our side that money can buy, the other side would be eating us alive every day and very few of us would have a CLUE as to why.

If I've got to spend another $5 a year so that we can have another, better, shreweder, more connected, more effective, lawyer or lobbiest shark swimming in the dark waters of DC on our behalf -- I'll send $10 or $100!

-Sam

 

[ExtremeSquared]

Heh, I actually go the other direction on some things. Voicing these opinions on a gun forum is not useful however, so i won't. I like everything the nra does outside of some of their lobbying. The marksmanship/outreach programs are great.

 

[Deanimator]

I only ask because I hear that statement often, but very rarely does the speaker have a specific "position" in mind, or if they do it seems that they haven't researched, and/or don't understand very well, the issue they're upset over.

And more often than not, they're wrong in the first place. The guy over on DefensiveCarry was going on about the "gunshow loophole in Ohio". He claimed that NO NICS checks were required at gunshows in Ohio. When I asked him when gun dealers in Ohio were exempted from Federal law, he got VERY defensive... just like the one here.

This is all just part of an organized campaign of disinformation of the same sort waged by Holocaust deniers.