N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James Sues to Dissolve NRA

Why I Am Suing The Governor of Virginia, iStock-1055138108
N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James Sues to Dissolve NRA iStock-1055138108

U.S.A.-(AmmoLand.com)- New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday filed a civil lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association.

The move comes at a time when NRA is fully involved in the 2020 election process and will be interpreted by many as an effort to cripple the organization and reduce its political influence at a critical moment.

At the same time, the District of Columbia filed a separate lawsuit, naming the NRA and the NRA Foundation as defendants. This action was filed by Karl A. Racine, attorney general for the District of Columbia.

Fox News reported the NRA immediately responded with a countersuit against James, insisting the organization is following New York’s not-for-profit law. The NRA lawsuit asserts James is “targeting the organization for its political positions, violating its free speech rights,” Fox News said.

Fox also quoted NRA President Carolyn Meadows, who describes the New York lawsuit as “a baseless, premeditated attack.” She questioned the timing of the lawsuit.

“You could have set your watch by it,” Meadows said in a prepared statement. “The investigation was going to reach its crescendo as we move into the 2020 election cycle. It’s a transparent attempt to score political points and attack the leading voice in opposition to the leftist agenda. This has been a power grab by a political opportunist – a desperate move that is part of a rank political vendetta. Our members won’t be intimidated or bullied in their defense of political and constitutional freedom.”

Meadows, according to Fox News, insisted the gun rights organization “will not shrink from this fight – we will confront it and prevail.”

The 169-page New York lawsuit alleges that longtime NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre “has exploited the organization for his financial benefit, and the benefit of a close circle of NRA staff, board members, and vendors.” NRA is incorporated in the State of New York.

In addition to LaPierre and the NRA, the lawsuit names former NRA Treasurer Wilson “Woody” Phillips, Chief of Staff and the Executive Vice President of Operations Joshua Powell and General Counsel John Frazer as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that “With the assistance of Phillips, Powell and Frazer, LaPierre abused his position as a fiduciary to the NRA to obtain millions of dollars in personal benefits in the form of undisclosed, excessive compensation, which includes in-kind benefits and reimbursements from the NRA and its vendors.”

The document further alleges that “LaPierre has undertaken a series of actions to consolidate his position; to exploit that position for his personal benefit and that of his family; to continue, by use of a secret “poison pill contract,” his employment even after removal and ensuring NRA income for life; and to intimidate, punish, and expel anyone at a senior level who raised concerns about his conduct.”

In a statement quoted by the Washington Examiner, James declared, “The NRA’s influence has been so powerful that the organization went unchecked for decades while top executives funneled millions into their own pockets. The NRA is fraught with fraud and abuse, which is why, today, we seek to dissolve the NRA, because no organization is above the law.”

In her complaint, James asks the court to find “that the NRA is liable to be dissolved pursuant to (a) N-PCL § 1101(a)(2) based upon the NRA’s pattern of conducting its business in a persistently fraudulent or illegal manner, abusing its powers contrary to public policy of New York and its tax-exempt status, and failing to provide for the proper administration of its trust assets and institutional funds; and/or (b) N-PCL § 1102(a)(2) because directors or members in control of the NRA have looted or wasted the corporation assets, have operated the NRA solely for their personal benefit, or have otherwise acted in an illegal, oppressive or fraudulent manner.”

Further, James asks the Court to rule “that the interest of the public and the members of the NRA supports a decision to dissolve the NRA.”

James is also asking the court to direct the individual defendants “to account, make restitution and pay all penalties resulting from the breach of fiduciary duties and their misuse of charitable assets for their own benefit and interests.” She also seeks to enjoin the defendants “from future service as an officer, director or trustee, or in any other capacity as a fiduciary of any not-for-profit or charitable organization incorporated or authorized to conduct business in the State of New York, or which solicits charitable donations in the State of New York, or which holds charitable assets in New York.”

Tanya Metaksa, who served as executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action—the organization’s political lobbying arm—told Ammoland News, “I hope it’s going to be a long fight. I think it’s all political.”

Metaksa, now retired, spent 4 ½ years in the position as NRA’s chief lobbyist. She also at one time served on the NRA Board of Directors.

Richard Feldman, an attorney who is also president of the Independent Firearm Owners Association, Inc., said via email, “Perhaps the biggest swamp in the DC area is located at Waples Mill Road! Time to drain that swamp.”

In 2007, Feldman authored a memoir of his time working at the NRA titled, “Ricochet: Confessions of a Gun Lobbyist.” He was both applauded and castigated within the firearms community, depending upon the perspective of each observer.

