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You've pretty well managed to get the majority of the population here annoyed with you.
Can you take a guess as to why you don't receive money?
Perhaps it's past time to step down Dudley. Let someone else take the reins and see if they can't fix what you broke. I'm sure lots of people here would love your salary.
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
Respectfully, public policy isn't made by public opinion. It's made by policy makers (i.e. politicians).
The expansion of the Brady Registration system, which right now is taking the form of the bill pushed by Toomey-Manchin, is going to be voted upon by politicians.
MOBILIZING citizens to oppose it, and hold politicians accountable for their votes, is the goal of NAGR in this skirmish (and where we spent most of that $3 million this quarter).
We could have spent it on TV commercials extolling the virtues of the Second Amendment -- and watched Toomey-Manchin pass.
Limited time/money/talent. My job is largely to sift through all projects/ideas, and spend RMGO and NAGR's time/money/talent on those projects we believe make the most difference. And when you make those decisions, a chunk of people get mad that you aren't following their strategy.
If you have a pro-gun project you want pursued by the organizations I represent, here's the checklist:
1. Does it fit RMGO and NAGR's overall strategy? You can read about that here: www.rmgo.org/strategy
If yes, then go to number 2
If no, is it a self-funding project that won't take staff time? If so, who's volunteering to lead it? Are you?
2. Does the organization have the headspace and funding for the project? Sometimes, we don't have the additional headspace to sharpen a pencil, given the workload in the legislative or campaign seasons.
I can list a thousand things I think "need" to be done. But since we can't do them all, we have to limit what we do.
Doesn't that make sense?
where can I read about how much Dudley and his wife made off these two organizations. How many homes do they now own? I know how to find out how many homes. But, is there somewhere that says how much Dudley takes in for himself?
There are HOW many users on this forum, and 10 bellyaching?Quote:
Originally Posted by Monky
Don't know who you are (sorry, I've never met "Monky") so can't say whether you could do my job. Please, list your qualifications to build and lead a group. Love to see that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Monky
If you want RMGO to get rid of me, talk to RMGO's chairman. I'm sure he'd take your call. chairman@rmgo.org
But, RMGO is hiring. So, if someone here is anxious to work in politics and be paid to do it, fire off a resume.
However, it's a starting position. It's not NEARLY as small as my salary (a stipend, actually) for the first decade of RMGO's existence, but it's a starting position.
Guidestar.org lists the 990 filings for EVERY non-profit in America, including RMGO and NAGR. And we provide copies of our filings upon request.Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
I (and my wife) own one house (though, frankly, it's none of your damn business). My wife has put in thousands of volunteer hours for RMGO, stuffing mail and data entry, and never been paid by RMGO.
But, before I get too mad and start a fight here, I'll tell you straight up that I won't answer any questions from anonymous forum lurkers.
Dudley,
People on here are trying to give you input on how they feel your organization could better serve the 2A populace in CO. You are getting direct feedback on how to improve. Companies pay thousands for this. In return, you do nothing but try to call people out, insult them, and state that no one else can do your job. Perhaps this is the exact reason why YOU are not liked or respected. NAGR/RMGO could do a lot better...your ego is holding it back. Is that straight forward enough for you?
Well, let's make it 11.Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
Tried it, didn't like it, stuck with the NRA.
Attitude played a major role in my decision. And when I see that attitude displayed here, it reinforces my confidence in that decision.
funny, weld county assessor lists two in you and your wifes name. or are you saying a condo isnt a house? now what do you own elsewhere?
basically we know you make alot of money for yourself FEAR MONGERING and hating on every other organization. i paid you for several years, until your douchebag nature showed through.
Funny, the liberals have this idea all figured out... but for some reason, Dudley likes to poke the NRA/ILA and try to display them in a negative light. Instead, how about UNITING with them for a common goal? "But they haven't done this or that..." Quiet! MAN THE FUCK UP! Petty bickering and moaning about the other guy is only hurting us, not helping.Quote:
Originally Posted by TFOGGER
THIS! Same here! I was a first year member right after the noise in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, then saw what kind of vile tactics Dudley uses to bash the NRA (who I've been a member of for a long time), and sorry, heart's in the right place, but your execution fucking blows! Pardon my profanity, but for crying out loud, TFOGGER put it best: "Divided we fall"/fail.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bailey Guns
ETA: That is why I have theRMGO Memberinstead of just deleting it... It's not about the money, it's about sending a message. Are you listening Dudley? Fix your org, find a way to work with other 2A groups, and I'll come back and support you 100%. Until then, Chris Cox will continue to get a nice quarterly check from me to keep fighting without putting down fellow gun groups.
