It’s Official!  Allen West Will Try to Oust LaPierre at NRA Annual Meetings

in 2nd Amendment – R2KBA, Current Events, This Week
It’s Official!  Allen West Will Try to Oust LaPierre at NRA Annual Meetings
Lt. Col. Allen West, USA, Ret. wants to be the next Exec. VP of the National Rifle Association. (Photo: Twitter/West)

News broke last week that several former and current NRA board members would like to see someone other than Wayne LaPierre at the helm of the nation’s gun lobby. 

Citing the organization’s ongoing legal issues and its admission that Wayne received “excess benefits” to the tune of $300,000 during his tenure as executive vice president (money that he’s since paid back with a personal check), the concerned members tapped former Congressman Allen West to be their guy.

Well, after taking the weekend to pray on it some, it’s now official.  West announced Monday that he will take on LaPierre at this year’s NRA annual meetings and exhibits.

“In the military, we have a saying, it is that Warriors move to the sound of the guns. It is with sincere humility that I have consented to my nomination to be Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association,” said Col. West, in a press release obtained by GunsAmerica. 

“History has taught us that when the people are disarmed, they are subjugated, enslaved to tyranny and totalitarianism,” he continued. “The Nation’s oldest civil rights institution is the National Rifle Association. I would be honored to secure that legacy going forward for future generations of legal, law-abiding American citizens and gun owners.”

West said that his top goals “are to restore the honor, integrity, and character of this venerable organization along with refocusing on our core competencies, shooting sports/marksmanship, and defense of our Second Amendment constitutional right.”

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But not everyone wants to see Wayne go. 

Former NRA President David Keene wrote a blistering opinion piece this week in which he crushed West as a potential candidate and defended LaPierre’s record.   

“The fact that those who would take Wayne down have settled on Allen West as their preferred replacement tells a person more than anything else. It tells you that while professing an interest in the future success of the NRA, their real interest is simply to get rid of Wayne regardless of the consequences,” wrote Keene.  

“Putting Allen West into a position, which requires managerial competence, would amount to malpractice,” Keene went on to say. “Perhaps in choosing Allen West, their intent is simply to destroy NRA and all that Wayne has worked over these many years.”

Keene is convinced that this attempt to unseat LaPierre will fail.  He also contends that Wayne is still the right person for the job.  

“No one is perfect. Wayne has sometimes trusted people who didn’t deserve that trust. I doubt if he or any of us can claim we’ve always been right about everything. But no one could have done a better job for us over years of service, or for America’s gun owners and the Second Amendment, than Wayne,” said Keene. 

The NRA board will vote on Monday, May 30, 2022.  Stay tuned for updates.

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About the author: S.H. Blannelberry is the News Editor of GunsAmerica.

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  • Charles Thomas May 21, 2022, 8:41 pm

    I have been an NRA member for over 40 years and fully support getting rid of WLP! The NRA desperately needs the integrity and dedication that Allen West will bring to the position. We need someone who is not a scoundrel on a member paid lifetime boondoggle. If WPL had any honor or integrity either, he would have already resigned for the greater good of the organization as a whole!!

  • Don May 20, 2022, 10:09 am

    If this guy replaces Wayne L. I’ll join back up. Besides, Wayne L., even if he was a straight arrow, looks like the past (old geezer white guy). West looks more like the future to me. I think that will help him get things done that need doing. Come on, NRA, it’s time for a clean slate and a new era.

  • Ej harbet May 18, 2022, 3:10 am

    Endowment member since early 90s. The nra must be rid of the wlp cancer and the chemo that is colonel west is the cure.even if he likes berretta m9s lol. The nra must be restored to the fist of freedom to the Jaw of gungrabbers it once was.
    I hope and pray to the creator that Alan west is the man who saves our nra

  • Frank S May 16, 2022, 8:50 pm

    W.L. quote…”Putting Allen West into a position, which requires managerial competence…” Indicating W.L. doesn’t think a U.S. Army Lt. Col has no managerial skills. From the mouth of an idiot, if you ask me… obviously has no idea how much managing is required of an Army officer of that rank. I mean he’d only have run an entire Army Battalion (~800 soldiers) or served as a staff officer at the brigade level (3-6 battalions and supporting elements) or above. Now that is as much or more than most corporate executives in pretty big companies.

  • David Gordon May 16, 2022, 1:42 pm

    When they canned Ollie North after such a short time, that proved to me all I needed to know. Ollie North was more interested in being a good, honest leader for the NRA than he was in expensive suits and shoes. You can look at the way W.L dresses and tell what his priorities are. Every since they canned Ollie, every time I get a ” Beggin’ letter” with “NRA” on it, it goes straight into the circular file.

