Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

TFA Annual Convention? It has been several years since there was one - sadly a fact driven primarily by the inability to find a committee that would take on the task. However, 1995 represents TFA's 10 year anniversary and it is going to have a convention if I am the only one there (in which case it may be a Shoney's Breakfast bar - Dutch). This would be a great chance to meet other TFA members and meet some of those who you see me write about but have never had the chance to meet.

Anyhow, we are looking at holding the meeting in May because it was May of 1994 when TN became a shall issue state. Tentative plans are to hold the meeting around noon on Saturday (May 14, 21, and 28 are under consideration as possible dates). The noon time slot was selected so that those who would be travelling could make in a one day trip if they needed to do so. I plan to shut it down by 2 or 3 pm to allow everyone to get back on the road.

The event will likely take place at the National Guard Armory in Nashville which is located near downtown and less than one mile from Interstate 65 and but a few miles from where all interests converge in Nashville.

There is a cost to the facility but we don't know the amount yet. We are also considering having lunch arranged which will likely be either a) a BBQ lunch of the all you care to eat variety or b) a fried fish/chicken lunch. Either will cost us approximately $8 per person just for the meal IF we have 100+ in attendance. I am estimating the costs of the facility and the food to be $12 to $15 per person.

We have guest speakers lined up. The Keynote would likely be Ed Bryant who we understanding is running for Frist's seat in Congress. We will also likely have State Rep. Ben West (who has carried many of our bills over the years) as a featured speaker. Since it is likely that the legislature will be in session, I will be giving each of them notice of the event and ticket prices.

Here are my questions:

1) Do any of the Saturdays in May conflict with any other major events (shooting matches, NRA functions, etc.) which would prevent a substantial number of TFA members from attending? If not, I am going to pick probably May 14.

2) Does a ticket price of $15 per person or $40 per family discourage any of you from coming?

3) Is it too early to get an idea of how many would attend? I think that the armory could easily handle 400 to 500 based upon prior events that I have attended.

4) We can save substantially on the costs if we do our own setup - volunteers?

5) I would like to find a few companies, clubs, benefactors as "event sponsors" who could help underwrite the costs of the event. Enough of these and I can get the ticket prices down some.

What do you think?

UPDATE

We are attempting to confirm a reservation for MAY 14, 2005

We have a $300 down payment and a quoted fee for the facility of $1,200. We are going to try and get some help negotiating that rate.

We are preparing mail to send to each TFA member on this issue - not just emails.

We are proposing "sponsorships" similar to FNRA events with levels from $250, $500, $750 and $1000 each with tickets included to the event at 2 tickets per $250. These are going to be focused on legislators and businesses. Getting even a few of these will help quite a bit. Does anyone have a contact with BassPro, Barrett, Beretta, Benelli, S&W, Ruger, Sig, Colt, etc. that might be interested?


We are also proposing a vendor program at $100 per vendor to be allowed to set a table. We are going to target this not at the gun stores (which would still be ok but may be an issue with the facility) but with vendors such as a truck dealer, perhaps an ATV dealer, possible a few of the gun clubs from across the state, etc. Once again, does anyone have a contact that might be interested?

I do not intend for this to be just a guest speaker and meal event. I do want to open the floor to the Purpose of TFA and to nominate committees to take on some of the needs of TFA for a year. TFA is growing (132 memberships just in December) and I am going to have to deal with the growing pains (and really can't do it with Dana and myself anymore).

It seems such a contradiction of purpose to have this convention where we can not carry. I think a crafty newsperson could use that against us. If these gun rights advocates will tolerate being disarmed at their own convention, it is hard to explain why they expend so much effort to get the right to carry everywhere else! Are there no other options as to where to have this convention?

I agree with Freedom2U , A Convention where we can not carry. I don't like it.

We all seem to have different ideas and values fairly often. I for one don't care if there is anything to eat. I don't care if there is a roof over my head, or a chair to sit in. What would be most important to me would be just meeting and being with other members, if only for a little while. If we can not carry in this building we're talking about, I think it would be great to meet outside or next to it in protest as a group while openly carrying. If the media found out about it, we would then appear true to our cause and non-compromising. It could even give us a little publicity. It could help increase our numbers, since most people don't know we even exist. It could be that these state legislators might take us a little more seriously if we were mentioned on the evening news. I don't know what the legal ramifications of such activity might be, Perhaps it is desired to steer us away from possible legal complications.

FREEDOM2U wrote:
".....If we can not carry in this building we're talking about, I think it would be great to meet outside or next to it in protest as a group while openly carrying. If the media found out about it, we would then appear true to our cause and non-compromising. It could even give us a little publicity. It could help increase our numbers, since most people don't know we even exist. It could be that these state legislators might take us a little more seriously if we were mentioned on the evening news. ..."

That's one of the best ideas and remarks I've heard from ANYBODY at this website in a long long time.

Thank you sir for those words. And that might be something some of us could do with or without the help of TFA.

