An Updated Analysis Of The NRA’s Finances

I have published financial analyses of the NRA by former board member Rocky Marshall in the past. Based upon an audit filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Charities Division by the NRA, he has updated his analysis. I am publishing this with the permission of Rocky.

From Rocky:

RED FLAGS AND REALLY RED FLAGS

  • Revenue continues downward spiral as expenses (mostly legal) will likely increase in 2023-2024.
  • Net Income losses will likely continue 2023-2024.
  • Cash on hand is $12M and monthly expenses are $19M.
  • Recommended minimum cash on hand should be $57M.
  • Additional cash required to cover -$26m projected operating loss for 2023.
  • Additional cash required for contract liabilities of $40M to paid during 2023
  • Additional cash required to cover principal loan payments due in total of $28M during 2024.
  • Line of Credit and other Notes jumped 78%.
  • Increasing debt through loans to cover general operating expenses.
  • Capitalizes computers in excess of $500 and other fixed assets greater than $1,500.
  • Capitalization of purchases is artificially low and reduces expenses in order to boost net income.
  • Assets due from the NRA foundation are $31M and inflate the NRA balance sheet.
  • Most of the NRA foundations assets due have donor restrictions and cannot be used for general expenses.
National Rifle Association Financial Analysis Year Ending 2022    Estimate
(in millions $M)20212022$Change%Change2023
Revenue233.5213.5-20-9%203
Expenses228.2228.60.40%228.6
Net Income5.3-15.1-20.4-385%-25.6
Members’ Dues97.483.2-14.2-15%75
Cash30.412-18.4-61%10
Liquidity Assets65.943.1-22.8-35%34
Note Payable & LOC24.643.719.178% 
Contract Liabilities44.840.2-4.6-10% 
Total Investments717100% 
Total Investments pledges as collateral53.644.2-9.4-18% 
Percentage of Investments collateralized75%62%-13%-18% 

In a marginally related aside, NRA In Danger is reporting that Wayne LaPierre has put his house in Great Falls, VA on the market. The asking price is $2.4 million. NRA In Danger is taking this as confirmation that the powers that be have made the decision to move to Texas. As with the bankruptcy case, the Board has been kept in the dark until it was a done deal. Read his or her full post.

Fountain Pen Day 2023

Today marks the 12th year that Fountain Pen Day has been celebrated around the world. It is a day to celebrate writing with that most environmentally conscious of writing implements – the fountain pen. With care, a good fountain pen will be passed down to your grandkids. Contrast this with most ballpoint and rollerball pens which are tossed away when they run out of ink. They have their purpose especially if you have to use multi-part forms. But for freedom of expression in a journal or signing your name with a flourish, nothing beats a fountain pen.

I am traveling today so I only have a couple of fountain pens with me. I went with an old standby along with one of my newer pens. The old standby is a Pelikan 205 in transparent blue. It is a piston filler. The newer pen is a Sailor Compass 1911 in transparent olive. It fills using a convertor or you can use ink cartridges. Both have steel nibs in Fine and Extra Fine.

The latter pen is a great introductory pen for someone who is just starting to write with a fountain pen. I believe I paid $30 for it from Goulet Pens. It is one of the smoothest writing pens that I own and it starts up every time. Many fountain pens take a bit of priming to get the ink flowing.

While my Pelikan and Sailor are made in Germany and Japan respectively, you can get very decent pens from China and Pakistan. I have a number of Chinese pens along with the Pakistani “dollar pen”. The Dollar Fountain Pen (717i) is a pen used by students in Pakistan. It is actually a great pen for day to day use despite the low price. It is a piston-filler with a medium steel nib. I think I bought 10 of them for about $15 off of Ebay and I have given a number of them to my fountain pen loving friends. That plus a $10-12 bottle of ink is all you need to get started using a fountain pen. I have always like ink in the color blue-black. Think of a very dark navy blue and you have blue-black.

Pens are a lot like firearms. You can have expensive ones and you can have cheaper ones. They will all do the job. Also like firearms, you are always wanting to get just one more. Ask me how I know!

None Dare Call It Racism

A recent Tweet by David Hogg has gotten some notice. He accuses white suburban women and their voting habits as the reason more gun control has not been enacted.

Given that the Demanding Moms would not even exist if it were not for white suburban women, his claim is ludicrous. One really should not expect anything honest or profound coming from “Camera” Hogg.

