NRA 2018 Board Candidate, Adam Kraut, On “Enemies Within The NRA” ~ VIDEO

Adam Kraut
Adam Kraut

USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Yesterday, I became aware of Marion Hammer’s commentary on the 2018 NRA Board Election. After reading the editorial, it was clear that she believes I am the “enemy”. For those wondering how that conclusion was drawn, allow me to explain.

Marion states “…some of the candidates on this year’s ballot were not nominated by the Nominating Committee, but rather they placed themselves on the ballot by collecting petition signatures. Petition signers had no way of knowing the real motives or qualifications of these petitioners.”

Almost immediately, Marion down plays the significance and dedication of individuals who collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot, despite the recent by-laws change, which made it increasingly more difficult to do so by requiring candidates to collect almost 700 signatures from qualified members this year. At the same time, she insults those who signed the petitions of candidates, like myself, insinuating those who signed did no research into the qualifications of the individual for which they submitted a petition. This year, there were only five individuals who successfully collected enough signatures to be nominated by Petition of the Members.

Of those five, three were also considered and recommended by the Nominating Committee. Just so there is no confusion, I did not submit my name to the Nominating Committee. There is only one individual, other than myself, who was nominated only by Petition of the Members. To my knowledge that gentleman has not been very vocal as to his positions, at least that I’ve seen. Thus, it would seem logical to infer that Marion is referring to yours truly in her remarks.

As this is my second attempt at running for the Board, I have been subjected to scrutiny from individuals for the past two years. When I first decided to run, I set up a website, made videos, and wrote articles about my thoughts, views, and opinions on various issues the NRA and gun rights advocates face. From Day One, I’ve been open about my position on issues and accessible to the members to discuss those positions.

During the past two years, I’ve spent countless hours speaking with members of the NRA in person, answering their emails, and responding to their comments on YouTube, Facebook, etc. in an attempt to ensure that my position on various issues were clear or known to the person asking. There are a variety of ways in which a person can inquire of my position on the issues. I even have a contact form and email address listed on my website for people to do so.

Yet, Marion Hammer has not once reached out to me to inquire about my positions, thoughts, or aspirations for the NRA. If she believes it is some secret, she hasn’t been looking for any answers.

However, I’m not the only one who has been vocal about their positions. Marion Hammer sent an email to other Board Members, shortly after the NRA received criticism of its statement about the Las Vegas tragedy, which stated that “the bump-stock circumvents federal law” and that bump-stocks “[convert] a semi-auto rifle to a full-auto rifle”. She also claimed that “[i]f it were not for ATF’s wink and nod to the manufacturer of the bump-stock, it would already be regulated under federal law.” The problem with her statements is two-fold.

First, ATF did NOT wink and nod to any manufacturer. It examined the sample submitted and determined that it was not a machine gun. It’s a pretty straightforward process, especially when the law specifies that a machinegun must be able to “to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.” Second, it would appear that she does not believe bump-fire stocks are something that you or I should possess absent regulation.

Marion also mentioned the Cincinnati Revolt of 1977. What is unclear, from her one paragraph blurb, is whether she agreed with the individuals staging that revolt. She simply labeled them as an “activist group” and then proceeded to explain how she stopped a purported rebellion that was “bad” for the organization. However, it is possible to derive her true view on those individuals by looking at comments she made about one of the men who was responsible for the planning and execution of the 1977 Revolt, Neal Knox. Marion has been quoted as saying that “Knox had an arrogance like I’ve never seen, so we chopped his head off.”

While I’m no Neal Knox, I too have introduced proposed changes to strengthen the organization and start the process of returning control to the members. I’ve introduced proposed by-law changes which would institute an attendance policy, prevent directors from repeatedly running without being nominated by petition, and form an Honorary Board. You can learn more about the proposed by-law amendments on my website (www.adamkraut.com). I also created a form that allows members to more easily contact the Board of Directors in an effort to facilitate communication between the members and the individuals tasked with controlling the polices of the organization (www.theguncollective.com/nra).