I never thought we'd gather to merely eat and listen. John has always b[een open in getting guidance from the membership... the problem is that gunowners don't show up but rather sit back and complain that "something" isn't getting done.

We don't have a massive TFA headquarters staff... we have John and a part time secretary. The gains that Tennessee gunowners have garnered are a result of the actions of a few members supporting John's guidance. It's long past time that Tennesseans to join our effort.[/quote]


Amen, Tim -- Long past time but too many are apathetic, complacent, or just want to sit around and complain rather than DO something to promote TFA.

John Harris has contributed one hell of a lot of his time, effort and money to keep TFA going and gets nothing more than a few "atta boys" from time to time. He handles it well but the near total lack of support by gun owners, especially carry permit holders, is unforgiveable.

Now his attempts to set up a 10 year TFA anniversary meeting is garnering compaints about the site. The National Guard Armory is FEDERAL property and they have never allowed unrestricted carry. My first econcounter with gun control laws was when I had to "register" ALL my guns with the fort provost marshall This just isn't some owner posting his property. I doubt many TFA members have been able to carry their loaded sidearms into a gun show but they still go. How about gun shops, ? -- you don't go to a gun shop because it's "posted?" If those who complain about the "no gun" policy of the federal government feel so strongly about, then perhaps they should help John find a "gun friendly" meeting place that will meet the requirements

Right now John could use some help in setting this up instead of complaints about why the armory isn't suitable. Nashville is about the same size as Nashville and bigger than Knoxville or Morristown, yet TFA members in the Nashville area can't get a chapter going. John operates almost alone in Nashville. When we ran John for the NRA board of directors, only 18 signatures came from Nashville and we couldn't get enough across the state to get him nominated. Doesn't say much for TFA members DOING
SOMETHING, does it?

Bottom line is we need TFA members to step up and offer to HELP DO SOMETHING positive to make this 10 year gig work. It's a matter of SUPPORTING TFA, not sitting around complaining. The reason we don't get pro gun legislation passed is because gun owners, including TFA members, don't contact their legislators in sufficient numbers and they don't contribute to TFA either. Having hosted the TFA table at gun shows for the past several years, I know gun owners, including TFA members, don't contribute to support TFA. They show up at all the gun shows and pay $8 to get in but they won't contribute a couple of dollars.

Bottom line is that it's going to take some time and effort to make this a success and TFA members need to step up and support the effort. If all you want to do is complain and threaten to stay hom, you won't be missed. There are many really fine people active in this movement, but as Tim points out, perhaps more kindly, it's long past time for Tennesseans to step up and join our efforts. The question now is: Do you want to help solve TFA problems or just be a part of the problems?

BulletBillSR

Got to say thanks, many thanks, to Bill and Tim for their unending support.

Let me put it this way, I have a contact with very good access to the armory. It is a large open space flexible enough to accommodate 50 to 500+ out of the weather - all at a relatively low cost. Firearms possession is a problem but like has already been said, its Federal property.

I have asked for 2 years for someone to take on the task of setting up an annual convention. I have had not luck with it. I am not, whatever it requires of my time, going to let TFA miss its 10th year. If the non-carry issue is a problem for some, I can't help it. I am more concerned about the weather. I am trying to avoid the potential that we hold the event at a "free" open venue (park, field, range, etc.) but weather could ruin it particularly for those who are traveling to attend. I am trying with the resources at my disposal to get this done. That means the armory and that means BBQ.

ANYONE that wants to step in and find a venue in the Nashville interstate corridor that can handle 100 to 500 or so out of the weather, that it relative inexpensive and that allows open carry of firearms, let me know and I will certainly consider it.

I think some of you have directed your remarks towards me, in that you suggest that everything "Good or Favorable" that has happened regarding gun laws in Tennessee is John Harris doing, and that if something "Not so Good" happens, it's the fault of Tennesseans (Like me?) who sit back and do nothing.

First of all, most of you do not even know me and certainly have no idea what I do or don't do. I'll say I do all that I possibly can.

I have made calls and sent letters to elected officials. I have taken "Newbies" to the range and tried to help them learn to shoot. I send money to the TFA and the NRA. I try to get new people to join or sign up. But I can not force somebody to do that. I have written letters to newspaper editors. If some of you sanctimonious bigshots who think you're better than everyone else could tell me what more you'd have me do, I might consider it.

After all, we do give money to the TFA. I'd like to know what they are doing? I'm just a poor working class man and I like to see results when I throw my money out the window. How do I know for sure that Mr Harris is not using the $40,000 or more "WE" give him on a BMW or a house addition? I'm NOT accusing him of that, but some of you suggest outlandish things about "Some of Us."
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Allow me to show you some direct statements taken from the front page of the TFA website:

Our Mission - The Tennessee Firearms Association is dedicated to defending the right to keep and bear arms and promoting the responsible use, ownership and carrying of firearms.

