Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

Received a phone call this morning From the NRA-ILA Tennessee Grassroot Coordinator who fired me for my negative comments about the incompetent NRA Tennessee liaison.

It appears one of my fellow TN EVC's "turned me in". I understand that "if you take the king's coin you must do the king's bidding" but it still burns since the issue about the liaison isn't one that the NRA hasn't heard about.

Been the 1st District's Election Volunteer Coordinator since the program began back in 1994.

Guess "the gun lobby" can't take the heat.

Tim, that's bad news! Why can't people take a little friendly-meant criticism?

Tim, I am sorry to hear this but it really is not a surprise.

I work and advocate for legislation that is best for Tennessee to the extent I am capable of doing so based on my experience in this area (which includes an active law practice involving these very issues). I work as a free volunteer. In recent years, however, that has caused me to believe that the NRA's most recent lobbyist is not in Tennessee's best interests for reasons that are self-evident and which I do not need to elaborate upon.

I tried, as Matthew 18 teaches, to address that concern privately within the leadership of the NRAILA and other NRA employees but my concerns brought minimal changes other than my exclusion from involvement that I had enjoyed with 4 prior NRA lobbyists. When efforts to bring resolution to these issues amicably within the NRA failed, I felt unrestrained to candidly express my opinions that certain legislation (that had passed with, as I am told, the blessings of this NRAILA lobbyist) was bad for Tennessee.

I can't help the fact that this lobbyist refuses to speak with me about the pending legislation but it does create a very bad situation where legislators are hearing me and other TFA oppose legislation that the NRAILA lobbyist may communicate a different message upon.

What I think the Tennessee NRA members are faced with in an organization that is unresponsive and that we need to petition with our positions in equal or greater measure as we do the government because it is the NRA that is telling the government that IT speaks for US!!!!!

When I get those mailings from the NRA I send them back stating that I'll consider sending money when they reorganize the NRA board so that there is a representative from each state. Needless to say no one has ever responded. LaPierre doesn't want to share his control.

Tim,

I too am sorry for your job loss. I joined the NRA as a life member several years back (before I knew how pitiful the NRA's activity in Tennessee was). I'm convinced my lifetime dues would have been a better investment if paid to the TFA. I will write the NRA and voice my dissatisfaction with this decision, and email you a copy. (Please send your email address to me at benburke@bellsouth.net.)

John,

Your reference to Matthew 18:15-17 is how it should be in the church and for other organizations as well, but unfortunately we don't follow the LORD's teachings in this area either. I for one appreciate the long hard work you give to us in the TFA and I pray your work will not go unnoticed or forgotten.

Thanks for the support but with the mind set of those at NRA HQ it won't make a difference for me or any others that don't kneel to the sacred cow and vow blind loyalty. LaPierre et al don't want input from the members... just our money.

Tim,

I passed that marker on the road several years, after they got me past the Benefactor stage. I stopped the money but continue to cooperate with the legal department and ILA (well at least until 2 years ago when ILA quit me).

I have no doubt my time and resources are better invested through TFA and networking grassroots in the state.

I am glad to see that others are seeing the NRA for what they are really about is money. Steve

Its their lose

Sorry to hear about your job. All these concerns are precisely the reasons why I am a FORMER NRA member, and will not be returning as long as it remains in its current state. I have friends who feel differently and I respect their opinions, but if I may quote a line from The Outlaw Josey Wales: "We have another saying, Senator- don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining."

Hey Tim, Its me again Im trying the NRA AGAIN, I wasn't going to renew but I did, If we all keep going foward in our Battle to keep our rights may be things will get better for ALL. Stumpuller