Marion Hammer NRA Board Attendance
Marion Hammer NRA Board Attendance

While we’re on the subject of Marion Hammer, perhaps she can pen an editorial explaining to the members why she has not attended a single meeting in the past three years (since January 2015 – for attendance of all Board Members, see – www.adamkraut.com/attendance). For what it’s worth, she was nominated by the Nominating Committee last time she ran, which might give some insight into how important the Committee believes showing up to do your job is.

Respectfully,

Adam Kraut
“The Enemy Within”

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John Culver

It sounds like MARION is the enemy within. You can expect my vote the next time votes are taken if you are
on their. Please email me if possible when that comes up.

John Culver
Life member
Clovis, CA

Scott in Atlanta

I have just proudly cast my bullet vote for Adam. Get ’em, tiger!

Shawn M Byrd

I sent in the petition for Adam and I have already voted for him on my ballot.
Do we have any other 2A patriots that will push for repeal of the NFA and all other anti-2A laws?
Definitely NO Grover Norquist!

Cam

He was one of my votes, the others were not on the approved. I nominated the president of franklin armory, Ronnie Barret and others in the industry that have skin in the game.

Clint

God Speed Adam Kraut, you have my 1 vote!

William Smart

I am voting for Adam, and my wife is voting for Adam. He will represent and fight for our best interests. He is a man of honor and fine character. He needs all concerned members of the NRA to help get him to where he can do what is needed to make the NRA what it ought to be—and has not been for a very long time.

Comrade X

I’ll be voting for Adam.

RB

My ballot:
Adam Kraut – X
Everybody else – ____

I would also like to see yearly financials. Public companies are required to disclose this information. Even private companies can be required to by their lenders and investors. If we are members, we should have access to this information as well.

Robert

Will be placing 1 vote for Adam. Marion Hammer is a disgrace.

tomcat

They sure are not bashful about emails and snail mail begging for money or wanting us to pay membership dues in advance. I’ve been a member for quite a few years and even paid dues so my sons could be members but now I am not sure my next member dues will see the light of day. It sounds to me like a few are milking the organization.

Joe

A bunch of very good comments. I especially like those which point out the value of a “bullet vote”. When there are a number of places to be filled, and a number of candidates, voting only for the person, or persons you know and want elected rather than casting all of the votes you are entitled to is a valuable strategy. By not casting all your votes, you are essentially voting for your guy, and against all the others. But let’s for the moment assume Mr. Kraut is elected. He will then sit on the Board alone and isolated. I’d… Read more »

Stan

Actually Adam may not be as alone as you may think. A candidate on last year’s ballot was endorsed by the Buckeye Firearms Association and was elected. She was supported by BFA as being someone who would seek to give the members a bigger, better voice in the organization.

Vanns40

As has been stated by many others previously, remember when voting, the more votes you cast the less likely you are to get the one single person elected you really want. If you really want Adam Kraut elected vote for him and no one else, leave all others blank.

NSSpika

Great response, Adam. After two years of fighting that uphill battle, I opted to not run this year. I’m glad that you have persevered through the noise. I wish you (and Tim Knight) all the best of luck!

Dave in Fairfax

I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve gotten used to voting for you.

5WarVeteran

Marion Hammer Eff you. Constitutional carry is the only way.

CW3RDL

After the ILA spend $750K in the Alabama US Senate race where two NRA-ILA “A” rated candidates, their guy a buddy of Mitch McConnell, went at each other, a lot of started scratching our “our little punkin heads” wondering what the “heck” was going on! It’s obviously time to clean out the whole pack of compromisers. My wife and I are both life members of NRA. I am also a life member of Gun Owners of America; they don’t compromise. Till there’s new leadership across the whole NRA, they’ve gotten their last dime from us. We will be voting for… Read more »

HankB

The NRA ballot gives you the opportunity to vote for MANY candidates. When voting for NRA board members, remember that if you really, REALLY like a particular candidate and vote for him, every additional ballot you cast for ANYONE ELSE dilutes the power of your vote for the individual you REALLY support.

Luis

Across the country, there is majority Republican Control. Both on the State and Federal Level and the NRA is playing status quo instead of pushing the fight. The 2018 election season is coming up and the NRA is not pushing hard against members of Congress nor their State level compatriots. Why is the NRA sitting on the sidelines and not going hard with social media, television advertisement, and other methods of advertisement to push for better gun laws? Why is the NRA still giving “A” ratings to elected officials that don’t back pro gun issues like Constitutional Carry and the… Read more »

James

I believe that we need new blood, new thinking and, a new approach to today’s issues. I think you could do just that. You have my support.

