The Day I’ll Join The NRA – An Open Letter To Ted Nugent
By Aaron Zelman
Founder and Director of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership.
USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Dear Ted: First, I personally thank you for the valuable work you have done, and are doing, for the Second Amendment. You have used your talent, success, wit, and celebrity to fight for our freedoms.
Additionally, you are a member of the Board of Directors of the NRA. So this letter is directed to you in strictly that capacity.
Why? Because I believe that you will listen. And you have the standing and respect within the NRA to actually do something regarding the issues I’d like to bring to your attention.
We at JPFO recently received a letter from an angry and very articulate fellow who took the vast majority of gun owners to task for not being NRA members. He rightly points out that there are more than eighty million gun owners and only five million members of any pro-gun organization, the NRA obviously being the largest.
I read this fellow’s letter a couple of times, and could not fault him on his spirit or personal philosophy.
What bothered me was that he was asking me to join the NRA.
Ted, the day I’ll join the NRA is…
1. When the NRA announces, from the rooftops, that the police have NO LEGAL DUTY to protect the average American citizen. Time after time, our courts have upheld this. If every American understood this, we would see gun ownership, and Second Amendment awareness, burgeon across our nation. The tide would resolutely turn in our favor.
One of JPFO’s finest projects was the book “Dial 911 and Die”. It is meticulously documented with actual court cites.
Why didn’t the NRA, years ago, publish this material in a reader friendly format for nationwide distribution?
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
2. When the NRA aggressively presses to abolish all concealed carry permit laws.
Unregistered concealed carry has been no big issue in both Alaska and Vermont for decades. Arizona just passed unregistered concealed legislation. It’s time for the NRA to start swimming strongly with this tide. Yes, it’s a victory for gun owners when a State like Minnesota finally allows registered carry, but we must see it for what it still is: an un-Constitutional infringement on our G-d* given right to self defense, see: “The Ten Commandments of Self Defense”. It is also an obvious way to add more gun owner names to a list and database. (*Out of respect, observant Jews do not write out the name of the Almighty in secular texts.)
How has an unalienable right to self defense been demoted to a revocable government granted privilege?
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
3. When the NRA calls for the complete and unconditional disbanding of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). Gun owners should be appalled at the NRA leadership’s incestuous “good cop/bad cop” dance with the BATFE. For decades there has been a symbiotic, and liberty threatening, “good ole’ boy” relationship between NRA and BATFE.
They should instead be mortal enemies.
The BATFE’s abuses are legion and despicable. These criminal acts crested like a bloody wave with the horrific deceit and treachery the agency displayed at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, and then at Waco, Texas.
JPFO has produced a documentary about the BATFE called “The Gang” for which you kindly donated footage, showing you teaching teenagers how to use firearms safely. As you know, “The Gang” is not specifically about Ruby Ridge or Waco, it’s about how, with deliberate regularity, the BATFE criminally harasses honest gun owners.
Did you know that, back during the Administration of Ronald Reagan, President Reagan actually wanted to dismantle the then “BATF”? Who stopped him? The NRA! See this Time Magazine article that reports this hypocrisy.
The NRA has publicly stated that it wants to “work with” BATFE to punish the criminal use of guns, see: copy of NRA response letter. Let the local police, county sheriff, State police, or the FBI, do what they were assigned and sworn to do in the first place.
We don’t need these bucket headed, jack booted paramilitary goons playing cops in our lives.
And then there’s the firearms. This means “gun control”, and every single threat to our freedom that comes along with it.
On top of that, tobacco is a drug. Alcohol is a drug. Give that authority to the FDA. Explosives? Wasn’t that an FBI specialty already?
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
4. When the NRA soundly condemns, and works tirelessly to abolish, the “Gun Control Act of 1968”. NRA lawyers actually helped to write this piece of totalitarian legislation. JPFO was the first to expose “GCA ‘68” for what it was: a near carbon copy of the Nazi German gun laws of the 1930s. See: “Gun Control” Gateway to Tyranny.
The NRA needs to “man up” and confess that it made a terrible mistake here. It needs to go on an Obama style apology tour of every State, and personally confess this sin to American gun owners. And then repent.
Gun registration (brought to you by GCA ’68) is intolerable in a free society. In Nazi Germany, Jews were forced to identify themselves with a yellow star. In America, our citizens are forced to identify their ownership of firearms with a form called a “4473” and concealed weapon permits.
In Nazi Germany, Jews were forced to identify themselves with a yellow star.
Now, with the computer age fully entrenched in our society, a centralized database of all gun owners and their firearms’ serial numbers is just a mouse click away. The BATFE claims it would never do this. But they are already doing it with their phony ‘eTrace’ program. They actually share information about American gun owners with foreign governments! This could have ominous repercussions.
Let’s analyze why “GCA ‘68” even passed. It was because of the political assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King. Without those three murders, the American people would have scoffed at the idea of national “gun control”. The highly emotionalized loss of the lives of three public figures, tragic though it was, created enough manipulated hysteria in this nation to essentially throw the Second Amendment out the window.
