RMGO- NOt spending your money?

[10mm-man]

Ok, so can someone tell me what is going on? I came across a post that was closed, the OP posted an audio feed of Dudley sounding a little upset. Then I guess the Denver Post has said Dudley isn't spending money in the fight on gun control.

So what is the deal? Why was the thread closed? What am I missing here?

I guess what I want to know is; Is Dudley not in the fight? Or is he? Anyone?


http://www.ar-15.co/threads/90025-Dudley-Brown-puts-a-foot-in-his-mouth-looses-it-on-the-Air!!!-A-Must-listen

[MarkCO]

I have seen his lobbyist down there twice, have not seen Dudley. I assume the lobbyist is paid, but I don't know.

[rtr]

He was there during debate on the Universal Background check bill on 2/13/2013

[StagLefty]

I think the thread was closed due to the OP getting out of control more than the thread subject matter. Looks like he's been banned.

[10mm-man]

I think the thread was closed due to the OP getting out of control more than the thread subject matter. Looks like he's been banned.


Thought that also. But on another note; I never heard anything good on RMGO and now this? Makes me wonder what is going on? Or maybe he is doing something and it's just a way to persuade people from him...

[merl]

there is this:
http://www.ar-15.co/threads/90035-Mary-Hodge

[Wulf202]

Last time Dudley posted here about the rally he was on his way to lobby in d.c.

He reportedly makes 100k personally from rmgo. At the time that was reported rmgo took in about 220k a year.

[funkymonkey1111]

Thought that also. But on another note; I never heard anything good on RMGO and now this? Makes me wonder what is going on? Or maybe he is doing something and it's just a way to persuade people from him...

Well, I'll tell you something good on RMGO--they put on a great show with Dr. John Lott in Greeley the other day--a packed house in a church easily besting the numbers February 8, 2013, protest at the capitol. State reps were there, Weld County Sheriff, etc. It was quite a fired up crowd.

[ChunkyMonkey]

^ I was there. Great speaker and author. Tea partiers were all fired up.

[jackthewall81]

Last time Dudley posted here about the rally he was on his way to lobby in d.c.

He reportedly makes 100k personally from rmgo. At the time that was reported rmgo took in about 220k a year.
That's bullahit and why I don't trust Mr Brown.

[jerrymrc]

Why was the thread closed? I take it you did not read the thread? And that was was the one that we let stay.

[robertcolorado2009]

If you listen to the file of "Scooter McGee's radio show", Dudley says they do have that lobbyist and that he was lobbying in January, it's just that they didn't pay him in January, so the secretary of State who keeps the records on those payments didn't show any payments to the lobbyist in January, but they did pay him for January in February(15???). That's what I got out of the answer he gave on the radio show about that. But it's not sounding too good for RMGO answering Scooter's question about what is needed and how much is needed to defend and defeat these bills passed so far. I haven't listened to the entire show yet. Correct me where I am wrong, please.

http://www.1310kfka.com/audio/scootermcgee021913hr1.mp3

[jhood001]

I listened to that entire radio show.

The only thing I got out of the entire thing was that whoever runs the sound effects board for the show needs to have every finger in both of their hands smashed with a hammer so that they can never run one again.

[DD977GM2]

Last time Dudley posted here about the rally he was on his way to lobby in d.c.

He reportedly makes 100k personally from rmgo. At the time that was reported rmgo took in about 220k a year.

If this is true, then I feel bad for folks who are wasting thier money with them. You are being hoodwinked [fail]

[dwalker460]

I listened to every word of it. What I got out of it is this:

Scooter: Your not doing things the way I think they should be done, so I am going to try and make it look like you arent doing anything.

Brown: RMGO is doing all it can, within the law, to influence members who can be influenced. We have spent a lot of money on social media, etc, which is NOT reported to the SOS

Scooter: well your still not doing what I think you should do, where is the lawsuit and charges against these folks for not honoring thier Oath of Office? Where is the demonstration outside Rhonda Feilds office? Where is the action?

Brown: You wont sway Fields, and you wont get enough traction with charges against the Legislators, and you wont get enough signatures to recall Hickenpooper. What we CAN do is to put pressure and keep pressure on the "in play" Dems and do all we can to get these bills struck down. Its too early to give up and start talking about recalls etc. for us, we are still in this fight and doing all that can be done to actually have an effect.

Scooter: your not listening to me, WHAT DO YOU NEED, where are the petitions, where is the action?

Brown: I have answered this.


My entire take, whether you agree with RMGO or not, they are doing what they can. If you think you have an actionable and high-percentage plan to help, take it to them, I doubt they are going to ignore input.

Disclosure- I am not a member of RMGO, but am a member of NRA. I give money where I see fit, and so should you.