  • bill marion May 16, 2022, 12:58 am

    As an endowment and life member for over 45 years W L must go. When i heard about the embezzlement I expected he would resign, but no he pays back 300k and calls it good, not in my book. Un till WL is gone i will not give the N R A another red cent, over the last 45 plus years i have contributed thousands to an organization i thought was honorable and fought the good fight. I also belive there are a few more that should also leave the org,without a golden parachute. Semper fi

  • Don Jared May 15, 2022, 7:07 pm

    WHY, when we enter a/the coliseum where NRA conventions are held, do we see a ceiling-to-floor banner with Wayne’s picture on it???
    That tells us more than anything else.
    Ive been a life member since ’97 & have been guilty several times of making donations to the THREE main programs of the NRA. BUT
    I’ve grown tired of a despot who quit leading/serving OUR 2A organization & started ‘coasting’ on his $5 million salary years ago.
    WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP. There are many who could do a GREAT job. If Allen was approached because of his experience & leadership, then I’m for him.

  • Robert Chall May 15, 2022, 6:50 pm

    My wife, son, and I have been members for decades. We are also NRA recruiters. Until LaPierre is gone we WILL NOT work to bring in new members and WILL NOT contribute another penny to the NRA. This once great organization has been sullied, discredited, and lost it’s direction under his lack of leadership, cronyism, mismanagement, and outright theft! He should not be allowed to get off with paying back the money he stole! He should be prosecuted and put in jail!

  • Charles Coates May 15, 2022, 11:55 am

    The reason I quit the NRA is La Pierre. A scoundrel as are his supporters.

  • Joel m. May 14, 2022, 6:37 pm

    I was a long time member of NRA but quit due to lack of transparency on use of funds and budget questions. I had NRA medical insurance and they refused to pay valid claim for 1.5 years. Total BS was all I got. Put lawyer on them and they paid ASAP as they knew valid claim. Happy to take my premiums for years but would not pay. Help from main office a joke. I will rejoin if La P shown door with his overpaid,useless crew. My family has been in NRA for generations.

  • John a Boutwell May 14, 2022, 12:18 pm

    Having been a member for most of the time since the early 1970’s, sending my money in so that the leaders of the NRA can live large no longer has any appeal.

  • Martin Beijersbergen May 14, 2022, 11:09 am

    Well the way I see it the left has been busy for years to destroy the right and they are very good at it ,see the stolen election.
    I am not sure if America can recover from this attack.
    As far as the NRA it seems there devide and conquer tactics are doing very well.

  • Mark K May 14, 2022, 7:36 am

    Bring back Moses !

  • Louis Gauss May 14, 2022, 7:26 am

    Looks like a bunch of democrats replying here, If you think you want to replace someone in the NRA with a politician you are nuts. What you should be doing is voting out the current long term politicians and replacing them with new people who havent forgotten what we used to stand for.

  • BJG May 14, 2022, 7:12 am

    Seems comments are running 99% against Wayne, if He really cares about the NRA He would retire. Myself I’ve been a life member for over 40 years and got sick if the almost weekly money requests. We need someone new and I guess Col. West is probably a good Choice.

  • NRA Lifer May 14, 2022, 5:48 am

    WLP Must retire.. I canceled my membership for many reasons.
    If Ted Nugent bailed. There’s a reason.. I welcome Allan West!

  • Walt May 13, 2022, 8:37 pm

    As an Endowment Life member since 1972 I will not give the NRA another cent until Wayne LaPierre is gone. Enough is enough!

  • Mont Schroeder May 13, 2022, 7:47 pm

    I plan on dumping the NRA, because LaPierre sides with democrats and claims now that the Ukraine operation is killing civilians….that’s total BS.
    The Ukraine operation is to shut down big pharma’s biolabs and to shut down child traffickers and wayne is either too stupid to admit it. He’s a democrat hiding in wolf’s clothing and a “one eyed jack”.

  • Terry Williamson May 13, 2022, 4:47 pm

    I had decided not to renew but I will if Allen West is elected.

  • Micheal Williams May 13, 2022, 4:34 pm

    West was a General, I think he’s got administration of an organiztion udder his belt.

  • Terry Harrison May 13, 2022, 4:06 pm

    One look at Congress should tell you what you get from people in life time positions. I think Col. West will be great.

  • Dell H Bean May 13, 2022, 2:55 pm

    I first joined the NRA in the late 60’s and have been a Benefactor Life member for over 30 years. I have seen the NRA go from being a great organization to an also ran. Most of this downfall can be laid at W.L.’s doorstep. He needs to be fired and new blood brought in. Term limits for the BOD also makes sense. I, like many others, stopped donating to the NRA when rumors started about W.L.’s mismanagement, embezzlement and lifestyle became known. As long as W.L. remains in charge I will not donate further. Col. West is a good man and would be a definite improvement for the NRA. We need to get back to fighting for
    the 2ndA and away from the twice a week letters begging for money. All of these things would go a long way towards restoring faith in the organization and bringing back old members who are fed up with the tactics of
    W.L. and his cronies.
    ,

  • Bill Koury May 13, 2022, 2:48 pm

    I’ve been a member 30+ years. I think La Pierre led the NRA in his early years very well. But no one gets a job for life, and he’s not done well for quite a while. It’s time to move on. It can only help to restore the confidence in the NRA by replacing him with a person like Col. West who has an excellent reputation and skills.

