Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => Politics => Topic started by: Pb on April 25, 2019, 10:30:52 AM
-
For those who haven't heard, there are currently a lot of accusations of corruption in the upper ranks of the NRA, and massive amounts of financial mismanagment.
The NRA is even suing their PR firm for apparently ripping them off.
http://onlygunsandmoney.blogspot.com/2019/04/everytown-files-complaint-with-irs.html
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/04/nras-dirty-laundry-exposed-as-pro-gun-group-cleans-house/
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/04/nras-future-only-two-options-can-the-bod-save-us/
I have had the feeling for a while now that Wayne LaPierre is crooked.
I understand they do a lot of good, and will maintain my membership, but the board of directors needs to clean up this mess, and fire Wayne.
I am afraid it won't happen.
There appears to be the real possibility of the state of NY prosecuting the NRA for corrupt practices.
-
A corrupt entity prosecuting another entity for corruption.
-
I have had the feeling for a while now that Wayne LaPierre is crooked.
You are not the only one. He always struck me as having the ethics and morals of a bottom tier used car salesman at best, and an actual crook, at worst.
-
I couldn't agree more that LaPierre should be fired. He certainly isn't worth what he's being paid. Nobody is worth that much to run a non-profit membership association.
Then I saw this:
They must expunge everyone involved in even the appearance of corruption. Including board members who failed in their oversight obligations and individuals like Josh Powell the genius behind many of the NRA's recent disasters like Carry Guard and a known manipulator of Wayne LaPierre's decision making.
Why and how is Carry Guard a disaster? I know that my reaction wasn't positive. I'm an NRA certified instructor in several disciplines, and it seemed to me that the Carry Guard program was an effort to steer training customers away from the usual NRA instructors in favor of a small group of newly-minted Carry Guard instructors. Is there more to it that I've missed?
And then there's the School Shield program. It sounds like a good idea, but when I inquired about becoming certified as a School Shield consultant I was told that it's only open to police officers and retired police officers. Never mind that I've been an architect -- and actively involved in school design, hardware and security system specification, and building and fire safety codes for more than forty years. Nope -- no place for me on a team advising schools on safety and security.
I'm a life member of the NRA and I won't renounce that, but I think there's a lot more that's wrong with the organization than there is right these days.
-
Why and how is Carry Guard a disaster? I know that my reaction wasn't positive. I'm an NRA certified instructor in several disciplines, and it seemed to me that the Carry Guard program was an effort to steer training customers away from the usual NRA instructors in favor of a small group of newly-minted Carry Guard instructors. Is there more to it that I've missed?
Carry Guard supposedly violates a NY state law; the company that issued it is paying a huge fine. The NRA is shutting it down.
-
I look at all of this (a friend has been pretty gleefully sending me all of this crap, as she's antigun) and yawn.
Not many people remember what NRA was like in the 1970s and early to mid 1980s.
People weren't just predicting NRA's demise back then, they were pissing on the grave.
Several EVPs in a row were fired/removed by the BOD for serious shenanigans, including Ray Barnett (I think that was his name) was using NRA funds to pay for his on-staff 20-something slut's apartment and their vacations, and J. Warren Cassidy's inability to keep his dick in his pants on a wide variety of occasions, which resulted in several lawsuits.
And the Cincinnati Revolt was in there, as well.
-
Carry Guard supposedly violates a NY state law; the company that issued it is paying a huge fine. The NRA is shutting it down.
It doesn't appear that they have shut it down yet. When is this supposed to happen?
https://www.nracarryguard.com/aftermath
-
It doesn't appear that they have shut it down yet. When is this supposed to happen?
https://www.nracarryguard.com/aftermath
Hmm, good question. I read somewhere they were shutting it down. Maybe I was wrong? It appears to have been a horrible decision either way.
-
Thanks for the perspective Mike.
-
I saw several Twitchy links regarding Trump's NRA speech today and MSM and other sources alluding to "a troubled NRA". They're certainly jumping on it, regardless of any truth or not.
-
I wonder if Trump will say anything about national concealed carry reciprocity. I'm still very happy to have Trump in the White house rather than Hillary (or Bernie), but the two most important promises Trump made on the campaign trail haven't been accomplished: he hasn't shut down the flow of illegal aliens, and he didn't push for national carry when he had both houses of Congress in his party.
-
According to someone we’ve spoken to who’s in a position to know, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre met with influential board members and fund-raisers last night and was asked for his resignation. The meeting reportedly became heated and LaPierre stormed out. He then responded to the demand with a scathing letter to those involved, refusing to step down.
LaPierre Refuses to Step Down After NRA Board Members Ask for His Resignation
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/04/daniel-zimmerman/lapierre-refuses-to-step-down-after-nra-board-members-ask-for-his-resignation/
-
I absolutely did NOT think the NRA board had the gumption to ask LaPierre to step down. If this is true, and His Wayneness refuses to retire, I wonder if the board has the guts to fire him.
-
Oh, and lets not forget the NRA's puppet masters, the Russians
Maria Butina: Russian agent sentenced to 18 months in prison
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48070413
-
More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/nras-wayne-lapierre-says-he-is-being-extorted-pressured-to-resign-11556314763
This article seems to be saying that it wasn't the Board of Directors who asked LaPierre to resign, it was Ollie North. So now it's a "He said ... she said" situation. North says LaPierre is the problem, LaPierre says North is the problem.
There's only one solution -- throw them both out.
-
So it is Wayne v North and AckMac?
Good grief.
Can't all of them lose?
I think they are all crooked.
-
It looks like it's LaPierre - 1: North - 0
https://www.apnews.com/d5d90ab1596f478c8f20d4dbe3f73979
-
It looks like it's LaPierre - 1: North - 0
https://www.apnews.com/d5d90ab1596f478c8f20d4dbe3f73979
Now can we get rid of Wayne too??? Is that too much to ask for?
-
This article tells how to contact the NRA board of directors.
I did.
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/01/open-letter-voting-nra-members-nra-bod-tim-knight/#axzz5mJwomga7
-
Now can we get rid of Wayne too??? Is that too much to ask for?
Apparently it is, or was, too much to ask for
National Rifle Association Executive Vice President/CEO Wayne LaPierre was re-elected unanimously and unopposed by the NRA Board of Directors at their meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., April 29, 2019.
Carolyn Meadows was elected NRA President; Charles L. Cotton, First Vice President; and Willes Lee, Second Vice President.
Also retaining their offices are NRA Secretary/General Counsel John Frazer; and Craig Spray, Treasurer.
Chris W. Cox was re-appointed as Executive Director for the Institute for Legislative Action; and Joseph De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director, General Operations.
