Yet Another Brewer Loss For NRA

Posted bynraindangerPosted inUncategorizedTags:, ,

We’re posted before on the impressive record of the Brewer law firm in terms of losses for NRA. They’d racked up a good roster before the recent loss in the NY Attorney General’s lawsuit. Some involved pretty bone-headed missteps. Like challenging covid shutdowns of gun stores and listing only NRA, not its members, as plaintiffs. (Did a gun store shutdown harm NRA as a corporation, or did it harm its members?)

Now comes yet another. Brewer sued Ackerman McQueen, NRA’s former PR agency. AM had sued NRA and Brewer settled the case with NRA paying Ackerman $12.5 million, while members of the board were told the settlement was secret but Ackerman paid NRA, instead of the other way around.

Then the Brewer firm sued Ackerman in a second (actually, third) lawsuit, claiming Ackerman had breached the confidentiality clause of the settlement. Brewer had the lawsuit sealed (kept secret) but lost that, too. It was rather pointless, because the settlement was already all over the internet.

Why was it all over the internet? Because the Brewer law firm had screwed up yet again, filing it in court in hopes the court would seal it — which it didn’t.

The latest: the suit against Ackerman was dismissed, on the ground that the Brewer firm hasn’t pleaded jurisdiction correctly. The court allowed them to try again, by July 3, or the lawsuit would be dismissed permanently. They probably can’t improve on the pleading, because federal jurisdiction is based on “diversity of citizenship,” NRA is headquartered in Virginia, and the Ackerman subsidiary Mercury Group, against whom the real claim is directed, is a Virginia corporation. You can’t file a federal “diversity jurisdiction” lawsuit when there is no diversity of citizenship. A person hopefully goes not get out of law school without learning that.

So: (1) the suit was pointless, everyone already knows the terms of this confidential settlement, thanks to the Brewer law firm’s own screw-up; (2) the real object was to keep the settlement secret from the board and the members; (3) the Brewer firm screwed up yet again, failing to plead the case properly; and (4) the suit has failed and will fail as a federal lawsuit.

Now the real question. Will the new NRA leadership fund Brewer to file another complaint and try to keep going in this useless case, or tell Brewer it’s over, let it go, you’re siphoning no more money from us in pursuit of one more failure?

It’s a binary choice, and a real test of the future. We sincerely hope NRA’s new leadership passes it. And then goes looking at billboards to find some real attorneys.

96 thoughts on “Yet Another Brewer Loss For NRA”

    1. This may sound like sarcasm, but it’s a serious question, is NRA CEO, BOD, etc, anti gun? For instance hiring a known anti gun law firm to represent the largest gun group? Sounds like corporate suicide. The other corruption(not involving Brewer) over the last few decades, and supporting rather famous anti gun Republican politicians(Lyndsey Graham for one) at various levels… All this makes me wonder if the whole gang’s in this together, to get rich while destroying the nations biggest gun group.

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      2. Douglas Hamlin the new NRA EVP donated money to a liberal running for office in California who did a YouTube Video calling for common sense gun reform and to take on the NRA .

        Doug Hamlin from NRA gave $2,500 to David Kanuth.

        Money to CandidatesHAMLIN, DOUGLAS
        MANHATTAN BEACH, 90266NRAPUBLISHER03-27-2014$2,500David Kanuth (D)Federal

        https://www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup/results?name=Douglas+Hamlin&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1422n-Jrp4qokQRj_8n21F3Jy7cER0TyzZBKK9H-NMO8IqSUtwrsUyJYU_aem_zrgEhXY1ih_fjIa1Az801g

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    2. No doubt you’re serious. I’m just thinking aloud as to what that reason or reasons may be. I don’t really expect an answer since obviously no one with the power to fire Brewer is going to comment on it, on this blog. Just thinking out loud is all.

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      2. I have often wondered – if the NRA was being run by a cabal of our enemies the past few years would we be able to tell a difference in how management has behaved?

        Liked by 5 people

      3. The same “old guard” board members of at least 20 of them are still calling the the shots and were complicit in the corruption with Wayne et al then and now!

        Liked by 3 people

    1. I disagree. Though no doubt the money is nice for Brewer, he’s a rabid anti gunner, who’s donated to just about every famous anti gun candidate in the last couple of decades. I think the REAL OBJECT was to destroy the largest gun group in America.