In a subsequent telephone conversation, Feldman added, “I think it sucks that the NRA leadership has put American gun owners in this almost untenable position.”

He asserted the timing of both lawsuits is purely political.

“They didn’t wait until after the November election to drop this,” he said.

If the NRA is forced to dissolve, that could put enormous pressure on other gun rights organizations to fill a void.

Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation, and also chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, provided a statement to Ammoland News.

“I firmly believe that you’re innocent until proven guilty,” he said of the allegations contained in the civil lawsuits. “But it is also my belief that the NRA board of directors should have taken action when these allegations were first raised and preempted any action that could be taken by the New York State attorney general and the attorney general for the District of Columbia.”

In recent years, SAF has become a legal powerhouse, fighting dozens of court battles to advance Second Amendment rights, an effort he has often described as a campaign to “make the Second Amendment great again.”

“While there is no doubt both of these attorney generals are opponents of Second Amendment rights,” Gottlieb said, “and have an axe to grind, these are serious allegations that have not been put to bed by the leadership of the NRA over the last several years.

“Fortunately, for the gun rights movement,” he observed, “the strength of the NRA is not only in its leadership but in its members. Its members will not abandon the fight to protect Second Amendment rights.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation—the firearms industry umbrella group—provided a statement to Ammoland:

“The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry’s trade association, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization. The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.

“NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.

“This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.”

The legal action launched by the District of Columbia Thursday was filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, Civil Division.

There have been no criminal allegations in either jurisdiction. Both lawsuits are civil in nature.

In the District complaint, Racine notes the NRA Foundation was “established to operate solely for charitable purposes related to promoting firearm and hunting safety.”

In his complaint, Racine asserts, “In recent years, the NRA has experienced financial problems related, in large part, to low membership and the NRA’s decision to continue to waste funds on improper, lavish spending. To plug financial holes caused by its own poor management, the NRA turned to the Foundation’s funds. Because the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and executives are dominated by the NRA, and the NRA had subverted the Foundation’s independence, the Foundation has allowed itself to be financially exploited through, among other things, unfair loans and management fee payments to the NRA.

“In allowing its funds to be diverted from charitable purposes and wasted to prop up the NRA in impermissible ways,” the District complaint continues, “the Foundation Board of Trustees has failed to provide meaningful oversight and failed in its fiduciary duties. Through this enforcement action, the District seeks injunctive relief sufficient to reform the Foundation’s lack of proper independent governance and a constructive trust over Foundation funds improperly wasted on the NRA.”

Later in the 24-page District complaint, the District observes, “Charitable corporations receive various federal and state tax benefits, including eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions. Charitable corporations hold their assets for the benefit of the public and must ensure those assets are used for their intended and tax-subsidized purpose. Charitable corporations are not permitted to engage in or fund political campaign activity; may not engage in more than an insubstantial amount of lobbying activity; their assets may not inure to the benefit of insiders, and they may not be organized and operated for the benefit of private interests.”

With both legal actions coming 90 days before the national elections in November, many gun owners and Second Amendment activists, as Feldman and others observed for this story, will be immediately convinced this is a political maneuver to weaken the NRA at a time it needs to be strongest.

 


About Dave WorkmanDave Workman

Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.

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Darkman

If those 5 million so called members would simple “Arm Up”. As Our Founding Patriots did this whole problem could be eliminated. Would it be costly? Yes. Would it be Bloody? Yes would it be Deadly? Yes. As it was 245 years ago. In the end it was worth the cost. In order to form the greatest Nation on the face of the earth. Liberty and Freedom are Never Free. In the beginning or 245 years later. The one thing that always remains a constant. It requires Courage to attain Liberty and Freedom and it requires Courage to Preserve them.… Read more »

AZ Lefty

Why should the members become vigilantes to remove Wayne and his criminal cabal?

GO back to posting on Sputnik Sergei

Ansel Hazen

He isn’t talking about cleaning up the NRA dumbass.

Jaque

Should Biden take the presidency, and he carries out his threats to take our guns, the tree of liberty will certainly grow on the blood of communists.

Instead of Biden coming for Americans guns, Americans will come for him.

Watch um

that is a pipe dream, it won’t happen. Most so called American Patriots will give up their freedom. BTW do you have your government mandatory face mask on

Random71

You may have to eat some crow but then again so may I. Only time will tell.

No, I dont, for any edicts or laws which are repugnant to the constitution are void.

