This news is just breaking, and may change -- but many of us are NRA members.
The charge of four top execs, including Wayne LaPierre, skimming $millions doesn't surprise me. Something was obviously bad wrong when Ollie North only lasted a month until being forced out. No one would explain - or if they did, then I missed it. The NRA should have cleaned up itself, and that's what some of us would have required. Now possibly the entire organization is in serious jeopardy.
I don't see where they have the authority to disband the NRA, I mean do they think the rest of the nation will just go along with that communist controlled checkpoint isolated territory? OK if they think individuals broke the law, then bring the charges and have a trial. But I'm not going to be persuaded to stop being a freedom loving AMERICAN!
"I don't see where they have the authority to disband the NRA ".
I agree, the NY AG cannot disband the NRA.
The NY AG can bring charges if they are Federal, but if State - cannot. The only loophole for the NY AG is possibly over NY Income Taxes. This should be an alleged Violation of Federal Tax law, and any lawsuit should be brought by the Feds.
Overall NY hates the Constitution and Bill Of Rights, so any lawsuit against the NRA should be be questioned.
Wayne should have retired 10 years ago. The NRA has the same problem as alot of major companies, overpaid and arrogant CEO’s. Remember, it’s a big club, and you aren’t in it.
If half of the allegations against Wayne are true he's better off in the hands of the criminal justice system than the legions of middle class members who have supported his lifestyle.
Wayne is from my backyard (Roanoke) and I looked up to the man for years. I do not know him personally. From what I’ve read (in past-haven’t even looked at this case), I believe greed has overtaken integrity, which is common in business and organizations. I hope I am wrong about Wayne. One thing I know for sure is no one should ever underestimate the power of greed. Makes people whom you think are good do vile things.
I’m a NRA Endowment member (my father is Benefactor). Here about a year ago, with the entire North/Cox situations and all, I started to turn in my membership. I was proud of it many years. I thought where else am I going to go? I like the GOA best, but they don’t have near the influence of the NRA. I kept it but have not upgraded which I intended to do several times.
This doesn’t even take in account the egregious compromises they have allowed.
I believe the NRA executives are fleecing the American people. I love the NRA but I think it would be best if the upper management had an overhaul. Get someone who is willing to fight for free, then give them a 100k salary and see how hard they fight then! When they start wanting more and more money, time to start the process over again with someone new. That’s how I feel about it.
Wayne is from my backyard (Roanoke) and I looked up to the man for years. I do not know him personally. From what I’ve read (in past-haven’t even looked at this case), I believe greed has overtaken integrity, which is common in business and organizations. I hope I am wrong about Wayne. One thing I know for sure is no one should ever underestimate the power of greed. Makes people whom you think are good do vile things.
I’m a NRA Endowment member (my father is Benefactor). Here about a year ago, with the entire North/Cox situations and all, I started to turn in my membership. I was proud of it many years. I thought where else am I going to go? I like the GOA best, but they don’t have near the influence of the NRA. I kept it but have not upgraded which I intended to do several times.
This doesn’t even take in account the egregious compromises they have allowed.
I believe the NRA executives are fleecing the American people. I love the NRA but I think it would be best if the upper management had an overhaul. Get someone who is willing to fight for free, then give them a 100k salary and see how hard they fight then! When they start wanting more and more money, time to start the process over again with someone new. That’s how I feel about it.
What big_gus said! While I hope Wayne LaPierre is pure as driven snow, it is past time for him to go. Not only for the good of the NRA, but also for the good of the fight to keep our rapidly-eroding RKBA. If any person/group stays in power too long, they begin to feel "entitled". I have been a life mbr for 50 years and a Golden Eagle (charter mbr) until this year. I continue to contribute to the Institute for Legislative Action and Political Action Committee. These contributions go only for intended purpose--not to NRA's general fund.
We must support the NRA's efforts this election season--they are the largest, most influential gun-rights organization in our country.
Make no mistake this is a Anti-2nd Amendment effort to collapse the NRA under its own weight. Trying to piss off the rank and file (Dues payers) by inferring that their money is being frittered away by the big shots and is not going to its intended purpose (Like many charities), thereby tanking the number of members. All that being said, the board of directors should do a little house cleaning. Either way, I'll be renewing my membership when the time comes. I'm soooooooo tired of all of the lefts BS tactics.
Something has been going on. When a half dozen long time board members quit in the past few months it looks like something is not above board somewhere. I think the NRA was initially chartered in New York state. That might be how their AG gets a club to use.