    BTW, there have been 8 million or so new gun owners over the past few years, and the NRA still talks of it’s “5 million members”. Where’s the growth? That’s a problem!!

  • jerry May 13, 2022, 2:47 pm

    Wow. There are a lot of comments here! I get what they are saying. I regard Wayne LaPierre as a steadfast hero of the NRA and the second amendment. However, I have often been disappointed in his ability to articulate our need for the second amendment and our dedication to it and the entire Constitution on TV. I think Colonel West will be much better at explaining our positions and the history of the right to bear arms on TV. On the other hand, if I were able to pick a new Executive Vice President and spokesperson for us, I would have picked Dana Loesch. Have your heard her on television? She is sharp, quick-witted and articulate. I think things are looking up for the NRA. God bless the NRA and its members and the entire USA. btw I’m a member since 1970 and now a Patriot Life Member.

  • larry May 13, 2022, 2:04 pm

    WLP is 72 years old, has been at the helm for over 30 years, and received over $5 million in compensation in 2015. Add in an embezzlement scandal, and Oliver North leaving under mysterious circumstances; it’s time for some fresh blood. Allen West is widely considered to have integrity and would also counter the public image of the NRA just being a group of angry, old white men.

  • Dan Crummett May 13, 2022, 1:33 pm

    Life member here and fully through with WL. Col. West has my full support in this effort. So disappointed in NRA over past few years. Time for a change!!

  • J. Hut Hutson May 13, 2022, 1:14 pm

    I have lost my life membership card. Where can I get another ? /hut

  • Ken Texas May 13, 2022, 1:01 pm

    I don’t trust West.

    He was given the job of RNC Chairman in Texas.
    Had the job for a few months, then quit to run for Govenor of Texas against a incumbent he had no chance of beating.

    Why would you do that?

    He could have been very influential as the RNC Chairman in Texas.

    Does the leadership of the NRA need to change?

    Yes, but I don’t trust West to do it.

  • STEPHEN May 13, 2022, 12:56 pm

    WAYNE HAs done a great job fighting off the socialist leftist gun grabbers, but like any organization the NRA needs a new direction and leadership to continue the fight and attract new members.

  • Fidel Fernandez May 13, 2022, 12:54 pm

    I am a life member, have been for over 50 years. I no longer believe Lapierre can be effective at leading the NRA or getting support in DC. He should quit if he loved the 2nd amendment as do we. Crook or not, he no longer is seen as a respected leader. Perception makes a huge difference in effectiveness. I wont contribute another dime until I see those working for a non profit quit taking huge salaries from the backbone of this country’s working contributors. I think the entire directive should be pro bono in order to instill confidence again in what once was a great defender of freedom, the NRA. I am not very happy to go around telling folks I am a life member of the NRA anymore. Let’s get our pride back and move on without Wayne and let’s make it pro bono to serve in this great association as leaders. By the way I started lobbying for the NRA while still in High School, with our representatives and governor in Florida. Let’s get our pride back! Wayne, do the honorable thing and quit!

  • Winston May 13, 2022, 12:29 pm

    Typical outcome that a another black is to be anointed to a 99% white-majority organization.

  • Stan d. Upnow May 13, 2022, 12:28 pm

    We live in an era of absolutes –white/black; Left/Right; etc.– where a thoughtful middle ground does not exist. As far as LaPierre is concerned, I’d agree with Keene that Wayne has done a lot of good for the NRA over a long period of time. But, there’s no doubt that he has transgressed as well, and lead the NRA to policies that can be seen as bad. As is the case in govt., anyone who is entrenched in power for too long a time in an organization adopts a despotic attitude that can spell trouble.
    Change can be a good thing, but change just for the sake of change can be counterproductive, if not outright damaging. The 2020 election would serve as a good example.

  • Stan Murrell May 13, 2022, 12:22 pm

    NRA won’t get a dime of my money until Wayne is gone. I have been member for almost 40 years.

  • Jon Sonnenschein May 13, 2022, 12:06 pm

    Wayne… It’s time to take your ball and go home.

    • Godfrey Daniel May 13, 2022, 1:57 pm

      Wayne’s been taking our ball for years and should’ve been gone long ago.

  • Mark Wynn May 13, 2022, 11:54 am

    If West or another ethical, right-thinking leader replaces the current NRA leadership, I will reup — which I haven’t done since 2016.

  • Les Thanadequate May 13, 2022, 11:50 am

    I am a longtime Endowment member of NRA. I lost faith many years ago when NRA insiders sacked Neal Knox. Neal was a true 2A warrior while most members were trap shooters and hunters. Neal made the NRA a Second Amendment focused organization instead of a sportsman’s club. LaPierre’s forte is raising money through his direct mail cronies, not fighting for the Second Amendment. GOA is a fraction of the size of the NRA with a smaller budget but it does a much better job in the 2A arena than the NRA. I’ll be happy when Wayne is gone and someone who sees the NRA as a civil rights organization replaces him.

