Author: Kyle R

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has taken a financial beating in the last few years owing to corruption allegations and external pressure being placed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

In the latter case, James kicked off her campaign against the NRA in 2020 by filing a lawsuit against it, alleging that then-NRA Executive Wayne LaPierre used millions of dollars in donor money to enjoy a lavish array of personal benefits that had little to do with the organization’s original mission. James went as far as to call the NRA a “terrorist organization”  as she undertook a legal effort to bleed the establishment gun lobby dry.

Naturally, the NRA has been compelled to spend at least $100 million in legal defense to stave off James’ legal crusade. According to a report by Stephen Gutowski of The Reload, this legal ordeal combined with the reputational damage the NRA has taken due to its corruption allegations, has seen its total funding take a complete nose dive.

Gutowski observed the following about the precarious state of the NRA’s fundraising:

“The NRA’s war chest has a bit more than a fifth of the money it spent in the 2016 election and a bit more than a third of what it did in the 2020 election, according to its most recent FEC filings. Those filings were from the end of 2023, which gives the NRA about nine months to try and fundraise to close those gaps by the election.”

Moreover, in 2023, internal sources and documents confirmed that the NRA had lost over a million members — going from a 2018 peak of roughly 5.5 million to close to 4.3 million. Owen “Buz” Mills, a veteran NRA board member who had routinely butted heads with NRA to brass since allegations of corruption emerged in 2019, claims that the organization’s membership has shrunk by another million, currently standing at about 3 million.

To make matters worse, the NRA’s political spending — what it’s most known for — plummeted from $54,398,558 in 2016 to $29,355,400 in 2020, per a breakdown of the gun organization’s spending provided by OpenSecrets.

For its part, the NRA is more focused on maintaining relationships with politicians so they can continue having a seat at the table in Austin and have influence on politics. This lies in stark contrast to the likes of Texas Gun Rights, an organization that has the ostensive mission of “mobilizing Texans to restore and defend the Second Amendment without compromise.”

TXGR is focused more on pressuring politicians and holding them accountable for their legislation behavior. TXGR, unlike the NRA, is willing to ruffle the feathers of the political establishment and move gun policy in a no compromise direction.

Making friends at the Texas State Capitol is not one of TXGR’s principal objectives. As TXGR’s President Chris McNutt eloquently noted, “If you’re in politics for friends, you’re in the wrong industry. Get a dog.”

In the Texan context, the NRA acts as an incumbent protection organization. For example, the NRA has endorsed numerous fixtures of the Austin political establishment such as House Speaker Dade Phelan and State Rep. Glenn Rogers.

On February 20, 2024, the NRA’s Political Victory Fund emailed its members announcing its endorsement of Glenn Rogers despite his well-documented shortcomings. In the email The NRA gushed about Rogers’ supposed pro-gun track record declaring that Rogers “has an outstanding and proven record of support for your Second Amendment rights in the Texas Legislature and is the ONLY NRA-PVF endorsed candidate in this race.”

Moreover, the NRA stressed that “Attempts by third-party, dark-money organizations to distort Glenn Rogers’s policy positions on gun issues are intentionally misleading and dishonest.”

Effectively, the NRA is endorsing candidates that no compromise organizations such as Gun Owners of America and TXGR are actively opposing. The NRA  is simply not holding Republicans accountable for their legislative malfeasances. Worst of all, the NRA isn’t even bothering to consider pro-gun challengers to these incumbents that have the total support of the pro-gun grassroots.

Establishment politicians’ track records do not lie. Rogers and his ilk have played an instrumental role in advancing the failed impeachment effort against Attorney General Ken Paxton. Moreover, these elected officials, especially Rogers and Troxclair, pulled the lever for SB 728, which would create a registry for adults who had mental health issues when they were minors. This bill was originally designed to have Texas law align with the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.”

The BSCA was signed into law by President Joe Biden, with Second Amendment sellout Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) playing an integral role in securing the passage of this anti-gun bill.  Under House Speaker Phelan’s watch, a gun control committee made up of 7 Republicans and 6 Democrats was created to kill certain pro-gun bills such as the Second Amendment Preservation Act (HB 5153) and a bill to ban the implementation of “red flag” gun confiscation laws in Texas (HB 1894).

