First, thanks for a thoughtful, reasoned, relatively unemotional, and practical take on the current state of the NRA. You echoed many of my own feelings (what’s the old saw about, “the definition of a smart person is someone who agrees with me!”). On the other hand, allow me to suggest a slightly different take:

Some (IMHO, necessary) facts as a precis:

1. Since its founding, the NRA has unquestionably done much good. It has also, unfortunately, done more than a few things that have come back and bitten the 2A community in the arse. I would argue that, at least largely under Wayne, the NRA has “lost its way”.

2. I have yet to hear a reasoned and persuasive “anti” response to my assertion that the NRA is, by a WIDE margin, the best firearms safety and firearms education organization in the world. Seriously, on that front (even today, when that’s one of the areas where I think the NRA has lost focus), they are so far in front of everyone else, they can’t even seen second place in their rear view mirror. Back in the day, the NRA (among other things) partnered with local schools and school boards to help organize, sponsor, and support schools in establishing and maintaining shooting teams, doing safety education, etc. And even today’s NRA educational programs are solid-to-excellent. Sure, there are (usually expensive) private training educators and facilities that are “better”, but none that are as universally accessible.

3. Reasonable minds can argue about the extent to which the NRA was EVER an effective lobbying organization for 2A rights, but . . . it would be difficult to rationally argue, today, that there aren’t FAR more effective lobbying organizations for gun rights out there. SAF, GAO, and many others (much smaller than the NRA, with MUCH smaller resources) have accomplished more, by being focused, strategic, persistent, and indefatigable. The NRA clearly has resources to provide financial and resource support to the pro-2A lobbying movement that is far beyond what any other group can bring to the table. I won’t definitively state that this is a fact, but it is certainly my impression that their strategic/policy skills on the lobbying front are . . . sub-par. The NRA-ILA has, objectively, done some good work. It has also stepped on multiple rakes – if I looked up the definition of “self-own” in a dictionary, a picture of the NRA logo as an illustration would not shock me.

4. Wayne is a scumbag, but the real damage (in my view) of the “Wayne Era” is that . . . by continuing to accept/support that scumbag, the NRA tarnished its own brand. The NRA has lost members, public support, credibility, impact to the point where I don’t believe it is possible to redeem the NRA without a MAJOR realignment.

If you can pokes holes in any of those, feel free, but if and to the extent they are accurate, we shouldn’t even TRY to “revive” the NRA; we should re-imagine the NRA. Firearms education and pro-2A lobbying are not “inconsistent”, but they require a VERY different focus. Let the NRA do what it did (and still does, to some extent) BEST – educate people about firearms, firearms skills, firearm safety. Support reintroducing that into schools (start educating them young). I know that “technically” there is a difference between the NRA and the NRA-ILA, but . . . nobody, including gun owners, actually believes that. Since the NRA wasn’t, IMHO, very good at the whole lobbying thing (other than providing resources), the ILA should (i) become TRULY independent, and focus entirely on lobbying, and (ii) become a “lean, mean fighting machine”. If the NRA wants to cut a deal with that new entity where the NRA commits to fund a portion of their efforts with a contribution from member dues, that money should come with NO strings attached, and the NRA and ILA boards should be COMPLETELY separate and independent.

Obviously, and this should go without having to be said, that the NRA should eschew any HINT of cronyism, grift, etc. – NO MORE $7,500 suits, no more member-paid condos for the boss’ side piece, no more crony contracts for the boss’ “good buddies”. Don’t think it will happen, but if that “rebirth” of the NRA happened, I’d immediately renew my membership, and become a donor. Short of that, they’ll never get another penny of my money.

As you said, YMMV. Still, well-written and well-reasoned piece – thanks!!

You skipped over the part where the NRA head Karl Frederick sold out the American people in front of congress in 1934 saying he fully supported almost every gun ban they were seeking.

It’s going to be a very difficult job.

Let’s say the individual members each gets a vote on what direction to take. All the fascists have to do is join the NRA themselves, then they can seize power and shut it down…

That should end immediately by either ditching the free NRA adverts- or INCLUDE ALL OF THE OTHER ORGS, too.

And while you’re at it- STOP the strong-arm/organized crime tactics of requiring people to join the NRA in order to become a member of shooting ranges… that’s TOTAL BS!!!

I know that Jeffrey Knox’s father was the leader of a revolt which reformed the organization I think in the 80’s. I suggest that any voting members vote for, at most, these four people. Voting for more people will dilute your vote. I know there are some big names among the nominees, but as you wrote, it took anti-gunners to hold LaPierre accountable for his malfeasance. The big names were apparently useless.

I know Ollie North was forced out by the rascals, as well as the NRA-ILA head, whose name I think is Chris Cox.

I looked at some of the alternative gun rights orgs and their Mickey Mouse websites deterred me from looking further. My state association is in this category; it can barely process renewals competently, but I am still a member and still donate (although less than I used to) because they are the only game in town. I do believe the Second Amendment Foundation does good work.

I am staying in the NRA, though I haven’t donated for decades. Trying unsuccessfully to get replacement copies of my monthly magazines soured me on them, while LaPierre was spending $750,000 or whatever on fancy suits!

We’ve simply been subjected to decades of clever marketing strategy, and Goebbels-esque propaganda.

Join & Support your individual State’s most Pro-2A organization. Contact your State Representatives in a professional, respectful manner to voice your concerns about any and all firearms related legislation. Don’t depend on any national organization to come to the rescue. First and foremost, defend your home turf.