I wanted to share a very disappointling experience and ask for those of you who agree with me to write to the NRA to get this addressed.
I recently upgraderd to a NRA Life Membership, for doing so the NRA sent me a "Minuteman" statue, this symbol of American freedom was made in China.
Please see a copy of my letter to the NRA and their response which I pasted below. If you agree with me, I was advised we have to write directly to Wayne LaPierre as he is responsible for the sourcing decisions for NRA material.
NRA HQ
Wayne LaPierre
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

Please remember this if you consider buying any other NRA promotional material.

________________________________________
From: Vince & Linda
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:59 PM
To: Membership

Subject: Life Membership
Today I received my Minuteman Statue which was supposed to be in recognition of my upgrading to Life Member.
Upon receiving it I promptly destroyed this treasonous piece of garbage and threw it in the trash.
How dare you send me such a patriotic symbol that has been MADE IN CHINA.

China, one of our most dangerous enemies. An enemy that threatens the freedom of this country and the free world.
An enemy that has take our jobs with their unfair trade practices.
An enemy the supports other enemies such as North Korea, Iraq, Iran, the Taliban, Chavez in Venezuela, communists in Chile, and the list goes on.
This is an enemy that has made serious and continued efforts to destroy our country and way of life.
An enemy that shot at my father, another Life Member, in Korea.
And you send me a Minuteman statue made in CHINA!!

This is a serious breach of confidence and trust.

Every freedom loving gun owner I can contact will hear of this unbelievable act until you right this wrong and recall everyone of these treasonous items from every American you have sent them to.
I also expect to see a printed apology in your publications; American Rifleman, American Hunter and Shooting Illustrated.
A written apology directly from Wayne LaPierre is also in order.
NEVER again will I buy another NRA labeled item, nor will I visit the NRA store again.
Shame on you.

Sincerely
Vince
NRA Life Member
13388####

From: Membership [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 9:26 AM
To: 'Vince & Linda'
Subject: RE: Life Membership
Thank you for contacting us.
Due to American economic and production shifts in manufacturing, it has become more and more difficult to find manufactures within the U.S. who can meet our demand while being cost productive. Please be assured that whenever possible, the NRA does buy American Made products. Unfortunately, many of the items that Members want are either not manufactured in America, or We sympathize with your complaints and are continually working to meet the demands and expectations of our Members.
Thank you very much for your support and please feel free to contact us
if you ever need anything else!
Best Regards,
Ken
NRA Member Communications
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
www.nra.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 1(800)672-3888

Just curious, do you shop at Walmart, of buy any products made in China?

I fully support the NRA, I have proved it with my money being where my mouth is. It is my privilege as a member and citizen of this country to let Wayne LaPierre know I prefer 'Made in USA'. It is your privilege to throw stones at me for doing so. That is the greatness of this country.

I did not upgrade to life because they offered a statue. I upgraded to Life because I want to support the NRA. The point of my post is that we do have choices. An if we ask the NRA, whom I fully support (and showed said support buy saving for years to finally be able to afford a life membership), we can let them know that we would prefer to have our membership funds directed toward protecting the second amendment rather than giving any of it to China for promotional items. And should they want to purchase promotional items, we would rather have simpler USA made products than products that used to be made by the citizens of the USA.

I have been to China and Taiwan, as well as many other nations around the globe. The Chinese people are wonderful human beings, but their government is not. They do not play fair, they do not treat their citizens fairly, they promote the piracy of intellectual property, they provide the weapons terrorists need to continue unnecessary wars of aggression. Chinese citizens are not allowed to own guns of any kind. They should not be the source for a symbol of patriotism and freedom that the Minute Men stand for or that the NRA is here to protect.

I have watched our jobs move to China for many reasons. The primary reason is ourselves looking for the cheapest products while wanting the highest wages. But wages are not the only reason millions of manufacturing jobs have left the USA. Subsidized energy costs are a more significant factor since most manufacturing is automated regardless of where it occurs. Material costs are also subsidized in China. This is not playing fair.