The NRA’s endorsement of these politicians just demonstrates its tolerance for politicians who have suspect records on gun rights. It’s worth reiterating that the NRA is more concerned with optics and gaining access to elite political circles, not trying to make concrete advancements in gun rights. Occasionally, the NRA and its establishment allies may throw gun owners scraps, but that’s often the result of grassroots activists placing pressure on the political class to do the right thing,

Things are changing though. Years of internal corruption and unprincipled political behavior have taken its toll on the NRA, as evidenced by its dwindling membership and mounting financial issues. In light of these issues, groups such as the National Association for Gun Rights and state affiliates such as TXGR have stepped up to fill the void of a network of no compromise gun organizations that will hold politicians accountable during election and legislative seasons.

The various successes of NAGR, such as the passage of Constitutional Carry in multiple red states, has put no compromise lobbying on the map nationwide. Gun owners who are serious about taking the fight to Gun Control Inc. and rolling back gun grabs, should look towards NAGR and TXGR has vehicles for change.

The days of entrusting the defense of the Second Amendment to the likes of weak-kneed organizations like the NRA are long over.

January 5, 2024

Earlier this week, our friend (and proud 2nd Amendment advocate), Kyle Rittenhouse, was blocked on Twitter by a politician.

This news might not surprise you. The establishment media has made Kyle into a controversial figure, so he deals with “cancel culture” on a regular basis.

But the most recent politician to block Kyle was a Dallas-area Republican, Representative Justin Holland. Kyle shared this picture with us:

Holland was one of the Republicans who voted to ban Kyle and other legal adults 18-20 from owning certain firearms for self-defense.  

TXGR was planning a debate between Holland and Kyle so Texans in Holland’s district could understand his views about basic gun rights. 

I guess Holland is afraid to defend his beliefs. *shrug emoji*

Unfortunately, Republicans like Holland exist all over Texas. And TXGR is the only group exposing their abysmal records!

Texans, like Kyle, have a right to basic self-defense just like every other law-abiding citizen.

November 18, 2023

In a bold move that echoes their success in Virginia, billionaire activists Michael Bloomberg and George Soros are funneling unprecedented funds into Texas through gun control groups like Giffords, aiming to turn the historically red state blue and push through radical gun control measures. This initiative represents a significant escalation in their nationwide campaign to reshape America’s gun laws.

The strategic shift to Texas, a state known for its robust support of the Second Amendment, signals a new chapter in the battle over gun rights. The recent political shift in Virginia, which saw the state turn blue on election night due to similar efforts, stands as a stark warning to gun rights advocates in Texas. The playbook used in Virginia, heavily funded by Bloomberg and Soros, successfully swayed the political landscape in favor of more restrictive gun laws. This same formula is now being applied to Texas, with the Giffords group doubling down on its spending to achieve a similar outcome.

Texas Gun Rights, a stalwart defender of gun rights, is bracing for this intensified assault on the Second Amendment. The organization, renowned for its unyielding stance on gun freedom, is gearing up to counter this wave of anti-gun activism. The challenge is formidable, as these gun control groups are not only well-funded but also strategically savvy in influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.

In response to this looming threat, Texas Gun Rights is not only rallying its base but also expanding its efforts to hold all politicians accountable for their stance on gun rights, regardless of party affiliation. The group has made it clear that it will actively participate in the upcoming election cycle, including the 2024 Republican Primary Election, to ensure that candidates who support gun control measures, whether on the left or the right, are challenged and held accountable.

The battle lines are drawn, and Texas Gun Rights stands ready to defend the state’s long-standing tradition of supporting the Second Amendment. The organization is calling on all Texans who value their gun rights to join in this fight against the well-oiled machine of Bloomberg and Soros-funded groups. The message is clear: Texas will not capitulate to outside influences seeking to erode its constitutional rights.

As the political landscape heats up, Texas Gun Rights remains vigilant, committed to preserving the freedoms that are fundamental to the Lone Star State’s identity. The fight to keep Texas a bastion of gun rights is more crucial than ever, and the organization is poised to lead this crucial battle for the soul of Texas.