Mr. Brown, as a RMGO member I support what you are doing, but I find your posts in this thread concerning.
You should never be worried about getting 'too mad' at the people you claim to represent. This is a forum you joined with what I can only assume is a desire to connect with like minded people and reach out to further the influence of all gun owners in the US. I agree with coloccw when he said we are providing you focus group intel at no cost. I think most members will agree there is something we disagree with the NRA on, so bashing them for what you don't like is preaching to the choir. Telling people who give you an opinion about what we think needs to be done differently within your organization should be met with praise and thanks for the information, along with a vow to address the issues we see, not sarcasm. Or calmly explaining why things are the way they are in hopes you can bring 'us' around to your way of thinking.
So that I am not another nameless person in your eyes:
David Peal
CS, CO 80922.
As someone who is fairly new to the world of guns, but not to organizations involved in legislature and lobbying, I must say you are doing an excellent job keeping perspective members away from your organization.
Obviously you know how forums work - there are very few forums where people post their full name, address, phone number, etc for everyone to see. If you aren't interested in responding to "anonymous" forum posters - perhaps you should take your posting elsewhere.
The whole point of these forums is to have open discussions and feedback. Maybe twitter is more your speed where you can post whatever you like and people actually have to put in a little effort to see how people responded to your comments.
Even Facebook requires that you not delete negative comments from things you post as an organization even if you don't like them.
Look at the thread, from the beginning. I posted an article proving what NAGR spent on lobbying Congress against gun control, and the first response is HBAR insinuating that I'm posting for money.
My personal finances are none of your business, least of all some douchebag (since this insult is apparently acceptable here) who hides behind a moniker. What RMGO pays Dudley Brown ($4000/month in salary) is public information, and I'm HAPPY to compare my salary to other execs who run similar sized organizations, or even to compare salaries based on size. The studies I've looked at (through Guidestar) show I am paid 1/3 the rate as others.
When I hear someone bitch about RMGO asking for money too often then tout the NRA, I gotta wonder what planet they are living on. But, that's the ONE area I don't disagree with the NRA on (they DO raise money -- just wish they'd spend it for the right purposes, but since I don't give them money, frankly, I've already voted with my money).
^This. See post #40. "They" are EXCELLENT at this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin13
Dudley, I understand your point about politicians,However, politicians are able to do what they do because they feel they've got public opinion behind them! And lots of lobbyists & backroom deals, etc. The system's busted, for sure. We get that. Has the NRA, or any other 2A organization always been our friend? Nope. In fact, if they REALLY did their job right, they'd be out of a job after they were done, and human nature doesn't like that very much (selfish greed, sin nature of man, and all that)!!Quote:
Respectfully, public policy isn't made by public opinion. It's made by policy makers (i.e. politicians).
So, fighting against a NATIONAL registry is higher priority than fighting against the 'registry' that's already taken place here in CO? If these local politicians here in CO would have been derailed & deflated, they wouldn't end up in the House/Senate in DC!!
Stop the seed from being planted & growing in the first place, and you won't have to deal with all the branches, birds and leaves of the tree later! Which is cheaper? Resources are ALWAYS finite: I vote for killing the seed.
Message received. Understand that many think showing the differences with the organizations is negative. I don't.Quote:
Originally Posted by 3beansalad
The "unity!" plea is nice. I would love it. When we agree with the NRA (and I talk to ILA staff regularly), we even say so. But when we don't, and we think they are supporting gun control (the mental health database they are supporting right now is a MASSIVE step in the wrong direction), we'll always say so. The die-hard NRA types don't like it, but so be it. We're going to be honest.
I'm not a diplomat. Never claimed to be. I'm a bare-knuckled political brawler. I believe gun owners deserve less candy sprinkled on the turds in the punchbowl.
Know anyone in Colorado who has knocked out more anti-gunners in the state legislature (i.e. the "seed")? All humility aside, no, you don't, at least in the last 2 decades.Quote:
Originally Posted by sellersm
I think you misunderstand me. I didn't suggest defeating gun controls (and it's proponents) in DC is more important than Colorado gun controls. It isn't. I'm just suggesting that I believe it's smarter to spend money on changing policy makers than to try to change the public's minds about guns.
Look at the balanced budget amendment issue. 85% of America agreed with passing a BBA. We got ONE vote (and lost) in Congress. What, are we going to "educate" America to 90%? That still won't stop the profligate spending.
