We don't. The NRA didn't promote it or support it.suthdj wrote:So why do we need this new law in the first place? Is there a problem with free speech.
Chas.
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Return to “NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act”
- Tue Jun 15, 2010 8:23 pm
- Forum: Federal
- Topic: NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act
- Replies: 38
- Views: 6919
Re: NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act
Chas.
- Tue Jun 15, 2010 8:21 pm
- Forum: Federal
- Topic: NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act
- Replies: 38
- Views: 6919
Re: NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose ActWe are
No offense taken, but I disagree. Pro-gun Democrat House Members weren't about to support the bill if the NRA wasn't exempted from its terms. Thus, the Democrats in the House responded to NRA objections and crafted an amendment that exempts the NRA (and at least 3 other organizations). Yes, the NRA did what every person and organization would do if it could; it protected itself, our 4 million members and 80 million + gun owners. While some people argue that the NRA should have rejected the protection offered by the amendment, that is an unreasonable position to assert. If the NRA had rejected an amendment that protects it and its members, then every House Member and Senator would have been free to support the bill in its as-filed form. I know some people don't like this fact and others won't believe it, but that's political reality.stroo wrote:No offence Charles but this is bad deal. This bill should have been defeated in total. It closes down the ability of many smaller groups from engaging in political speech, the heart of the 1st Amendment. Maybe the NRA couldn't have done that but all it did was sell out to protect itself. I don't find this to be particularly praiseworthy. In my book, free political speech is at least as important as the 2nd Amendment.
The NRA can't and shouldn't protect everyone, every organization, or every issue. We are the most powerful civil rights organization and we can move political mountains. However, we can move only so many mountains and each mountain consumes political capitol and folding money. The NRA didn't sell out anyone; it's not responsible for any organization other than the NRA, nor is it responsible for people other than its members.
Chas.
Edited to more accurately set out the bill's history.
- Tue Jun 15, 2010 2:52 pm
- Forum: Federal
- Topic: NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act
- Replies: 38
- Views: 6919
NRA on H.R. 5175 - The Disclose Act
Here is a message from Chris Cox, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. I can't tell you now much gun owners owe Chris. He is doing a tremendous job for all of us and the sad fact is we see only a fraction of his work. While Chris is no stranger to TV and radio, the truth is most of what Chris does for gun owners never sees the light of day. We are truly blessed to have people like Chris Cox working for us literally every day. You don't put in the hours Chris does unless you are dedicated to the missions. God bless you Chris!
Chas.
Chas.
Chris Cox wrote:STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION ON H.R. 5175, THE DISCLOSE ACT
The National Rifle Association believes that any restrictions on the political speech of Americans are unconstitutional.
In the past, through the courts and in Congress, the NRA has opposed any effort to restrict the rights of its four million members to speak and have their voices heard on behalf of gun owners nationwide.
The NRA's opposition to restrictions on political speech includes its May 26, 2010 letter to Members of Congress expressing strong concerns about H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act. As it stood at the time of that letter, the measure would have undermined or obliterated virtually all of the NRA's right to free political speech and, therefore, jeopardized the Second Amendment rights of every law-abiding American.
The most potent defense of the Second Amendment requires the most adamant exercise of the First Amendment. The NRA stands absolutely obligated to its members to ensure maximum access to the First Amendment, in order to protect and preserve the freedom of the Second Amendment.
The NRA must preserve its ability to speak. It cannot risk a strategy that would deny its rights, for the Second Amendment cannot be defended without them.
Thus, the NRA's first obligation must be to its members and to its most ardent defense of firearms freedom for America's lawful gun owners.
On June 14, 2010, Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives pledged that H.R. 5175 would be amended to exempt groups like the NRA, that meet certain criteria, from its onerous restrictions on political speech. As a result, and as long as that remains the case, the NRA will not be involved in final consideration of the House bill.
The NRA cannot defend the Second Amendment from the attacks we face in the local, state, federal, international and judicial arenas without the ability to speak. We will not allow ourselves to be silenced while the national news media, politicians and others are allowed to attack us freely.
The NRA will continue to fight for its right to speak out in defense of the Second Amendment. Any efforts to silence the political speech of NRA members will, as has been the case in the past, be met with strong opposition.
---nra---
http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Feder ... px?id=5888" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.wral.com/news/political/story/7782593/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;