November 17, 2023

As the National Rifle Association (NRA) faces a period of financial turmoil and allegations of mismanagement, smaller, more aggressive pro-gun groups like Texas Gun Rights and the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) are rising to prominence, filling the void left by the NRA’s waning influence.

Recent reports have highlighted the NRA’s dwindling financial power and internal strife, including significant declines in federal lobbying expenditure and a drop in membership. This comes amid mounting allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of donor funds within the organization, casting a long shadow over what was once the most formidable gun advocacy group in the U.S.

However, in the wake of the NRA’s struggles, Texas Gun Rights and NAGR are experiencing a surge in support, positioning themselves as the new vanguard of the Second Amendment movement. These groups, adopting a no-compromise stance on gun rights, are gaining traction among gun owners and Second Amendment supporters disillusioned with the NRA’s recent controversies.

Texas Gun Rights, known for its grassroots approach and hardline stance on gun legislation, has been particularly vocal in state-level advocacy. The group has been instrumental in pushing for pro-gun legislation, including constitutional carry laws, reflecting a more aggressive and uncompromising approach to gun rights.

Similarly, NAGR has seen an uptick in influence and support. With a growing membership and increased lobbying efforts, NAGR is quickly becoming a significant force in national gun politics. The group’s unwavering stance on gun rights and vocal opposition to any form of gun control legislation resonate with a base of supporters seeking a more assertive advocacy approach.

The rise of these organizations signals a shift in the landscape of gun rights advocacy in the United States. While the NRA continues to grapple with its internal issues, Texas Gun Rights and NAGR are stepping up to lead the charge, advocating for uncompromising protection of the Second Amendment and mobilizing a new generation of gun rights activists.

As the political debate around gun control intensifies, the emergence of these groups marks a new chapter in the fight for gun rights, one where a more militant and unwavering stance is increasingly becoming the norm among advocates. With their growing influence, Texas Gun Rights and NAGR are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Second Amendment advocacy in America.

October 19, 2023

The U.S. Senate race in Texas is heating up as Democratic challengers Colin Allred and Roland Gutierrez take on incumbent Senator Ted Cruz. However, despite the fervor, Cruz seems to be leading the charge, primarily on the fundraising front.

Allred and Gutierrez have predicated their campaigns on aggressive gun control measures. Gutierrez, in particular, has found himself trailing in campaign contributions after adopting a radical stance on gun control, echoing the trajectory of previous challengers such as Beto O’Rourke. O’Rourke’s staunch anti-gun positions led to his downfall in a state where gun rights are deeply valued.

Texas Gun Rights has been vigilant in countering the anti-gun narrative propagated by the two Democratic contenders by pushing for proactive gun reforms, keen to shift the discussion from constriction to protection of gun rights.

Top on the list for Texas Gun Rights is a ban on “red flag” gun confiscation and the advancement of a robust Second Amendment Preservation Act. The latter aims to punish federal officials attempting to enforce what is seen as unconstitutional gun control measures within the state’s borders.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, said “The only way we can secure our rights is by taking control of the narrative. Sitting back is not an option; it’s time to go on the offensive. We’ve seen time and again that allowing the Left to dominate the discourse results in the steady erosion of our Second Amendment rights.”

It’s clear that in Texas, gun rights are not just a political issue but a deeply rooted value. And while Cruz continues to maintain a strong lead, his challengers’ decision to embrace aggressive gun control measures might be their undoing. Only time will tell how this contentious battle will play out, but one thing is certain — the Second Amendment remains a pivotal point of discussion in the Lone Star State.

September 27, 2023

In a move symbolizing the escalating battle over Second Amendment rights in the United States, California Governor Gavin Newsom has imposed an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, labeling it a “sin tax.”

This oppressive legislation, crafted by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel and buoyed by support from figures like former Assemblyman Marc Levine, is estimated to funnel approximately $160 million annually to the state. Positioned as a means to address California’s significant budget deficit, the law allegedly aims to fund mental health and school safety programs, using law-abiding gun owners as the fiscal source.

Governor Newsom’s unyielding defense of this discriminatory legislation illustrates the stark contrast between states like California and states like Texas, where the approach to gun rights is fundamentally divergent.

