Upstart group pushes harder than NRA - NY Times

[baldeagle]

Let's be frank. The NRA has many decades of history and millions of members. It is the bastion against attacks on our Second Amendment rights.

GOA should stand down, IMHO. Its efforts are divisive and disingenuous.

We need be singularly united behind a national organization.

That organization is the NRA.

That's not how the liberals do it. They stand up tons of orgs name "American Freedom Foundation" and "Citizens For Better Government", etc., etc., all designed to undermine our liberty. The more orgs we stand up to fight them, the more people we get involved and the better off we'll be. Some folks who would NEVER join the NRA will join GOA, and vice versa. Together our voices are stronger and are results are better.

[cbunt1]

I belong to both organizations. From time to time I disagree with the tactics of each (and other organizations to which I belong as well) group--but they are both serving their purpose.

If I were only going to join one group, it would be the NRA without question; I see the 2af, GOA, CC-RKBA, etc as secondary "special interest" versions with similar end goals.

I do sometimes get frustrated with the public "shaming" of the NRA by the GOA, but the NRA has also been known to sideline the other organizations....it's like Pepsi and Coke -- similar products with a different take on things.

Although, having followed Larry Pratt off and on for years, I would hardly call the GOA a "startup" group at this point.

Let's also remember that the GOA is primarily a LOBBYING organization, and the NRA is not -- while the NRA is a powerful lobbying organization, they do MUCH MUCH more than just lobbying. I think of the NRA as a governing body and a resource that happens to have a lobbying arm. By comparison, it makes the full-on lobbyists (GOA, 2AF, etc.) look like rabid foam-at-the-mouth reactionaries.

As JumpingFrog mentions, that doesn't hurt the NRA at all--it makes us look tame by comparison.

BUT....my take on much of this is different than a lot of folks...I was the one who advocated to my friends who didn't like some of NRA's positions a few years ago that they upgrade to life, and get their voices heard in the only mainstream organization that stands for our rights.

In other words, for me it's NRA first and foremost, but I also support the others...we can co-exist.

[Charles L. Cotton]

However, the cynic in me also notes that the GOA has raised AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY over the years by demonizing the NRA instead of demonizing the anti-gun forces of Satan. That irritates me. We need to stay focused on the common enemy, not raising money by tearing down other pro-2A organizations.

That's their business model. What has GOA accomplished? If they are so effective, why is it that the anti-gunners demonize and target the NRA as blocking gun control legislation, while never mentioning GOA?

Chas.

[OldGrumpy]

However, the cynic in me also notes that the GOA has raised AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY over the years by demonizing the NRA instead of demonizing the anti-gun forces of Satan. That irritates me. We need to stay focused on the common enemy, not raising money by tearing down other pro-2A organizations.

That's their business model. What has GOA accomplished? If they are so effective, why is it that the anti-gunners demonize and target the NRA as blocking gun control legislation, while never mentioning GOA?

Chas.

[TexasCajun]

It's fine if the GOA wants to distance themselves from the NRA in the fight to advance our cause. I don't side with an absolutist on very many issues, so the GOA is not for me. But if they want to be the voice of the no-compromise, shall not be infringed period, any discussion betrays the cause; then have at it. I just wish they would be able to make their point without stabbing everyone (including the NRA) in the back while doing so. There is a place at the table for all of the pro-2A groups out there. But don't expect to be sitting near the head of the table if your aim is likely to cause damage to friend & foe alike.

[FormerTSgt]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Might want to keep that in mind before completely disparaging GOA. After all, the NRA has had a few fumbles itself. No organization is perfect.

[Redneck_Buddha]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Might want to keep that in mind before completely disparaging GOA. After all, the NRA has had a few fumbles itself. No organization is perfect.

X 10

[mamabearCali]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Might want to keep that in mind before completely disparaging GOA. After all, the NRA has had a few fumbles itself. No organization is perfect.

I am with you right here. I love the NRA. I like the GOA. They both have their place. If they can strap a pole to the back of a few wishy washy senators mores the better for us.

[TexasCajun]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Might want to keep that in mind before completely disparaging GOA. After all, the NRA has had a few fumbles itself. No organization is perfect.

As was said earlier, a broad front that presents several different arguments & viewpoints is to our benefit. But only if you don't have to continually be on the lookout for friendly fire. The GOA's chief marketing tactic seems to be centered on bashing the NRA. So I'll keep the following in mind: The knife wielded in your defense could just as easily end up planted firmly in your own back - if you're not careful.

[ALCSTUDIOS]

So when I say I'm going to be at the NRA Annual meeting in Houston wearing a GOA t-shirt, I suppose I will be the minority









Just kiddin with ya

[Charles L. Cotton]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Not when they lie about me in an attempt to solicit money.

Chas.

[OldCurlyWolf]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Not when they lie about me in an attempt to solicit money.

Chas.

I have been getting information from GOA for years. I have yet to see your name mentioned. When did this happen?

[OldGrumpy]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Might want to keep that in mind before completely disparaging GOA. After all, the NRA has had a few fumbles itself. No organization is perfect.

As was said earlier, a broad front that presents several different arguments & viewpoints is to our benefit. But only if you don't have to continually be on the lookout for friendly fire. The GOA's chief marketing tactic seems to be centered on bashing the NRA. So I'll keep the following in mind: The knife wielded in your defense could just as easily end up planted firmly in your own back - if you're not careful.

[EconDoc]

I just don't believe that you should be knocking someone else down in an attempt to build yourself up. If GOA is so good--then they need to be telling us what is so good about them---not what is so bad about NRA

That is my issue.

I believe there is a place in the 2nd Amendment rights movement for an organization that comes across as fire-breathing, radical, take-no-prisoners, and accept-no-compromises. In contrast, it makes the NRA look like the responsible adult in the room, and the NRA can always take the approach with a politician, "you can be reasonable and deal with me, or you can have the GOA after your . . . ".

However, the cynic in me also notes that the GOA has raised AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY over the years by demonizing the NRA instead of demonizing the anti-gun forces of Satan. That irritates me. We need to stay focused on the common enemy, not raising money by tearing down other pro-2A organizations.

What he said.

[Charles L. Cotton]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Not when they lie about me in an attempt to solicit money.

Chas.

I have been getting information from GOA for years. I have yet to see your name mentioned. When did this happen?

You know quite well I was speaking generally in response to the age old saying "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Chas.