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NRA Announces Rescheduled 2020 Meeting of Members

BET7

BET7

Ronin
Founding Member
The 2020 NRA's member meeting has been rescheduled with possible Covid-19 related restrictions such as limiting number of attendees confined in a closed space:

freedomslodge.com

NRA Announces Rescheduled 2020 Meeting of Members

The NRA Annual Meeting of Members’ rescheduled time and location has been announced! Earlier this year, the National Rifle Association was forced to cancel its Annual Meeting of Members due to COVID-19. Ongoing restrictions on the sizes of gatherings have made what is normally a gala event with...
freedomslodge.com freedomslodge.com
 
BET7 said:
The 2020 NRA's member meeting has been rescheduled with possible Covid-19 related restrictions such as limiting number of attendees confined in a closed space:

freedomslodge.com

NRA Announces Rescheduled 2020 Meeting of Members

The NRA Annual Meeting of Members’ rescheduled time and location has been announced! Earlier this year, the National Rifle Association was forced to cancel its Annual Meeting of Members due to COVID-19. Ongoing restrictions on the sizes of gatherings have made what is normally a gala event with...
freedomslodge.com freedomslodge.com
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Read something about this earlier, thanks for posting grasshopper.
 
HansGruber said:
Is WLP still president?

Then F every last one of the useless F’s.
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It's funny, as I thought that's probably why they want to hold it this year with Covid-19 capacity restrictions. WLP and his people, can then ensure the new members will be "Like Minded", ensuring he stays in his position. Keeping a large majority of vocal voting members from being able to attend, is to his and the board's advantage.
 
BET7 said:
It's funny, as I thought that's probably why they want to hold it this year with Covid-19 capacity restrictions. WLP and his people, can then ensure the new members will be "Like Minded", ensuring he stays in his position. Keeping a large majority of vocal voting members from being able to attend, is to his and the board's advantage.
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Bat rastards.

Every last one of ‘em.
 
HansGruber said:
Bat rastards.

Every last one of ‘em.
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Hans, you seem to be pretty committed to a bad feeling re the NRA, at least with some of the higher ups. I don't have any argument with it, but am curious what evidence you're basing it all on. I may not be up to snuff on it admittedly, but I think all I've seen for sure are the charges made by WLP's previous 'sidekick' who it seems has lots of sour grapes, and the potential lawsuit being brought by the AG.

Not saying it's not warranted, just that I can only take it at face value for now. It seems the 'sidekick' (can't think of his name right off) didn't have any issues until he was let go for whatever reason/s, but I'm sure it all helped to sell his book. And the AG had made accusations several times with a promise to ruin the NRA, but as of now I don't think there has been any real evidence presented.

Know too I have a lot of confidence in Col. North and the claims he's made, but then I also had a lot of confidence in others like Charlton Heston for example, who made no charges/accusations. Granted only one of them can be totally right, but then it may be that they both were/are partly wrong????? I'd appreciate any insight you can offer.
 
jumpinjoe said:
Hans, you seem to be pretty committed to a bad feeling re the NRA, at least with some of the higher ups. I don't have any argument with it, but am curious what evidence you're basing it all on. I may not be up to snuff on it admittedly, but I think all I've seen for sure are the charges made by WLP's previous 'sidekick' who it seems has lots of sour grapes, and the potential lawsuit being brought by the AG.

Not saying it's not warranted, just that I can only take it at face value for now. It seems the 'sidekick' (can't think of his name right off) didn't have any issues until he was let go for whatever reason/s, but I'm sure it all helped to sell his book. And the AG had made accusations several times with a promise to ruin the NRA, but as of now I don't think there has been any real evidence presented.

Know too I have a lot of confidence in Col. North and the claims he's made, but then I also had a lot of confidence in others like Charlton Heston for example, who made no charges/accusations. Granted only one of them can be totally right, but then it may be that they both were/are partly wrong????? I'd appreciate any insight you can offer.
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This isn’t a recent development.

Anyone who has been paying attention over the past many years can see that the NRA leadership has equated the well being of the organization with keeping themselves in power.

I’m not a fan of the (felon with a vacated sentence) Ollie North, either.
 
I've also read and heard concerns about WLP leadership from others that sat on the broad and are/were members. Namely Tom Gresham (Gun Talk radio, etc.), and Rob Pincus (Personal Defense Network (PDN), I.C.E.). I believe forum member @ChanceMcCall is actively involve in the Save the Second organization (I believe), and is/was a member of the NRA that could probably mention a heck of a lot more than I can with regards to the current situation of the NRA. I'm a lifetime member, but only for about 8 years now.
 
I support the NRA and hope they continue to fight for our 2nd amendment rights. There are always pros and cons to every organization. We just need more supporting what is right and the American way.
 