I don’t know if anyone has the “bottom line” on the North or Chris Cox situations. Basically, best I can figure is both accused Wayne of financial wrong doings and both got the boot. North is a retired Marine (Lieutenant Colonel). I thought Cox did one of the better jobs there. When I googled Wayne’s yearly earnings, my jaw dropped.
If someone has information defending Wayne and/or his earnings he takes from the NRA I’d love to see it. Like I say, I hope Wayne is on the straight and narrow road.
At this point we really need to circle the wagons. Dissension among the rank and file can be terminal for our NRA. Exactly what the Left is hoping for. I've been to a many annual meetings and listened to Charlton Heston, Neal Knox, Chris Cox, Ollie North and others. Yes and Wayne LaPierre. I'll say Heston and Cox were both very inspiring and dynamic speakers. Also, I always enjoyed Neal Knox's views and challenges to the routine. The NRA could use more of that today. Supposedly, the NRA BOD is doing that very thing at least they are charged with that responsibility.
Anyone remember the Cincinnati Revolt 1979?
Vic
I remember it but 40 years later I STILL have no idea what THAT was about. I guess this current episode will be yet another one I am in the dark about.
There is no advantage going cannibal on this issue. If there is a fox in the henhouse, that will be dealt with. Meanwhile, the NRA cannot allow political espionage to derail its' mission. And I really don't care what anyone's paycheck looks like, except mine.
Let this sort itself out, and stay on task for the future of this great Republic.
IIA, RKBA: With out it, the entire Constitution & bill of Rights is gone, and we'll be finished.
These are the very issues the founders were considering when they assembled this brilliant form of government.
I apologize.
Rant over.
This why I terminated my life membership with the NRA several years ago and shifted my support to the Gun Owners of America and NAAGA, the National African American Gun Association.
I am very impressed with GOA. I love that they are somehow able to get results, email me information that I need to know every couple of weeks and provide a link to send a message to "my" representatives (who will ignore it anyway)...and they do all of this without asking me for money EVERY SINGLE DAY.
You must be on a different e mail list than I am. GOA ends every email sent to me with a request for money.
I always hear about GOA. I have never talked to anyone who is a voting member of GOA. Does the GOA have a Board of Directors? I know that there are at least 3 generations of the Pratt family employed by GOA. Do you know what they are paid? Do you know who hires the Pratts and decides what they do or how they spend the money the GOA raises? Have you ever met a GOA gun or hunter safety instructor? Ever been to a match sponsored or run by GOA? Do you get the GOA monthly magazine?
I live in Virginia. I went to Richmond 5 times this year to various Senate or house hearings. The NRA had a lobbyist at every hearing I attended. The GOA had a speaker at Lobby Day but I did not see a lobbyist at the hearings. I could have missed him, but I saw the VCDL and the NRA.
I am not always happy with the NRA, and I think they make mistakes. But I make mistakes also. I think that this election, the NRA is vital.
I think for gun owners to abandon the NRA is the anti gunners fondest wish.
Unfortunately, NRA has outgrown itself and become a cash cow for its leaders. LaPierre makes millions in salary, bonuses and "benefits" (like spending $275,000 of NRA's money in a fancy clothing store), while NRA reports an annual loss. I hope NRA can survive until the election is over, but GOA is a better option.
After reading all the highlights in the 169 page lawsuit and of the more than $64M worth or theft, corruption and self-dealing, I don't think the NRA stands a change of surviving this suit. There reportedly is ample evidence even the 70-member board was complicit and violated the terms of the non-profit status by turning a blind eye to all the corruption and not taking action to correct course. The state of NY has dissolved numerous non-profits and seized all their funds in the past for corruption on a lesser scale than what's being charged here. I don't doubt criminal charges will arise out of all this corruption...and rightly so.
I just read the allegations, this isn’t good and tbh I wouldn’t doubt it if they were true. North has already eluded to this when he resigned. If this is true, maybe they can get themselves a custom tailored orange suit, it wouldn’t be in Beverly Hills though.
It does trouble me greatly the NRA might be dissolved. I don’t understand how you can dissolve an 149 year old organization just because of some corrupt officials. I would think you would put them out and new officials in.
Dan
Some in NRA wanted to move HQ to New Mexico and build a $40 million complex. Many members were still concerned about a need for more significant ILA efforts. Thus, Neal Knox and Harlan Carter would emerge as key leaders within the NRA and setting the direction for our future.