But what about the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans who have died fighting, generation after generation, to protect our Bill of Rights? Instead of standing firm in the face of this 1968 “gun control” travesty, when a far more conservative America could have been effectively rallied, the NRA got in bed with the gun prohibitionists and actually helped pen the legislation. See: “NRA Supported the National Firearms Act of 1934”and GCA68.
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
5. When the NRA quits kowtowing to authoritarian police bureaucrats and takes a no compromise stand against the increasing paramilitarization of our local and State law enforcement agencies.
It’s time to quit building a standing army in America, masquerading as local SWAT teams and hooded “tactical units”. Federal money is lavishly splashed at these local law enforcement agencies. And, as we all know, payback day cannot be far away.
When push comes to shove, can we depend on local cops who have been suckling at the Federal teat, and attending Federal brainwashing seminars?
The NRA has to get in the face of all local police and ask them, point blank: “Will you ever assist in the disarming of the American citizenry?”
Any cop who answers in the affirmative must be drummed out of the ranks.
“To Protect and Serve” does not mean “To Disarm and Enslave”.
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
6. When the NRA assertively speaks to our active duty military personnel and respectfully (but emphatically) reminds them that any disarming of innocent Americans is a blatant and evil breach of their oath to uphold and protect our Constitution. The NRA needs to follow the lead of Oath Keepers in reaching out to both soldiers and cops.
That disgusting “czarette” Janet Napolitano, of Homeland Security, actually had the gall to imply that homecoming soldiers posed a threat because they could be “recruited” by “extremist” groups. The NRA should be at the top of that list of so-called “extremist” groups!
These hard line Leftists have to understand one thing: If forced to, we are unwilling to give them any quarter to protect our freedom. And every freedom loving American should expect that active duty soldiers, who have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic, will stand, gun in hand, by the side of The People if push ever comes to shove.
These hard line Leftists have to understand one thing: If forced to, we are unwilling to give them any quarter to protect our freedom.
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
7. When the NRA forcefully and persistently brings up the incontestable fact that every major genocide of the 20th Century was preceded by “gun control” policies. Disarmed millions became the victims of government sponsored or condoned mass murder.
What far too many American gun owners are so hesitant to face is that the greatest criminals in history have not been common street thugs. By a huge, huge factor, the greatest criminal element in modern history has been government-gone-bad.
The Founders didn’t pen the Second Amendment to protect us from muggers and rapists or burglars. That’s actually a secondary benefit. They penned the Second Amendment to protect us from our own government! See: “2A Today for The USA”.
At one time in America, this somber ideal was actually taught in public schools. Now a kid can’t even draw a picture of a gun or take a “Goody Gun” cookie to school for lunch. The insane poison of political correctness runs amok in our nation today.
Ted, you don’t put up with the p.c. garbage, why does the NRA?
NEXT: I’ll join the NRA…
8. When the NRA honestly and accurately “grades” politicians for their real position on the Second Amendment. Hillary Clinton’s and Charlie Schumer’s pet protégé Kirsten Gillibrand got an “A” rating from the NRA. This is insane.
Gillibrand is now on the band wagon for a reinstated “assault weapons” ban. The NRA: Suckered and betrayed once again.
Ted Nugent running for office gets an “A+” grade from the NRA. That’s the standard they must start with. We cannot grade on a bell curve when it comes to our freedom.
Our politicians must not simply be “pro gun”, they must be fervently pro Second Amendment. It is now time for zero tolerance for any form of “gun control”. Far too often, American gun owners have seen “A” graded politicians waffle and cave on gun law after gun law. If the NRA has to step away from any candidate to uphold our rights, so be it.
Millions of American gun owners will reject any candidate who betrays our G-d given right to defend our lives.
The time for any sort of compromise is over. We must now retrieve ground that has been lost to past retreats. It is time for the NRA to really start “walking the walk”. Radically downgrade every single politician who has betrayed us in any way in the past.
Ted, you have the clout and celebrity status to bring any or all of these issues directly to the NRA’s Board of Directors.
You can also, through your website and fan base, expose countless younger Americans to these critical matters.
It’s time to give the American people a very loud wake up call regarding their freedom. No one can say you are shy, Ted. Please, make some of that trademarked Nugent Noise over these crucial issues.
Sincerely, and Yours in Freedom, Aaron Zelman Founder and Director of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership.About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.
JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org Copyright JPFO 2010
You lost me when you said Ted Nugent is “talented.” He is not… and, as a person, his douchebag quotient is in the stratosphere.
Strength of an organization comes from the members. You should join then help make the NRA the way you believe it should be, not sit back and complain about “when”. I liken this to people who want union wages and benefits but don’t want to pay the dues. (This can start another hot argument)
I have one thing to say, if more sane people carried weapons the crazy ones would get fewer shots off when S*** goes down..!! and thats no S***.!
naturally like your web site however you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I’ll certainly come again again.