If this was the only thing regarding “persons of pallor” and support/non-support for gun control, it could be passed off as just more crap coming out of Hogg’s mouth. Unfortunately, it is not. A post by journalist Emily Miller of “Emily Gets Her Gun” fame (#commission earned) listing posts she began and abandoned led to a CNN story out of Denver.

It was a “whites only” demonstration for more gun control in Colorado.

Hundreds of White women gathered at the Colorado Capitol Monday morning, with more expected to show up throughout the day, to use their “privilege” in a silent sit-in to demand Gov. Jared Polis ban guns and create a gun buyback program….

Here4TheKids, a movement created after a mass shooting in Nashville in March left six people dead, including three children, calls for primarily White women to peacefully sit-in until Polis, a Democrat, signs an executive order banning guns. It was founded by two women of color, Saira Rao, who is South Asian American, and Tina Strawn, who is Black. Both are mothers.

Strawn told CNN the movement calls for White women to be at the forefront of the sit-in because, “we know what happens when we show up with demands.”…

“So, it appealed to me very much that this was actually a time where we are asking Black folks and other marginalized and vulnerable communities to sit this one out and allow the White women and their privileged bodies, their privilege, and their power to show up. It’s time for them to show up,” Strawn added.

The thesis pushed by Strawn is that white women are less likely to be arrested, less likely to run afoul of police overreaction, etc. She goes on to add that blacks and other “marginalized” minorities have been “traumatized over and over and over again” both by police and by violence within their communities. Thus, white women should use their “white privilege” to bring attention to the issue of gun control.

The aim of the sit-in was to have Gov. Polis (D-CO) sign an executive order that any court in the land would find unconstitutional.

The executive order Here4TheKids has proposed for Polis to sign calls for the governor to “ban the use, loading, possession or carrying of all firearms in Colorado, including but not limited to firearms for personal protection, hunting, law enforcement or any otherwise lawful purpose” and create a statewide gun buyback program.

The organizers of Here4TheKids want more action because gun control laws have not stopped “the violence”. They say “because guns can cross state lines, you can print guns on 3D printers” that gun control is not working. Cody Wilson would agree with that last part as that has always been his argument about making gun control futile.

I look at my friends in the gun culture. They are white, black, Asian, Native American, and everything in between. They are male, female, and transexual. They are rich and poor. They are urban, suburban, and rural. In other words, they all are part of this melting pot that we call America. We make no demands that only whites can be for gun rights. Indeed, we argue against laws that were implemented to keep blacks and other minorities disarmed. Unfortunately, the enemies of freedom and our God-given right to self-protection have argued for these very laws.

Frankly, I find this interjection of race into the arguments for gun control to be repulsive. I thought we left that behind years ago along with anti-semitism. Obviously, not.

Meme Of The Day

My friend Derek LeBlanc who heads the Kids Safe Foundation has created a number of 2A memes and infographics. I will be posting them on occasion.

Additionally, if you want to make a tax deductible donation to a great organization which does fantastic gun safety education for kids, consider Kids Safe. I have attended one of Derek’s presentation to children and it is top notch.

An Interesting Question

The meme below posits an interesting question for which the anti-gun forces have no answer. I assume most of them will say that you will be protected by the government which any rational person knows is a fallacy.

While any weapon can be abused by those with evil intent, these same weapons can and are used by good people to protect themselves and their families on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about an AR-15, a baseball bat, or a knife. All can be used for defensive purposes.

Entertainment At The 2024 SCI Convention

The Safari Club International convention is more than just a chance to meet with outfitters, attend educational seminars, or bid on trips in the auctions. It also has a lineup of entertainment events on Wednesday through Saturday nights.

It starts with Southern rockers .38 Special, moves to mega-country star Jason Aldean, then on Big & Rich, and concludes with late 70s, early 80s icons Foreigner. There should be something there for everyone.

Tickets for all acts but the Jason Aldean concerts include the dinner, auction, and entertainment. You can register for them here. The tickets for Jason Aldean will go on sale today through Ticketmaster.com.

UPDATE: Tickets for the Jason Aldean concert have a special code and link. Prices range from $140 to $247. These price are pretty much in line with his other concerts from what I can tell. You can see the info below:

Tickets are now available for Jason Aldean’s private concert at the famous Bridgestone Arena exclusively for SCI members! 

