I'm Here wrote:
> 
> On Sun, 7 Mar 1999 13:40:24 -0800, "Allan Lindsay-ONeal"
>  wrote:
> 
> >
> >I'm Here wrote in message ...
> >>
> >>When I look at Wayne of the NRA, I see roughly the same thing with
> >>many of the public teachers here in CA... ineffectiveness coupled with
> >>a love of their paycheck. I will make you a deal, if Wayne steps down
> >>or out of the way, you may email me back and I'll re-join as a life
> >>member.
> >
> >You can feel any way you want about NRA, but now the question is (since
> >you're proud to no longer be a member):  what are you doing?   Do you belong
> >to GOA, or maybe LEAA?
> 
> Most importantly I vote every time. Even according to NRA internal
> data, most members don't consistently vote. They can't expect the NRA
> to vote for them. It won't happen.

You vote every time.  Ok.  Happens once a year at most, and is your
duty as a citizen, but if that's what you want to call your contribution 
to the cause, far be it from me to
minimize it.  Surely to be others here that don't do even that.

But, as some volunteer activists give up part of every day of their
lives to this cause, I prefer to give more weight to those folks,
who actually interact with other leaders of the movement.

I know Alan is one of these, as founder of the Califiornia Sporting
Goods
Association.  I know he has met with NRA staff, and that he 
knows from where he speaks.  Proof is in the state-wide association he 
himself has created and fostered over the past year.  It's
a no-baloney effort, and Alan is to be heartily thanked, especially
by the California gun owner or dealer that does nothing.

> I didn't say that I hate the NRA which is opposite to the truth. Those
> were you words. For the record, I did say that Wayne is ineffective
> and should step down. The NRA has dwindled nationally under his
> leadership. This is very publically known.

No, in fact it is just plain wrong.  (What it actually *IS* - part of
the propoganda line that has been attempted against the current
leadership for 3 years now, and soundly rejected by the voters.)

Wayne inherited a cash-strapped association and has brought it back to
be
in the black for 4 consecutive years.  This, at a time when the
HQ had to be moved from DC to a brand-new building in Fairfax.

Membership is only slightly below the 3 million it soared to in
1993, when the Brady Bill was passed (which has now sunset).  This
figure is quite good, when you realize that the anti-gunners
haven't been able to launch a major federal attack since 1994.
The phony Assault Weapons Ban was the last big public gun control
bill that Sarah was able to finagle through.

So... under Wayne's leadership, NRA has put a choke-hold on the
anti-gunners federally (by the Pres of HCI's own admission on
Hannity and Colmes this week :-), they've maintained membership
and rebuilt the coffers of the association along with OWNING an
attractive new building in business Fairfax, and leasing space
to independent companies in that building (which was always the plan).

At the same time, NRA-ILA had many important victories, such as the
I-676 defeat in 1997 and attaining NGO status in the UN (although
I believe it was Tanya Metaksa that was directly tresponsible for those
and other ILA successes).

All during this, the NRA leadership was weathering unprecendented 
public attacks by a group of malcontents out to gain control of
the association.  These dissidents gave the national media OODLES
of opportunity to bash our association, even SUING NRA when they
were unable to win the hearts of the NRA votimg member.  This group
CAME THIS CLOSE to ousting LaPierre in 1997, but Wayne not only
prevailed, but led the association successfully, resulting
in the elction of Charleton Heston as NRA President and Kayne
Robinson as Vice-President (VOTE FOR KAYNE ROBINSON FOR NRA BOARD
THIS YEAR! see http://www.NRAWinningTeam.com/bios99/robinson.html )

Sounds like pretty good management to me, and not at all the picture you 
paint.

BTW, Wayne and Tanya (together again :-) just toured California recently
and met with grassroots leaders all across the state.  THE TOP GUY
AT NRA MEETING WITH NRA GRASSROOTS LEADERS?!!?  Details at...

   http://www.NRAWinningTeam.com/wtvisit/

Cheers,

Mike Haas