Ozark Muleskinner

Thanks to Ms Hammer’s letter and now Mr Kraut’s I will be taking a VERY much closer look at all candidates before I cast my vote. I have a deeply seated repugnance against individuals who believe they are entitled solely by birthright or tenure to hold a position. As several other writers noted, I appreciate Ms Hammer’s prior service and recitation of history but was left unimpressed by her dearth of facts to back up her claims as to why the individuals who went to the trouble of collecting signatures were any less qualified than her and other veteran board… Read more »

Merlin

Time tor drain the NRA Swamp. I’m looking forward to Adam Kraut doing just that.

Lifemember

You have my vote Adam. Along with Tim Knight.

I will only be voting for the two of you in order to keep the others from receiving more votes in total. I suggest anyone who wants to see a change do the same.

John Richardson

I was one of those who gathered signatures for Adam. I knew his motivations for serving on the BOD and I agreed with them. I love the Second Amendment and I love the NRA. I see our opponents becoming more organized and certainly more financially solvent. They are more astute, in general, in terms of social media and PR optics than the NRA and it is beginning to show. They may not know what they hell they are talking about when it comes to guns but they damn well are good at making sure the seats in the Congressional hearing… Read more »

Jeff

Well stated, Adam. Not that that is a surprise. It is definitely time to bring some new blood to the organization. Especially one that knows a bit about the law and the CURRENT state of the firearms community and where it is headed….IN THE FUTURE.

To say that you don’t know Adam’s position is disingenuous at best. To then rail against him, while admitting you do not know is the height of ignorance. Talk about fear mongering and “us four and no more”.

Sisu

Perhaps term limits and public disclosure of board agendas and consolidated financial information would demonstrate a stronger committment to and faith in members. The current entrenched oligarchy will ultimately prove self defeating as has prior NRA support for restrictive Federal legislation.

Richard Becraft

It should be a part of all NRA magazine publications in the same area listing the board members, to notify the membership each month which board members attended all offical meetings and duties the previous month and who was absent.

Rob Pincus

Well Said, Adam. My comments on the Original Article by Marion: “This is an amazing re-writing of History and Spin Job. The introduction of Charlton Heston in 1997 was itself a coup against the leadership (including those who had prevailed in 1977!) orchestrated behind the scenes primarily by those who stood to gain financially… and have for two decades since. Today, the “enemy within” at the NRA is the Executive Leadership (and their cronies on the BoD) who have only managed to get significantly less than 10% of American Gun Owners to join the NRA in their best years. The… Read more »

Luis

Well stated

John Jackson

I will be voting for MR Adam Kraut in the coming NRA elections

Henry Bowman

I support Adam Kraut for the NRA Board of Directors!

DRAIN THE SWAMP – DUMP MARION HAMMER

Green Mtn. Boy

Ms. Marion Hammer NRAe Board Attendance is what it is however her NRAe income derived is substantial ,accordingly In 2010 alone, Marion Hammer received $190,000 in compensation from the NRA for consulting work, in addition to the $110,000 per year salary she receives from Unified Sportsmen of Florida. I know that my state NRA affiliated officers are un paid and volunteer and they work tirelessly to protect Article 16 along with the 2 nd. Amendment. The NRA needs to be about one thing only the protection of the 2 nd. amendment,not the life time paid job it has become under… Read more »

Bryan Spiegel

Thank?

Sorry, you lose the ability to rest on your laurels when you start stating that you think that an accessory should be federally regulated, and by implication, the owners should be subject to a federal witch hunt as they try and track them all down.

Liberty can be a wide street, but its time that we stopped looping around this NRA fantasy board and drive on down the road to more freedom.

Wild Bill

I won’t begrudge them a good salary, but they better be worth it. I don’t see the NRA working for the repeal of the National Firearms Act or the Gun Control Act, both of which, in my opinion violate our Second Amendment enumerated Civil Rights.

Core

Agree. 100%