A close look at the NRA reveals that they really operate much like our own government. Let me explain
The NRA is supposed to operate for and by it's membership. Members pay dues to an organization that is supposed to advocate on behalf of the dues paying members.
Similarly, our government is supposed to be a government of, for and by the people. The people pay taxes to finance the collective needs of the people.
Sometime ago, maybe even from the beginning, the NRA lost its way. The gun manufacturers usurped the mission of the NRA by making large donations to the leadership. Their new mission was to sell more guns. Simply put, the mission is to benefit the large contributors.
Similarly, large corporations have usurped the mission of our government to promote the common good. The corporations advance their own agenda with campaign contributions, while the needs and desires of the taxpayer are pushed aside.
The leadership of the NRA only cares about advancing the agenda of the big contributors. They will say and do anything to keep the rank and file membership from realizing that the organization that they love is actually working against them. The leadership's only real aganda is to stay in power and to enjoy the perks of that power.
The leadership of our government has to promote the interests of their big contributors so that they too, can enjoy the perks of leadership. The interests of the taxpayers are of little or no concern.
Don't believe for one second that LaPierre is speaking from his heart. He speaks from his wallet. He is not stupid. He's craven. The same can be said for most of our congress people. (OK, maybe some of them are stupid.)
If the members of the NRA raise theirs voices (stop paying dues) the NRA will have to follow. If the voters rise up and go the polls, our government will also have to follow. Otherwise, money wins.