  • Ouachitaboater May 13, 2022, 11:33 am

    Allen West has my support. Except for 3 years in the Green Machine I have been a NRA member for 67 years. My wife is a member also.

  • Lt. Col Bill Huggins May 13, 2022, 11:20 am

    As a retired military member, I consider Lt. Col West a superb candidate for the NRA leadership. Honesty and integrity is the foundation to great leadership, that Col. West has and has superbly demonstrated through his career in service of his nation both in the military and congress.
    Lt. Col. Bill Huggins, ret, USAF, MSC

    • Stan d. Upnow May 13, 2022, 12:36 pm

      Allen West was my U.S. Congressman for a time. I had no complaints. The fact that the Progressive-Socialists in DC, and their stooges in the MSM, attacked him at every turn(like Trump) told me he was doing everything right.
      I have personally heard him talk, and one comes away with the impression that he is a man of patriotism, honesty, integrity, and genuinely has the welfare of the country at heart.

  • Steven Crumb May 13, 2022, 11:16 am

    Allen West has my full support as a lifetime member. Time to get rid of Wayne Lapeirre. They will not get anymore contributions from me until that happens.

  • Dallas V May 13, 2022, 11:14 am

    The comments here tell all and I am in total agreement. Keene needs to ride the same bus out as Lapierre. Wife and I are are both lifetime members and we won’t be giving another red cent until Lapierre is gone. I have been a huge admirer of Colonel West for years. He is a great leader and man of unfettered integrity. Godspeed sir!

  • Butch May 13, 2022, 11:04 am

    Life Member as well. I too have lost faith in this once great organization. I haven’t donated in some time and have mixed emotions about that. We need someone to be our voice but I can’t support a leader that can’t be trusted. The general consensus is more than obvious so I can only hope the Board does the right thing and lets Wayne go. I want to be proud of “our” organization again!

  • Thomas May 13, 2022, 11:00 am

    I’ve been a member of the NRA for a number of years. I have not given anything extra to them since the embezzlement issues came about. WL should have been fired, jailed. In reading the comments, I didnt see 1 that didn’t support WL. I remember in the past that the NRA has 5 million members. That number will double with just old members rejoining and would double again with LTC A. West that the head. NRA-ILC funds could drastically increase also with people once again having a confidence in this great organization.

  • Charles Texas May 13, 2022, 10:58 am

    Life member here that is for West. Wayne needs to go. The NRA needs to get back to defending the Second Amendment instead of fund raising for the executives’ parties.

    • Stan d. Upnow May 13, 2022, 12:42 pm

      Any membership organization that seeks financial support from its members, and others, yet refuses to release a regular financial report to said parties, bespeaks of possible corruption. We now know such has been the case under LaPierre’s reign.

  • Richard McLeroy May 13, 2022, 10:55 am

    I’ve renewed or extended my membership every year for 20 years, but like many fellow members, will not donate extra, and not just because of WL. For years the NRA has been dedicated to begging for money. I don’t give to beggars.

  • LORNE DEY May 13, 2022, 10:44 am

    I used to be an NRA member until I found out that La Pierre made over $1mil a year working for the organization. That was it for me, I have never joined again since discovering that. I would join again with an honorable man such as Col. West at the helm. If La Pierre cared about the NRA, he would resign. But he hasn’t, because it’s a cash cow for him. Very disgraceful!

    • Dean Keese May 15, 2022, 12:15 pm

      $1M salary to run an organization the size of the NRA is not unusual. If West is put in, his salary will most likely be similar.
      I have been a Life Member for many years. I believe it is also a tine for change and would like to see West be the next leader of the NRA.

      • Kane May 16, 2022, 9:32 am

        Excellent post. I wonder what the GOA gents Larry (retired?) and Eric Pratt are/were salaried at? Or what the fine folks at SAF are pulling in? I am both life members of SAF and NRA.

        And the case with the NY AG James seems to be floundering. Yes, LaPierre should move on, but the NRA is nowhere near the level of BLM.

  • DARVIN WILLHOITE May 13, 2022, 10:36 am

    Like most here, removing WL is WAY overdue. I’ve been a member for a long time, but when I did some research a while back, and saw the salaries the executives were making I nearly choked. Most of this money is coming from people that can hardly afford the necessities, and these guys use it to support their lavish lifestyles instead of defending the second amendment. I quit donating several years ago and won’t donate beyond my yearly dues until the salaries are lowered to a sensible level.

  • flatop May 13, 2022, 10:31 am

    Alan West to run the NRA
    it’s time for LaPierre to fade away.

    • Max Simpson May 13, 2022, 11:06 am

      I am a life member of the NRA but will not provide another dollar into the NRA until Lapierre and any other corrupt manager of the NRA is replaced by honest men or women.

  • Texas Charles May 13, 2022, 10:27 am

    I’m a lifetime member and agree Wayne must go and should have gone a long time ago. Col. West has my full support and trust to get the NRA back on track. BTW who cares what Keene has to say, seems like he is part of the problem.

