Rah, rah, rah . . . go team fight
So we’re clear, I need to address something. When I say something to the effect of gun owners should get on the same page or support the NRA because they’re the only group that actually has political muscle, I’m not saying do only that. Nor am I saying that we ought not be critical. I am saying that we should remember that we’re on the same team. And that’s about it.
I’m reminded of this by Sebastian who notes:
I have been harsh on other gun rights groups lately, but not because I have any problems with their goals, but because they are actively engaged in undermining other gun rights groups out there, particularly the NRA.
Different groups have different goals and different strategies. As Joe said in comments:
I’m not convinced that “the same sheet of music” is the best way to accomplish things. For example, the JPFO can say things that the NRA can’t–guns as a defense against tyranny for example. And the NRA can address hunters issues better than the JPFO. That doesn’t mean that the NRA can’t support the same issues at the JPFO. It just means that one or the other is in a better position to “take point” on an issue. As long as the groups don’t stab each other in the back or get into public quarrels there shouldn’t be a problem. They need to have “back channels” of communication and coordinate some. Even if they don’t agree on the best way to address something they can say, “Okay, you try it your way and we’ll be quiet and see what happens, but if it starts to go sour we are stepping in to do it our.”
I concur. For instance, at the GBR, we were having a chat with NRA reps Glen and Ashley. I flat out told Glen precisely that philosophically I was more GOA than NRA. However, the GOA can’t win by merely issuing press releases with heated rhetoric designed to scare white people. The GOA, and I hate to say this, is using the exact same strategy that is used by The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Ownership. They use over the top, fear-mongering rhetoric to get a response. And, frankly, a lot of their criticisms of HR2640 are crap. But I do not actively wish for their destruction nor do I discourage people from joining. And I don’t ask people to quit. So, extend the same courtesy to NRA and its members.
By all means, be critical and challenge them. But leave the pointless infighting behind.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:12 am
Good points.
I’ve been a member of NRA, GOA and JPFO. Currently I am a member of only GOA because they emphasize political action by sending post cards addressed to your specific rep and senators. But all pro-gun organizations should pull together for the common cause of defending 2nd Amendment rights and, as JPFO’s mantra: ALL of the Bill of Rights for ALL Citizens.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
It’s still a good idea to send a personalized letter to your rep every once in a while on an issue, because it’s more likely to get personalized attention from a staffer. The purpose of those post cards, and it’s not just GOA that does them, just about all grass roots interest groups do, is to demonstrate organizational fealty among members to the politicians. It’s something that needs to be used judiciously, because after a while the Congressworms will just start ignoring them unless you can deliver in ungodly quantities, and no groups, save maybe the AARP, and even there I’m not sure, could accomplish that.