I did misunderstand you, if that's what you meant. HOWEVER, your ACTIONS showed otherwise (by going to DC instead of fighting with us here in CO).Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
That statement is NOT mutually exclusive to the other statement and really doesn't address the issue of supporting (or not) the local CO fight! I can see your point, and that's fine. However, I"m suggesting we fight the LOCAL "policy makers", especially when we know they're headed to DC after this 'stop' in CO!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
For the record, I'm a support of RMGO, NAGR, NRA and others. And my name's in my forum username...
I leave it with this: I understand that if these types of organizations are really successful, they'll be out of business soon, and that's a hard pill for many to swallow. Same with every other type of "Pro-whatever-group-it-is" groups: if they were successful and eliminated whatever "wrong" they were fighting to correct, then what would they do after that? Go get real jobs? <a bit tongue in cheek>
This is how we lost the last two presidential elections. Why can't we all just get along?!?!?!
Yep. See Post #40.Quote:
Originally Posted by hghclsswhitetrsh
We all get that, and often can support it, but when you come off as an ass (not meant personally of course,) you do as much harm as good with your message. This forum, as mostly Coloradans and gun owners, should be a place you come for support (not just financial) and brainstorming. Anyone who has an issue with RMGO or NAGR should feel free to voice it and have it addressed. If not personally by you, have a staff member reach out via PM to that member and see how you can correct the problem. There is no better, or more damaging, review than word of mouth. I would imaging many of the members here are friends off-line, hell I have family in this forum, and when something goes wrong we talk about it. You can either be supported by the more vocal members here, or refuted by them. The beauty of it is you get to decide which one...Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
When you do stand with the NRA or any other organization, you need to highlight those instances as well as when you disagree with them. Show your members, and detractors, that you can 'Stand and Fight' with another group when it counts. Now maybe you do that well and I've just not read the emails I receive thoroughly enough.
It's plainly obvious you've never been in the military- otherwise you'd know that working together with your allies usually ensures victory, and fighting on more than one front usually always (with few exceptions) ends in a harsh and cold defeat. I don't ask you to be a diplomat, I don't care what kind of "political brawler" you are... like it or not, we are losing this fight, just look at what transpired in Denver this year despite all the public opposition. So do you think perhaps maybe you should switch up your tactics and see how that pans out? Or will your ego not allow for that? You say "unity" like it's a dirty word. If you try to say you're not constantly trashing other groups, then why is this thread titled "NAGR spends more than every gun group combined"? Every pro-2A group is going for a common goal, for the most part. You don't like the way they do things? Don't like some of the things they've done in the past? Okay. But just remember, Bloomberg seems to be working quite well with Obama (who wanted to put NG troops in NYC after Sandy, against what Bloomberg wanted- they came together against guns, though). I don't care about your pleas for more money- every org needs to gain funding somehow. What I care about is the fact that you won't even entertain the idea of putting aside petty squabbles with the NRA and other groups, and figuring out a way to unite, and defeat these elitist, anti-constitution hacks. We are losing, and despite your narcissistic perception of reality, it's partially because of attitudes like yours.Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
Can you provide a direct link to the RMGO 990 filings? I can't find anything for "Rocky Mountain Gun Owners" or "RMGO" on the Guidestar.org website you posted.Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
However, this did pop up in my search: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingne...e-irs-could-be
Interesting.
I found this one at least:
http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/54-2015951/national-association-gun-rights.aspx
Oh boy.....Quote:
Originally Posted by trot
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
There isn't any RMGO or anything with a similar name in Colorado on Guidestar. If someone finds it I can get the full report from there to post here - but it doesn't appear there is a non-profit based out of Windsor, CO related to RMGO...
No, we lost the last two Presidential elections because the last two GOP nominees were leftist stooges (and both anti-gun, in any objective sense). But that's another debate.Quote:
Originally Posted by hghclsswhitetrsh
nagr and rmgo are the same. dudley owns both. he runs both. he just calls them separate so people will donate just to the state version or the national version. the virginia based crap is probably for taxes or registering to lobby. its all out of windsor.
Yes, I used my name instead of a pronoun, so that I was perfectly clear who I was talking about. If you doubt I (Dudley Brown) wrote this, pick up a phone and call my office (970-482-7646 -- tell them you are returning my call from the forum) or give me a number to call.Quote:
Originally Posted by trot
Btw, Keith Hoover no longer works here, if that's who you are referring to.
