Episode 144. The NRA's Fall from Grace: Corruption, Trial, and Declining Influence

Show Notes

Episode 144. The NRA's Fall from Grace: Corruption, Trial, and Declining Influence

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley interviews John Richardson, the man behind the “Only Guns and Money” blog and a prominent voice in the firearms community. They discuss the current state of the NRA and the ongoing trial in New York against the organization. The conversation covers the background of the case, the jury verdict, the financial state of the NRA, and the recent NRA annual meeting. The hope for reform within the NRA is discussed, but the committee assignments and leadership roles indicate that significant change may not be happening.

The conversation discusses the role of finance executives in the NRA and their involvement in questionable financial practices. It highlights the misuse of NRA funds and the impact on the organization's reputation. The possibility of a court-appointed monitor to oversee the NRA's finances is mentioned, along with the resistance from NRA leadership. The conversation also touches on the decline in NRA membership and influence in the political landscape.

Chapters
00:00 The Ongoing Trial in New York
09:04 The Role of Letitia James
12:57 Drop in Membership and Revenues
15:33 Jury Verdict and Damages
20:29 Hope for Reform within the NRA
25:54 Leadership Changes at the NRA
32:26 Loss of Hope for Significant Changes
38:34 The Role of Finance Executives in the NRA Scandal
39:16 Misuse of Funds and Loss of Trust
42:41 The Potential Impact of a Court-Appointed Monitor
45:31 The Damage to the NRA's Reputation and Influence
01:09:18 The Only Guns and Money Blog: Insights and Analysis

Resources

John Richardson (Only Guns and Money)
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/
https://mobile.x.com/jpr9954
https://www.facebook.com/onlygunsandmoney
https://www.c-span.org/video/?328230-1/gun-rights
https://www.youtube.com/@Politesocietypodcast/search

Jury Verdict – Only Guns and Money
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/2024/02/23/the-jury-has-returned-with-a-guilty-verdict.html

Forge of Freedom re NRAAM
https://forgeoffreedom.com/2024/05/21/episode-128-highlights-from-the-nra-annual-meeting-nraam/
https://forgeoffreedom.com/2024/06/02/episode-132-jeff-knox-fighting-to-save-the-nra/

NRA in Danger
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/07/04/more-revelations-from-nras-upcoming-ny-trial/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/06/27/second-round-of-ny-suit-heats-up/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/07/13/the-second-trial-does-it-have-any-purpose-other-than-more-millions-for-the-attorneys/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/07/06/this-is-the-issue-in-the-second-ny-trial/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/07/15/thoughts-on-the-core-issue-of-the-second-nra-trial/
https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2024/07/15/to-whom-it-may-concern-from-reformer-dennis-fusaro/

Hope for Reform Dashed – Only Guns and Money
https://onlygunsandmoney.com/2024/07/11/hopes-for-reform-at-nra-dashed.html

NYAG Press Release re Jury Verdict
https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-wins-trial-against-nra-and-wayne-lapierre

The Reload – Stephen Gutowski
https://thereload.com/nra-loses-corruption-case-lapierre-to-repay-millions/
https://thereload.com/nra-membership-fell-to-3-8-million-in-2023/ https://youtu.be/0qP4N1X5KpM?si=bIFSZHa7wkgccnin

Erik Uebelacker re Phase 2 of the NRA’s New York
https://www.courthousenews.com/remedies-phase-of-nra-trial-begins-as-gun-group-tries-to-distance-itself-from-wayne-lapierre/
https://x.com/Uebey/status/1812874215684526091

Judge set to weigh remedies against the NRA and Wayne LaPierre – NBC Boston
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/judge-to-weigh-remedies-against-nra-wayne-lapierre-civil-corruption-trial/3426580/

Jeff Knox at Ammoland
https://www.ammoland.com/2024/01/charles-cotton-must-never-be-allowed-to-head-the-nra/

Takeaways
The ongoing trial in New York against the NRA has brought to light allegations of corruption and malfeasance within the organization.
The jury verdict held Wayne LaPierre responsible for $5.4 million in damages to the NRA, but the financial impact and drop in membership have been much greater.
The NRA has seen a significant decline in membership and revenues, leading to financial challenges and the need to sell off properties.
The election of reform-minded candidates to the NRA board of directors provided hope for change, but the committee assignments and leadership roles indicate that significant reform may not be happening.
The trial in New York and the internal struggles within the NRA have damaged the organization's reputation and credibility. Finance executives in the NRA, including the vice chairman of finance, had significant influence and were involved in questionable financial practices.
The misuse of NRA funds, including using Ackerman McQueen to whitewash expenses, has damaged the organization's reputation.
The decline in NRA membership is attributed to the disappointment and loss of trust caused by the financial mismanagement.
The possibility of a court-appointed monitor to oversee the NRA's finances is seen as necessary for restoring trust and ensuring proper financial management.
The resistance from NRA leadership to the monitor reflects their concerns about losing control and being micromanaged by the attorney general.
The NRA's decline in influence in the political landscape is attributed to the loss of members and the weakened perception of the organization's integrity.
The blog 'Only Guns and Money' by John Richardson is recommended as a valuable resource for further information on NRA-related issues.

Sound Bites
"The ongoing trial in New York against the NRA has brought to light allegations of corruption and malfeasance within the organization."
"The jury verdict held Wayne LaPierre responsible for $5.4 million in damages to the NRA, but the financial impact and drop in membership have been much greater."
"The election of reform-minded candidates to the NRA board of directors provided hope for change, but the committee assignments and leadership roles indicate that significant reform may not be happening."
"Using Ackerman McQueen to whitewash expenses"
"A chink in the respectability of the NRA"
"People are not joining anymore"

Keywords
NRA, trial, New York, corruption, malfeasance, leadership, reform, NRA, finance executives, questionable financial practices, misuse of funds, reputation, court-appointed monitor, resistance, membership decline, political influence

#freedom #liberty #2A #constitution #firearms #rights #responsibilities #grassroots #NRA #Corruption #WayneLaPierre #GunRights #NYTrial #NRADecline #FinancialMismanagement #NRAReform #GunPolitics #2ndAmendment #NonprofitScandal #NRAMembership #PoliticalInfluence #NRALeadership #GunLobby #LegalBattles #OrganizationalReform #NRAFuture #GunAdvocacy #forgeoffreedom

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.