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6% of the gunowners may be active in gun groups

I know many gunowners who pay their yearly NRA dues (if they aren't already lifetime members) but don't do anything else to help support the 2nd Amendment -- no writing of congressman, no signing of petitions, etc. They basically pay their $30 a year to get American Rifleman magazine, an NRA cap, and a sticker. Do you consider those types to be among the 6%?

Yes, because at least they do something.

There's still a lot of hunters [called Fudds] who vote the way their unions tell them to.

I worked in a union shop and it was disgusting so many gun owners would even go to the union hall and then get bussed to the dem party headquarters to work for algore. It was one of the reasons I had to retire just to get out of that place.

Here is one, among many of the reasons the NRA is losing support:

I am not the NRA

by Geoff Metcalf

"The NRA has become a cowardly, politicized, public relations empty suit. If there is any chance for this presumed gun rights organization to recover from the atrophy, myopia, and cowardice which has engulfed it, I strongly recommend members had best read the Anti-Project Exile petition and support those who support the Second Amendment. Otherwise, be prepared to do what hundreds of thousands of Californians are having to do -- fight your own battles. Harsh words? Hell, I've got a tight bridle and hobbles on my real feelings.

When California Gov. Gray Davis signed into law a remarkably poorly written, tragically flawed, and unconstitutional alleged assault-weapons enhancement, we tired to solicit the help of the supposed big gun rights organizations. We were ignored, patronized and even criticized for our efforts to stop the gun grabbers. The NRA and others did not want us to put a referendum on the state ballot to overturn the bad law.

Allegedly, "they would take care of it." Bullfeathers! They did not want to draw attention to "their" issue in the elections because presumed conservative Republican candidates would be compelled to address an issue they would prefer to avoid. There was also the distinct impression that if they didn't invent it, it had no merit.

I am not writing this in behalf of anyone other than myself. The gun rights community is a very dysfunctional family, but we are a family. I have been very reluctant to do anything other than encourage a coalition approach. However, in the wake of the NRA's arrogance, myopia, patronizing, big-brother dreams of "if we ignore them long enough they will go away," I am more committed to continue this fight for as long as I have breath in my body. I have lost before, and I may lose again, but I will not stop fighting.

If the NRA is not prepared to be part of the solution, then in my opinion they are part of the problem.
They allegedly want to focus their efforts on electing conservative Republicans only. As if THAT has accomplished the job?

They are right that the battle for partisan control is important, but it is not and should not be their priority. Last time I checked NRA did not stand for National Republican Association. What about all those Democrats, Libertarians and others who pay dues to the NRA? Should their dues be directed at partisan politics or issue politics?

Here in California we have a couple of liberal Democrats who are strong supporters of the Second Amendment. Is the NRA suggesting we abandon a supporter because of party colors?
I have cut up my NRA membership card and am returning my "Defender of Freedom" award. I am a constitutional conservative. I am a defender of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I am NOT the NRA.

Geoff Metcalf is a former talk-show host for TalkNetDaily.