Nanashi

Why didn’t this happen earlier? Its all been public since at least 1997.

Charlie Foxtrot

No one was willing to testify against the NRA in court in 1997! That changed 18 months ago! This announcement today was pretty much expected in terms of timing.

Watch um

Prove what you said. People like you need to put your money where your mouth is. When I leave this sight I will send $$$ to the NRA and have been, and you don’t have to tell me how to spend my money.

Watch um

Here is my donation

nrringlee

What we are probably witnessing is termed creative destruction in market economics terms. Organizations come to low times and have to reinvent themselves. They do so and reemerge stronger and more effective. NRA has done this in the past and will do so in the future. The strength is in the membership. We are the “doers” of America. The left are the “talkers” of America. We will rebuild. We will be stronger than ever. We just need to clean house and get leadership that is not tainted by allegations.

Charlie Foxtrot

Watch um, read a book, or something! Also, the court proceedings will settle this. Wayne LaPierre thanks you for your donation and will use it for another suit. You are free to waste your money however you want.

MBeach222

Two words why: Bloom Berg.

Charlie Foxtrot

What we warned will happen 18 months ago, now has happened. The current NRA leadership made sure it will happen with its own ignorance and arrogance. Let’s see what the incompetent Board of Directors will do now. More resignations, I presume. More praises of Wayne LaPierre, I presume. Maybe spend another $100 million of members money on legal fees.

I you are still giving the NRA money, that’s your fault alone! I say that as an NRA Life Member!

Nanashi

18 months? More like 23+ years. You forget about the 1997 revolt?

Last edited 3 years ago by Nanashi
RoyD

That is about when I quit renewing my membership if I remember correctly.

Charlie Foxtrot

I was referring to the most recent revelations that became a matter of public record beyond the rumors. 1997 was quickly forgotten and many tried to change the NRA from within, which was just a foolish mistake.

Watch um

If you belive all that you need to resign from the NRA and vote for Biden in November

Charlie Foxtrot

In contrast to you, I am an NRA Life Member that has been working on changing the NRA for the better. Blind attacks and accusations have been leveled against us by Wayne LaPierre’s lackeys for years. https://www.savethe2a.org

JIAZ

This is where Wayne LaPierre’s culture of corrupt leadership has led the NRA. He and his BOD cronies, along with their thieving vendor accomplices, are responsible for exposing the NRA to civil and criminal liability. Their collective greed, fraud, embezzlement, and misuse (theft) of membership funds has made the NRA an easy target for it’s political enemies. We don’t need “Wayne’s NRA”.

uncle dudley

I see this lawsuit as an attempt to tie up the NRA’s money in lawyers fee’s thus reducing the amount they have in supporting Trump’s re-election campaign via advertising commercials, very expensive.
Anti gun people are also anti Trump people, some democrats some republicans and they can’t stand the thought of four more years of President Trump.

Charlie Foxtrot

The NRA has already spent $100 million in defending Wayne Lapierre & Co, way more than they will ever spend on the 2020 elections. Also, the NRA-PVF, which handles election spending, is a separate financial entity that even Wayne can’t tap for more suits.

Jaque

So the only injured party is the State of NY who is not a member of the NRA. The method is to bankrupt the NRA by a long drawn out lawsuit.
This is what communist governments do. And its clear that DC and NY are communist governments

Charlie Foxtrot

This could be resolved by firing every NRA Officer and Director involved in the corruption and mismanagement, but that would require the NRA Officers and Directors to fire themselves.

So, yes, the NRA will be run into bankruptcy. It is a civil lawsuit, so the NRA can continue to waste membership money to fight this lawsuit. Given the lower standard in civil court, the NRA will lose and will be dissolved after a long and costly fight.

The actual injured party is the NRA members, that are getting screwed by both, the NRA leadership and the NY AG.

nrringlee

Correct. And the general public. NRA directly benefits the general public through education, training and shooting facilities support. That is all now at risk.

MBeach222

Or the NRA might win or both parties might settle, which is way more likely. In one year, James will be starting her re-election campaign and likely only working 1-2 days per week. No guarantee she will even be in office 2 years from now. The NRA is 120 years old and has survived changes in the wind before. Who would you bet on? You are a member of an org opposed to the NRA leadership and have an ax to grind. We get it.