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster with your presale offer code. Please click on the link below which will direct you to Ticketmaster. Enter the Safari Club Presale Offer Code listed in this email when prompted by Ticketmaster. Your code is valid for a one-time purchase up to 8 tickets for the private show at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday February 1, 2024. Tickets only available while supplies last. 

Jason Aldean’s exclusive event for SCI members requires separate tickets from SCI’s Thursday evening’s Night of the Hunter dinner and auction at the Music City Center. Premium concert seats are also available for Thursday night’s SCI banquet attendees. Purchase Thursday night dinner tickets to unlock access to premium concert tickets.

Safari Club Presale Offer Code: SCI3CZUPW

Link to ticket to purchase tickets:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B005F57DE255B07?did=safari

Know Any Budding Outdoor Writers?

I received a press release today on behalf of the Outdoor Journalist Education Foundation of America. It was seeking entries for their Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award. This award is open to those ages 12 to 25. They will be paired with a mentor and will be given up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend an outdoor-related trade show, conference, or workshop. Examples of the types of events approved can be found here. Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until January 31, 2024.

I reached out to Lisa Snuggs, CEO of the organization, this afternoon as I was surprised to find out they were based in Badin, North Carolina. Badin and its namesake lake adjoin the Uwharrie National Forest. Despite its North Carolina, it is actually groups from South Carolina including the SC Outdoor Press Association who are promoting the scholarship. We Tar Heels need to step up our game!

Now to more details on the Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award:

BADIN, N.C. — With school in full swing, now is the perfect time to promote scholarship opportunities for young people interested in learning more about outdoor communications. The Outdoor Journalist Education Foundation (OJEFA) is accepting applications for its Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award through January 31, 2024, for hands-on experiences next year.

“We are here to help encourage and educate the next generation of outdoor storytellers and the Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award can open up a whole new world to young people who might consider a career in this arena,” said Lisa Snuggs, CEO of OJEFA.

Funding is widely available for projects that teach young people about wildlife and the environment or for programs that actually take kids fishing or hunting, but only a few opportunities exist for those who want to learn about communications in the outdoors industry.

Recipients of an OJEFA scholarship will be able to choose from a pre-approved list of events to attend, or they may ask for consideration of something aligned with their specific areas of interest. This could include anything from shadowing a content creator at the Bassmaster Classic to accompanying a wildlife biologist in the field or attending a video editing workshop.

The Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award was first awarded in 2011. More than one-half of the recipients are still actively associated with the outdoors as communicators, guides, champion shooters, land managers, and more. The most recent recipient, Lindsey Lucas wrote in her application essay these telling words.

“My long-term goals include pursuing a career as an outdoor writer and using the stories of my outdoor adventures to inspire people of all ages to step outside their comfort zones and try new outdoor adventures. I especially hope to inspire young ladies.”

Lucas, 17, is already a featured columnist with CrappieNow and has appeared on several television shows, including “Outdoor Vigilantes,” “Living the Dream Outdoors TV,” and “MNP Outdoors.”

View all the past recipients HERE and click HERE for the scholarship information and application. Contact Lisa Snuggs for more information: mailto:lisa@ojefa.org

Special thanks go to our partners who make the scholarships possible: Stu Tinney, South Carolina Wildlife, SCOPe, Eagle Anglers, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, and the South Carolina Waterfowl Association.

OJEFA Mission: OJEFA is dedicated to the education and support of outdoor communicators and their efforts to promote the wise and ethical use of our wildlife and natural resources, with an emphasis on developing and implementing programs to encourage such communications among young people.

“Easier to buy ARs than Sudafed” – Shannon Watts

There has been a mass casualty event in Lewiston, Maine this evening. We don’t know the details, we don’t know if the killer is in custody, or much of anything else other than photos appear to show a white male with an AR.

Nonetheless, this has not stopped Shannon Watts of the Demanding Mommies from going ballistic on Twitter.

She is peeved at the Republicans in Maine for standing in the way of a bill that required a 72 hour waiting period. She then makes the claim that it is easier to buy an AR in Maine than Sudafed.

Really, Shannon?

According to the law in Maine, you may be asked to show identification to the pharmacist. Notice the law says you “may” be asked not that you are “required” to show ID. By contrast, my home state requires ID.

However, neither Maine nor North Carolina require a FBI NICS check. Moreover, while they may ask more questions if you are under the age of 18, you are not required to be age 18 or older. The state also doesn’t treat you differently if you are between the ages of 18 and 21.