[funkymonkey1111]

I listened to that entire radio show.

The only thing I got out of the entire thing was that whoever runs the sound effects board for the show needs to have every finger in both of their hands smashed with a hammer so that they can never run one again.
i could only stand it for about three minutes

[aryntha]

I would tend to agree that "demonstrations" - especially outside of offices where nobody would care, like Fields; and "recall" attempts (which barely ever happen in the history of the US), right now, at this stage, are a waste. Focusing on the swayable dems are where the money is at; and it's what we're trying to do grassroots here on the forum.

If RMGO is concentrating on that, (I don't know if they are - but if they are) - good on them.

[DD977GM2]

Well, I'll tell you something good on RMGO--they put on a great show with Dr. John Lott in Greeley the other day--a packed house in a church easily besting the numbers February 8, 2013, protest at the capitol. State reps were there, Weld County Sheriff, etc. It was quite a fired up crowd.

Thats fine and dandy, but it would be like me going to Utah to try and persuade Mormons to follow the Mormon religion.

He needs to be doing events in the cities which actually matter in the gun control issues. Such as the Metro area and will then get more folks to call, write and email their reps in that district.
To me it was preaching to the chior by going to a city that is predominently 2nd Amendment friendly. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang]

[roberth]

Maybe Dudley ought to provide a statement of income and expenses, that way people could make an educated decision on whether or not Dudley is helping the firearms community or just helping himself.

[aryntha]

I can't really see what the John Lott meetup did for our cause, either. Seemed ill-timed for me. They should have been telling everyone and their brother and mother to go after the house reps.

[spqrzilla]

A big envelope arrived in my mail yesterday from RMGO. Cute yellow cards for mailing to our legislators ... that referred to something not on the current legislation agenda (an AWB). Partial fail.
And a long solicitation for money. With lots of all caps and exclamation marks.

Not sure how he got my address, I don't give money to RMGO.

[DD977GM2]

Maybe Dudley ought to provide a statement of income and expenses, that way people could make an educated decision on whether or not Dudley is helping the firearms community or just helping himself.

My guess is himself

[spqrzilla]

I'll say it again, if someone wanted to do something useful, that would be to actually form a coalition of all the groups, and time a rally of all of them at the same date and time so as to get a really massive crowd.

Or someone could fund raise for recall efforts (that were intelligently chosen for legislators in vulnerable districts, not pissing around with those in safe seats that are not scared of us).

I think the initiative suggestions being made are futile but if people were serious that takes big money to do an initiative state wide. Raise money for that.

[UncleDave]

I am reminded of Sean Connery in The Rock, "Losers always whine about their best, winners go home an f the prom queen."

[SNAFU]

Last time Dudley posted here about the rally he was on his way to lobby in DC.

He doesn't need to be in DC
RMGO is COLORADO BASED and as such Colorado MUST be supported 1st.
Or are we wasting money on those not willing to fight with us?
Dudley should be here not in DC

[MarkCO]

He doesn't need to be in DC
RMGO is COLORADO BASED and as such Colorado MUST be supported 1st.
Or are we wasting money on those not willing to fight with us?
Dudley should be here not in DC

There is where most people don't see behind the curtain...

National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) is where he focuses most of his time. He founded this national organization in 2000. I won't do it for you, I have better things to do, but if you search, you might be able to figure out where most of his personal income is derived.

[10mm-man]

I take it you did not read the thread? And that was was the one that we let stay.


I did, just wasn't sure it was as I thought it was; the guy being a Troll. I don't understand the Troll thing totally as he was bringing this to light and seemed to be bashed a little for it. So I just thought I would ask to see what I was missing; I wanted to see what others take on Dudley might be. I wasn't sure if the Post was vilifying him to further an agenda and he is indeed a stand up guy or if he is really just out to line his pockets and do what's best for himself?

I am an NRA member and have been sitting on the fence trying to decide if I contribute to RMGO. I have about $500 to send to the right organization or representative I believe will represent us the best. I am also willing to contribute the majority of the profits made from Double D Armory, LTD for that fight over the next year, maybe longer. So when I hear things like this, it makes me go hummm...

Anyway I appreciate all comments!

To me it seems like RMGO has the wrong mind set and isn't really doing much good to change the minds of those that need it changed. I won't continue or bash on him as it isn't really for me to say, I just won't be sending him my money.....

If you believe he is really doing good and targeting the right crowd- The Anti's. Please let me know, maybe I just need my eyes open a bit.