All NRA officers were elected unanimously and unopposed.
It's Official: Wayne LaPierre Unanimously Re-Elected After Tumultuous Annual Meeting
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2019/04/29/reports-wayne-lapierre-unanimously-reelected-after-tumultuous-annual-meeting-n2545564
-
My dues are paid-up until the end of 2020. I'm not going to cancel my membership. But if the NRA is even still around in a year and a half, I might let my membership expire.
I wonder who's going to fill the vacuum when the NRA implodes on its own or is shut down by the NY Attorney General's office. CCRKBA? SAF? (those might be the same thing) GOA? I'm not sure if the GOA actually does anything besides sling mud at the NRA and collect donations. The mudslinging might be deserved but if that's all GOA does it doesn't really help the cause.
-
i really liked both wayne lp and sandra froman when i met them.
i was very obviously concealed carrying when i met wayne, before he entered the room the security
was pretty nervous - this was in the old reno hilton for a john mccain
/NRA fundraiser.
also, i don't really know why, i just don't trust north much.
it could be a hangover from the eighties when i was a liberal idiot.
( LOL, I'm now a conservative idiot LOL ) ....
i just dont trust him, can't tell you any good reason why.
I'm a life member but i have not voted for a long time, just been to distracted by everything.
I'll say a prayer that it straightens itself out.
-
Oliver North was only there a year and from what I have heard, the "President" has little actual power. I have been hearing about questionable financial issues since before he was there. IMO, if LaPierre and his loyalists are hanging on, nothing will change.
https://apnews.com/abfecc7f1d56498d8b4a1aee6b1f84d8
New York State AG investigating NRA. It appears they have jurisdiction since NRA is chartered in New York.
If there are actual financial shenanigans going on, I figure this will bring it out in the open for good or bad.
-
I thought North was kind of an odd choice for the public face of the NRA. As in, who thought that was a good idea?
-
I thought North was kind of an odd choice for the public face of the NRA. As in, who thought that was a good idea?
Apparently AckMac, since they had him secretly on their payroll.
I would like to encourage you all to not drop the NRA.
Despite their fiscal incompetentance, they still are more effective than any of the other organizations.
-
Someone leaked a few of Wayne's expense reports. From the article (if accurate), it appears the board is more upset about the leak than, for instance, the Bahamas "business trip".
While something like the intern's living expenses are not out of line for DC, $40K for clothes shopping in Beverly Hills is something I, as a member, would like to see investigated.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/leaked-letters-reveal-details-of-nra-chiefs-alleged-spending
-
I thought North was kind of an odd choice for the public face of the NRA. As in, who thought that was a good idea?
Still a better choice than Lon Horiuchi.
-
I was thinking about him the day. I am looking for an aftermarket rifle stock & happened on an HS Precision add. Thinking if anyone generally younger than us here even know who he is. Or the FBI's involvement in Ruby Ridge.
-
I was thinking about him the day. I am looking for an aftermarket rifle stock & happened on an HS Precision add. Thinking if anyone generally younger than us here even know who he is. Or the FBI's involvement in Ruby Ridge.
Should we assume you were referring to Lon Horiuchi rather than Ollie North?
-
Sorry, Yes Horiuchi. Thought the H.S. Precision & Ruby Ridge references would clarify that.
-
Wayne needs to be fired immediately.
-
I'd hoped Wayne would go .... Col. North went instead. :'(
-
I am neutral on North. He was being paid to be the celebrity President of the NRA from what I heard. I think he is still on the Board. I could care less if he goes or stays. I do think La Pierre and his cronies need to go. I am certainly not sending them any more money until there is some change.
-
Don't think the writer is happy with the NRA either
“NRA President Carolyn Meadows told the newspaper in a statement that the “entire board is fully aware of these issues. We have full confidence in Wayne LaPierre.”
“It is troubling and pathetic that some people would resort to leaking information to advance their agendas,” she added.”
Pincus: This is What NRA Members Can Do Now to #ChangeTheNRA
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/05/ttag-contributor/pincus-this-is-what-nra-members-can-do-now-to-changethenra/
-
I'd hoped Wayne would go .... Col. North went instead. :'(
North was a crook also. He was getting paid money on the side by AckMac.
Now AckMac is retaliating after having their crookedness exposed by releasing information about Wayne's sleazy antics.
-
North was a crook also. He was getting paid money on the side by AckMac.
Now AckMac is retaliating after having their crookedness exposed by releasing information about Wayne's sleazy antics.
What I heard was North was asked to be NRA President, but he was working for Fox. The money from AckMac was to pay him to leave Fox to be the NRA President. I don't know if that is any better, but it makes more sense. It also underscores that we shouldn't need celebrity leaders especially when it is just a figurehead to draw attention away from who is really running things.
-
On a related note, have any of you noticed the NRA seeming to try to roll over the local state organization?
The Texas State Rifle Organization has always been the local state affiliate of the NRA, but always operated separately. Lately, I seem to notice emails and letters from the NRA talking about the status of state gun bills with no mention whatsoever of the TSRA as if the NRA was the only org in the state. Is that something you see where you are?
-
They do operate separate. I've gotten alerts from the NRA on some bills and alerts from the ISRA on others.
For years here in Illinois the ISRA didn't care about Concealed Carry. The NRA did. It was a court case prompted by the SAF and the NRA that put the state legislature in a corner to pass a LTC bill.
The ISRA only came along because there were smaller CCW-specific groups that were taking members from the it (along with many of their old er members dying off.)
-
For years here in Illinois the ISRA didn't care about Concealed Carry. The NRA did. It was a court case prompted by the SAF and the NRA that put the state legislature in a corner to pass a LTC bill.
The ISRA only came along because there were smaller CCW-specific groups that were taking members from the it (along with many of their old er members dying off.)
Same here. For years, there has been an organization in my state that was (and is) concerned mostly with hunting, and secondly with high power rifle shooting. Personal carry of handguns was definitely not on their agenda. A few years ago someone started a new, grassroots organization modeled after the Virginia Citizens Defense League for the purpose of 2nd Amendment advocacy in general, and the personal right to carry arms for self defense in particular. The new organization grew quickly and has now far surpassed the old group of Fudds.
-
https://www.thedailybeast.com/nra-legal-bills-raise-all-sorts-of-red-flags?source=twitter&via=desktop
“One hundred thousand dollars a day? That’s just off the charts.”
That’s how Deborah Rhode, a legal ethics expert from Stanford Law School, put it after reviewing a memo from ex-NRA president Oliver North. In the document, North laid out allegations against the embattled gun rights group’s outside law firm, claiming the firm has billed the association about $24 million since last March and $8.8 million in the first three months of 2019—averaging to more than $97,000 per day. Meanwhile, the NRA’s latest financial disclosures forms show its revenue has slumped under the gun-friendly Trump administration.
