One commercial, clearly designed for the web is this 2 minute long gem.
Just two sentences from Norris.
"There's only one way to protect our rights. Register to Vote."
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| NRA Voter Registration Tool |
This is in fact, exactly what Norris and the NRA are saying. And an empty holster is all they are. And don't miss that the cold, dead, hand quote is in here, but is essentially being mocked. This is not your father's NRA. The quote that Charleton Heston used to energize America for the NRA is clearly as dead as Heston himself.
Trigger the vote? Be careful what you wish for Chuck. We're approaching the point of voting the triggers.
Once upon a time, my dad and I were watching one of these Chuck Norris MIA movies and POW #1 was lamenting something to Norris about how hopeless their situation was. My dad helpfully summarized POW #1's mood, the theme of this movie, and a recurring theme of many Norris vehicles, "If only I were tough like you, Chuck!" Whatever else Norris has done, I've never forgotten this. While my dad wasn't perfect, he had a good eye for reading people and cutting right through the BS. Now that this commercial comes along, it reconfirms my dad's wisdom."If they (hispanics in Port Chester, NY) get 6 rounds of 1 vote each, can I have 1 vote of 30 rounds?"
-radiowave
The commercial features approximately a minute or so of redneck, trailer-park, camaro-on-blocks, house on wheels, Keystone light stereotypes. Codrea thinks that this may be what the NRA thinks of its membership. I disagree with my friend. I think this is more aimed at Chuck Norris' fan base. Mullet #1, "If I could only be tough like you, Chuck!" The very first thing you see in the video though is the sign out front which says...(drum roll please)
"FIND YOUR INNER NORRIS"
I know this is going to come as a jolt to some of you, but this is NOT a commercial at all. It's real. This IS the national board of the Chuck Norris fan club at an executive meeting. In fact, I think I recognize a couple of those guys from one of those Missing In Valor, Return With Action, This Time It's Personal movies of his.
Regardless, the NRA and Norris are still right here:
Now to put all joking aside. Chuck Norris, I invite you to get out away from your fan club and lend your assistance to an RTC rally. I triple-frickin-dog-dare you to break with the empty holsters and trigger lock gang. I'm calling you out. Stand up. Rifle up. FIND YOUR INNER MAN AND MAN UPChuck!
If you'd like to invite Chuck, here's his e-mail.
And for all of you out there I send along this encouragement in line with Dan "The Frickin MAN" Almond's charge for more action. By the way, I'll take one Dan Almond over a hundred Chuck Norrises anyday.
I'm Alvie D. Zane...and I approved THIS message.
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8 comments:
The implied message in the commercial is "Vote, but vote for candidates the NRA recommends." When they have to agonize and stall over Reid vs. Angle...
When they helped Schwarzenneger become governor of California and he has not only let the semi-auto ban stand but added a few new frills to the burial shroud of freedom...
And wildman Ted Nugent says they are the biggest, loudest voice for gun rights on the planet.
I guess the membership is supposed to watch the goobers in the commerical, say "Glad I'm smarter than them!" and lockstep into a bright new future of mediocrity and slow-motion surrender.
Awesome new graphic, Alvie.
This video offers proof that one of three states exist at NRA:
Option One: They are completely incompetent.
Option Two: They have been infiltrated by anti-gunners.
Option Three: They are quite aware of what they are doing, and deliberately not trying to end Second Amendment battles, soas to keep the membership dollars rolling through the door.
Either option is intolerable.
Sam
III
Why aren't we sending emails and phone calls to NRA to tell them we really don't appreciate being stereotyped as a bunch of dumb rednecks?
Not that they give a crap.
Hope this isn't too long.
I sent this out last week. No response yet.
August 22, 2010
Dear Sirs and or Madams,
I recently received your offer of a forty percent reduction of a lifetime membership in the NRA. I will not be taking advantage of that offer and here are my reasons:
As I’m sure you heave heard by now, many members are very disappointed with your decision to not oppose H.R. 5175 the DISCLOSE Act.
I have read responses from Mr. Cox and Mr. Keene and on your website and find them to be lacking in integrity and not adhering to the facts. “Spin“, I believe, would be a polite way of putting it.
On June 21, Mr. Cox released a statement in which he claimed “The restrictions in this bill should not apply to anyone or to any organization…” Understandably, he must look after the NRA, as he says.
However, he then says “…Without the NRA, the Second Amendment will be lost.” Putting aside the implicit self-importance of the statement, the 2d Amendment will never be lost. Your organization has been collecting dues to tend to the peaceful legislative process. When and if the time comes, the NRA will not be found on the Fields of America. The 2d Amendment, and actual “Freedom Loving Americans” will be protecting our rights. All of them.
“We believe that any restriction on political speech is repugnant. (emphasis added) But some of our critics believe we should put the Second Amendment at risk over a First Amendment principle to protect other organizations.” You are not being tasked, asked or charged with protecting other organizations, you are being accused of stabbing them in the back, and disregarding the First Amendment in doing so.
"The NRA has never supported -- nor would we ever support -- any version of this bill. Those who suggest otherwise are wrong.” This statement is worded carefully, but in so doing, it reveals a lack of integrity, as I mentioned.
It is true that the NRA never supported the bill. Which is why Congressional leaders made a commitment to exempt the NRA. In a statement on your website, “Setting The Record Straight On The Disclose Act”, it states “We told Congress we opposed the bill. Consequently, congressional leaders announced they would exempt us from its draconian restrictions on political speech. If that happens, we will not be involved in final consideration of this bill in the House. If it doesn't, we will strongly oppose the bill.” (emphasis added)
You opposed it, and may not have actually supported any amended language, but by your organizations own admission, your silence was bought. Please don’t insult us further by saying you find “…any restriction on political speech…repugnant”.
"Rather than focusing on opposing this bill, some have encouraged people to blame the NRA for this Congress's unconstitutional attack on free speech.” You have certainly heard the legal dictum “Silence as Acceptance”? With a steadfast opposition to this bill, members of Congress clearly would never have advanced it for a vote. By not opposing it, you have, in fact, betrayed the 1st Amendment. For all of us.
I must say that it is a cop-out to claim you are a “single issue” organization, now, after Mr. LaPierre recently penned an article, in the April 2010 A1F magazine, “First Amendment Confirms Freedom To Think For Ourselves”, p.8. In this article, Mr. LaPierre claims, in closing, that “…like fighting attacks on the Second Amendment, the NRA will never back down in this landmark battle against censorship and in our efforts to defend the entire Bill of Rights.” In light of recent events, actions and inactions, this now begs the questions, “Defend it for whom?” and “What is the NRA’s definition of backing down?”
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I think I've contacted the NRA six times over the years, as member, conditional life member (installment plan), soon-to-be ex-member and former member. Never got a reply of any kind. Almost daily mailings and phone calls, though, from their marketing division telling me what a valuable member I was and please send money. Those callers are only paid telemarketers with a script, apparently. At least they weren't in Bangladesh.
I did find the blue cougar, bluegar comment funny.
But Chuck Norris, really? really?
Trigger the vote, sounds more like Chuck wants us to vote from the rooftops. Hell I am not done yet with my engagement on the soapbox.
Is it possible that the NRA has finally fallen afoul of Pournelle's Iron Law?
"In any bureaucratic organization there will be two kinds of people: those who work to further the actual goals of the organization, and those who work for the organization itself. Examples in education would be teachers who work and sacrifice to teach children, vs. union representative who work to protect any teacher including the most incompetent. The Iron Law states that in all cases, the second type of person will always gain control of the organization, and will always write the rules under which the organization functions." Jerry Pournelle
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