[Ronin13]

The issue I take with Dudley is simple- in that interview he had a defeatist attitude: "No one has that kind of money it takes to do a recall." Bullshit. How did these people get elected in the first place? They did fundraising and collected donations. All it takes is a little moto and you can pretty much do whatever the hell you want. I'm not sure if it's possible, but a kickstarter kind of thing could work, or someone volunteer some space they own to have a fundraiser where 90% of proceeds went towards whatever cause we need to have. Anyone can raise the money needed to recall, it's been done before, it can be done again. Admit defeat at half-time and you will lose.

[UncleDave]

Ronin, that was the point of my post with the Connery quote. Don't whine that something can't be done, because then it won't.

[Ronin13]

Ronin, that was the point of my post with the Connery quote. Don't whine that something can't be done, because then it won't.
Yeah pretty much... Except Carla was the prom queen. [Coffee]

[ChunkyMonkey]

How many emails couldve been written, phone calls couldve been made, faxes couldve been sent while you guys argue among yourself? How's that RMGO matters if you only donated $35 or on most case don't even give a dime. The troll last night was so defensive and insulting that his message got drown out right away. Do you want RMGO, NRA to be as vocal as him? Most political negotiations/compromises are done behind close door.. those rallies, ads, etc do nothing to change these supposedly representative of the people and their agenda. You want to have any kind of impact? Then voice them your personal experience and opinion and commitment to vote them out when the next election come around. Stop acting like a libtard!!

[funkymonkey1111]

How many emails couldve been written, phone calls couldve been made, faxes couldve been sent while you guys argue among yourself? How's that RMGO matters if you only donated $35 or on most case don't even give a dime. The troll last night was so defensive and insulting that his message got drown out right away. Do you want RMGO, NRA to be as vocal as him? Most political negotiations/compromises are done behind close door.. those rallies, ads, etc do nothing to change these supposedly representative of the people and their agenda. You want to have any kind of impact? Then voice them your personal experience and opinion and commitment to vote them out when the next election come around. Stop acting like a libtard!!

i thought the consensus here was to sit around and bitch like 10 year olds that the RMGO sends too many emails?

Wish i would've known you were going to be at the John Lott presentation--could've stopped by and said hello.

[ChunkyMonkey]

i thought the consensus here was to sit around and bitch like 10 year olds that the RMGO sends too many emails?

Wish i would've known you were going to be at the John Lott presentation--could've stopped by and said hello.

I was invited by Mr. Corporon through FB. I was supposed to post that meeting here, completely spaced out.

[funkymonkey1111]

The issue I take with Dudley is simple- in that interview he had a defeatist attitude: "No one has that kind of money it takes to do a recall." Bullshit. How did these people get elected in the first place? They did fundraising and collected donations. All it takes is a little moto and you can pretty much do whatever the hell you want. I'm not sure if it's possible, but a kickstarter kind of thing could work, or someone volunteer some space they own to have a fundraiser where 90% of proceeds went towards whatever cause we need to have. Anyone can raise the money needed to recall, it's been done before, it can be done again. Admit defeat at half-time and you will lose.

start a group and do it then. Maybe that scooter douchebag would help conjure $$$ to do it with you.

[RMGOdirector]

Quick response: The DP article ONLY showed what registered lobbyists are paid. That’s it.

Full explanation:

The Denver Post was reporting on Secretary of State filings for lobbyists (i.e. what officially registered “lobbyists” are paid, who work in the Capitol daily).

RMGO’s lobbyist at the State Capitol is Navy veteran Joe Neville. But as of the Secretary of State report (which is what the Denver Post was reporting on, we had not written a check to Joe Neville (we paid him his monthly fee on 2/15/2013), so it didn’t make that report. Joe (jn@rmgo.org) is at the State Capitol every day.

(If you care, go to http://www.sos.state.co.us/lobby/SearchLobbyist.do and put in “Neville” in last name and “Joseph” in first name, hit search, which will take you to a link for current filing, then – at bottom – click “View Principals” to see that he is filed as RMGO’s lobbyist. His monthly fee should show on that site on March 15th).

You might have seen the news story from last Friday, where Joe was kicked out of the Capitol for the day because a liberal Republican (who wouldn’t tell us which way she was going to vote, and therefore we put a TON of pressure on her) got mad because she was being pressured by her constituents.

But lobbying in the Capitol is NEVER as effective as activating citizens in legislator’s own districts (which is precisely where RMGO is spending time/money/talent).

But those are not reported on a Secretary of State filing.

The money RMGO raises is being spent on radio ads, direct mail (unless you are a brand new member in the last few weeks you should have gotten a mailing with orange postcards), and on social media (especially Facebook).

Again – and make sure you hear this – this is NOT reported on the Colorado Secretary of State’s lobbyist filing, or any reports for that matter (except our end-of-the-year filings with the IRS, called 990 forms).

Though we applied pressure in the House, we knew we didn’t have the numbers to defeat the bills there – and stood a better chance of defeating them in the Senate.