Last edited 3 years ago by MBeach222
Charlie Foxtrot

Look, you just seem to be clueless, we get it! We have known for 18 months that the revelations from the NRA v. Ackerman McQueen fallout could end the organization, because one corrupt part of the NRA is finally willing to testify against the other in court. So, keep dreaming that the NRA will win, which is quite odd given the overwhelming evidence already in the public. Such a win would be still a loss for the NRA membership, as the corruption and mismanagement continues. Could the NRA settle? Sure! Absolutely! They could settle in a matter of weeks. However,… Read more »

MBeach222

Follow the money: If you look closely, you can see Cuomo and James move their lips when Bloomberg speaks. (Someone should look into Bloomberg’s dealings with Cuomo and Company.)

GUNFUN

He’s got strings attached to their butts.

MBeach222

Agreed. Where is the investigation into his campaign contributions, charitable orgs, and more…???

Random71

Not to be seen, he owns too many people. Plus the ones he doesnt own dont want a visit from a “fedex” guy……

nrringlee

In many ways this is a case of being your own worst enemy. First, why did NRA remain incorporated in a blue utopia? New York has been hostile turf for generations. Successful gun manufacturers have been fleeing to friendly states. Why remain exposed to politically motivated bureaucrats on hostile turf? Secondly, the infighting on the executive managment team should have been solved by getting rid of the people who were becoming the issue. You serve the interests of the organization and not vice versa. When you become the issue you become gone. All of the good done on a daily… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

Moving a charter to a different state requires that state to accept the NRA’s filings. It also requires a members’ meeting and the adoption of the new charter and bylaws by the members. The NRA leadership has resisted for years to make that move, because it would have provided an opportunity to get rid of Wayne LaPierre. The NRA is all about Wayne LaPierre!

The only decisive action you will see is Board members resigning, as they flee the sinking ship. The Board is supposed to provide oversight and Board members are personally legally liable for lack of oversight.

Dubi Loo

Resigning won’t save those directors.

MBeach222

I said the same thing. Why did they stay in hostile turf? My guess it was to deprive Mr. PrimeTime the chance of saying he drove the NRA out of New York. There are plenty of states who would love to have them.

Charlie Foxtrot

Read my comment above! Moving the NRA to another state means changes in the bylaws and organization that could have booted Wayne LaPierre out of his $2m/year job.

Dubi Loo

Suit announced one day after NRA-ILA said they would pump millions of dollars into political campaigns. Now it’s likely those funds will be diverted to lawyers. Election interference?

Charlie Foxtrot

The Washington Free Beacon’s Stephen Gutowski made that interview with the NRA’s Jason Ouimet over a week ago. Stephen likely published his article right before the announcement, as it was clear a day before the announcement that the NRA was about to get hit. That the NRA organization itself and/or NRA Officers/Directors were going to get indicted right before the election was clear over a year ago! The NRA has already spent $100 million in defending Wayne Lapierre & Co, way more than they will ever spend on the 2020 elections. Also, the NRA-PVF, which handles election spending, is a… Read more »

Dubi Loo

@CF, Thanks for the info. I’m a bit surprised she went after WLP civilly instead of criminally. I too heard about indictments but that didn’t happen. I did not know WLP could not access PVF funds.

Ryben Flynn

Any wrong-doing of that nature is an IRS problem, not New York’s. The NRA is a non-profit tax-exempt organization and internal affairs are none of New York’s business unless they can show harm to the State. Otherwise ask the IRS to investigate.

Buster

@Ryben

Exactly. I (and many other NRA ) members agree with many of James’s statements. However, she does not represent any of us “injured parties”, nor was she asked to represent us.

She should be told/made to butt out.

nrringlee

By virtue of incorporation in the State of New York the state has standing. And that is the fundamental error made by NRA. Thinking you are safe while living behind enemy lines is a fool’s errand.

Charlie Foxtrot

Correct!

Buster

Well…someone needs to cut out the WLP cancer. If the NRA BOD won’t do it, perhaps the State of New York will?

Tionico

it is till NOT the task of New YorkState to make NRA walk theline correctly. IUNless this James critter can PROVE that somehow the State of New York has suffered harm, she’s got an empty soup can she’s rattling.

MBeach222

I agree. I say the same thing about firearms manufacturers who stay in the liberal anti-gun Northeast. They should make a statement and take their jobs and tax dollars where they are welcomed. They will be next in this abuse of power.

MBeach222

Speak up. Let Cuomo & Co. know they do not represent your interests and that you see though their partisan abuse of their office. Write to Letitia James and cc Gov. Cuomo. (address below)

Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341
Press Office Email: [email protected]

Charlie Foxtrot

Right, because a bunch of yahoos sending in threatening letters (or worse) is really what we need now.