I am not sure if this is new information or not. Just a link I came across on Twitter.
-
https://theoldschoolpatriot.com/statement-regarding-nra/
Statement Regarding the NRA
In Front Page, Second Amendment by Allen West
I do not support Wayne LaPierre continuing as the EVP/CEO of the NRA. The vote in Indianapolis was by acclamation, not roll call vote. There is a cabal of cronyism operating within the NRA and that exists within the Board of Directors. It must cease, and I do not care if I draw their angst. My duty and responsibility is to the Members of the National Rifle Association, and my oath, since July 31, 1982, has been to the Constitution of the United States, not to any political party, person, or cabal.
The NRA Board of 76 is too large and needs to be reduced to 30 or less. We need term limits of four (4) terms on the Board. We need to focus the NRA, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization on its original charter, mission, training and education in marksmanship, shooting sports, and the defense of the Second Amendment.
Read more https://theoldschoolpatriot.com/statement-regarding-nra/
-
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/15/722960414/as-leaks-show-lavish-nra-spending-former-staff-detail-poor-conditions-at-nonprof?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20190515&fbclid=IwAR0a2Y2pR5Rnz7tv6BNjcC5C5UMp9v1yF7dC0sqYeyd3TPYDlUK8-39B1Zk
So apparently the NRA is not going to be getting high ratings on Glassdoor any time soon.
-
NRA offers a pension?
That's news to me. They didn't offer jack/*expletive deleted*it when I worked for them in the early 1990s. You wanted a pension you saved into your own IRA.
-
NRA offers a pension?
That's news to me. They didn't offer jack/*expletive deleted*it when I worked for them in the early 1990s. You wanted a pension you saved into your own IRA.
Per the link, they don't anymore.
Knowing people who have worked at HQ, every one of the complaints Mr. Lander was making ring true. Hopefully, something will be done about the issues.
-
From what I have heard, if your name is LaPierre and perhaps a buddy of his, you can get a generous severance package.
-
From what I have heard, if your name is LaPierre and perhaps a buddy of his, you can get a generous severance package.
I read LaPierre is going to get his full salary for life as a "consultant" after he retires.
-
I was thinking about him the day. I am looking for an aftermarket rifle stock & happened on an HS Precision add. Thinking if anyone generally younger than us here even know who he is. Or the FBI's involvement in Ruby Ridge.
Here in Spokane we remember Ruby Ridge. The paper runs something on it every now and then. Hopefully some of the younger generations are reading the paper.
http://www.spokesman.com/search/?page=3&sort=date&q=ruby+ridge
bob
-
Here in Spokane we remember Ruby Ridge. The paper runs something on it every now and then. Hopefully some of the younger generations are reading the paper.
http://www.spokesman.com/search/?page=3&sort=date&q=ruby+ridge
bob
I remember Ruby Ridge. I remember yelling at NPR on the commute because their version was obviously biased.
-
So long as the NRA continues to be Wayne's circle jerk, its doomed for failure.
-
Some of you may have seen the email the NRA recently sent out to address "the allegations" against Wayne. Here's one regarding the clothing purchases:
Fact: Over the years, Wayne had been advised by the NRA's advertising professionals to invest in his professional wardrobe due to his numerous public and media appearances. We understand that this was the same agency that facilitated the clothing purchases. What wasn't as evident in this "disclosure" is that the clothing expenses referenced in media reports dated back to expenses from 15 years ago!
Obviously someone in his position should have a "power wardrobe". But he works in the DC metro area. That place is power suit central. He couldn't have gotten his wardrobe locally? They also seem to excuse it because it was 15 years ago and the practice has now stopped. So what? They still poorly spent my money 15 years ago.
I will say it appears he/the NRA were apparently following the direction of their PR company on this, but still - use some common sense. I guarantee that was custom tailored clothing, which means he flew across the country (possibly in combination with other business) for measurements. He had 4 hours of flight time to think about the optics of it.
-
To me, it doesn't matter who suggested it or exactly where he bought the suits. I used to work in a firm where suit and tie was the order of the day. I didn't get a clothing allowance. I paid for my own suits, shirts, and ties. (And my own shoes, socks, and underwear.) I don't remember if my accountant at the time said I could write off some of that expense because it was a work requirement, but the bottom line was that I paid for my own clothes. And I wasn't making nearly what Wayne LaPierre was making fifteen years ago.
Now I find myself wondering how often Wayne goes to lunch with Chris Coxe so they can charge the lunch to an NRA business credit card because they "discussed NRA business" over lunch. Back when I was in an architecture firm that did work around the country, several of us frequently went to lunch together. We usually discussed our projects ... but nobody got to charge lunch to the company's credit card because we were discussing business.
-
To me, it doesn't matter who suggested it or exactly where he bought the suits. I used to work in a firm where suit and tie was the order of the day. I didn't get a clothing allowance. I paid for my own suits, shirts, and ties. (And my own shoes, socks, and underwear.) I don't remember if my accountant at the time said I could write off some of that expense because it was a work requirement, but the bottom line was that I paid for my own clothes. And I wasn't making nearly what Wayne LaPierre was making fifteen years ago.
Now I find myself wondering how often Wayne goes to lunch with Chris Coxe so they can charge the lunch to an NRA business credit card because they "discussed NRA business" over lunch. Back when I was in an architecture firm that did work around the country, several of us frequently went to lunch together. We usually discussed our projects ... but nobody got to charge lunch to the company's credit card because we were discussing business.
That last part happens a lot. Occasionally my company cracks down on it or sends out reminders of the rules. Rarely do I hear about them actually firing anyone.
-
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/05/daniel-zimmerman/breaking-ackerman-mcqueen-severs-ties-with-nra/?utm_source=wideopen&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wideopen&utm_content=%5B%5Brssitem_title%5D%5D
Ackerman McQueen Severs Ties With NRA
I hope this doesn't just lead to the NRA's new relationship with Hackerman McKeen with employees who look a lot like the old ones.
-
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/05/daniel-zimmerman/breaking-ackerman-mcqueen-severs-ties-with-nra/?utm_source=wideopen&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wideopen&utm_content=%5B%5Brssitem_title%5D%5D
Ackerman McQueen Severs Ties With NRA
I hope this doesn't just lead to the NRA's new relationship with Hackerman McKeen with employees who look a lot like the old ones.
But the NRA's counsel is still William Brewer III, and William Brewer III is still the son-in-law of one of Ackerman McQueen's principals. I still suspect that this entire lawsuit is a smokescreen, designed to make it look to the outside like the NRA is [finally] fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities, but with the suit being managed in such a way that the NRA will be guaranteed to lose.