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  3. The Thai language is rich with wonderful, descriptive sayings.

    There is a common Thai phrase, สุนัขเฝ้าดูเครื่องบินตก, to describe seeing without understanding: *”Maa-du-khreuang-bin-**tok,”* or, ‘a dog watching an airplane crash.’

    Sadly, that’s the way I’ve come to see the NRA by now.

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  4. On a long day of Falcon Punches to the nads this one is going to get me to polish of the remains of alcohol in a mason 🫙 in hopes the brain cells holding the memory of this day dies a death of alcohol poisoning. night all

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  5. History lesson 191:

    First published in 1837 and has been translated into over 100 languages but is based on a medieval Spanish fairy tale from a 1335 collection, yet is applicable in the NRA’s current situation. Yet nobody wishes to holler at the top of their lungs…

    The Emperor is not wearing any clothes…

    The organization was created to serve this nation’s civilian population, changed philosophy(ies) over the last 150+ years, yet the majority of today’s membership knows absolutely nothing about the current financial & judicial state, or current state of governance is in chaos, or selling museum firearms, ad nauseam issues the organization is enduring…

    WHY NOT??

    Start screaming to the membership about the fact the current governing body ISN’T WEARING ANY CLOTHES and destroying the organization from within and what avenues are being done in an attempt to save the organization (something i have yet to hear myself!) instead of seeking funding w/a three page epistle about money is needed to thwart the debacle of a national election and you’ll receive a knife & flashlight…

    I am afraid the time to institute a scorch earth approach to rebuild this institution back to it’s previous reputation…

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    2. Until Brewer and firm are gone, there is no hope for the NRA. Yep: Ack-Mac used to be the problem. Back in the 1990s, there was an attempt to get them gone. Instead, Ack-Mac repackaged an appendage, called it “Mercury Group,” and the announcement came that all was good. That ruse fooled some for a while. So, at a cost of many million dollars, Ack-Mac is gone, and now there is Brewer (son-in-law of Ack-Mac founder). Brewer has done even worse to the NRA and its members than did Ack-Mac.

      Brewer is NOT a friend of the NRA! I do not know all of the alliances, but any board member who is supporting Brewer is not a friend of the NRA.

      As someone no longer on the scene, it appears that one officer very specifically has aligned with Brewer. It appears that that officer has done so to save his source of income. Someone closer to the scene has written this to me: “In my opinion from what I have observed, [that officer] is Brewer’s lap dog. [That officer] sees to it that Brewer gets what Brewer wants and Brewer protects [that officer].“

      It is unfortunate that officer was not dispensed with when it was possible. Those of you directors who voted for that S-O-* officer are either stupid, gutless, or some how on the take. I don’t know which it is. With one of you (yes, I know that you’re reading what I write here), you sat with me at breakfast in 2015 and laughed about that man having been appointed to the slot he was appointed you. You said, “NO ONE consulted us! He is incompetent. We all know that. Do you have any idea WHY he was named?” I did not.

      Look, there are some seriously dishonest things happening here. I do not understand them. What I do see is that the NRA is being bled dry. For heaven’s sake, SOMEONE stand up boldly and do what needs to be done. I have zero power to do it; others do. The only power I have is to remember conversations and incidents from the past 40 years.

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    3. Don’t forget Mr. Dell’Aquila’s efforts. I think he’s done more to try and reform and rebuild the NRA than anyone. Regarding the recent reformers elected, realistically, how do you expect four or so men to be able to out vote seventy or so corrupt goons?

      In addition to Mr. Dell’Aquila’s efforts, don’t forget there’s this very blog we’re all reading and writing on. I had no idea the NRA was corrupt until I accidentally stumbled upon this blog.

      So some people and trying. Unfortunately, no one in the main stream gun media appears to be saying much. And certainly, no one with any power from inside the NRA is saying or doing anything.

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  6. History 1971:

    Billboard reading “Will the Last Person Leaving SEATTLE — Turn Out the Lights” appears near Sea-Tac International Airport on April 16, 1971.

    its time folks

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  7. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. This is what the NRA is doing in continuing in keeping The Brewer Firm. When is ENOUGH ENOUGH!! Why have we voted in change and that change not purged the scurge that continue to bilk our members $$$.

    Frivolous meetings like EVP Search Committee when that committee only was false optics to try and get Charles Cotton in the EVP seat.