While California seeks to suppress gun ownership under the cloak of moral and fiscal responsibility, Texas is moving to reinforce and protect the constitutional rights of its citizens.

Texas Gun Rights, a fervent advocate for Second Amendment freedoms, is preparing to introduce legislation in the next Texas legislative session with the objective of eliminating sales tax on purchases of all firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, expressed his stance unequivocally, asserting, “Texas should be a sanctuary state for all things related to firearms. You don’t have to pay a tax to exercise your rights protected by the First Amendment, and you shouldn’t have to pay a tax to exercise your rights protected by the Second Amendment, either.”

This proclamation stands in stark contrast to Governor Newsom’s obstinate justification of the “sin tax,” revealing a deep philosophical chasm between states on the fundamental understanding of individual rights and freedoms.

While California pursues policies that infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens under the guise of safety and fiscal prudence, Texas is championing the cause of constitutional liberties, seeking to fortify the protections afforded to its citizens under the Second Amendment.

The diverging paths of these states reflect the broader national conversation surrounding gun rights, painting a vivid picture of the ideological battle lines drawn across the country.

The developments in California serve as a solemn reminder of the relentless efforts by some to erode constitutional freedoms, while the proactive measures in Texas symbolize the enduring fight to preserve the foundational principles of this nation.

The contrast between California’s punitive taxation and Texas’s sanctuary aspirations underscore the critical importance of continuous vigilance and action in defense of our inalienable rights.

September 27, 2023

There’s a hidden war brewing, and it’s not on any traditional battlefield.

It’s a war being waged by corporate giants embracing ‘wokeness’ and turning it into a weapon against our Second Amendment rights, attempting to strangle the constitutional liberties we hold dear in Texas and across the nation.

JPMorgan Chase is at the frontlines of this covert warfare, implementing a slew of policies aimed at stifling conservative voices and organizations.

Their tactics raise the ominous specter of discrimination, impacting entities and individuals associated with conservative and religious causes, thus restricting their ability to participate in the marketplace of goods, services, and ideas.

Joining them in this silent struggle is Bank of America, a corporation seemingly entwined in pushing Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, to enact anti-gun policies.

Despite the denials from Bank of America about its role in influencing Intuit’s policies against the firearms industry, the cloud of their association sends a powerful message about corporations attempting to undercut the Second Amendment rights surreptitiously.

Intuit itself had displayed a blatant disregard for firearm-related businesses, placing prohibitive clauses in its use policy against the industry until Sen. Ted Cruz stepped in, exposing and opposing these shadowy practices.

This not only unveiled the concealed clash between corporate ideologies and constitutional rights but also revealed the depth of the struggle between the sanctity of the Second Amendment and corporate wokeness.

These companies, wrapped in a façade of social responsibility and morality, are constructing a concealed battlefield.

They’re enforcing hidden policies, masked as safety and ethical standards, systematically obstructing firearm businesses and, by extension, eroding our constitutional rights and the free market.

This is more than just an expression of corporate beliefs; it’s a well-calculated strategy aimed at reshaping societal norms and imposing an authoritarian narrative on individual liberties and choices.

What we’re witnessing is a corporate strategy meticulously crafted to subordinate constitutional freedoms to progressive corporate ideologies, creating an environment where ideological conformity is the price of entry into society, and any divergence is punished by exclusion and ostracization.

The narrative doesn’t end at policy formation—it’s about the silent, strategic obliteration of constitutional rights under the façade of ethical responsibility and societal safety, reflecting a substantial threat to the constitutional ideals and individual freedoms we fight to preserve.

In this complex scenario, it’s crucial to maintain a delicate balance between diverse ideologies, values, corporate responsibility, and constitutional rights.

While corporations can champion their principles, imposing them should never violate our democratic values and rights.

We need an informed and conscious discourse to strike the right balance between corporate progressivism and constitutional values, to protect and nourish the democratic ethos we all believe in.

Stand Firm for Our Rights

The silent war led by these corporate giants underscores the importance of relentless vigilance and unwavering resolve in protecting our freedoms and values against those who wish to dismantle them.

