NRA Is no longer relevant to the debate.

[lastlib]

As far as I am concerned, it has forfeited any legitimacy in the discussion of assault weapons with its ridiculous "press conference" and proposals for armed guards in schools as its only contribution. If that's all it has to offer, we should just treat it like the big backyard oak tree, and mow around it.

Our objective now should be to make our elected officials see that it is now irrelevant to the wishes of the people (voters) and make policy that puts the NRA in its well-deserved place in history's trash-can. If they want to bring up some constructive ideas to limit the availability of offensive weapons, we may listen, but they will have to PROVE good faith in doing so. Until they do, they're out.

[HereSince1628]

1. LaPierre pretty much destroyed NRA credibility with the public

but I have little doubt they still own a lot of elected office holders in DC.

as we've seen with the 'debate' on entitlements, the representatives of the people haven't got much interests in representing the interest of the people.

They only good news there is they basically admit to being for sale.

[Laurian]

3. Unfortunately, our politicians respond more to NRA money than

they do to the cries of terrified children. Only massive and unrelenting public opposition to this craven bunch will overcome the financial stranglehold of the NRA.

[freshwest]

5. +1

[obxhead]

19. I think we are seeing that today

I think the overall opinion of the NRA has fallen quite a bit.

I believe that right now, for at least a brief moment, public outcry has more power than the NRA.

Some change will come. In the end it will amount to nothing more than a band aid for an issue that needs thorough exploratory surgery followed by decades of intensive treatment.

We'll likely get a feel good moment that amounts to next to nothing, while inflaming a huge base for the Republicans that also amounts to next to nothing.

[Number23]

2. I agree. I expected next to nothing from them and they still disappointed

LaPierre sounds as though he has lost his MFing mind. Whatever policy will be created needs to be created AROUND him and his band of delusional fools.

[tledford]

4. When WAS it? eom

[Major Nikon]

6. They should have been when a sitting REPUBLICAN president turned in his lifetime membership

...complete with a big FUCK YOU message to LaPierre.

Gun nuts don't seem to be phased by stupidity induced irrelevancy.

[Jim Warren]

7. Big back yard Oak tree

that drops $300M in acorns every year.

http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/national_rifle_association/index.html

That'll keep them relevant to elected officials.

[samsingh]

8. it is time to recognize that they are an obstacle to a prosperous and safe America

and build the infrastructure to get past them. It would take only one billionnaire to counter-fund the nra's involvement in elections.

this will make them irrelevant. their opinion will no longer matter.

p.s. why are visitors not allowed to carry weapons inside the nra headquarters?

[Jim Warren]

9. Isn't it more to the point

to get money out of politics?

[samsingh]

23. not sure how that's going to happen - but it's important

but NOT more important

getting guns under control is the most important.

[Squinch]

10. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!! Write or call or text anyone who gives the NRA a voice and complain!

Write politicians who take funds from the NRA and let them know that that in itself is grounds for their losing your vote.

This kind of campaign is destroying the financial backing of Rush and Clear Channel. It could do the same for the NRA.

[Skittles]

11. I want the NRA *FINALLY* to be see as what they really are

a fucking LUNATIC FRINGE GROUP

[Jobam]

12. And perhaps sponsors/co-sponsors of Domestic terrorism?

[Spryguy]

20. +1k for this!!!

You know, it hasn't struck me before- but why can't Obama start putting NRA members/tea-baggers on the terrorist watch lists? They are all basically anti-progress domestic terrorists; let's see how they like it when they are all on no fly lists!!!!

[NashvilleLefty]

13. well, they're on the ropes at least.

Don't count them out, yet. Don't let your guard down.

NOW is the time to take them out. Completely.

Remember, they represent Gun Sales - they don't represent the rest of the country. But gun sales has lots of money to spend.

[TxVietVet]

15. The Nutjob Rifle Ass'n is a wholly owned subsidiary of the weapons manufacturing industy.

They just convince the gunnuts that they represent them, which they don't. Guns, ammo and money. It's all about profit.

[TxVietVet]

14. K & R

[geckosfeet]

16. They have not been relevant to sane discussion for years.

The NRA used to be about shooting sports. And shooting safety. And outdoor sports in general. It was not until the late 80's that they were commandeered by firearms executives and the RW of the republican party and turned to politics to influence public policy. It's time to take the NRA back.

Disclaimer - I never have been, nor will I be a member of the NRA under it's current leadership and direction. It is likely I will never be a member as I really don't see it changing to any appreciable degree in my lifetime. But the group needs to be reigned in. The current leadership is running the ship recklessly aground threatening current members and innocent bystanders.

[iandhr]

17. I hope your right.

[cantbeserious]

18. Yes - Bypass The NRA And NSSF And Other Gun Apologist Groups And Supporters

eom

[Kablooie]

21. But they will pay excessively to control the debate.

And this being America, money give you a blaring megaphone that can drown out the voice of the people.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

22. Groups like the NRA have way too much power and influence...

I'm sick of people I helped elect having to deal with pressure from outside groups ran by people that NO ONE elected.

[ZombieHorde]

24. But we can still tease them, right? Though as long as they have political influence

they are relevant.