Executive Order? You Can Do Something

If you’re like me, your in-box, social-media feed and voicemails are overflowing with updates and opinions on President Obama’s Executive Order announcement last week. There’s a plethora of complaints, but no one seems to mention the easiest thing we can do to make huge a difference—renew your NRA membership, sign up a loved one or convince another gun owner to join today.

If each NRA member does a little work, membership can double overnight, and politicians will think twice before they assault the rights of lawful gun owners—thanks to the efforts of NRA-ILA. It sounds simple, but I also understand today’s hectic business and personal schedules can intervene.

Here are some easy steps I’ve taken and recommend.

First, is your membership current? I hate to admit it, but mine had lapsed. My wife’s did not, and when you get a magazine every month, it’s easy to forget. It’s fast and for about the price of a box of cartridges you get some of the finest firearm periodicals on the market delivered to your mailbox every month. I remedied my oversight. If you’ve inadvertently made the same mistake, use this join link or the one for renewal.

Second, the next time someone brings up the Executive Order and complains, politely mention the efforts of NRA-ILA and ask if he or she regularly visits the website for updates. This is a good spot to explain how the organization is the best defense of the Second Amendment we have and that a lot of its strength comes from NRA membership. Now ask if they’re a member. If not, mention that single box of cartridges, world-class magazines they’ll receive and the systematic infringement of their rights. The odds are good they won’t sign up once they go home, so follow up during your next encounter. You might even bring up an interesting article in the current issue of your membership magazine along with an offer to share it.  

Third, gift a membership to a family member or friend. It’s hard to find something different they’ll enjoy every birthday or anniversary, so if they’re a gun enthusiast this one’s a surefire hit.

Fourth, remind all those e-mailers and social media forwarders that they can get up-to-date and accurate information in their newsfeeds by becoming a fan of the official NRA page on Facebook. They should do the same for American Rifleman (official)—the facts are credible reading and family friendly, unlike a lot of what I’ve been subjected to all week. 

The steps are simple, but if enough do it, the impact is considerable. Double the NRA membership, and there’s no way Capitol Hill can ignore the message.