Well, I've been a re-upping 5 yr member since the early 70's and have heard various claims, accusations, and charges of some degree since the beginning. But in all honesty, I've never seen any hard evidence to support those claims. Obviously that's not to say some of it isn't true, only that I've not been totally convinced.

It's sometimes easy for those who aren't at the top, or don't share in some of the benefits of the top, and for whatever reason feel they've been slighted and may feel they deserve some of those same bennies, who claim the worst. It's often out of simple jealousy, or envy, sometimes just out of spite or vengeance. I've seen it time and again in various organizations over many years.

I've also seen it when it was true and took time before it all came out in the open. So I'm not saying any of these charges are not true, only that I can't honestly say I've seen hard evidence of them. And I think I'm a pretty 'open eyed' type. It's also hard to argue that with as many leaders who have been involved with NRA over many years, that not all of them made those same or even similar charges.

Although I have been known over the years to give some the benefit of the doubt and was later proven wrong, I guess that's just one of my many failings. But I try to be fair unless and until I do see that evidence. I guess what I'm saying is that right now with nothing more than what has been proven, I see throwing the entire NRA organization under the bus very much like throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Know too that I have absolutely no issue with anyone else's opinion, different as it may be from mine, and I appreciate the fact that we can all have those differing opinions and have it respected by everyone else.

Now let me offer a qualifier to what I've said above ...... There's no doubt that WLP lives pretty 'high on the hog', but then so do most CEO's, COO's, Pres's, etc, etc, of most major organizations. What we don't know is what has been negotiated over time as his total compensation/benefit package. Neither do most of those who are complaining. We may not even 'feel' it is deserved (whatever it is), but if it has been negotiated regardless of how we 'feel' about it, it's his to reap.
 
BET7 said:
I've also read and heard concerns about WLP leadership from others that sat on the broad and are/were members. Namely Tom Gresham (Gun Talk radio, etc.), and Rob Pincus (Personal Defense Network (PDN), I.C.E.). I believe forum member @ChanceMcCall is actively involve in the Save the Second organization (I believe), and is/was a member of the NRA that could probably mention a heck of a lot more than I can with regards to the current situation of the NRA. I'm a lifetime member, but only for about 8 years now.
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I, along with most if not all, gun owners want the NRA to be the guiding light we want it to be. That does not mean that we should ignore problems within the organization. In the 70s a number of us were fed up with the NRA supporting gun control because leadership felt gradual giving in was all that would prolong gun ownership for the old line members who were mostly concerned about shooting competitions. We tried a revolt which failed, but returned the following year better organized with more support and overthrew the existing leadership and changed the face of the NRA to an organization better known for their 2nd Amendment works than shooting competitions.

Now I, and many others, believe we need another overthrow of leadership, in part because the way money is being distributed inside a not for profit is wrong. When WLP can hop on a private jet and fly to California to Rodeo Drive to shop for $10,000 custom made suits while staying at the Beverly Wilshire eating $200 lunches and have the membership pay for it all through using a supplier to pay the bill and then paying the supplier even more is just plain wrong.

Many members are far from wealthy and paying dues and contributing other money through other programs is often a result of those members sacrificing on something else. They did not sign up to help pay for suits that one of cost more than they and their families entire wardrobe. They also did not plan on paying for private jet trips either.

If WLP wants expensive custom made suits, I don't care - as long as he is the one paying for them out of his own money. I used to wear custom made suits for work but I paid for them, not the company I worked for which was a for profit not a not for profit supported by membership.

OK. As to Save the Second, I do believe this is a tool NRA members need. Yes, I am highly involved in it, but any NRA member can also be involved. All one needs to do is go to their website and sign a petition, and then, if possible attend the NRA meeting if you are a Life Member and vote for the Board candidates who are working to depose WLP and his pack. If we cannot change the Board we cannot get rid of these parasites.

I, like many others, are withholding money we would have otherwise have given to the NRA. In my case, I am part of another group who have a escrowed fund we are contributing to that now has over $40,000,000 and rising that will be turned over to the NRA when certain conditions are met. The removal of WLP and his minions would be the first condition, with changes in the bylaws and administrative structure the second condition. The point would be to restructure so that the things that have happened cannot happen again.

Given the NY lawsuit, there is a whole lot I do not want to discuss on this or any other forum, but this whole issue is of paramount importance to gun owners. I want the NRA to work, but it needs fixed ASAP.
 
ChanceMcCall said:
I, along with most if not all, gun owners want the NRA to be the guiding light we want it to be. That does not mean that we should ignore problems within the organization. In the 70s a number of us were fed up with the NRA supporting gun control because leadership felt gradual giving in was all that would prolong gun ownership for the old line members who were mostly concerned about shooting competitions. We tried a revolt which failed, but returned the following year better organized with more support and overthrew the existing leadership and changed the face of the NRA to an organization better known for their 2nd Amendment works than shooting competitions.

