The NRA is the only game in town.(with the organization and political muscle). The wannabes don't even come close. They serve mainly to divide gun owners who do care enough to dig into their pockets to support the fight, while accomplishing little, if anything for our cause...
Jim: your words speak for themselves. Calling other RKBA supporters "wannabes" and saying they "divide gun owners." You might learn something from the Bush administration, which has assiduously courted allies regardless of their "muscle" and makes a point of calling the effort in Iraq a "coalition." The point is that pi$$ing on your allies is not a good idea.
At no time have I "attacked" - or even mildly criticized - the NRA. Only NRA members who insist that they're the only game in town and denigrate others. My reasons for no longer being a member are strongly felt, but not for public display, for the reason cited above.
Larry: If you spend any time in DC talking to members of congress, you'll find that the IWLA is greatly respected on both sides of the aisle, and that they are well aware that the Ikes support hunting, gun ownership and the Second Amendment. Ike ethics, hunter safety and shooting programs across the country have put a positive face on gun ownership for many years. One thing that contributes to the Ikes' effectiveness is that they haven't antagonized a lot of people.
No part of the Constitution - including the Second Amendment - will stand without public support. That means gun owners need to maintain a dialogue with people across the political spectrum, and work together with any and all allied organizations. Mutual respect is the first step in that process.