After 35 years in the automotive components industry I lost my job (5 years short of retirement) to outsourcing. My former employer and many others shared our technologies with China with the hope of increased profit AND the hope of creating new markets for our products (more profit). This has been the characteristic of the USA since WWII. Americans rebuilt the world after the war, sharing technology, knowledge, finances and more. The USA was responsible for the rebuilding of Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, England. Our generosity was significant and continues as we help India, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, and most any country build their own sustainable economies, even if some of those countries have trade restrictions against us.
You find fault that I believe the NRA should not buy patriotic symbols from a nation that will use those monies against us? You find fault that I believe we should try to support our own economy?

Do I shop at Walmart, absolutely. Walmart is not the only retailer that sells Chinese goods. Everything they sell can be found at most other stores, it's funny to watch so many single out Walmart. Walmart sells a lot of 'Made in USA' items, as many as any other store I have visited.

Electronics are virtually all Chinese, as are most clothing, so of course I buy some of them. I choose to look at labels and IF possible buy from 'friendly' sources, preferring to buy 'Made in the USA'. If you want our economy to recover you should try it too.

By the way, Walmart profits stay in the USA. Walmart reinvests those profits in the fledgling American solar energy industry (primary owners of First Solar). Walmart is an American company that treats it's employees well regardless of what the propaganda of some say. I know personally, Walmart hired my children, paid them fairly, promoted them, gave them a chance to be self sufficient. And thank God because I lost my job and could not help them any more.

I'm with Vince, unfortuneatly industry/government has made it increasingly difficult to buy USA. The NRA hat giveaway is also made in China. Can't put it on.

I threw no stones at you and meant no offense. I certainly have no issue with you making your position on promotional items clear to the NRA. Your bitterness and outright hatred is very evident in both your response to the NRA and me. I'm fine with that, as it is your bag of rocks to carry. Again, I meant no offense.

TNrifleman,
No offense taken, just passion expressed. Bitterness yes, hatred - no. I love this country and it's people, I will fight with everything I have for it, be it pen or sword.

FWIW, Walmart is still selling Hummingbird feeders that are made in the USA.

Hummingbird Feeder

MtnHtr

Once helped out at a "Friends of NRA" Banquet. All sponsors received some sort of bronze-like statue. Found myself peeling off the embarassing "Made In China" stickers before they were presented to some of the old boys who would have had conniptions. Rightfully so.

This all reminds me of when I bought my Leupold in the metal can with a hunting knife a couple of years ago. The knife was made in China. Kinda disappointed me with Leupold (even though I think they have lenses imported for some models).

I have had trouble finding an American flag for the yard that is not made in China..Sad

I'm like most in that I try to buy American made products where possible, but it's almost impossible to avoid things made in China.

Recently I looked at a triangular case for a veteran's American flag. You guessed it - Made in China. I draw the line at that. My military service was in opposition to Communist China. Like Vince said, I have nothing against the Chinese people. Don't like their government or their policies, but we have to deal with them. Like an elephant in your living room, or maybe a dragon. Just reality.

Paul

At the ate China is taking our jobs and buying property here we'll soon be providence (territory) of China. Chopsticks anyone?

ditto....i just peeled'em off during setup

I work in the apparel industry and when we offer customer "USA Made" items they usually buy things made overseas because of the price difference. Sadly the majority of Americans let their wallet decide where their loyalty lays.

I'm more concerned that they support Harry Reid than China. At least China isn't a wolf in sheeps clothing, they're just a wolf.

Ditto that. I worked in the apparel industry for 24 years, and we actually tested the same products made in USA vs. imported. Same margin, but of course the USA goods cost us more so they had to be priced higher. The imported products at a lower price always beat the USA products. When it comes to shopping, people (even members of manufacturing unions) virtually always vote with their dollars for foreign goods.