    • Dee Ude May 13, 2022, 1:31 pm

      AGREED! Keene seems way too Eager to back a Known Scoundrel !

  • Dick Weller May 13, 2022, 10:16 am

    Would like to see a response from WL about the $300k in the Rifleman.

  • troop Emonds May 13, 2022, 10:10 am

    I have consistently told fund seekers, that I will not donate one more cent to the NRA until they throw out that crook Wayne Lapierre. He is a horrible example of an embezzeller. Those lawyer payments are basically all kicked back to that crook. Horrible example. Allen West, is a person of fine character, as was Oliver North, and I’m totally behind Allen West, as someone I trust to do the right thing. No such faith in Lapierre.

  • LJ May 13, 2022, 9:50 am

    Lever 3 lifer myself. Before I jump to the next level there needs to be change in the NRA hierarchy. Whether or not there was some kind of nefarious activities going on with LaP the impression with the general public there is. Every time I try and recruit new members eventually the topic arises about how crooked LaP is and how he’s squandered funds. He hasn’t left a very good impression. Time for new blood!

  • CJ Parios May 13, 2022, 9:49 am

    I’ll make no more contributions until LP has been replaced.
    CJ Parios
    Life Member

  • jeremy griffin May 13, 2022, 9:43 am

    I am a lifelong NRA member and I have not attended a single NRA function since 2018 among first rumblings of Wayne’s pillaging of NRA funds for personal use on luxury trips and items for him and his wife. Wayne belongs in jail and I hope they bring some justice for the NRA organization who has been completely robbed by corrupt leadership – Wayne and his cronies. Allen West would immediately have me involved in the NRA once again and I’d be happy to give money once he wins.

  • Eric B May 13, 2022, 9:41 am

    What Keene has to say, sounds like “good o’boy” hyperbole for LaPierre and the other NRA “toadies”. Kinda like our current political arena!!

  • bill livingston May 13, 2022, 9:41 am

    i,like many others have stopped donating extra to nra until removal wayne l. is complete. life patron member

  • AL-G May 13, 2022, 9:40 am

    I’ve given to so many organizations throughout my life (I am 71), seems that so many these days are corrupt….Now it’s the NRA, what’s next?
    I have begun Quitting…. ALL of THEM!

  • Vaclav Holek May 13, 2022, 9:35 am

    I haven’t renewed my membership for several years because of LaPierre. He did well for the organization in the 1990s, but after 31 years it’s time for fresh leadership, the NRA leadership has become ossified. Term limits are not just good in government, they work in private organizations as well.

    If LTC. West is elected, I will rush out and renew immediately. He would be a great representative for the new, 21st century NRA, and with his executive and leadership experience, I have no doubt the NRA would flourish.

    • Rick May 13, 2022, 6:35 pm

      Ossified, well put, and i agree fully

  • Kevin May 13, 2022, 9:32 am

    That comment from Keene tells me that Wayne still has him on the payroll. Not only does Wayne need to go, but most of the board, who are being paid off by Wayne to keep him in power need to go as well. There are a lot of people at the NRA that should be in jail. Allen West can only be an improvement.

  • Robert L May 13, 2022, 9:25 am

    I think Allen West would be a great choice. The NRA could then scream “Racist!” at anybody that criticizes the NRA. Win, win.

  • Brian G. Lowery May 13, 2022, 9:24 am

    As a Life Member this is welcome news. I haven’t and won’t contribute another dime to NRA with Lapierre in charge. The NRA is on life support. New leadership is the only thing that can save it.

    • Stick Man May 13, 2022, 9:43 am

      You are spot on. I could have written your post word for word, myself.

  • Jerry Koester May 13, 2022, 9:12 am

    I’ve been a life member since the early 60’s, and even donated to higher status over the years. The NRA’s mission has changed over the years under LaPierre’s dictatorship to the point I will not donate any further money. It is time for a change for the better.

  • Dan Bratten May 13, 2022, 9:09 am

    I was life member in the NRA until 2007. I left when they refused to endorse Ron Paul for President, choosing to wait until it was all over & endorse John McCain. I called them out for doing that because they use to send me letters asking for money to take on bills by Ted Kennedy and John McCain! Two other Gun rights groups didn’t wait for the Primaries to be over with before making an endorsement. They endorsed Ron Paul immediately. They get my money now.

  • Horace Wynn May 13, 2022, 9:09 am

    W.L. lost my confidence and gained my contempt back when the high cap mag ban and S&W traitor act was happening. It was obvious he would piecemeal sell the NRA down the river yet I didn’t know exactly why. Cause he was stealing and getting away with it without discovery. I pay my dues only not a cent nor any support to NRA till him, Keene & couple others are gone. Board turns West down I cancel my membership after 48 years. The magazine only reason I stay in for NRA pretty much defunct organization now. Sad what these corrupt leaders have done to us and the rights of the country. WL is a whore that will sell us for a dime.

  • S.C. for Col.West May 13, 2022, 9:01 am

    It’s been due for quite some time, replace LaPierre ! It’s the only way to get new members and rejuvenate the NRA. Col. West is probably as good as we can expect. I’m an NRA Lifer.