-
I have heard people say that many of the employees at NRA headquarters are Ackerman McQueen employees as well as there being a lot of family and friend connections between them. Severing ties is easier said than done.
-
Slight tangent. I'm of course accustomed to the NRA emails with "End if times! You have to donate now!" statements (same as other lobbying groups do) regarding gun rights. I did just see in an email this morning though, that they are using this current situation as, "This is the end of the NRA! We're finished without your help!"
I don't think I've ever seen them send an email that the NRA itself was on the verge of death. Gun rights at an end, sure, but I don't think they've ever used an advertising angle saying they themselves were at a end. In some ways it makes them look weak to me, so I'm not sure it's an effective angle. For me at least - I realize they gear this kind of advertising to a different demographic. :)
-
Damn the NRA.
This is the best pro-gun government we've had in decades and all the NRA can do is shoot themselves in the foot. Lapierre, et al, should be taken out back, flogged and fired. Worthless sacks of sh!t.
-
Damn the NRA.
This is the best pro-gun government we've had in decades and all the NRA can do is shoot themselves in the foot. Lapierre, et al, should be taken out back, flogged and fired. Worthless sacks of sh!t.
ON THE OTHER HAND, what better time to clean house?
-
Brownells CEO Pete Brownell has been a member of the National Rifle Association’s board of directors for about a decade. He served as the organization’s president from 2017 to 2018. Now, however, TTAG has learned that Brownell has announced his resignation from the organization’s board.
BREAKING: Pete Brownell Has Resigned from the National Rifle Association Board of Directors
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/05/daniel-zimmerman/breaking-pete-brownell-has-resigned-from-the-national-rifle-association-board-of-directors/
-
BREAKING: Pete Brownell Has Resigned from the National Rifle Association Board of Directors
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/05/daniel-zimmerman/breaking-pete-brownell-has-resigned-from-the-national-rifle-association-board-of-directors/
That doesn't sound good at all.
-
But wait, there's more
The New York Times reports publicly that the National Rifle Association has suspended their number two man, Chris Cox. The move follows a lawsuit filed yesterday against Oliver North, the former NRA president who reportedly asked Wayne LaPierre to step down.
Plenty of us know there has been some bad blood between LaPierre and Cox for some time. However, this move by LaPierre and his cronies will surely deepen the conflict within the organization’s headquarters and with its members. After all, Cox didn’t buy ten $20,000 suits and bill them to the NRA.
BREAKING: NRA Suspends NRA-ILA Head Chris Cox
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nra-suspends-nra-ila-head-chris-cox/
-
But wait, there's more
BREAKING: NRA Suspends NRA-ILA Head Chris Cox
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nra-suspends-nra-ila-head-chris-cox/
This is concerning. He's been extremely good heading ILA, so the organization better have a good explanation for this.
-
This is concerning. He's been extremely good heading ILA, so the organization better have a good explanation for this.
Yes, this has me curious as well. I've not heard anything negative about Chris Cox. I certainly could have missed it, but most of the ire (from my POV) seems to be at the board and Wayne.
-
I don't know what my opinion is of Chris Cox since his name was on the bump stock letter, but I thought he was a buddy of Wayne. I hope this just means it is the beginning of the end. IMO, this is the sort of thing that makes the corporate sponsors start pulling away their support. I have heard member support (money) has been dropping off sharply, but I have seen no numbers.
-
I saw a number of comments on that link say something like "Good! Fire Wayne LaPierre next."
Who do they think is in charge of the NRA? There is only Wayne from what I have heard. I think the only way to get him out is starve him out.
-
I have heard member support (money) has been dropping off sharply, but I have seen no numbers.
As a benefactor member, I've kinda topped off on money that I will give to them for anything other than a true "rights emergency" (not what they call an emergency in every letter they send me). However, if I hadn't already given what I consider more than my fair share, I wouldn't even think of giving them a penny right now until they straighten their *expletive deleted*it out.
-
There was a recent ILA gun raffle I got in the mail. I ALWAYS send money for those. I did not this time.
I am just a regular NRA member, but my membership is paid up though 2045 or so. I am not going to cancel it or anything.
-
There was a recent ILA gun raffle I got in the mail. I ALWAYS send money for those. I did not this time.
I am just a regular NRA member, but my membership is paid up though 2045 or so. I am not going to cancel it or anything.
I would never think of canceling my membership or anything. I'm just less supportive of them right now. That will certainly change if/when they straighten things out.
-
Rumble is that LaPierre thinks Cox was working with North in the ill-fated coup attempt.
-
Yep, sounds like LaPierre is going all scorched earth in his hunt to find his enemies.
Like others, I'm sitting out on donating more until the dust settles and i see who's what, and where.
-
I'm sitting it out until LaPierre is gone.
-
There is a claim that maybe he is not suspended after all?
https://www.pagunblog.com/2019/06/20/is-anyone-running-nra/#comments
Who knows?
???
edit- I misunderstood. Chris denies plotting against Wayne, not being suspended.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDMhgGYDTWA
Hickok45 will no longer support the NRA or take sponsorship from them.
As bad as the NRA has become, I am not sure if the NRA can be salvaged. It would take some dedicated people getting control of it to turn it around. IMO, the odds are against it.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDMhgGYDTWA
Hickok45 will no longer support the NRA or take sponsorship from them.
As bad as the NRA has become, I am not sure if the NRA can be salvaged. It would take some dedicated people getting control of it to turn it around. IMO, the odds are against it.
Wow. He addressed "why" very well, and I think 99% of the comments were supportive.
This is the kind of thing that the board of directors should take notice of. It's like they've all got buckets on their heads.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDMhgGYDTWA
Hickok45 will no longer support the NRA or take sponsorship from them.
I follow a lot of 2A social media, and the only one still openly supporting the NRA is Colion Noir, and he's getting paid by them to do so. Many of the rest (MAC, IV8888, Yankee Marshall) are openly attacking the NRA as it exists now, and getting a ton of support for doing so. Seems to me that, while that support means little, what it most likely means is that those supporters ain't sending cash to the NRA these days...
-
While, again, I have no plans to leave the NRA and I believe this will all be straightened out eventually, the attitude of Wayne and the board (as I perceive it) really irks me.
To me, they are taking the same position they rail about in their fundraising letters. Everytime I get a fundraising letter or email, it's all about the elite and out of touch lawmaker "X" who believes they know better than me and want me to submit to their control because "big brother" or "nanny" or whatever.