I don't own anything. They are both non-profits, with separate boards of directors, bank accounts, tax statuses, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
RMGO and NAGR do share an office in Windsor.
NAGR was originally registered in Virginia because that's where the founder lived, and then asked me to run it.
I've never seen so much discontentment in one place.
I love it!!!!!
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
Let's see a link to the Guidestar for RMGO...
I have duties in both places, and frankly, in State Legislatures around the country. I was down at the Capitol dozens of times this year, though I'm not the day-to-day, face-to-face lobbyist for RMGO (Joe Neville did that for us this year).Quote:
Originally Posted by sellersm
(Side note: anyone who tells you lobbying only happens in the Capitol is either lying to you, is a fool, or both. Putting pressure on politicians IN THEIR DISTRICTS is the only real way to change their vote on controversial issues).
One of the reasons RMGO is hiring is because my duties with NAGR are growing (we have 52+ staff members). For that reason, I took a pay CUT for RMGO in 2013, and anticipate I'll be handing more and more duties to others.
You suggest we fight local policy makers, and I agree wholeheartedly. It's why we spend a lot of time on campaigns (via our PAC and IE committee).
Quote:
Originally Posted by kawiracer14
Quit ignoring the man's request!Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
I'm trying to find the same link. It won't pull up via RMGO's EIN, either. I've put in an e-mail to Guidestar to ask, as that is a new problem.
Also putting up a page to link to all our 990 filings (since creation of the group).
I wonder if I'm on Dudley's ignore list... He hasn't addressed my concerns... [mop]
I have addressed this, directly. When a politician or organization endorses gun control, we call it out -- you're a big boy, and can make up your mind if you care.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin13
Did you care that Gottlieb (SAF/CCRKBA) claimed (on video) to have written Toomey-Manchin? I do. You may not, but I do.
When a group endorses anti-gun politicians (Harry Reid, or to strike closer to home, Congresswoman Betsy Markey), we'll say something. And yes, it will ruffle feathers.
Right now the NRA is running commercials against Sen. Joe Manchin in West Virginia. Good for them -- so are we. We're on the same side (now, anyway -- we didn't give Joe Manchin an A+ rating, either), and don't squabble about it.
I've heard too many make wild claims about where money is spent. That was my reason for showing a news report (not my words) on an official federal filing that shows what NAGR spent opposing gun control in Congress.
The Colorado Sec. of State and/or Colorado legislature doesn't require or even have the same type of filings in this state. But if it did, you'd see that RMGO (which is admittedly much smaller in numbers and $ in this state) spent DRAMATICALLY more than the NRA did in Colorado, both this session and previous sessions.
Go to the Sec. of State website and see if you can find another pro-gun political committees (PACs, if you will) in Colorado. Maybe some formed recently, but RMGO PAC has been the ONLY pro-gun PAC (which gives direct donations to and against candidates for office) in Colorado for many years.
Ronin, if I can paraphrase your point, it's that RMGO doesn't play well with others. Mea culpa. We DEFINITELY don't play the standard old politics as usual.
We play well with the conservative, pro-gun team. No one on this forum will or can debate that.
Gun control passed the Colorado legislature for a number of reasons, the chief of them being that EVERY middle of the road GOP candidate lost in 2012. All of them.
And all of RMGO PAC's candidates, save one State House seat (McConnell), won. That swung control of the House to the Dems.
If you want to blame me/RMGO for that, I'll plead guilty to not recruiting enough candidates for office (the toughest part of my job).
Apparently not or this thread would have stopped after your 1st post...Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
he means they play well with anyone who doesnt question them or their spending. like most politicians.Quote:
Originally Posted by RMGOdirector
You obviously aren't involved in politics -- there's PLENTY of questioning from our allies and friends. And debate. And plenty of politicians who question RMGO.Quote:
Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck
But, ask the most pro-gun legislators what they think of RMGO. HBAR, since you live in Weld and you seem to asserting you know politics (correct me if I'm wrong), go ahead and call State Sen. Scott Renfroe (who has carried almost half of the gun bills in his 7 years in the legislature) and ask him what he thinks of RMGO. He's a Life Member.
Or ask State Reps. Steve Humphrey, Lorie Saine, Perry Buck, or Sen. Vicki Marble (while we're staying in Weld). Or our Sheriff, or DA.
Again, I don't know you, but I'll take those names as endorsements of our program over yours any day -- not because they are politicians, but because I KNOW what they do.
And, we're growing dramatically. Plenty of members endorsing what we do.