Now I, and many others, believe we need another overthrow of leadership, in part because the way money is being distributed inside a not for profit is wrong. When WLP can hop on a private jet and fly to California to Rodeo Drive to shop for $10,000 custom made suits while staying at the Beverly Wilshire eating $200 lunches and have the membership pay for it all through using a supplier to pay the bill and then paying the supplier even more is just plain wrong.

Many members are far from wealthy and paying dues and contributing other money through other programs is often a result of those members sacrificing on something else. They did not sign up to help pay for suits that one of cost more than they and their families entire wardrobe. They also did not plan on paying for private jet trips either.

If WLP wants expensive custom made suits, I don't care - as long as he is the one paying for them out of his own money. I used to wear custom made suits for work but I paid for them, not the company I worked for which was a for profit not a not for profit supported by membership.

OK. As to Save the Second, I do believe this is a tool NRA members need. Yes, I am highly involved in it, but any NRA member can also be involved. All one needs to do is go to their website and sign a petition, and then, if possible attend the NRA meeting if you are a Life Member and vote for the Board candidates who are working to depose WLP and his pack. If we cannot change the Board we cannot get rid of these parasites.

I, like many others, are withholding money we would have otherwise have given to the NRA. In my case, I am part of another group who have a escrowed fund we are contributing to that now has over $40,000,000 and rising that will be turned over to the NRA when certain conditions are met. The removal of WLP and his minions would be the first condition, with changes in the bylaws and administrative structure the second condition. The point would be to restructure so that the things that have happened cannot happen again.

Given the NY lawsuit, there is a whole lot I do not want to discuss on this or any other forum, but this whole issue is of paramount importance to gun owners. I want the NRA to work, but it needs fixed ASAP.
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Thanks Chance, I know you've written extensive on this subject on threads posted on this forum previously. I appreciate your time and effort to post similarly here.
@jumpinjoe above, asks a valid question, and I wanted to answer with those (like you), that have seen first hand the issues and concerns within the NRA organization. I think we can agree, that we all want (a) strong pro 2A organization(s) to support gun enthusiasts like those of us found on this forum.
For Jumpinjoe, here are a few other forum threads that were posted on NRA concerns, in the past. Some of the replies from past and present members, may answer your questions, and give you greater insight into this subject of NRA organization concerns/issues.

www.thearmorylife.com

Commentary: Why Do We Hate the NRA

Excellent commentary that I believe originated on CBS http://freeamericanetwork.com/commentary-why-do-we-hate-the-nra/
www.thearmorylife.com www.thearmorylife.com

www.thearmorylife.com

Firearms News Investigates The NRA Part 1

Good article on Firearm News investigation into the NRA, this will be a multi part read https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/firearms-news-investigates-nra-part-1/363984
www.thearmorylife.com www.thearmorylife.com
 
Guys, I would ask this one simple question ...... If we are to believe all that we hear from some about how WLP is so crooked, what are we to think of all those who have not claimed the same crookedness and/or bad management? Did none of them see or know about any of this,,,,,, or are they in on it and hiding the truth for their own benefit,,,,,, or are they afraid of WLP and/or others,,,,,, etc? The fact is there have been some really good people in high places within the organization to never bring any charges against WLP or any others. Then there are some that have. So, what's the real truth/answer?

I'm not doubting anyone here on anything they have said or claimed, I'm sure they truly believe what they believe. I'm simply looking for hard core evidence for myself. I already said I think WLP does live pretty 'high on the hog'. But the real question is just how much of that hog is he entitled to, and how much is he receiving through 'ill gotten gains'?

And I'll end on this note ....... over the years since WLP has been in the position of EVP, the NRA has grown in both power and reputation in defending the 2nd amendment. We can all find certain issues throughout the organization we may not agree with, but in the larger scheme of things, who else has done more for the protection of our 2nd amendment rights than the NRA?
 
The NRA Board of Directors is just too large. With 76 members, I would be willing to wager that the majority of those 76 have very little idea regarding what the management of the NRA is actually doing. The thing that got my attention is when well known folks, like Julie Golob and a few others (I think there were five or six) resigned from the Board recently. That tells me something is likely wrong and they decided it just wasn't worth the hassle. I like Save the Second and am participating with them in trying to change things before it is too late. Anytime a lot of money gets waved around, there are bound to be folks attracted who we would not trust with much of anything.