When I read the statements from NRA leadership on the current issues, they're coming off exactly as they portray the anti-gun lawmakers: "Stop worrying, we know what's best. Just do what we say and also keep sending us money to get through this trying time of people questioning our authority (plus Wayne needs a new suit)!"
Perhaps there are " a few troublemakers" that are causing much of this. However, the board's PR on this sucks. The last explanatory letter I read sounded like they were patting me on the head. I actually feel offended when I read their defense of themselves.
-
^^^When I read the letter, the phrase 'tone deaf' went through my mind.
-
While, again, I have no plans to leave the NRA and I believe this will all be straightened out eventually, the attitude of Wayne and the board (as I perceive it) really irks me.
To me, they are taking the same position they rail about in their fundraising letters. Everytime I get a fundraising letter or email, it's all about the elite and out of touch lawmaker "X" who believes they know better than me and want me to submit to their control because "big brother" or "nanny" or whatever.
When I read the statements from NRA leadership on the current issues, they're coming off exactly as they portray the anti-gun lawmakers: "Stop worrying, we know what's best. Just do what we say and also keep sending us money to get through this trying time of people questioning our authority (plus Wayne needs a new suit)!"
Perhaps there are " a few troublemakers" that are causing much of this. However, the board's PR on this sucks. The last explanatory letter I read sounded like they were patting me on the head. I actually feel offended when I read their defense of themselves.
The question that comes to my mind is what exactly is the NRA actually doing about it? I seem to be hearing things here and there that indicates they are doing very little in D.C. except fundraising. In Texas, I feel like they are trying to fund raise off the efforts of the TSRA by sending emails out bragging about the great pro-gun laws being passes and making no mention of the TSRA.
Well, I guess they are supporting red flag laws and bump stock bans.
-
I follow a lot of 2A social media, and the only one still openly supporting the NRA is Colion Noir, and he's getting paid by them to do so. Many of the rest (MAC, IV8888, Yankee Marshall) are openly attacking the NRA as it exists now, and getting a ton of support for doing so. Seems to me that, while that support means little, what it most likely means is that those supporters ain't sending cash to the NRA these days...
I figure his checks were written by Ackermann McQueen so who knows if he is still getting paid or not. My understanding is Ackermann McQeen were the sole owners of much of the media and magazine publishing the NRA was doing including NRA TV.
-
My understanding is Ackermann McQeen were the sole owners of much of the media and magazine publishing the NRA was doing including NRA TV.
I thought about that when the most recent edition of my NRA magazine arrived in the mailbox a few days ago, so I opened it up to the page that lists all the editors and such, and I don't think there was a single mention of Ackerman-McQueen. Which is just another indication (to me) that the whole relationship between the NRA and Ackerman-McQueen was just too cozy to be healthy.
-
Guess he's gone for good now
BREAKING: NRA-ILA’s Chris Cox Resigns
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nra-ilas-chris-cox-resigns/
AND
BREAKING: NRATV Website Gone
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nratv-website-gone/
Honestly, did anyone actually watch it?
-
Guess he's gone for good now
BREAKING: NRA-ILA’s Chris Cox Resigns
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nra-ilas-chris-cox-resigns/
AND
BREAKING: NRATV Website Gone
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-nratv-website-gone/
Honestly, did anyone actually watch it?
The NRATV thing seemed not to be useful to me, but I thought maybe they knew something I didn't.
If this is all an attempt to streamline the organization and get back to its primary purpose, I'm all for all these moves.
BUT, as noted, the departure of Chris Cox is concerning. I'm watching carefully.
Per the Andrew Lander posts earlier, it is interesting that this all appears to have come out of the NRA having to come clean about pension underfunding for the past few years, leading to several reports of questionable actions/billing by their leading contractor, Ackerman-McQueen.
My hope is this is a cleaning house to remove the influences of Ack-Mac. If it is, I am fully on board.
-
The NRATV thing seemed not to be useful to me, but I thought maybe they knew something I didn't.
If this is all an attempt to streamline the organization and get back to its primary purpose, I'm all for all these moves.
BUT, as noted, the departure of Chris Cox is concerning. I'm watching carefully.
Per the Andrew Lander posts earlier, it is interesting that this all appears to have come out of the NRA having to come clean about pension underfunding for the past few years, leading to several reports of questionable actions/billing by their leading contractor, Ackerman-McQueen.
My hope is this is a cleaning house to remove the influences of Ack-Mac. If it is, I am fully on board.
If Wayne LaPierre is not gone, then the only house cleaning is Wayne getting rid of anyone he thinks is against him. What I heard is Chris Cox had some text messages that came out in lawsuit discovery where someone was trying to get him involved with getting rid of La Pierre. Wayne La Pierre is pretty much running everything right now. The Board of Directors and President are just for decoration.
NRATV as I understand it, is operated and essentially owned by Ackermann McQueen. Everyone was paid by them and they had all the websites and infrastructure. I think they were paid to handle all the magazine stuff as well. If Ackerman McQueen is truly gone, then all that will need to be restarted directly under NRA management.
-
I don't know if any of you listen to Gun Talk Radio with Tom Gresham. He was laying into the NRA pretty hard in last Sunday's show. He normally is very hesitant to directly criticise the NRA.
-
https://patriotpost.us/alexander/63906-the-second-amendment-v-nra-fratricidal-fire
The NRA tried to contain this internal dispute, but within weeks of North’s resignation and replacement by Carolyn Meadows, one of the NRA’s most respected board members, Allen West, called for LaPierre’s resignation.
West, a former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, former U.S. congressman, and longtime defender of the Second Amendment, said: “I do not support Wayne LaPierre continuing as the EVP/CEO of the NRA. There is a cabal of cronyism operating within the NRA and that exists within the Board of Directors. It must cease, and I do not care if I draw their angst. … It’s very important for us to have the trust and confidence of the members.”
...
The NRA’s most visible supporter, Donald Trump, insists, “The NRA … must get its act together quickly, stop the internal fighting, and get back to greatness fast!”
Achieving that goal is in LaPierre’s hands.
I think West is correct. Not sure how many other board members agree with him.
-
https://patriotpost.us/alexander/63906-the-second-amendment-v-nra-fratricidal-fire
I think West is correct. Not sure how many other board members agree with him.
I think most of the board members who agreed with him have resigned.