Short story: I was once at a gun show working behind a table, and a guy came along wearing a jacket that had "USS Ronald Reagan" embroidered on it. He asked me if the product I was selling was made in USA because "I don't buy anything not made in USA."

Me: "That's great! And yes, this is made in USA down in South Carolina. I've been there and watched it being made." Then I said, "Nice jacket! Is that made in USA?"

Him: "Yes, I bought this at the gift shop on the ship after having a tour on the ship."

Me: "Mind if I take a look at the label?" I knew it wasn't made in USA.

Him: "No." And he took his jacket off and handed it to me.

Me: "Here's the label. Don't get mad, but it says 'Made in Bangladesh'."

Him: Stunned look.

Me: "I'm sorry, but I can tell you that the companies that manufacture clothing in the United States are very small and can't compete with foreign manufacturers. And I can tell you that if your jacket had been made in the USA, it would have cost much more than you paid. I can also tell you that the underwear you're wearing was made in Canada, but I don't want to look at it. Almost all men's underwear sold in the United States is made in Canada."

The textile and apparel industries are almost gone from the United States. And, virtually every apparel company is having their clothing made in the same overseas factories, so that very little distinguishes one brand from another these days.

Sad, but true.

Why has this happened? It boils down to the cost of labor and raw materials. Every third world nation, when it begins to participate in the world economy, begins in the textile and clothing industry. Low wages means low retail pricing. Simple, repetitive tasks means good quality (when inspected by the buyer under threat of rejection.) When the quality is inferior, it's because the buyer accepts it.

Steve

Unfortunately, most people would not buy the membership if they had to put the cost of an American made product in the price. I think they did try to get at least one American made product in the Buck knife in their latest promotion.

Having a little experience in the "free gift" industry, I know it is hard to find someone who even makes most of the stuff stateside, let alone at less than 8-10 times the price. Whenever I have someone complain, I told them I would love to buy from an American made supplier, if they know of one who produces this product, please let me know. I never, not once, had anyone come back to give me a name. It is sad, but it is the way it is...

We live in a free-amrket global economy today.

The NRA is an organization that needs funding. Organizations always turn corrupt when they are run by people that live on that organization. They will tell you whatever you want to hear and make a living by whatever means necessary. They are parasites to an organization/organism. If you are looking for a pure organization, then look to an organization that is lead by volunteers of real believers that make their living in other ways. Sadly, this does not exist. If it does then let me know. The NRA has done much worse than support China and it is run by a lot of career blood sucking politicians that lobby in the name of gun rights and will/have sell out for monetary gain. When the monetary gain or donations of constituents is outweighed by the adversary, things change. Compromises are made on behalf of selfish endeavours. It is open for corruption. the greed of man knows no bounds and your trust in such and organization such as the NRA is foolish, as they have no real checks and balances. They can simply play both sides and gain money from both. I doubt very seriously that a real principle based moral constitutionalists could go to far in their ranks. They talk out of both sides of their mouths. Like most organizations, they start out good, and end up as professional politicians/lawyers and lobbyists.

I was sent a pocket knife from the NRA but it too was made in CHINA! I phoned them and got the run-around about the China issue. So I am now supporting groups that support hunters and who do want to keep the United States Of America just that by golly.

I have been a Life Member of the NRA since 1978 and while it is not a perfect organization, they have my support until I can find something that is better!
Support something, anything, as long as you support the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
whelennut

AMEN, brother.

I purchased a western dress coat with Made in China emblazoned on a yellow tag sticking out like a sore thumb. I hate it.

I am a non-conformist by nature and despise obsequious men. People in control of such orginizations such as the NRA didn't obtain their positions by putting their foot down on anything. They are more inclined to be conscientious objectors to any bad press. Never seen it be different. However, the NRA DOES fight for our gun rights. I am a lifetime member as well.