The NRA Board can end this lawsuit within a few weeks. All it takes is just to fire those that are responsible for the corruption and mismanagement. Oversight and corrective actions is the NRA Board’s purpose, not making money off side deals.

MBeach222

Intelligently written, respectful objections from NRA members. New Yorkers even better: Dear Ms. James,   I do not support your vendetta against the NRA.   The NRA is a civil rights organization defending the rights of millions of Americans, many of whom are your constituents.   When you call the NRA terrorists and criminals, you insult each and every member.   Your political motivation is clear. The NRA takes a loud stand on nearly every election, including the upcoming 2020 presidential election. The NRA has filed numerous lawsuits fighting misdeeds of both New York State and New York City, and many other… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

How naive!

Charlie Foxtrot

The NRA is a non-profit corporation chartered in NY that clearly broke the state’s guiding laws for non-profit corporations. The NY AG can fine and remove NRA Officers and Directors and can dissolve the organization through legal proceedings. This legal fact has been known for 18 months now, since the initial reports about corruption and mismanagement at the NRA. Yesterday’s announcement was expected! It was the result of inaction by the NRA Board, which had ample time to fix things but chose not to. The NY AG has made statements that she will forward the evidence to the IRS for… Read more »

John

Civil prosecution(s) at this juncture intent on dismantling a 5 million member organization reeks of political motive, If these prosecutors are confident fraud exist and can be proven with credible evidence, as many of the rank and file believe evident, criminal charges should have been filed against each of the alleged fraudsters. Would the membership be required to pay attorney fees to defend against individual criminal charges of fraud, after all the alleged fraud is committed against the organization? Reckon we will not find out here as civil charges intent of shutting down this organization requires it to defend itself,… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

The NRA is a non-profit corporation chartered in NY that clearly broke the guiding laws for non-profit corporations. The NY AG can fine and remove NRA Officers and Directors and can dissolve the organization through legal proceedings. This legal fact has been known for 18 months now, since the initial reports about corruption and mismanagement at the NRA. Yesterday’s announcement was expected! It was the result of inaction by the NRA Board, which had ample time to fix things but chose not to. A civil lawsuit is required to fine or remove NRA Officers or Directors or dissolve the organization,… Read more »

AZ Lefty

Remember Wayne will need Several new bespoke suits for the Court Hearings

Buckshot

Cuomo vs. Wayne…I’m going with Wayne and 2A. Cuomo couldn’t even count his ventilators.

MBeach222

There is no guarantee he will even still be NY’s governor in a couple years. The NRA is 120 years old. ’nuff said.

StLPro2A

As much as I abhor the Leftist actions against the NRA, I have to admit there is much probable cause to prosecute NRA executives. In addition to LaPierre’s Suitgate, Trollopgate, Salary-benniesgate, Pensiongate, Inflatedcontractgate,et el, the NRA paid Ted Nugent $50,000 plus expenses annually for “preaching to the choir” and twanging his guitar for an hour on Sunday afternoons at the Annual NRA Convention….to about maybe 1000-1500 members. Also,paid Nugent $60,000 annually to sign 1200 guitars ($50 each) for raffling off at Friends of NRA fund raisers. I don’t begrudge Nugent making whatever he can from his name and guitar skills.… Read more »

JIAZ

Under Wayne LaPierre’s guidance NRA Leaders stopped serving in the best interest of it’s members long ago in exchange for serving themselves.

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/new-york-ag-suits-targets-millions-paid-to-former-nra-president-marion-hammer/

GUNFUN

Are we negotiating the NRA’s rights away?

nrringlee

That is another problem. I find myself spending a lot more time, effort and money on Arizona Citizens Defense League and GOA,2AF,FPC than I do on NRA. And that is the sad truth for a lot of life long supporters. That must change and must change from the top down.

MBeach222

Which one of those orgs can shape national legislation? Which one has an open door on Capital Hill and 50 state legislatures? There is only one big dog in this fight, and if we lose it we all lose down the road. There is no 2A org that has the clout or numbers the NRA has.

nobodyuknow

A typical political move close to the election by a Communist Democrap Black Woman! Also, D.C, is chiming in with its own version of Communist Democrap Party propaganda. I will grant you that the National Rifle Association is not perfect but we, the membership, will deal with our own internal problems. We do not need a bunch of Communist Democraps sticking their noses in our business in an attempt to derail one of the finest constitutional protection organizations in America. Both James and Racine need to crawl back under the rocks they crawled out from!

