The Real Cost of NRA Membership: More Than Just Frustration

Joining an organization can often promise a sense of community, support, and shared values. However, the National Rifle Association (NRA) doesn't always fulfill these promises as one might hope. For many members, especially those who join for specific reasons, the experience can be anything but fulfilling.

For instance, if you retire and have no immediate concerns outside the routine of daily life, the NRA can end up as a never-ending source of frustration. The organization sends a generous amount of mail, often including offers for ball caps and T-shirts in exchange for monetary contributions. Even when a member requests to no longer receive such mail, the NRA still persists in sending it. This can continue long after the initial membership expires, with the organization making multiple attempts to renew annual membership dues.

Regrets and Frustrations

The author of this article strongly regrets joining the NRA. They mention that among all the things that have irritated them and wasted their time, joining this organization stands out as one of the worst regrets. The constant bombardment of mail and the organization's insistence on retaining their address, despite the member no longer being associated, has led the author to a firm stance against joining any form of activist group. They advise potential members to carefully evaluate any group they are considering joining, as such groups often prioritize fundraising and wasting individuals' time over the stated causes.

Implications of Gun Ownership

The article also delves into the broader implications of gun ownership in supporting American freedom. The author argues that without the right to bear arms, Americans would not have been able to thwart British rule and achieve independence. This perspective is a call to understand the historical context of the Second Amendment and its modern relevance.

Ignorance and Misinformation

Members of the NRA are often given a pack of memes and "facts" upon joining, which can create a sense of ignorance about the impact their hobby has on their fellow citizens. The author questions whether the true intentions of the NRA are to promote harmful misinformation and create a society uninformed of the genuine impact of their actions.

Argument for Gun Freedom

The article concludes with a strong argument for gun freedom, supported by the Second Amendment. The author states that our forefathers never envisioned a society where only a government-controlled group could own guns. They advocate for a return to the principles of the Second Amendment, supporting the idea that citizens should be free to carry firearms wherever they are legally entitled to be, without government interference. The author also highlights the growing movement of 'constitutional carry' in 29 states where no government permission is required to carry a firearm in public.

Overall, the article emphasizes that joining the NRA may come with more than just frustration. It reflects the broader issues of misinformation, activism, and the preservation of constitutional rights.