-
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0866/3052/products/picturemessage_lzv0briq.gey_500x.png?v=1559926583)
-
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0866/3052/products/picturemessage_lzv0briq.gey_500x.png?v=1559926583)
O. M. G.!!!! RUN away!!!! RUN FAR AWAY!!!!!! :rofl:
-
And it keeps getting better
Oliver North: Wayne LaPierre and Attorney Brewer Cooked Up Story About a Coup Attempt
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/oliver-oliver-north-lapierre-and-attorney-brewer-cooked-up-story-about-a-coup-attempt/
-
And it keeps getting better
Oliver North: Wayne LaPierre and Attorney Brewer Cooked Up Story About a Coup Attempt
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/oliver-oliver-north-lapierre-and-attorney-brewer-cooked-up-story-about-a-coup-attempt/
You have a strange understanding of "better." >:D
-
You have a strange understanding of "better." >:D
How about this?
The Washington Post reported on it today.
D.C’s attorney general issued subpoenas Friday to the National Rifle Association and its charitable foundation, putting additional pressure on the embattled gun rights organization from nonprofit regulators.
The office of Attorney General Karl A. Racine is seeking financial documents from the NRA and its foundation. The NRA Foundation is chartered in the District and the NRA is registered as a nonprofit and does business there.
“The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia has issued subpoenas to the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and the NRA Foundation, Inc., as part of an investigation into whether these entities violated the District’s Nonprofit Act,” Racine said in a statement.
He continued: “We are seeking documents from these two nonprofits detailing, among other things, their financial records, payments to vendors, and payments to officers and directors.”
While the NRA Foundation remains a 501(c)(3) charity, there are documents that suggest it has been donating to some of Wayne LaPierre’s wife Susan’s pet charities. And at least one outlet reports that the donations went un-reported on financial disclosure forms.
District of Columbia AG Subpoenas NRA Foundation Financial Records
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/district-of-columbia-ag-subpoenas-nra-foundation-financial-records/
-
I would like to ask ONE question, with one follow up:
Is it true that Wayne LaPierre was paid over one quarter million dollars as a wardrobe allowance as some have alleged?
If not, how much HAS Wayne been paid for clothes, haircuts, and personal grooming?
-
I would like to ask ONE question, with one follow up:
Is it true that Wayne LaPierre was paid over one quarter million dollars as a wardrobe allowance as some have alleged?
If not, how much HAS Wayne been paid for clothes, haircuts, and personal grooming?
I thought it was around $200,000, so not quite a quarter of a million. But why argue over a paltry $50 grand?
Don't they have men's clothing stores in Virginia? Why did LaPierre have to buy suits from a Beverly Hills custom tailor?
-
Don't they have men's clothing stores in Virginia? Why did LaPierre have to buy suits from a Beverly Hills custom tailor?
That was my question if the allegation is true. It's DC for crying out loud. There's a power suit tailor on every corner.
-
I would like to ask ONE question, with one follow up:
Is it true that Wayne LaPierre was paid over one quarter million dollars as a wardrobe allowance as some have alleged?
If not, how much HAS Wayne been paid for clothes, haircuts, and personal grooming?
I think it was 200k spread over ten years. So like 20k a year. ;/
-
I think it was 200k spread over ten years. So like 20k a year. ;/
Even if it was "only" $20k per year -- for ten years -- I don't understand how any male can spend $20k for clothes in one year, let alone for ten years in succession.
-
Especially since he is already paid over $1 million a year. I think 1.5. And I have heard his benefits and other compensations are more. He doesn't need a clothing allowance and he certainly shouldn't be laundering that cost through a contractor that he controls.
-
Especially since he is already paid over $1 million a year. I think 1.5. And I have heard his benefits and other compensations are more. He doesn't need a clothing allowance and he certainly shouldn't be laundering that cost through a contractor that he controls.
Agreed. I worked for many years in firms where I was expected to wear a suit and tie to work. I didn't get any clothing allowance. IIRC, I think my accountant once told me that I because suits were required attire I could buy one or two new suits a year and deduct the cost on my income tax return. Since LaPierre was reimbursed for his clothing purchases, I wonder if he also deducted the cost on his tax returns.
-
Agreed. I worked for many years in firms where I was expected to wear a suit and tie to work. I didn't get any clothing allowance. IIRC, I think my accountant once told me that I because suits were required attire I could buy one or two new suits a year and deduct the cost on my income tax return. Since LaPierre was reimbursed for his clothing purchases, I wonder if he also deducted the cost on his tax returns.
The closest I ever came to a clothing allowance was on a couple of overseas business trips that lasted over a week - then I got reimbursed for laundry & dry cleaning expenses. (IIRC, the laundry reimbursements were on the order of tens of dollars - not tens of thousands of dollars.)
-
And it keeps getting better
Oliver North: Wayne LaPierre and Attorney Brewer Cooked Up Story About a Coup Attempt
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/oliver-oliver-north-lapierre-and-attorney-brewer-cooked-up-story-about-a-coup-attempt/
To tell you the truth, I strongly suspect North is crooked too (that is, as well as wayne)... he was being paid by Ack Mac.
-
To tell you the truth, I strongly suspect North is crooked too (that is, as well as wayne)... he was being paid by Ack Mac.
I get the impression everyone was being paid by Ack Mac in some way; if not them then spouses and others. I have heard North say Wayne knew about the Ack Mac contract and encouraged it.
Regardless, North is out of the picture and Wayne LaPierre is the one in charge.
-
Even if it was "only" $20k per year -- for ten years -- I don't understand how any male can spend $20k for clothes in one year, let alone for ten years in succession.
A decent off-the-rack suite begins at $400-$600. Suites for executive corporate environments, $1500+, easy. Shirts, $100-$200 to start. Decent dress shoes, $500 and up (usually way up). Ties? $75-100, bare minimum. Figure $2300-$2500 per outfit and you need enough of them to wear one every day.
In corporate executive circles, spending only $20k a year on business clothes would be the screaming bargain of the century.
Brad
-
A decent off-the-rack suite begins at $400-$600. Suites for executive corporate environments, $1500+, easy. Shirts, $100-$200 to start. Decent dress shoes, $500 and up (usually way up). Ties? $75-100, bare minimum. Figure $2300-$2500 per outfit and you need enough of them to wear one every day.
In corporate executive circles, spending only $20k a year on business clothes would be the screaming bargain of the century.
Yes, but the NRA is a not-for-profit, membership organization, not a Fortune 100 corporation.
-
Yes, but the NRA is a not-for-profit, membership organization, not a Fortune 100 corporation.
True, but the NRA PTB are literally operating in the Hallways and Offices of the PTB. They can't go in looking like Billy Bob in Hunting Camo and gimme hats.
-
True, but the NRA PTB are literally operating in the Hallways and Offices of the PTB. They can't go in looking like Billy Bob in Hunting Camo and gimme hats.
Regardless, he makes enough money to eat that cost himself. No need to launder it through his contractor.
-
Regardless, he makes enough money to eat that cost himself. No need to launder it through his contractor.
Tax purposes...