It's not China that is the enemy. Your heads of state are the perpetrators & puppets of George Soros (psirrohsis) who believes that all of the U.S. money should be shifted to China and they be the seat of all power in the world. Guess who bank rolled the election of Blue Lips & continues to steer that spineless puppet on a string?

Well, at least so long as that fight doesn't jeopardize their ability to fundraise indefinitely, that is....

And, yes, I'm a life member as well.

I wouldn't think the NRA would get products from China, its so.........I don't know, un-AMERICAN!!!

We all support China, everytime we buy their low cost products. It's out appetite for their stuff that feeds them.

I'm hard pressed to put the cross hairs on the NRA for something we all do every day. Kinda hypocritical IMHO. Judge not lest ye be judged.

The NRA is an effective organization, protecting our 2nd Ammendment rights. They can't cure the economic imballance, U.S. with China, with their trophy purchasing policy.

I don't think of myself as an NRA Kool-Aid type, either. Just a common sense Benefactor of the organization.

DF

It is the principle that a 2A group supporting freedoms should not support a country that oppresses them.

One of the many reasons I do not support NRA. It has become too big to care about the little people. Support your local/state 2A grass roots groups that work in your state.

Personally, I don't mind a bit if our T-shirts and flip-flops and cheap molded widgets are made in China or 3rd world countries. More power to them on those items... people everywhere need to make a living.

What worries me a lot more is that our high schools no longer offer machine shop classes. Let the Chinese do the idiot work, if they want the job. But let's not give up the ability to design and create the important stuff.

just need to start making stuff here again

+1

It has to make sense, like dollars and cents, for that to work. We live in a world economy where production costs dictate manufacturing choices.

As societies develop, the standard of living goes up, the wage rises, as does the cost of production. The demand for low priced good drives manufacturing to lower cost, third world sites.

Look at Japan. In the 50's they were the low cost producer. Now, as their socioeconomic status has improved, their goods are more costly and their manufacturers are outsourcing work to Mexico, China and other lesser developed countries.

My point, earlier, was you can't snipe at the NRA because they, too, have to make these same choices. With their flaws and bureaucracy issues, they still represent our best hope for fighting the onslaught of socialistic gun laws.

Get in the organization and fight to correct the wrongs. Don't just stand around throwing rocks at those who are engaged in the fight to protect your rights. To do so is to aid and abet the enemy and give encouragement to those who would enslave us. The NRA has enough natural enemies without us joining the onslaught against them.

IMHO,

DF

If you don't buy from China how are they going to keep loaning us money? LOL. Sad but true. I am a NRA Life member and proud of that.

One day China will put an embargo on us and it'll bring the US to her knees. You won't be able to buy a lounge chair.

I wanted to share my experiences with my Toyota Tundra this is a full-sized pickup truck which carries a lot from the earlier models.full-sized pickup truck which carries a lot from the earlier models. I used this for fishing and hunting but when I lost my path I used this car for shedding and at night we enjoy campfire.

i hate buying china low quality stuffs. I hate that guys being fooled of paying big money on replica ar accessories. -_-". If we go to war with china ? Just bomb them instead fighting them toe to toe. This is my opinion.

Just got a promotional from Ducks Unlimited for the 75th Anniversary of DU. I renewed for $75.00 instead of the normal $35.00 and they sent me a Case pocketknife and a 75th Anniversary hat-pin - both are USA made products (you can join new and receive the same anniversary items). The knife and pin surely cost more, but I was glad to see DU offer USA made products. I did get a new NRA catalog a week or so ago and they are printing on each item whether it is USA made or imported - at least you have a choice if you buy something from NRA now.

http://www.ducks.org/how-to-help/membership/ducks-unlimited-75th-anniversary-membership