  • D. E. Day May 13, 2022, 8:51 am

    I agree that the NRA needs new leadership. LaPierre has been in his position for 30 years according to my recollection. It is time for a new face and leadership. It is my opinion that LtCol West would be a great replacement for Wayne LaPierre
    He is a man that put the welfare of his soldiers ahead of his career in the military. He allegedly mistreated a terrorist while trying to get information from him concerning their planned operations. He accepted the decisions of his superiors and retired from the U. S. Army.
    I consider him to be a man of honor and a warrior. As Phillip of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) alleged said, “An Army of Sheep led by a Lion is more feared than an Army of Lion lead by a deer.” We need this Lion to lead the NRA now against the sheep that have a huge voice in the U.S. now.

    D. E. Day
    SgtMaj USMC (ret)

  • Thomas C Trible May 13, 2022, 8:40 am

    As an NRA Life Member, I regard Wayne LaPierre as a detriment to the organization. It is time for Wayne to resign.

  • Stephen E Cornwell May 13, 2022, 8:38 am

    I am a longtime member and I believe a leadership change would be good for the organization.
    Much like most of our countries politicians and bureaucrats Mr. LaPierre drew an enviable salary and still found it necessary to abuse and overstep his position. This has drawn too much attention and criticism upon a great organization so it is time for us to thank him for his long tenure and move on.
    I believe that Col. West would showcase his leadership abilities and put us back on the frontline of weapons safety and second amendment advocacy groups. It is a shame that we cannot go back to our roots of gun safety and marksmanship training and forget the political side but if we ignore the politics we will end up stripped of our rights at an unimaginable speed which is simply not acceptable.
    Steve Cornwell
    Life Member

  • HAR May 13, 2022, 8:28 am

    I too am a Life Member, so I could not ‘withhold’ my membership dues, but I could and did stop contributing any additional funds to the NRA due to what I saw was gross mismanagement by both the EVP and the BOD. Shame on them for allowing this travesty to continue for so long. Member dues were being wasted and squandered away! Even worse was allowing the name of this once Great Organization to become mere mud in the road. Wayne LaPierre needs to be go with no golden parachute severance package and there needs to be a turn over on the Board. Here is a strange idea……TERM LIMITS. I was on a board which the bylaws stated board members were limited to two three year terms, after which they had to be off the board for three years before they could be nominated again.

  • Ordinary Joe May 13, 2022, 8:28 am

    Life Member. Have long known about the internal problems of the NRA since my time in Washington DC. It was well known to those of us who used the indoor range (before the move to Fairfax). Of late, the NRA has become neutered, but I do not know if it was by design or by internal culture. There is a problem and it needs to be corrected. It can only help to remove LaPierre and add some backbone to the organization. The steel in the spine can come later. Power corrupts and in the world of politics, it corrupts absolutely.

    I no longer support the NRA. I joined a state organization that has been doing yeoman’s work and I fully support them. I know of GOA but only see mention of NRA in most articles. Maybe we should band together into a huge political block and wield power from there. We must do whatever we can to retain our rights. For without the 2nd, the others will cease to exist.

  • Robert Boone May 13, 2022, 8:05 am

    I am a endowment Life Member of the National Rifle Association like my father before me. It’s time for a change of leadership. When Wayne took funds and trips and expensive clothing on the member’s dime, he violated a sacred trust. He should have resigned or been fired on the spot. When I called NRA headquarters to complain, the only people I spoke to were more concerned with trying to convince me to upgrade my membership to the next tier. Thank you Col. West for having the guts to step up to this great task.

    • Ed Nelson May 13, 2022, 1:21 pm

      I have refused to renew my NRA membership because of Wayne’s corruption and will continue my non support as long as he has a position in the NRA. I see that they have to discount the price of a membership and beg people to join. That is because no one trusts NRA with Wayne’s corruption. Once a thief always a thief !!!

  • Duane Plessinger May 13, 2022, 7:49 am

    I strongly support Lt. Col. West. I have been a strong supporter of his for many years. I look forward to his leadership.

  • Ronald Widiger May 13, 2022, 7:44 am

    I am a Benefactor Life Member and my wife and son are also Life Members. LaPierre MUST go! I don’t know how many calls I’ve had over the years asking for money, finally I got to the point of telling them that until LaPierre is gone, the money stops flowing. If, in fact, he does leave, I will resume my contributions in earnest! Until then, GOA, NAGR, AFA, 2nd AF and other will get my money.

  • Frank May 13, 2022, 7:33 am

    If the NRA has ANY desire/hope to regain the trust of America’s sportsmen, WAYNE MUST GO!! As long as they keep kissing his ass, they’ll never get all the sh*t out of their mouths.

  • Mitch Brinkman May 13, 2022, 7:27 am

    A colonel commands (manages) 3000 – 5000 troops and rose through the ranks from second lieutenant to achieve the rank of colonel. I support Colonel West. Until he proves me wrong.