To buy an AR in Maine or any state without an AWB, you must:

  • Pass a FBI NICS check or alternative (CCW, if accepted by ATF)
  • Be age 18 or older
  • Show a valid state or Federally issued picture ID with your street address on it
  • Fill out a Form 4473
  • Imposes a waiting period if between the ages of 18 and 21
  • Face felony charges if you lie on the Form 4473

If Shannon Watts could not lie while rolling in the blood of victims, she would be lost.

UPDATE: It looks like Shannon deleted the first part of the post and then doubled down on her Sudafed claim. She did later repost the first part so I’ll try to get it up as well.

Doubling down on the Sudafed claim which is now in all caps as in SHOUTING.

This is what the first part of her original tweet included:

While Maine does not have an “official Red Flag” law, it does have what is referred to as a Yellow Flag law according to the Wall Street Journal.

Under the legislation, a medical practitioner is supposed to notify a law-enforcement agency in writing if a person “is found to present a likelihood of foreseeable harm.” Law enforcement is then supposed to take that information to a judge, who can authorize officers to temporarily take the person’s guns and prohibit him or her from acquiring other firearms.

Two More Petition Candidates For NRA Board

In addition to Rocky Marshall and Judge Phil Journey, the two other petition candidates that I am aware of are Jeff Knox and Dennis Fusaro. They need our help as well to get the necessary signatures. I realize it is the 11th hour but there is still time if you do it NOW.

Here is a link to Jeff’s petition.

And a link to Dennis’s petition.

The Complementary Spouse and I signed and sent the petitions back a while ago. I would urge you, if eligible, to do the same.

Send them to Jeff at:

Jeff Knox, P.O. Box 303, Tombstone, AZ  85638

This needs to be done ASAP as he has to have the petitions in to the NRA by November 7th.

One final note – could you imagine the uproar in Fairfax if Jeff got on the Board. The wailing and gnashing of teeth would be heard everywhere. I do realize that with the size of the board he would be “powerless” in terms of passing stuff. That said, it is not always about passing stuff.

Get Phil Journey On The NRA Ballot (UPDATE)

UPDATE: Time is running out for petition candidates for the NRA Board of Directors to obtain the necessary signatures. Judge Journey must submit all signatures by November 7th. This means he needs everything in hand ASAP. If you are eligible to vote in the 2024 election for NRA Board of Directors and you have not signed the petition, DO IT NOW!

As a reminder, the Nominating Committee has nominated 28 people for the 25 board seats up for election. A full 25 of these people are already on the Board. It is the same old, same old which has allowed the NRA to flounder, to be brought into court in New York, and which has allowed grifters like Wayne, Marion, and company to get away with it for years.

Judge Phil Journey is running for the NRA Board of Directors. I did send in his nomination to the Nominations Committee but I imagine that nomination will be sent directly to the circular file by them. While he was nominated by them in 2020, they refused to do so in 2023.

Why?

That is easy to answer. When he called for an independent examiner in the abortive NRA bankruptcy case, he outed himself as not one of the go-along, get-along Friends of Wayne. He also called for Wayne’s replacement as CEO and Executive VP. Thus, he became persona non grata to the powers that be and was a threat to their perks paid for out of the members’ dues. I won’t even get into the childish and contemptible behavior that some Board members have shown towards Phil.

Phil is also Judge Phillip Journey. He serves in Kansas’ 18th District Court, Division 1, and is currently assigned to handle Family Law cases. He told me in the past that as an officer of the court it would have unethical for him to ignore what Bill Brewer was attempting to do when he had the NRA file for bankruptcy protection.

Since the Nominations Committee will ignore Phil Journey, he needs to get on the ballot by petition. This year, thanks to the abysmal voter turnout in 2023, one only need approximately 375 valid signatures to get on the ballot.

So what is a valid signature? It would be that of a Life Member of any level or that of a five-year continuous member. If there had been any break in your annual membership during that five years, the clock starts again. It also has to be an original signature. I suggest signing with blue ink so there is no question that it is not original.

Completed petitions need to be sent back to Phil by October 15th. He must submit all petitions to the NRA by November 7th and this gives him to time to verify membership numbers, etc.

Send the signed petition to him at:

Phillip Journey, PO Box 501 Haysville, KS 67060

Share this post and especially Phil’s petition with friends. We need people like Phil and Rocky Marshall working for us on the inside where there is a chance – slim though it might be – that they can have an impact.

I have embedded both the official petition form and Phil’s bio below.