That said, yelp the NRA was in need of a new facility. The building was rather small, especially for what would be a tremendous membership growth. But it didn't need to move away from the DC area for obvious reasons. I was there in the late 70s and it was outdated then.
Vic
Sad to say, but none of the other gun owner's organizations have enough clout in Washington to be an effective voice for it's members. What was going on was rotten and should have been corrected year ago, but if the NRA goes away so does any hope of representation of the gun owner in Washington. The New York AG made destroying the NRA a part of her platform, and here just before the elections she is keeping that promise. It's not just about the NRA.
You are right on with your thoughts JohnnyP. With 120 days to an election where the known defendants member preference is the incumbent and the plaintiff is vehemently opposed to the incumbent, what is the real motive? To spread discord among the members? To divert money that otherwise would be used to support the incumbent? To divert energies, time and focus? To keep law abiding gun owners away from the polls by casting a veil of corruption that could be cast against all members? Let the Court's decide the fate of the Organizations officials remember "innocent until proven guilty". NY has had an ongoing battle against the NRA and most all of the GOP. I for one am just a Life Member of the NRA, I will be going to the Polls remembering the words of Beto O'Rourke, "Hell Yes we are going to take away your AK 47's and AR 15's". Now is the time to keep our focus on what we believe.
So most of you are falling right in line with believing everything the liberal politicians and media is telling you. The same media and Liberal anti Second Amendment politicians that lies about President Trump daily. The lady that is bringing all the charges used, "Ending the NRA" as one of her campaign promises. Do I think the NRA is perfect...............NO. But do I think that they are probably the cleanest organization that has been around since 1848 in existence............YES. They have a much better record on corruption then all the others including any Religious organization out there. It is time to circle the wagons and not fight from within. That is exactly what the Anti's want. Don't fall for it!
No I'm not falling in line, but we have to ask ourselves if there are say 100 million gun owners how come the NRA only has what 8 million members. something is wrong here.
I think people do sign up for NRA membership and are immediately bombarded with trinkets asking for membership upgrades, useless letter promoting "wine sales" truck giveaways, and donation solicitations. I've had the NRA call and on numerous occasions ask for $800.00. the very first thing the NRA does if you send a donation is to solicit another donation.
Those of us who have been NRA members long enough will remember that there was some NRA infighting whereas part of the NRA was willing to "compromise" but the other side led by Neal Knox was for no more. Neal Knox was forced out by, yep Wayne Lapierre. Remember this the NRA supported passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968. In their defense the NRA was lied to by the politicians.
In case anyone doesn't realize this: the GCA of 1968 was modeled after the German Gun Control Act of 1938. When GCA "68" was passed it prompted organizations to be formed like The Citizens Committee for The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Gun Owners of America, and the NRA ILA.
I'm not anti-NRA but Wayne is going to bring the NRA down with him, when he should step aside and let NRA at least try to reorganize.
There's been a lot of pros and cons posted about NRA's woes on Ammoland hardly the MSM.
Ken
Many good points. Though membership is around 5.5 million.
yeah I agree that LaPierre is probably done. He has been at the helm since Carter became ill. Carter receives much credit with correct alignment, 2 million member increase and effective ILA.
LaPierre has done good for the NRA over the years as well. Many ILA victories, an additional 2.5 million members and a wonderful new HQ.
Vic
It appears that our country is heading towards an "us or them" conflict. The NRA must still wield substantial power or the Anti-gun crowd wouldn't be so determined to bring it down. If there is evidence that the actions of the leadership violated the terms of the NRA's non-profit status and they have delayed taking action to correct any impropriety we as members should demand that a clean slate of directors be elected at once. When the AG of New York attacks the NRA I feel she is attacking me as well as every other member. And while leadership of the NRA may be lacking, they haven't encouraged members take to the streets to riot, haven't called for police departments to be defunded, or called for our American traditions to be trashed. I wonder why the AG doesn't have a problem with organizations that are tearing down America? We need to stand up and demand better.
I don't even pretend to know the truth of the inner workings of the NRA...whether the accusations have merit...but the entire thing is politically motivated...just look at the timing.
One thing about the Left...you can always tell who they're afraid of by who they attack and how hard they do so.
I'll stay out of it now...as close to politics I care to enter into here. There are other sites where the arguments can be made rather than here...like to keep it polite and Colt-based as possible.
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