  • Jay Gerlich May 13, 2022, 7:26 am

    I have had issues w/ NRA management for many years. I will rejoin only after Mr. LaPierre is gone!

  • Dr Manarii Tane May 13, 2022, 7:19 am

    If anyone in a significant position steals the organization and members money, they must be fired – no questions asked. End of story.

  • Michael Hayes May 13, 2022, 7:16 am

    I am all for Mr. West, a great man in his own right. My life member ship vote would go for him.

  • Fred Hensel May 13, 2022, 7:07 am

    I have attempted many times to reach out to NRA published local and state contact names and email addresses to network and find, or start, “Friends of NRA” and other events with ZERO response!!! This is terrible customer service at the grass roots! I had quit my NRA membership a while back, but then rejoined due to the obummer residency. It would be nice to have an organization more responsive to its members in these extremely dangerous days for our country!

    • Timothy Waters May 13, 2022, 8:15 am

      I would re-join the NRA if I get to vote and my vote counts. I would definitely vote for Colonel West. The current leader ship is failing us.

  • Michael Angelo May 13, 2022, 7:04 am

    I am a Benefactor Member and strongly believe a change would freshen the entire picture. I also believe the discord and rot was planted to destroy the NRA from the inside. I vote for West even if LaPierre wasn’t totally wrong.

  • alex May 13, 2022, 6:58 am

    good riddance,throw the bum out already,him and his cronies including that asshole ted nugent,he needs to take a walk too!!

  • Owen May 13, 2022, 6:56 am

    As a benefactor level life member, I have increasingly become dissatisfied with the assault on second amendment issues in this country, particularly under the current administration in Washington. As I receive correspondence from multiple gun rights organizations, it is quite obvious the NRA is not fighting the fight that I want to see. As we members clearly recognize, there have been internal problems under the current NRA leadership. I think it is time for change!

  • Anthony Romano May 13, 2022, 6:38 am

    Allen West is a great replacement to LaPierre. I support him 100%

  • Robert Wilson May 13, 2022, 6:33 am

    As a Life member I think maybe let the members vote instead of board members that need to look for another job. If anyone else would have miss used funds in any company they would have been walked out the door “right now”. BOARD members do you hear the members..? Open your ears. You have got enough of my money! No more until something gets done for us members.

  • Mike Logan May 13, 2022, 6:28 am

    Bring back the NRA of John Schooley and George Whittington, I knew both of them

  • John Ward May 13, 2022, 6:25 am

    I also will rejoin if Lt. Col West wins.

  • David J Wright May 13, 2022, 6:20 am

    I am a lifetime member and for a long time Wayne has leadership has been lacking and has let the California government get away with completely unconditional law’s. Along with the condemnation of bump fire rifles, the rifles with bump fire have almost never been used in mass shooting except in the very sad day in Las Vegas. Yet the NRA jumped on the band wagon to condemn them.

    Among other poor decisions, the $300,000 theft should have been protected and he should have been fired on the spot. The only reason he paid it back is because he was caught.

    I have a lot of respect for Allen West and his positions on the 2A. He also does not let the government get away with stuff without calling them out on it. I think he would get the NRA back on track, but I would like him in the Senate.

  • arnold Falcioni May 13, 2022, 6:08 am

    Best news I’ve heard , Drain the NRA swamp and get rid of Wayne’s puppets

  • SELDEN DENTON May 13, 2022, 5:55 am

    You guys who dropped out of the NRA because of Wayne’s actions are foolish. The NRA is still a strong lobbying group and while yes, they lost some credibility, they are still a very effective lobbying group. Numbers matter and when you quit you weaken your own cause. I know you’re pissed off at Wayne, but don’t cut your nose off to spite your face.

    • Bc seymour May 13, 2022, 10:36 am

      Still a great lobbying organization for fun grabbers you mean. The nra has failed to stand for what members want for years they’ve caved on everything and people that keep saying oh its ok are wrong. As for the Colonel, I served under that man and there is no one better to lead the nra. Faith, duty, honor, loyalty, respect and more courage than most men ever. Take it or leave it i don’t care but i might even come back when the nra votes him in if it doesn’t then it’s a dead horse. Jmo.

    • Clayton Slade May 13, 2022, 11:10 am

      Foolish? I think not Sheldon. Wayne has defiled the name and effectiveness of the organization. He and the organization will continue the drift toward obscurity and irrelevance if Wayne stays at the helm. Fire him, or die as an organization. Simple. Even “conservative” politicians are refusing NRA support because of the negative connotations attached to such support. The NRA is a feckless, toothless dog these days, and your position on membership issues simply assures failure. A complete house cleaning is the only way back to effectiveness as a lobbying force, and I will not renew my membership until that happens. Foolish, just look in the mirror, there is the fool.