It’s time we, the defenders of the Second Amendment, rise, and face this covert warfare with unity, strength, and a relentless pursuit of liberty.

September 25, 2023

In a brazen assault on our rights, President Biden, in cohort with Vice President Kamala Harris, has unveiled a calculated ploy to erode our God-given, constitutionally protected freedom to bear arms by establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

This new entity serves as a gateway for influential anti-gun factions like the “Community Justice Action Fund” and Bloomberg’s “Everytown for Gun Safety” to embed their agendas into the government’s policies.

It’s a crystal-clear manifestation of the administration’s desire to decimate our gun rights while blatantly misusing the dollars we contribute as taxpayers.

This newly formed office is not just another bureaucratic entity. It is a glaring symbol of the unrelenting endeavors of this administration to dismantle our rights.

Our freedom is being auctioned off to the highest bidder, with entities like Everytown having direct influence over our nation’s policies, and guess who’s footing the bill?

We, the law-abiding citizens.

What’s even more disconcerting is the absolute bypass of congressional authorization or appropriation for establishing this office.

This isn’t just an attack on our Second Amendment rights; it’s an unprecedented overreach of executive power, demonstrating a disregard for legislative processes.

This insidious move is emblematic of the administration’s broader strategy to unilaterally enforce restrictive gun control policies.

Biden’s gun control office marks the expansion of the intricate web of gun control advocates spanning across media, academia, and technology, alongside several other sectors.

It’s more than just an office; it’s a fortress for anti-gun zealots to orchestrate a systematic onslaught on lawful gun owners and the firearms industry.

It’s a clear indicator of the sweeping cultural shift trying to corrode our Second Amendment rights from within, acting as a catalyst for a bigger, more deeply rooted anti-gun initiative.

Figures like Robert Wilcox, with notorious anti-gun pedigrees, are being strategically positioned without the need for Senate approval.

Wilcox, with his stringent anti-gun stances and association with Everytown for Gun Safety, is now championing his radical agenda on our dime.

This direct infusion of anti-gun lobbyists into key governmental roles is a deliberate, provocative act aimed at disintegrating the constitutional fabrics of our nation.

The blatant disregard for our rights and the overt exploitation of our tax dollars to propel gun control ideologies is not just alarming—it’s an act of war against our freedoms.

We must stay unwavering in our resolve to fight against this insidious encroachment on our rights.

Texas Gun Rights is keeping a watchful eye on every maneuver from this office and will stand on the front lines to safeguard our liberties.

It is our duty as vigilant citizens to stand united against these orchestrated attempts to infiltrate and corrode our constitutional rights.

For Texas and Liberty,

Chris McNutt

President

Texas Gun Rights

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September 20, 2023

Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent acquittal on all charges is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates in Texas.

Paxton’s steadfast commitment to upholding the Second Amendment has been a defining aspect of his political career to date and his time as Attorney General. He has consistently fought to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners, recognizing the importance of this constitutional right in our state.

One notable achievement is Paxton’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over their unconstitutional Pistol Brace Ban. His willingness to challenge the ATF head-on showcases his dedication to defending the rights of gun owners in Texas. Additionally, he has challenged the ATF’s attempted regulation of “Made In Texas” suppressors, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The efforts of Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) in support of Attorney General Paxton have been pivotal. Through grassroots mobilization and outreach, TXGR has rallied thousands of gun rights supporters across Texas to hold gun grabbing politicians accountable.

The overwhelming support for our shared cause—defending the Second Amendment—underscores the importance of Paxton’s leadership in safeguarding our constitutional rights.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, praised Paxton’s commitment to defending gun rights in Texas, saying, “Attorney General Paxton has been a steadfast defender of our Second Amendment rights. His actions have shown that he is willing to take on any challenge to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Texas. We are proud to stand with him in this critical fight.”

Attorney General Paxton’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. His dedication to protecting Second Amendment rights made him a target of those who seek to undermine these fundamental freedoms. The recent acquittal serves as a reminder of the importance of having strong pro-Second Amendment champions like Paxton in office.

Attorney General Paxton’s acquittal is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates across Texas. Let us celebrate this triumph and recommit ourselves to defending and preserving the rights that make Texas a beacon of freedom for all Americans.