Every organization has its flaws, you can't please everyone. Name one other pro-gun organization that has the amount of influence and lobbists in Washington that the NRA does. I'm a life member and proud of it. Yes ,they are always asking for money but advertising, public appearances and contributing to pro-gun elected officials cost money. Get Real, the anti gun element gets free publicity every time some nut goes on a killing spree. Freedom is not FREE, in order to compete,in todays world it costs MONEY. If everyone dropped they're NRA memberships there would be no guns allowed. Clintons gun… Read more »
One of the problems with the NRA is that the people with the most extreme views refuse to join. The NRA does: 1. What is possible to get accomplished. 2. What its members want, as a group. I've heard just as many people argue that they will not join the NRA because the NRA WON'T compromise and capitulate on registration, background checks, "assault weapons" bans, etc. These are the type of people who were NRA members in 1968. A lot of the people with that mindset have either changed their minds or died off. But there are still some there,… Read more »
I'll join the JPFO… TODAY! I'll join the NRA… well… never say "never", but… I believe Mr. Zelman said it best above: "When the hypocrisy stops." The NRA was even influential in passing anti-American Obama legislation because they were able to lobby for an exemption to their organization. The NRA is in the business of staying in business, and they'll sell us out as they always have. I'm proud to be a gun-owning citizen; I would not be proud to be a member of the NRA today, just as I'm not proud to be a native Californian anymore, after what… Read more »
Totally agree with the sentiment but I did not renew my membership last month because I was/am TIRED of late night phone calls begging for money, spam email begging for money, crap clogging my mailbox begging for money and merchandise sent to me WHEN I DIDN'T ASK FOR IT and then getting threatening letters because I didn't return the junk in the allotted time period. I have enough aggravation in my life without this crap!
Yes, that's why my brother and I dropped our NRA memberships years ago. Will never rejoin as long as the NRA is in bed with the government.
I have felt the same way as JPFO for a while now. Last year I joined GOA and let my NRA membership lapse.
Mickey: Do you realistically think "they" are going to let people into courtrooms with guns?? I think if the government has a bonafide public safety concern – and courthouses are in my opinion – as long as they accommodate the checking of firearms upon entry and provide sufficient protection for occupants they have authority to temporarily disallow the carry of weapons. Can you imagine folks carrying firearms into court hearings regarding divorce or child custody, etc. Or gangbangers bringing guns into courtrooms where their "homeboys" are being tried or sentenced. Come on, get real. I understand and agree that "the… Read more »
I have been a life member of JPFO for years, I am also a monthly supporter. I have helped pay to make their movies and publications. I am not a Jew, I do not believe in G_D. BUT Aaron has got his crap together ans is a wonderful human being. May his G_d bless him and guide him in all that he does
This article made me get a yamaka and join the NRA. And Janet Napolitano is hot, i'd totally do her. Great article…………..
Paladin, I agree with most of what you said, except for this bit of JBT worship:
"The only one I can think of at the moment would be a courthouse whereby all entrants are searched/scanned and an adequate number of armed LE or Security Officers are on hand to ensure the protection of all occupants."
If you had ever been the victim of a felonious assault, and been dragged into courtroom also occupied by the still armed felon who attacked you, you'd think differently about the joys of being disarmed in the presence of 'armed LE'.
I belong to the NRA. Just a simple membership. I agree with a lot of what Mr. Zelman says. Especially that NOW is the time for ALL Gun Rights/2nd Amendment advocacy goups STAND TOGETHER with a "NO TOLERANCE" stance against any further usurpation of our RKBA. Also, the time is NOW for all these organizations to join together and begin the hard work of repealing ALL GUN CONTROL LAWS that affect law-abiding (I prefer peaceable) citizens. The only laws that should be on the books pertaining to firearms should be those that deal with the use of a firearm in… Read more »
Dear Mr. Zelman, I have been a Life Member of the NRA since about 1970. I have not always agreed completely with every position they have taken over the years, but I realize that (as with their acceptance of Instant Check) they have had to compromise in many instances. This is, to a great extent, because of the “Catch-22” situation they are always in: With every US Gun Owner as a member, the NRA would wield the power to rid the USA of all Gun Control Laws… but Gun Owners and Pro-Gun Organizations won’t affiliate unless and until they render… Read more »
I agree with each fault you have found with the NRA. However, it seems to me that you want the NRA to be perfect, in your opinion, BEFORE you will join. But, it is difficult to steer an organization from the outside. It has been my experience that if you join an organization and work within it, you can many time effect positive changes. Isn't that what you should do, instead of demanding that the NRA conform to your ideals (which I share) first? Why are you asking Ted to do your bidding, instead of manning up and doing it… Read more »
I am in agreement. I am a gun owner and am not a member of the NRA. I recently received an email from someone asking me why I am not a member yet of the NRA. I am a member of the KSRA, the Kansas State Rifle Association, which hold similar beliefs to the JPFO. I would like to apply for a concealed carry, but I believe it also is a state control over firearms, and it concedes that the 'state' has a right to determine who can carry concealed or not, not the Second Amendment which assures our God… Read more »
While I agree on every point made here and am a NRA member.
I do believe it has left alot of us freedom loving Americans behind.
"Not Again"
There should be no more comprimises in an attempt to further along the NRas belief that some is better then none.
Its time to take a stand and say "Never Again" and mean it.
love those jews!sounds like they have more balls than the average american.maybe they are just freedom lover`s whom have been attacked one too many times!
Well written, sir. Very well written, indeed.