-
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/08/adam-kraut-turns-down-newly-opened-nra-board-of-director-seat/?utm_source=Ammoland+Subscribers&utm_campaign=8f3be1b18f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6f6fac3eaa-8f3be1b18f-21698227
Adam Kraut Turns Down Newly Opened NRA Board of Director Seat
-
Damn piss poor timing for the NRA to be having internal drama issues.
-
Damn piss poor timing for the NRA to be having internal drama issues.
Exactly what I was thinking. If that jackwagon Lapierre (and possibly some of the board of directors) had stepped down a few months ago, this might have all been water under the bridge. Now it's front and center with all the people blaming the NRA for these shootings. If Lapierre steps down now, it will look like the antis have given the NRA a one-two punch. Now we're likely stuck with him through all this current stuff because of the optics of him stepping down right now.
I say again, I am becoming infuriated reading these emails and letters with Lapierre's signature telling me to sacrifice ("oh, and send us money!") for the good of the cause while NRA upper management hypocritically circles their wagons.
-
Exactly what I was thinking. If that jackwagon Lapierre (and possibly some of the board of directors) had stepped down a few months ago, this might have all been water under the bridge. Now it's front and center with all the people blaming the NRA for these shootings. If Lapierre steps down now, it will look like the antis have given the NRA a one-two punch. Now we're likely stuck with him through all this current stuff because of the optics of him stepping down right now.
I say again, I am becoming infuriated reading these emails and letters with Lapierre's signature telling me to sacrifice ("oh, and send us money!") for the good of the cause while NRA upper management hypocritically circles their wagons.
Screw the optics (as, unfortunately, one mass shooter recently said) ... LaPierre stepping down would still be a good thing. As I have posted more than twice, "It's all in the spin." Get rid of LaPierre, and then it's the job of the NRA's spin doctors to make the "optics" look good.
-
I look at the NRA like I do Congress, THROW THE WHOLE LOT OUT and start over using the original framework they were SUPPOSED to follow!
-
Some Dems again calling for the NRA to be labeled a terrorist organization
-
Screw the optics (as, unfortunately, one mass shooter recently said) ... LaPierre stepping down would still be a good thing. As I have posted more than twice, "It's all in the spin." Get rid of LaPierre, and then it's the job of the NRA's spin doctors to make the "optics" look good.
Any day Wayne is in charge is a day too many now.
Unfortunately, I can't see him leaving without dropping dead, since the BOD will not get rid of him.
-
Last night the NY AG’s probe seems to have expanded.
With the gun debate intensifying in the wake of last weekend’s mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, the National Rifle Association’s problems deepened Monday evening as the New York attorney general’s office issued a subpoena seeking documents from more than 90 current and former members of the organization’s board.
The subpoena is an escalation of a continuing investigation into the tax-exempt status of the N.R.A., which is chartered in New York, and engulfs the organization’s board of directors in the inquiry. The subpoena seeks financial records and other documents that would shed light on spending decisions made by the board.
A week ago, David Codrea tweeted this:
I am away from internet and unable to verify but this is important if it pans out. A credible Source says a highly placed NRA exec has been offered immunity by the New York AG. @aarmark
— dcodrea (@dcodrea) July 31, 2019
New York Attorney General Subpoenas Documents From 90 NRA Board Members
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/new-york-attorney-general-subpoenas-documents-from-90-nra-board-members/
-
New York Attorney General Subpoenas Documents From 90 NRA Board Members
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/new-york-attorney-general-subpoenas-documents-from-90-nra-board-members/
It could be that a whole bunch of directors are going to reap the consequences of abdicating their fiscal duty, failing to exercise any meaningful oversight, and choosing to be rubber stamps for whatever the Emperor Wayne I wanted to do. And IMHO those directors who just sat back and rubber stamped LaPierre's actions and agenda should feel the heat.
-
Reported by the Washington Post, so I'll take it with a small grain of salt until I read some other stories on it, but a $6million chateau? That apparently Ackerman had to talk him out of?
This makes Lapierre sound like one of those TV huckster preachers that get suckers to donate tons of money, and then they drive around in Ferrari and fly in private jets. And it makes NRA members the suckers.
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/politics/documents-show-nra-discussions-to-purchase-luxury-mansion-for-use-of-its-chief-executive/2019/08/06/eb8b0490-b7ce-11e9-b3b4-2bb69e8c4e39_story.html?outputType=amp
-
This makes Lapierre sound like one of those TV huckster preachers that get suckers to donate tons of money, and then they drive around in Ferrari and fly in private jets. And it makes NRA members the suckers.
I always got that vibe with him, somewhere in between a used car salesman and a preacher-scammer who wears a white suit and drives a white cadillac who begs people to send him money so that God doesn't strike him dead.
-
But wait, there's more
BREAKING: Dell’Aquila Files Multi-Million Class Action Lawsuit Against Wayne LaPierre, NRA and NRA Foundation
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-dellaquila-files-multi-million-class-action-lawsuit-against-wayne-lapierre-nra-and-nra-foundation/
-
A few years ago I read Neal Knox's "The Gun Rights War." I recommend it.
It discusses how Neal tried to get Wayne to sever NRA's ties to AckMac (due to overbilling).
Wayne did not comply and got Neal kicked out (replaced with Heston).
Wayne has been slimy for a long long time.
It's sad that this all could have been prevented.
It's also quite hilarious that Wayne is now claiming he is a "victim" of those crooks at AckMac, when he has been protecting them and funneling money to them for decades.
-
Drain the swamp!
-
Competitive shooter Julie Golob was elected to a 3-year term on the National Rifle Association board of directors in 2018. Now, a little more than a year later, she’s announced her resignation via an Instagram post.
That makes four board resignations in the last two weeks. Five going back to the end of May. As the New York and District of Columbia investigations accelerate and the Dell’Aquila group’s pressure continues to ratchet up, look for more board members to decide that this wasn’t what they signed up for.
Julie Golob Resigns From NRA Board of Directors
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/julie-golob-resigns-from-nra-board-of-directors/
-
I saw a blurb today, didn't fully read it, can't find it again...said an audit of the NRA finances has been called for.
-
Some Dems again calling for the NRA to be labeled a terrorist organization
I have called for the Democrat Party to be labeled a terrorist organization.
-
So the count is up to five now for board members resigning?
-
So the count is up to five now for board members resigning? escaping
Fixed it for you. =D
-
I think the count is higher than five now. Two more quit today.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/first-on-cnn-more-nra-leaders-step-down-amid-spending-controversy/ar-AAG4s3g?li=BBnbfcL&OCID=AVRES000
-
I think the count is higher than five now. Two more quit today.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/first-on-cnn-more-nra-leaders-step-down-amid-spending-controversy/ar-AAG4s3g?li=BBnbfcL&OCID=AVRES000
I hate all of those mealy-mouth excuses for quitting. Just tell the truth: LaPierre, et. al., are driving the NRA into the ground.
