Or you know.
In light of comments here regarding NRA and gun rights and who is doing more and selling out and what not, listen up:
There are all kinds of us gun nuts. And we don’t all agree on everything. I don’t agree with Pro Gun Progressive on many issues because I’m not generally a liberal. I don’t agree with Clayton Cramer on most things involving homosexuality. I don’t agree with Kim du Toit on the virtues of the 1911. I don’t agree with a lot of gun blogs right-wing cheer leading. But I do agree with them about the gun issue.
I am much more gun nut than a lot of folks. You could say that I’m more GOA than NRA when it comes down to the issues. But here’s the deal: the NRA is the 800lb gorilla when it comes to guns. And they are effective. Sure, I (and you) have had issues with them. And I’ve criticized the hell out of them. A lot. But they still have my support. Just like the aforementioned bloggers who I may not generally agree with. So, let’s not start poo-pooing the NRA because they’re getting into the new media game. Yes, we can raise legitimate concerns about them and criticize them at length. But if there is a rift in the pro-gun community, it hurts us all. You can cheer lead the GOA or JPFO all you like. But they’re not very effective at, err, much. Even though I’m more inclined to agree with GOA.
Yes, the NRA compromises by having their attorney seemingly argue that he wants registration. But that is incidental to the big picture which is that a case is going to the Supreme Court. A winnable case, even. And it’s going to take small steps for the long term victory. Small victories add up, such as the recent adoption of CCW laws in the vast majority of states.
Remember, if you drive a truck in ten miles, it’s still ten miles to get out.
Like Sebastian said a bit back:
To me the NRA is like an annoying little brother; he sure does annoy you sometimes, and you wish he wouldn’t go off and get himself into trouble that you felt compelled to get him out of. But when the chips are down, family is family, and you do what you have to do.
Update: And don’t take this post to mean that I (or you) should constantly be affirming NRA with perpetual rah rah rah go team fight eagerness. Rather, remain critical when warranted but try not to be openly hostile. We’re winning and we should keep it that way.