Charlie Foxtrot

The announcements by the NY and DC AGs were expected! It was the result of inaction by the NRA Board, which had ample time to fix things but chose not to. In fact, we predicted an announcement like that so close to the election over a year ago.

And, no, the NRA membership can clearly NOT deal with the corruption and mismanagement by the NRA leadership, as the NRA leadership has enacted protections against its removal and any changes.

TEEBONE

NRA’s attorneys should motion to stay any hearings until after November 3rd, based upon the dubious timing of these suits.

Charlie Foxtrot

They haven’t even entered discovery yet! There will be more subpoenas first! Also, the NRA lawyer Bill Brewer will make sure that he can continue to milk the NRA. As for the timing, we predicted that about a year ago!

Link

This will energize the base and shown that liberal Democrats are going after the second amendment, while the facts of wrongdoing at NRA management are out for all to see so is the violence of the left wing groups like antifa and blm. With millions of new gun owners who now see that the claims of the NRA about the antics of the leftist liberal Democrats going after the second amendment are true and the lies of the Democrats about everything second amendment are fact as they are now experiencing them first hand this will push many new first time… Read more »

Just1Saddletramp

I have been a NRA member for 50 years and a life member for over 40. It has gone from being a tiger in defense of the Second Amendment of the U. S. Constitution to a whimpering pussycat under the direction of Wayne Pierre and his cronies. New membership has dwindled in their tenure. If the NRA continues to exist in the near future it will be because the aforementioned persons were removed from their positions and replaced with someone who cares more about Constitutional rights than self predication

Tionico

the complaint claims these things, amongst others: members in control of the NRA have looted or wasted the corporation assets, have operated the NRA solely for their personal benefit, or have otherwise acted in an illegal, oppressive or fraudulent manner.” members in control of the NRA have looted or wasted the corporation assets, have operated the NRA solely for their personal benefit, or have otherwise acted in an illegal, oppressive or fraudulent manner.” define “looiting” and “wasting”, now PROVE beyond a reasaonable doubt that even signficant number of members have in factdone this. next, she claims they operated the NRA… Read more »

Dubi Loo

@Tionco, It’s a civil case not criminal. The bar is much lower. Rather than beyond a reasonable doubt, it’s preponderance of the evidence submitted before a Jury (if it ever goes to a jury, it may be settled)

Charlie Foxtrot

You clearly have not paid attention for the past 18 months.

JIAZ

Wayne LaPierre is the NRA’s “Bernie Madoff”

D.C. Files Suit Against NRA Foundation Alleging Misuse Of Donations

“Donors gave money to fund firearms safety, firearms education and marksmanship training. Instead, that money was diverted to support wasteful spending by the NRA and its executives.”

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/510902-dc-sues-the-national-rifle-association-foundation-for-alleged

Gdubb

More blatant election interference from the communist left… and nobody will do anything to stop it.

Happy Everafter

For the Marxist voters, a feel-good waste of taxpayer money civil suit for which the leftie politicians can go on record, “I supported the NRA lawsuit.”
It’ll be dismissed in 4 months….

MBeach222

They are doing the exact same thing with NY taxpayer dollars that they are accusing the NRA of doing. Wasting it on personal gain….

a.x. perez

I wonder if it is possible to file charges of oppression under color of law against Ms. James since the timing of her action militates to deny the membership of the NRA part of their voice during the 2020 election. Perhaps it is possible that Gov. Cuomo can also be charged as it may be presumed that she acted at his direction. Finally, a class action lawsuit that by acting as they have MS. James, Gov. Cuomo, and the State of New York have violated the First Amendment Rightsof each and every of the 5 million plus members of the… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

Pretty much everything you stated in that post is wrong and ill-conceived. Please inform yourself about the facts! The NRA is a non-profit corporation chartered in NY that clearly broke the state’s guiding laws for non-profit corporations. The NY AG can fine and remove NRA Officers and Directors and can dissolve the organization through legal proceedings. This legal fact has been known for 18 months now, since the initial reports about corruption and mismanagement at the NRA. Yesterday’s announcement was expected! It was the result of inaction by the NRA Board, which had ample time to fix things but chose… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Charlie Foxtrot
a.x. perez

Everything you say is in fact true and I thank you for the correction. 1that said, one would have to be an unusually trusting person not to opine that Ms. James’ goal was to clean up the NRA and give it a chance to reorganize with a more honest management and more stringent safeguards to prevent abuses rather than to try to silence it as a defender of gun rights.

