From the Editor

This may be surprising news to some of you, and I’m sure that many folks assumed that I was a Life Member. This is understandable considering my participation in NRA competitions over the years and my involvement with this magazine. At a young age I joined the organization because I truly believed in the defense of the Second Amendment (first) and the promotion of the shooting sports (second). I labeled these issues with a first and second “order of importance” because I witnessed first-hand how many gun owners/competitors were really not aware of proposed anti-gun legislation until it had been enacted into law. Very few people that I knew actually tried to do anything about that legislation, such as calling or writing to elected politicians. Even the dullest amongst us realizes that without firearms there will be no competitions, so in my mind, keeping the Second Amendment strong was the most important issue. There were acquaintances and friends who assured me those active competitors were an excellent foil against the anti-gun movement, but I found this to be, in most cases, simply not true. People were quick to complain but very slow to act.

So, I kept my membership current and also contributed some hard-earned money to support the organization and their efforts. I was gratified when I heard of the NRA’s influence in countering anti-Constitution legislation and also of the NRA’s support of various competitions around the country, some of which I participated in. I felt like in a small way I was helping to make a difference and getting my money’s worth as well.

Then I began to hear of some things that weren’t right within the organization itself, as well as a disappointing shift towards an entitled attitude by those involved running competitions. It seemed that the NRA was all about me giving them money and asking no questions. I still maintained my membership because many of the competitions I was involved with required it, but I was less than happy.

The final straw were the controversies centered around Wayne LaPierre and the misuse of funds. For me, this was a deal-breaker. To say that I felt used was an understatement; “betrayed” was closer to the truth. No more money went to the NRA, either in the form of dues or contributions.

This is not to say that I became disengaged. I kept my eye on the news, supported some other organizations whose focus was the preservation of the Constitution, and let my elected officials know what I thought of proposed anti-gun legislation. I kept abreast of the NRA’s efforts to re-build itself after a disastrous public relations debacle and the statements made by its leaders that it would be a “new day at a re-focused NRA”. More importantly, I took special notice in the rejoicing of the various anti-gun organizations when declaring that the NRA was dead and it’s political influence was over. After considering all this and preferring to act in a positive fashion, I re-joined.

Call me naive, but I believe that the Constitution is worth fighting for. I also believe that the NRA, re-vitalized and shorn of the negative personalities and behavior is one of our best bets to counter the efforts of those who wish to restrict our Constitutional rights. Wallowing in negativity and doing nothing only serves our enemies. So, I sent in a year’s dues and I will continue to watch what the NRA does. I’m cautiously optimistic and no one will be happier than me to see a lean, mean NRA that aggressively supports the Second Amendment and revitalizes competitions at the local, state and national level. The ball is well and truly in the NRA’s court. 

– Gut Ziel