I am a “Patron Member” of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The NRA is a venerable civil rights association that supports marksmanship skills, shooting sports, self defense rights, and firearm safety. It also has lobbying and political action arms that advocate for candidates and legislation that support the right to keep and bear arms. Since becoming a member, I have made many donations to its gun safety programs and political action committee.
In 2019, the NRA was embroiled in a major internal crisis. It became evident that its leaders, including then-CEO Wayne LaPierre, were engaging in malfeasance, self-dealing, and other violations of the members’ trust. When this came to light, I suspended all active support of the organization.
I have retained my status as a “Patron Member,” which gives me the right to vote in NRA Board of Directors elections, but I have not donated any money or provided any other direct support to the NRA since 2019. LaPierre has stepped down and the organization has made some improvements, but it has not yet regained my trust. I continue to monitor the situation.
For the time being, I recommend supporting more reliable defense-rights organizations like the Second Amendment Foundation and Gun Owners of America.
Adopted July 8, 2019
Updated February 22, 2025