Why You Should Join the TFA - The TFA is only full-time organization supporting the right to keep, bear and wear arms for Tennesseeans. The TFA has an experienced legislative team that works with the General Assembly and the government of Tennessee to restore and secure our rights. Our presence in the capital works for you.
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It's funny to me, that BulletBillSR stated: ".....We don't have a massive TFA headquarters staff... we have John and a part time secretary. The gains that Tennessee gunowners have garnered are a result of the actions of a few members supporting John's guidance. It's long past time that Tennesseans to join our effort.[/quote] "
Yet the TFA website says just the opposite.

He also stated: "...John Harris has contributed one hell of a lot of his time, effort and money to keep TFA going and gets nothing more than a few "atta boys" from time to time. He handles it well but the near total lack of support by gun owners, especially carry permit holders, is unforgiveable.

Well, yeah, some of that money is mine and your's. And the whole reason people even join groups such as the NRA or the TFA in the first place is so that they will have a team of people willing to do for them what they can't do. I obviously can't go to washington DC every other day and lobby congressmen. I "PAY THE NRA to do that for me." It's their job. I equally can't neglect my responsibilities at home or work and show up in Downtown Nashville at Legislative Plaza every day to deal with our local scoundrels. Again, That's what I pay John Harris to do.

Tim Nunan and BulletBillSR both suggest that the reason I can't carry a gun in certain places is MY FAULT and that it's up to ME to do something about it. Well if it's up to me, why do I keep giving money to John Harris?

Some of you may have money to throw around, and maybe don't care about the issues, but I don't fit into that category of people.

You MUST take the good with the bad. If The TFA is going to take credit for the good laws we currently have, then the TFA must also take credit for the "Lack of remaining laws that we still need." I will continue to support the TFA if Mr Harris wants my money, but I'd like to see more than a website.

The Legislature should not be telling MR Harris what is on the agenda. Mr Harris should be telling the Legislature "What WE want on the agenda." Is that not what we pay him to do?

Some of you just don't get it. How dare you accuse me of not doing anything. I'm not the one taking the money of thousands of Tennesseans and promising them the things you see in print on the TFA website either.

BulletBillSR , I do what I can which is more than some of the most, and I have thanked John more than once. But this isn't about pointing fingers at who's doing what ! Its about surrendering our rights even if its only for a short time . Boy wouldn't the papers have a field day with that ? And by the way I carry at gun shows , unloaded ammo close but I carry just the same . I work 6 days a week and have hardly the time for my club. I have to agree with Ed_357 for the most part not all, but most. I am willing to help would love to help, but not on Fedreal Property. I'm sorry if that offends someone but thats the way I feel and I'm sure I'm not alone . I am sure of this, offending members isn't going to help anyone. Sarge

It was not my intention to argue or create any dissention amongst the ranks when I raised the question of an alternative place for the convention.
I hope I'm not digging myself deeper in a hole here, I see a little fault on both sides, and I apologize if I am the cause of all this...................

This morning I read a short reply and it angered me. I wanted to strike back. I looked at the man's profile,his website, his photos,... and then I thought better of it. What I took as an insult, he probably made as a statement of fact with no intention of insult.We need everyone we can get, and we all need to get along.[/quote]

Very good points expressed here. When I did my post, the only people
named were John Harris and Tim. I didn't accuse anyone personally or
say anything was their fault nor was there any malicious intent on my part. The point remains that we need more people in TFA in order to be able to do more and that is not meant as a personal affront to any individual.

I would certainly hope that none of us one this forum would take so
much offense at another's comments that they would want to start a gun
fight. That's not likely because we are law abiding. We've never been a threat to law enforcement or the public at large and have amply demonstrated that we can carry in a safe and responsible manner.

I don't think John and Tim have any problem understanding how very hard some people must struggle to earn a living as both are still working.
I may be retired but it's on a fixed income that the federal, state and county governments see as a bottomless pit to fund their programs. We realize many cannot devote more time, effort or money and they do write letters and contribute what they can to TFA, NRA and other gun groups. However, there are still a lot of of gun owners out there who aren't carrying their share of the load and in so saying, that doesn't mean I'm
trying to insult those of you who do.

The comments about reading something that angered the reader make
very good reading. I'm probably 30 year senior to most of members of this forum but I'm not perfect either. Like you, I do what I can, when I can, and don't expect much in return. We do need to agree to disagree, if necessary but always remember that we are on the same side. Sometimes hard to do, but it can be done.

The best I can offer at the moment is a comment to the effect that if you find yourself in a hole, the best thing to do, is stop digging. At this point, I'm putting my shovel away

BulletBillSR

My comment suggesting that a gun fight might break out was just a sarcastic exaggeration meant to reflect on the escalating tone of disagreement. I wonder if we shouldn't return to the topic now in an effort to make some progress. It has been pointed out that the armory is federal property. Since attendees can not carry into the building , they must leave all arms locked in their vehicles........... Will we get a good enough turn out that parking space at the armory will be inadequate ?............. Will TFA members have to walk some distance unarmed through a bad area ?....... Shall we need volunteers that will guard the unguarded weapons, which neccessitates a few people missing the activites ?................. There, I dug a half a hole !