Obviously I agree wholeheartedly with your statements. It is naive beyond measure for an inexperienced 1st or 2nd term firebrand House Member or Senator to think that simply because they were elected, that they are going to walk into the Texas Capitol and change how things are done. When I was first elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 2001, I had to attend a "New Board Member Orientation." (That's no longer required.) It was about two hours long, but what I recall quite clearly was the message to "shut up, pay attention, and learn how we operate." I took that message to heart and it has served me well and I serve on the most important committees in the NRA. I'm not trying to brag, I'm showing the importance of being a well-informed, effective statesman. Sadly, Sen. Huffines and Rep. Stickland are shining examples of men who value their own reputation too highly, and overestimate their impact on the legislative process. They could not deliver what they promised and when this became abundantly clear, they became more aggressive, argumentative, insulting and disruptive.jerry_r60 wrote:We've had a consistent message and consistent direction with well written bills for years and it's bee effective and continually moving the ball forward from session to session. Understanding the system and working within it. Understanding how politics works and using it to advantage where possible.
We've recently had groups come in and snub their nose at the process and the lobby leadership. We've had new legislators that think they know better on how things should be done than those with years of experience (like teenagers and parents). Not only have the new groups and their tactics not been helpful, they have hurt.
The session will be over Monday and on Tuesday I will announce the new initiative I have mentioned earlier in the session. Hopefully, it will rally gun owners an provide a focused political faction that many so desperately want. It will not be in conflict with the NRA; it will provide a mechanism for Texas gun owners to get more involved with the process. It will also reach out to many who are not currently on our side of the issue.
Chas.