Show Notes
Episode 166. NRA at a Crossroads with John Richardson
In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with John Richardson about the current state of the NRA, the upcoming board elections, and the ongoing divide between reformers and the old guard. They discuss the impact of the New York Attorney General’s lawsuit, the importance of member engagement, and the need for transparency and accountability within the organization. Richardson shares insights on the reform candidates and their vision for the future of the NRA, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with other gun rights organizations to strengthen the movement.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background on NRA Elections
02:44 The Divide: Reformers vs. Old Guard
05:59 The Impact of the New York Attorney General’s Lawsuit
08:35 The Four for Reform Movement
11:41 Recent Changes in NRA Leadership
14:27 Dissolution of the Special Litigation Committee
17:17 Financial Accountability and Legal Issues
20:07 The Future of NRA Reform
23:15 Transparency and Member Engagement
29:39 Board Transparency and Communication Issues
31:36 Reforming the NRA Board Structure
35:27 Highlighting Reform Candidates
40:03 The Do Not Vote For List
44:22 The Importance of Collaboration
50:49 Focusing on the Second Amendment
52:43 Engaging the Younger Generation
Takeaways
- Only 5% of eligible NRA voters have participated in recent elections.
- The divide between reformers and the old guard is significant.
- The New York AG’s lawsuit revealed serious issues within the NRA.
- The Four for Reform movement aims to change the board’s dynamics.
- Recent board meetings have led to important resolutions for reform.
- The special litigation committee was dissolved, a key step for transparency.
- Financial accountability is crucial for the NRA’s future.
- Reform candidates are committed to transparency and member engagement.
- The NRA must collaborate with other gun rights organizations.
- Voting for the full slate of reform candidates is essential for change.
Resources
Elect a New NRA
Jeff Knox at Ammoland
https://www.ammoland.com/2025/01/lapierre-pays-up-nra-board-after-action-report/?
Bearing Arms (John Petrolino)
Only Guns and Money (John Richardson)
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=34983
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=34973
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=34963
Previous Forge of Freedom Episode with Jeff Knox and John Richardson
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-64-jeff-knox-fighting-to-save-the-nra/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-132-jeff-knox-fighting-to-save-the-nra/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-149-goals-guns-and-the-nras-future/
NRA in Danger
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/if-you-wonder-how-much-damage-the-cabal-did-to-nra/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2025/01/12/january-2025-board-meeting/
Misc Resources re NRA Trial
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/08/15/ny-litigation-the-reformers-strike-back/
https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-no-nra-monitor-but-10-year-ban-on-wayne-lapierre/
https://thereload.com/judge-denies-government-monitor-over-nra-blocks-lapierre-from-rejoining-group/
https://x.com/JeffKnox/status/1818039030359146739
https://x.com/StephenGutowski/status/1818043823236202790
https://taitnra.substack.com/p/the-ball-is-in-the-nra-boards-court
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309304408832668/posts/412603315169443
https://x.com/StephenGutowski/status/1824500721552588937
Keywords
Forge of Freedom, podcast, bench trial, NRA, New York Attorney General, Goals Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee, range day, vendor exhibits, educational panels, court-appointed monitor, interim decision, negotiation, NRA, legal battle, compliance monitor, resistance to change, reform, campaign, Board of Directors
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