Charlie Foxtrot

We knew that this anti-gun AG was investigating the NRA for over a year, yet the NRA Board did not see the need to address the issue and save the organization. It instead backed Wayne LaPierre. The NRA organization has put itself into this position! I would not consider the NRA as a defender of gun rights. The NRA is all about making money! The NRA makes about $300-$400 million a year, yet has not won a single SCOTUS case and has obstructed the efforts of actual gun rights organization. Thanks to the NRA, we did not get constitutional carry… Read more »

a.x. perez

I think the technical term is hubris. As for why they didn’t deliver it is obvious they were driven by a belief they were the only game in town.

MBeach222

I doubt that is true.

Last edited 3 years ago by MBeach222
Charlie Foxtrot

Then you are simply uninformed! What exactly do you think is not true in my statement?

uncle dudley

I wonder if Ollie North is getting even with LaPierre?

Camotim

This woman treats the 2A as a dog treats a fire hydrant. Too bad for her she is really going on an electric fence.

Matt in Oklahoma

So why a suit instead of an arrest?

gregs

dave stated in the article, civil not criminal

Matt in Oklahoma

If you KNOW and can prove there’s misspending then it should be criminal.

MBeach222

Speak up. Let Cuomo & Co. know they do not represent your interests and that you see though their partisan abuse of their office. Write to Letitia James and cc Gov. Cuomo. (address below)

Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341
Press Office Email: [email protected]

Andrew M. Cuomo – Governor
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Charlie Foxtrot

Right, because a bunch of yahoos sending in threatening letters (or worse) is really what we need now.

The NRA Board can end this lawsuit within a few weeks. All it takes is just to fire those that are responsible for the corruption and mismanagement. Oversight and corrective actions is the NRA Board’s purpose, not making money off side deals.

MBeach222

Intelligent, non-threatening objections to their abuse of office: Dear Ms. James,   I do not support your vendetta against the NRA.   The NRA is a civil rights organization defending the rights of millions of Americans, many of whom are your constituents.   When you call the NRA terrorists and criminals, you insult each and every member.   Your political motivation is clear. The NRA takes a loud stand on nearly every election, including the upcoming 2020 presidential election. The NRA has filed numerous lawsuits fighting misdeeds of both New York State and New York City, and many other local governments across… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

As I said in my reply to the same post below, how naive!

Watch um

I said I would

MBeach222

I like to send it to the NRA-ILA, but any NRA donation is a good choice. This stunt will boost donations from loyal members who realize that there is only one 2A dog in the fight that can sway federal legislation and even get calls returned from politicians. GOA, SAF, and the locals don’t have the membership numbers to move the needle, although the work they do is valid.

Charlie Foxtrot

The NRA-ILA is lending money to the NRA anyway, so no matter where you send it, it will end up in Wayne’s pocket.

You are right, the NRA and NRA-ILA were the only ones that were able to make the bump stock ban and red flag laws happen. The GOA, SAF, and FPC are still fighting them in the courts today.

MBeach222

If I remember correctly, the ATF ban on Bumpstocks would have been done by law if the ATF did not act. While either is bad, an ATF action is much more preferable to an act of Congress, wouldn’t you agree?

I do consider your opinions to be informed and you are likely one of the few people here who actually knows what he is speaking about. thanks

RoyD

Wrong.

Charlie Foxtrot

Your post is about a bill passed by the House on May 2, 2018. This bill was never passed by the Senate! Wayne LaPierre’s and Cris Cox’s joint statement on demanding the regulation of bump stocks by the ATF on October 5, 2017: https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NRA-_-Joint-Statement.pdf. This was 7 months before that bill! President Trump put the bump stock ban into motion on recommendation by the NRA in December, 2017. The ban was in effect on March 26, 2019. The NRA gave up and didn’t fight! Actual gun rights organizations did fight and are still fighting. There are still court cases going… Read more »

RoyD

It is worse than that Charlie Foxtrot. Look at my response to him just above then reread the article.

Charlie Foxtrot

Thanks for catching that!

Charlie Foxtrot

Also, here is Chris Cox from the NRA-ILA supporting and demanding red flag laws:

https://youtu.be/A8ijtVkTCCQ

MBeach222

Sorry to disagree, let me decode what the NRA really said about fighting red flag laws. (I do this for a living.) The proposed laws state that the police can take your guns merely on an accusation by another party (ie, an ex-wife or an angry neighbor). Knowing that those laws would pass (or did pass) as is post-Parkland, the NRA argued for “due process” to be added, meaning that evidence needs to be presented in Court — a much higher standard and a longer process. An untrained ear will hear the NRA advocating red flag laws, but if you… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

I understand what you say: “take the guns first, due process second”. I just disagree with the whole premise and with the methodology.