-
I hate all of those mealy-mouth excuses for quitting. Just tell the truth: LaPierre, et. al., are driving the NRA into the ground.
I'm finding those interesting. I think (IMO) it's pretty obvious why they are quitting: Either directly because of Wayne, or fear of getting dragged down with negative publicity when this all blows up. You'd think they would want to say that though, for the good of the organization. I almost tinfoily kinda wonder what dirt Wayne has on everyone. Did he get the NRA secret police to videotape everyone on the board in compromising positions and that's why they're all giving these "I'm too busy" lines?
-
They're dropping quicker than Clinton business associates
-
I'm finding those interesting. I think (IMO) it's pretty obvious why they are quitting: Either directly because of Wayne, or fear of getting dragged down with negative publicity when this all blows up. You'd think they would want to say that though, for the good of the organization. I almost tinfoily kinda wonder what dirt Wayne has on everyone. Did he get the NRA secret police to videotape everyone on the board in compromising positions and that's why they're all giving these "I'm too busy" lines?
I mentioned this in the TFL thread on the same topic. I think they are leaving because they mistakenly believe doing so absolves them of their fiduciary responsibility while they were board members. (I didn't say this on TFL but I can see board members potentially going to prison over Wayne's embezzlements. while Wayne walks)
-
I imagine the NYState AG is planning to go after each of the board members with subpoenas. Not to mention there may be NY State laws saying the Board of Directors is held responsible for maintaining oversight of the organization.
-
More concerning news for the NRA, comrades:
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/27/764879242/nra-was-foreign-asset-to-russia-ahead-of-2016-new-senate-report-reveals?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews&fbclid=IwAR23fDSahjsxqlG8iYI5qIAOqbmU9Ml-VztBlEYneg1HuXswx7Tio25mEJo&fbclid=IwAR135Sg92FDCUAaQi37KBlvmvWiLhuGoadCXG8zVRxWR_j6D2lxIHM-t3q0&fbclid=IwAR2VAazOd0AZvt2vYhCCvXvvYvklCpFB1JW1S-6S0HKEaMGJUnq_ryZ7LnE&fbclid=IwAR3-Y1wOSVGmuKm2S2X4vu3NYJ3BD1_Uq73hH_EX4dGvl-2UPyzBARfF1_U
-
More concerning news for the NRA, comrades:
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/27/764879242/nra-was-foreign-asset-to-russia-ahead-of-2016-new-senate-report-reveals?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews&fbclid=IwAR23fDSahjsxqlG8iYI5qIAOqbmU9Ml-VztBlEYneg1HuXswx7Tio25mEJo&fbclid=IwAR135Sg92FDCUAaQi37KBlvmvWiLhuGoadCXG8zVRxWR_j6D2lxIHM-t3q0&fbclid=IwAR2VAazOd0AZvt2vYhCCvXvvYvklCpFB1JW1S-6S0HKEaMGJUnq_ryZ7LnE&fbclid=IwAR3-Y1wOSVGmuKm2S2X4vu3NYJ3BD1_Uq73hH_EX4dGvl-2UPyzBARfF1_U
In the Republicans' analysis of Wyden's report, the majority argued that it does not account for U.S.-Russia relations at the time and contains "much conclusory innuendo... and repeatedly attempts to paint a picture that does not exist."
I would probably assume what this quote says without seeing it stated in the article. Needs a lot more hard details to throw around accusations. However, what it said about the Russian side trying to use it as an opportunity to get access to US elected officials at NRA events wouldn't surprise me too much. Probably a lot of that stuff goes on in D.C. with a lot of organizations.
-
I seem to recall them calling the NRA a Russian operation some years ago because they found a member, one out of 5 million, who happened to be a Russian citizen who had donated something like $15
-
Given the source, my knee-jerk reaction is that it's just another instance of presumed-outcome exposition developed by taking limited, disparate data points and filtering them through a burning desire to tarnish all things conservative.
That being said, the way internal NRA things are going now, I wouldn't put it past them to pull a stunt this stupid.
Brad
-
What I am thinking is not that they would pull a stupid stunt, but they would be oblivious to being used.
-
What am thinking is not that they would pull a stupid stunt, but that they would be oblivious to being used.
Pretty much this. Let my membership lapse earlier this year after the idiocy began. Not going to renew it anytime soon despite urgent messages from Wayne that I need to do so to save the Republic or the 2nd Amendment or Idiocracy or whatever.
-
https://thefederalist.com/2019/09/30/with-the-help-of-media-democrats-are-smearing-the-nra/
National Public Radio’s Tim Mak has been on the NRA-is-a-Russian-front beat for some time now. You may find a journalistic project predicated on a determined outcome a bit odd, but that’s how things seem to work these days.
The latest article in the series is headlined “NRA Was ‘Foreign Asset’ To Russia Ahead of 2016, New Senate Report Reveals,” and it reads like a partisan talking points memo, with not a single hint of skepticism to be found anywhere. The “report” itself, written by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, is larded with suspenseful prose that works to create the impression that completely legal and innocuous interactions are part of a nefarious plot. The only thing it “reveals” is that Senate Democrats have no qualms leveling tendentious claims and spreading conspiracy theories.
-
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/magazine/wayne-lapierre-nra-guns.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=The%20New%20York%20Times%20Magazine
Mr. LaPierre speaks.
-
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/magazine/wayne-lapierre-nra-guns.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=The%20New%20York%20Times%20Magazine
Mr. LaPierre speaks.
That's a pretty exhaustive article. To me, it doesn't do much of anything to enhance LaPierre's image. It makes it clear that he is not out to protect the NRA, he's out to protect Wayne LaPierre. He takes credit for anything good that happened, but anything bad was somebody else's fault. And the bit about the executive VICE president telling the president of the organization to "back off" is mind-boggling. I have served on the boards of more than one non-profit organization. I can't imagine any executive VP telling the president of the board of directors to, in essence, shove it.
I remain of the opinion that LaPierre must go. As to Brewer -- I thought he had a conflict of interest before, suing a company partially owned by his father-in-law. I didn't know the father-in-law had died in July. That leaves a new question: Did Brewer's wife inherit a stake in AckMac? Is he now effectively suing his own wife? How is that not a conflict of interest?
-
While he is still able to charge things to the NRA, Mr. LaPierre would be well advised to hire a criminal defense attorney for if and when criminal misappropriation of funds charges come down from New York.