Since timing is everything, we have to try to time the pressure so key Senators are being pushed by gun owners leading up to the vote – with no let-up in pressure at the time of the vote.

Since we don’t control the time of the committee hearing (that’s controlled by the majority party, the Democrats), we have to make our best guess.

Understand that liberals want to control/regulate/require reporting of free speech (which is what we are doing when we are lobbying). We, of course, oppose that.

[RMGOdirector]

Btw, RMGO doesn't pay me $100k. It pays me less than $4,000 per month, and I'm in my 17th year working for RMGO. For the first decade, it paid me a stipend, and I personally subsidized the group, though it was my only job.

And yes, I'm now leading a national group (thus, trips to DC and other states).

But, some of you are right: I don't give a rat's ass what whiners say. I'm only posting this response for actual RMGO and/or NAGR members.

[delliott]

I heard RMGO is rallying people today to show up to townhalls and disperse flyers in some of the Dems' home districts.

[roberth]

RMGOdirector - thank you for responding and for the explanation of how things work.


Though we applied pressure in the House, we knew we didn’t have the numbers to defeat the bills there – and stood a better chance of defeating them in the Senate.

Since timing is everything, we have to try to time the pressure so key Senators are being pushed by gun owners leading up to the vote – with no let-up in pressure at the time of the vote.

[newracer]

Though we applied pressure in the House, we knew we didn’t have the numbers to defeat the bills there – and stood a better chance of defeating them in the Senate.

Since timing is everything, we have to try to time the pressure so key Senators are being pushed by gun owners leading up to the vote – with no let-up in pressure at the time of the vote.

Since we don’t control the time of the committee hearing (that’s controlled by the majority party, the Democrats), we have to make our best guess.

Understand that liberals want to control/regulate/require reporting of free speech (which is what we are doing when we are lobbying). We, of course, oppose that.

This brings up a great point. I think the Senate may push these bills off for a few weeks thinking the vocal opposition will die down. Lets not let that happen.

[Ronin13]

The money RMGO raises is being spent on radio ads, direct mail (unless you are a brand new member in the last few weeks you should have gotten a mailing with orange postcards), and on social media (especially Facebook).
Dudley- I've been a member for a little bit now, and honestly, those little orange postcards are ridiculous. Who is in charge of that stuff, because honestly, they don't know what the hell is going on. Those mailers are for an "assault weapons ban" that doesn't exist in the Colorado Legislature. But keep up the good work otherwise... and I'm still on the fence on the Gerou issue.

[RMGOdirector]

Ronin- Mail takes a loooong time to get out. Especially when you're mailing tens of thousands of people at a time (that mailing was 40,000, and it was the second such mailing).

One of the reasons (there are a number of factors) Morse hasn't pushed his AW Ban is because legislators have been hammered with those orange postcards since the second week of the session.

[RMGOdirector]

Yes, RMGO had three action teams out today, at the townhall meetings. We're rattling their cage -- hope what we're doing is enough.

Just bought $31,000 of radio, and hope to do more mid-week.

[BPTactical]

Although we all may not agree 100% of the time Dudley, a HUGE THANKS for all you do.

Your one of a handful to be our voice at a state level.

[sniper7]

A huge thank you Dudley. Just another incident where people only see the surface and make their entire judgement based upon it.

I think a lot of people here owe you an apology. Better yet, how about those people join up or donate some $$$ to the cause!

[tmckay2]

any time you run an organization that takes donations you will have people concerned about the spending of funds. thats reasonable to me, its human nature. it should be somewhat expected with the territory.

[def90]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_Brown

[RMGOdirector]

Yes, I expect the scrutiny.

And, I expect a lot of people who are furious that we don't do x, y or z. 99% who demand RMGO do x, y or z aren't members.

We concentrate on changing public policy by activating the grassroots gun owners. Anything else we do is in our spare time (which, I'm sure you know, we don't have any of right now).

But even I am flabbergasted by the critical nature of some gun owners. You'd think, after a quarter of a decade working in politics, that I would have learned...

[palepainter]

Dudley, Thanks for the efforts. You may want to check your database for redundancy. I typically receive duplicates from you. One for Mike, one for Michael and lastly one for my wife. All the same thing. I know that this stuff adds up. I wonder how much you could save by checking your database and optimizing it.

[DavieD55]

Dudley, thank you for the concerted efforts of you and your staff.

[sniper7]

Dudley, Thanks for the efforts. You may want to check your database for redundancy. I typically receive duplicates from you. One for Mike, one for Michael and lastly one for my wife. All the same thing. I know that this stuff adds up. I wonder how much you could save by checking your database and optimizing it.

Probably because you signed them as each or donated from each one. I got the same thing. Duplicate emails as well since I used a couple of them