If someone is too dangerous to own guns, they are also probably too dangerous to own knifes and to drive cars. They are also probably too dangerous to be out on the streets.

The NRA does the usual thing, it tries to find the middle ground. NRA = Negotiating Rights Away!

Knute

Charlie Foxtrot:

Dispite our previous encounters, and dispite your hatred for me, this was well stated and gets a thumbs up from me.
Well said, sir!

RoyD

I am surprised your mother let you back out to play. You have no credibility.

RoyD

So, MBeach222, to bolster your argument about Congress possibly passing a law about bump stocks you link to an article concerning the Connecticut State House voting for such a bill. Are you always this vapid our did you do that special for me? Go home, MBeach222, I think I hear your mother calling you.

MBeach222

I support all of those orgs, plus a few local ones in my home state and others.

MBeach222

I am a GOA and SAF member, and an FPC supporter (plus other orgs). They are good for filing a suit or a brief, but they do not have the muscle or the numbers to shape legislation. When you divide their membership by 50 states, they are too small to move the needle at election time, and politicians ignore them. They do however deserve our support, but they are too small to do what the NRA does. The NRA is not perfect, but we all benefit from its existence.

Charlie Foxtrot

Nobody prevents you from throwing money out of the window. Wayne needs new Rodeo Drive suits!

If I remember correctly, the NRA spent less than $20 million on the 2018 midterms. That’s in contrast to the roughly $800 million it made in 2017 and 2018. The NRA surely has priorities, like sinking over $100 million into NRA Carry Guard. The NRA is the very definition of a financially irresponsible company.

I am curious, what federal pro-gun legislation has the NRA shaped recently that was passed? Probably something about federal hunting grounds?

MBeach222

The NRA is far from perfect, but what other 2A org can shape national legislation? Which one has an open door on Capital Hill, the White House, and 50 state legislatures? There is only one big dog in this fight, and when we hurt the NRA we all lose down the road. There is no 2A org that has the clout or numbers the NRA has. This is an IQ test for gun owners. Now is the time to show your support.

Last edited 3 years ago by MBeach222
Random71

I want a gun rights group that doesnt support unconstitutional regulations or play dirty cronyism games. If the NRA doesnt exist, something will fill the void, nature abhors a vacuum. Perhaps we will even get one that actually stands for our rights or doesnt possibly embezzle millions of dollars. Exactly why I oppose the NRA, in their own mealy mouthed words: “The Washington Post’s Fact Checker recently got the facts upside down in “The NRA’s flip-flop on federal mandates for states in gun background checks” by claiming that “after President Bill Clinton signed the Brady law in 1993, the NRA… Read more »

MBeach222

It will take decades to built the connections and membership and funding the NRA has now. In those decades, you will be left with a only squirt bottle of windex to protect yourself with. There is a reason why they target the NRA.

Charlie Foxtrot

So, keep the corrupt NRA going, because it is too big to fail? That NRA lost $100 million due to litigation in 2019 alone. The NRA has done nothing to fight for our rights!

Random71

The problem is that many of the rank and file have not been fully aware of the going on upstairs. Now its coming out that they may have spent the hard earned money that was donated, in a wholly improper manner. They know the 2A is under attack thats why they are dues paying members, now there is evidence of betrayal as if the history isnt enough. I imagine alot of people jumping ship to any other port. I know I would be. Keep them intact because they know how to play with Socialists on one side, and which Rinos… Read more »

Buster

Over the years, we’ve wasted billions on 2A orgs – and this is where we are.

Cops/law be damned – let’s take a page from the blm movement and administer some good old-fashioned street justice.

MBeach222

Gottlieb’s comments were way out of line. Not the way one 2A org supports another 2A org. Alan, take a lesson in class from the NSSF and read how they commented. I am an SAF member too, and that one will cost you my next check. Maybe I’ll send you a photocopy of what I mail to the ILA.

Random71

So you’re the guy paying for Wayne’s next safari….

MBeach222

Nope, I am the guy paying for your 2A rights to remain in the most effective way possible.

Random71

By supporting the people that helped institute and still stand behind NICS?

Sorry man, I already bought a bridge for my ocean front property in Nebraska.