      • SELDEN DENTON May 13, 2022, 11:54 pm

        I’m not saying the NRA doesn’t need new leadership. It does. I think West would be a great choice. But without the support of a strong membership, that will never happen and that would be a shame. I think and hope Wayne’s reign is short lived and I think the pressure will drive him out, but without the numbers the NRA will certainly fail and that would hurt all gun owners. As for you Clayton Slade, you’re an idiot with a 4th grade education. You couldn’t even copy my name and spell it correctly.

    • Kane May 13, 2022, 10:29 pm

      Selden, I am still an NRA member but it’s way past time for the organization to be free of LaPierre and those others in the hierarchy that jeopardize the cause.

  • Theron Ballard May 13, 2022, 5:47 am

    Same here, once Wayne is gone I’ll rejoin the NRA. Wayne has become a detriment to the Association and needs to be retired.

  • Dumdfounded May 13, 2022, 5:32 am

    This is the best news for the NRA and membership in a long time. La Pierre needs to go! Hes is not a 2nd Amendment advocate, he is just getting rich off the NRA membership.

  • Clarence Goodlein May 13, 2022, 5:27 am

    I and my wife are life members and will neither financially support the NRA nor participate in its activities until there is new leadership. My best wishes to Lt Col West and my prayers for his victory.

  • Tyler May 13, 2022, 5:24 am

    W.L has made himself insanely wealthy by both brokering out rights away piecemeal and giving himself bonuses, salary raises, and perks using donor dollars. I would say my dollars, but after Col. North discovered the corruption and blew the whistle before they ran him off, I let my membership lapse, and under current circumstances they’ll never see another red cent out of my pocket.
    If they get him gone WITHOUT a severance package worth more than 7 years of my salary, and this Col. West will go in there and raze the organization top to bottom to get these traitors gone, I will strongly consider reinstating my membership. God knows we need good fighters. The only 2 currently worth a damn are GoA and FPC.

  • Kevin Holmes May 13, 2022, 5:17 am

    If Allen wins its memberships for my whole family. And I will contribute again.

  • TexDad May 13, 2022, 3:33 am

    Marion Hammer wrote an extremely similar hit piece on Adam Kraut, a reformist the members tried to get elected to the board, as David Keene recently wrote about LtC West, right before that election.

    Don’t fall for Wayne’s cronies. They’ve been tampering with the board and running off directors who call for reform. Wayne has held this elected position for 31 years, and it’s not because he played fair.

    Demand reform. This is the first step.

  • Jeff harris May 11, 2022, 8:38 pm

    Here’s another former member rejoining when Wayne is gone

  • fedup May 11, 2022, 2:09 pm

    I’ve read both compliment and opposition to Mr. West.
    Opposition in the form of citations of failures while in lead positions of organizations.
    I’d like to hear less hear-say about those failures and more testimony and evidence, from a variety of sources as well as some rebuttal from Mr. West.
    Some times the devil you know is better than…

  • Ernie SAMPSON May 11, 2022, 1:28 pm

    I have a NRA acceptance form all filled out and ready to mail as soon as Wayne is sent packing. Keene needs to follow him out.

  • Charles R. Freeman May 11, 2022, 1:24 pm

    Everyone in the NRA knows Wayne needs to go except the elites on the board who are probably receiving a little kickback for their vote. It works just like the federal government.

  • 2ndAmend guy May 11, 2022, 12:35 pm

    Paying back an impropriety doesn’t make someone not guilty or cleared. Can only wonder what else has transpired that we don’t know about! Time for change is immanent.

    • Wiley Audis May 13, 2022, 9:19 am

      As a Endowment member with over 40 years of membership I say the time is well overdue to replace Wayne. Allen would get my vote!!

  • DAVID MILLER May 11, 2022, 11:20 am

    Keene has no clue what does he think a Col. has no experience in management sounds like he’s a toad of Lapierre the gravy train is over for him

  • TOM PROVANCE May 11, 2022, 10:00 am

    Wayne paid back the $300,000 that they found. How much did he get away with that wasn’t found? For too long I have felt that Wayne and some board members were living high on the hog and spending the members money like it was their own. I totally agree, any misappropriation of funds is grounds for immediate termination. The board of directors have a fiduciary responsibility to the members. They have failed in this duty. There should be a wholesale cleaning of the NRA’s leadership and board of directors.

  • Roger Dickinson May 11, 2022, 9:37 am

    I have been disgusted with the way the NRA has been over the last couple of years. There has been little to no information about any discrepancies within the organization.
    As a pistol shooter (precision) I have noticed a lack of support from the NRA and moving the matches to Attabury did not help, in my opinion.
    I think a change is due and accountability for misuse of funds should be cause for dismissal in any organization. Just my view.
    Roger Dickinson
    Benefactor menber

  • Shardale May 11, 2022, 9:32 am

    If Allen wins I will rejoin immediately.

    • Ray Gee May 14, 2022, 3:04 pm

      I agree. WP MUST GO! So must his supporters in the NRA administration. I have been an NRA member for over 40 years and have not offered financial support, other than membership dues, to the organization due to my opinion that the leadership is using the NRA for its own self-interests and financial gain. My membership dues are paid to 2025; hopefully, the NRA will have new leadership by then.

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