Generally speaking, I’m with Groucho: I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me for a member. But I’m also aware that foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. In other words, I’m a hypocrite. I’m currently working my way through the application process for the Providence Revolver Club. The members are the proverbial great bunch of guys (women included). The facility is what Hemingway called a clean, well-lighted place. More specifically. “six fully automated turning target systems with individual port lighting and a state-of-the-art air filtration system provide a clean and exciting shooting experience for our members.” There is, of course, a catch. Members of the Providence Revolver Club must be members of the National Rifle Association (NRA). As a jobbing journo with a yen for veracity (and loquaciousness), I’m worried that NRA membership would compromise my independence. Well, the appearance of independence. At some point I’ll be a sound byte provider for the mainstream media; NRA membership is an ipso facto statement that I support their positions. Should I ask for papal dispensation, walk away or bite the bullet?

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7 COMMENTS

  1. I'd vote "yes." The NRA is a big group. I don't agree with everything they do, but I'm glad they are around to do it. And while the Left will demonize and dismiss anyone who holds an NRA membership card, it's important to remember that they will dismiss you first, because you're not one of 'them'…you're not drinking the anti-gun Kool-Aid and loudly proclaiming that "guns are evil." So join. Maybe if enough people join that try to see both sides of each argument, we can help make the NRA a more effective and responsive an organization.

  2. Why does the gun club make you join the NRA. Does the NRA give the club free stuff or pay for things.

    You could always join and then quit the NRA. Kinda of like getting a lower intrest rate on a car when you buy a warranty. Then cancel the warranty 3 days later. Keeping the lower intrest rate.

  3. As I recall, Michael Moore is a member of the NRA, so I hardly think it means you have to agree with them on everything.

  4. The Club considers the NRA the sina qua non of responsible gun ownership.

    Mikey likes it! He likes it! (Apologies to Mr. Kozak.)

  6. Brett, Roger that. But the new club sec. showed me the way out. Someone bought an affiliate membership for me. I like these people.

  7. FWIW Robert, I've been an NRA member for over 20 years. I don't see how it compromises your objectivity – it's not like the NRA is writing you fat checks to push their agenda.

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