I realize this reply is to an old discussion but I cannot resist. I have a similar and more recent experience to share. I responded to the easy payment plan for NRA life membership. For signing up, the NRA sent me a nifty little pocket knife...MADE IN CHINA. I also checked inside of my 2 caps...yep, MADE IN CHINA with big American flags embroidered on the sides. Well, putting my money where my mouth is, I boxed it all up and shipped it via UPS back to NRA HQ. I have heartburn with the NRA spending my membership dollars on "give aways" made overseas. I would rather get nothing but the magazine and know that the bulk of my dues go towards lobbying for our 2nd amendment rights. Personally, I don't need or want a bunch of logo stuff. This is a "gimicky" way to spend membership dues and does nothing substantial in helping to fight the good fight. ESPECIALLY since it is hypocritical to spend US green backs in a communist country where the average inhabitant can't even legally own a firearm! No sir, I don't like it, not one little bit. I enclosed a letter with the caps and knife asking the NRA to give that stuff to a non-patriot. I hear the other posters talking about how hard to impossible it is to NOT buy stuff from China. I do not dispute it and it is an unfortunate reality of this "new world order" we all seem to be stuck with. Having said that, I sure as hell believe that an American icon such as the NRA has a responsibility to it's membership to work harder in keeping our funds at home. I would rather see them offer a lot less "stuff" and reserve something nice MADE IN THE USA for, say, hitting the 5 year mark or achieving life membership or doing SOMETHING to EARN SOMETHING, not just throwing another piece of junk at someone for singing up. But thats just my two cents.

Vince,
I share your frustration and admire you for doing all you could in the case of the imported product you were sent as a thanks for your committing to an NRA "Life Membership". I have been a committee member here in WV for several years (since our chapter was formed).
Imported products are almost impossible to get away from in anything we do however it is possible to be careful enough when sourcing things to find some American made pieces. With that being said there are a lot of items put out at NRA fund raising banquets that are imported compounding the issue surrounding them and ticking many of us even more however with the object being fundraising the investment in some of the merchandise being critical to the same the end result is more dollars for grant requests and to support the NRA.
I know your frustration and feel it. There is something everyone of us can do which in the case of the topic of your post you did. When we voice our concerns which I have done many times to Cabellas, Bass Pro, Lowes, etc. etc as I am sure many others have as well it helps and they listen especially when we back it up with what we don't purchase.
BTW and to close on a positive and encouraging note our last banquet here hosted by our chapter "Blennerhasset Friends of NRA" here in Parkersburg, WV raised over $20,000 of which the bulk of stays in the great state of WV. We will have the state grant request meeting next month and divy up tens of thousands of dollars from all the state chapters to organizations such as county 4H groups for youth shooting activities, gun range upgrades and in some cases partial funding for new ranges, WVU Rifle team, and other good causes.
Keep fighting the good fight!

Dave

We are no longer an industralized nation - we were once the greatest export nation in the world - we are now the greatest import nation in the world - you figure it out!

AZ,
The overwhelming majority of consumers (I am out on a limb here and making an assumption from 38 years of retail experience) give price their primary consideration when making a purchase.
If quality were substituted for price as the #1 consideration things would be a lot different on the manufacturing front. Affordability is another key component and it is dictated by what it costs to do business in the USA v: what it costs to do business in the eastern Asian area.
Not talking about wages here. Tort system, EPA, EEOC, ........Not that regulations are not needed but we have handcuffed in many ways manufacturing here and the playing field is not close to level.

Dave

Link; U.S. Flags "Made in America"

It's not hard!


Phil

I find it hard to choke on chicom krap too. My buddy bought a bulk of knives for outage momentos, 500 of them, Made in USA, $19.95 laser etched.

That said, the NRA's in the gun rights business, not the high end, high cost Made in USA retail business. Seems to me saving the money to protect our gun rights is the right thing to do and they're the biggest game in town. I called about my chicom gift when I life membered long ago too but I STILL bought the life membership. I told them instead of the gift, they should not offer it. I didn't really want it or the cheap chicom ballcap. I want representation above and beyond what my whored out senators are offering.

Divided and fragmented we fall. Concentrated and organized, we win. Not so hard to figure out.