I fear though, if the NRA goes down, none of the other Second Amendment protection groups will have the clout to prevent partial or complete loss of our Second Amendment granted rights.
 
jumpinjoe said:
Guys, I would ask this one simple question ...... If we are to believe all that we hear from some about how WLP is so crooked, what are we to think of all those who have not claimed the same crookedness and/or bad management? Did none of them see or know about any of this,,,,,, or are they in on it and hiding the truth for their own benefit,,,,,, or are they afraid of WLP and/or others,,,,,, etc? The fact is there have been some really good people in high places within the organization to never bring any charges against WLP or any others. Then there are some that have. So, what's the real truth/answer?

I'm not doubting anyone here on anything they have said or claimed, I'm sure they truly believe what they believe. I'm simply looking for hard core evidence for myself. I already said I think WLP does live pretty 'high on the hog'. But the real question is just how much of that hog is he entitled to, and how much is he receiving through 'ill gotten gains'?

And I'll end on this note ....... over the years since WLP has been in the position of EVP, the NRA has grown in both power and reputation in defending the 2nd amendment. We can all find certain issues throughout the organization we may not agree with, but in the larger scheme of things, who else has done more for the protection of our 2nd amendment rights than the NRA?
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Question One: Many people, employees and Board Members, have either been compensated for compliance or are afraid of losing their jobs. Many Board Members have resigned using other excuses for doing so because they are concerned about either backlash or law suits for violating a WLP generated agreement to not disclose what they learned while at the NRA. Every member of the Board of Directors has signed one when they became Board Members. Others have been given trips, merchandise, or even payments for their loyalty to WLP. If I headed a firearms related concern and had been on the Board, I would resign quickly without giving my real reasons for doing so once I understood what is going on. To do otherwise would have cost me, and the organization I was with, far too much to consider otherwise.

Question Two: I'm not sure how to address exactly what WLP fairly deserves or doesn't deserve. I have served on the Board of Directors of three banks, a rural telephone company, a real estate investment and management firm, and three not for profits. The not for profits were/are all engaged in government relations at the state level. In addition, I was the CEO of a national consultancy. All of these organizations were successful and some had some well-paid employees who deserved what they were paid. In the consultancy, 10 people needed and wore custom made clothing as part of their roles in the company. Not once did they ask for the entity to pay for their clothing nor would we have considered it. (There is actually an income tax liability for the recipient that WLP has not addressed.) In none of those organizations did people travel first class by air let alone in a private jet. The exception would have been when a client owned or leased a private jet and wanted us aboard.

I do not believe WLP is entitled to his level of salary, his level of bonuses, or especially his perks. A number of us have copies of invoices, paid statements, and credit card statements and even receipts of his reckless spending. Unfortunately, we are now being very careful about sharing these because of what is going on in New York.

Part of the problem is WLP has total control of the organization and any safeguard on raises, perks, etc are his to ignore and no employee that wants to keep their job makes any waves. The only Board Members with reasonable access to information are also people receiving benefits.

Question Three: The growth of the NRA is not just because WLP is heading the organization. If you track the growth of members, it is in direct proportion to the threats to gun ownership. Much of that growth trend was before WLP grabbed the reins away from people like Neil Knox when the NRA decided to stop supporting gun control and go on the attack. Every major attack on gun rights has grown the membership because the NRA/ILA is the only credible national lobbying entity gun owners have. Also many gun rights have been restored or gained because of other organizations like the 2nd Amendment Foundation and many state organizations. Special interest groups like DRGO and many others also make a difference.

Yet again, I certainly don't want the NRA to go away, I just want it fixed; there is a lot to fix unfortunately. I hope this helps you.
 
Chance, certainly you have information I and many others do not, and I have absolutely no reason to doubt anything you say. Unfortunately I and many others do not have the same info you have and find ourselves kind of 'swinging in the wind' simply because of our preference to your last statement ..................... " Yet again, I certainly don't want the NRA to go away, I just want it fixed; ........."
 
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jumpinjoe said:
Chance, certainly you have information I and many others do not, and I have absolutely no reason to doubt anything you say. Unfortunately I and many others do not have the same info you have and find ourselves kind of 'swinging in the wind' simply because of our preference to your last statement ..................... " Yet again, I certainly don't want the NRA to go away, I just want it fixed; ........."
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OK. I get that you don't want to take my or other people's word. Then, you have no choice but to get involved by attending meetings and requesting information from the NRA itself if you actually care. Have you read the public filings required of every not for profit? Have you read any analysis by not for profit watchdogs of those filings? Have you looked over what Save the Second has to say and who the supporters are? Have you looked at the material generated by other members and former Board members like Alan West?

The information I have access to came to me because I actually attended annual meetings and listened to concerns and observed with outrage the way the meetings were conducted. At these meetings I went up to, and spoke to, Board Members. Yes, the vast majority of information was shared just prior to the meeting in Indianapolis but it was the final straw for me.

Get involved - learn for yourself, or, find someone who has spent the time and money you can trust.
 
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