    Keeping a bloated board that does nothing but wanting perks but bringing nothing to the table.

    Everyone knows the issues but no one wants to make the hard calls. Would it not be better that we as an association make the call to rebuild vs Judge Cohen doing it for us?

    As an association we are in the eleventh hour it is time for newly elected EVP and the reformers to find their chutzpuh, fire Brewer, and chop the board down and let our members know that they are working for them and not for 76 people that want to travel, gather and socialize on the members dime.

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    1. There is a powerful committee, I forget the name from years ago, like the executive committee, etc. that is made up of the old guard of approximately 20 Wayne loyalists and with them and NRA President Barr the corruption and non compliance will continue in perpetuity!

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    1. Just more clueless board members that reminds me of communication I had with several boards members most notably Dean Cain who drinks the “kool-aid” and stupidly spews NRA talking points.

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      1. Dean Cain is an actor. He brought no chops to the Board, and he should not be on the Board. Whether he’s a good actor is an entirely different question, but he has no skills for running the NRA.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. You are correct that he is an actor with no concept of fiduciary responsibility or oversight and I am embarrassed to know him via we both attended the same university!

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Dean Cain used to be, maybe still is on Fox News-I haven’t watched in years. He’d sit with a panel and just parrot whatever the other couple people would say. I’m sure that’s a character trait, he’s a follower, without any original thought.

        Liked by 4 people

  10. Special thanks for Frank for naming the “Executive Council” and I forgot they are life time appointments to continue non compliance and malfeasance.

    Once again, please do not donate money to the NRA, because there cannot be any reform with this corrupt council!!!

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    1. Refresh me, please:
      My recollection is that there are two groups: (1) Executive Committee. (2) Executive Council.

      My recollection is that the Committee is a select group of current Board members who, in effect, run the NRA between meetings of the full Board. (The full Board meets three times a year: January; April or May; and September.)

      My recollection is that the Council, also called by some “the Old Goats,” does not really have any power or authority. They have no vote in directors’ meetings. They are made up of former NRA Presidents and a few other very “honored” individuals. They sit at the back during director meetings. The NRA pays their way to the 3–times-a-year meetings of the Board and covered their costs while in town for the Board meeting, but (so far as I recall) they have no vote. The idea is a show of respect for past service and so that they might be present for advice and institutional memory.

      My recollection is that, yes, appointment to the Council is for lifetime, but it’s a toothless group.

      If my memory is not correctly, someone will correct me, please.

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      2. More importantly, they are likely privy to much of the BS that has occurred and yet again let it happen. No wonder pet owners like their pets more than people. I think I will seriously consider getting a dog.

        Liked by 3 people

  11. they have voice not vote on board. Also take no minutes. My understanding is this is the group that is the “kitchen cabinet” for the EVP – they had Wayne’s ear

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  12. I remain confused about WHY the Special Litigation Committee (SLC) has yet to be disbanded.

    Here’s what John Richardson says about the SLC (OnlyGunsAndMoney; May 29, 2024; “Now On To NRA Committee Assignments”):

    “The key thing to remember about the Special Litigation Committee is that it only concerned matters dealing with the New York Attorney General’s case against the NRA. The rationale for even having it was that given the NRA’s then-CEO/EVP Wayne LaPierre and then-General Counsel John Frazer were named defendants in the case their participation in decision making regarding the case would be a conflict of interest.”

    Assuming that Mr. Richardson has the info correct, the SLC could be disbanded:
    (1) WLP no longer is the EVP.
    (2) Frazer no longer is the Gen’l Counsel. He was, unfortunately, voted back in as Sec’y — despite the NY jury having found him liable. But he was removed at Gen’l Counsel four weeks ago.

    So many NRA Life Members are waiting: WHEN is that SLC going to be disbanded? And WHEN is Brewer going to be fired? When is Brewer going to stop running the NRA?

    And why is Frazer dealing with Brewer’s office? Brewer is a lawyer. He should be working either under the direction of the EVP, or under the supervision of the Gen’l Counsel.

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  14. The previous Special Litigation Committee was comprised of Carolyn Meadows, Willis Lee, and Charles Cotton.

    Ms. Meadows is not actively involved with the NRA due to her age, etc.

    Willis Lee was an active participant in the corruption for years and only started singing like a canary after he was denied the NRA President position.

    Charles Cotton has been at center of corruption for the last 20 years as evidenced by being Chairman of the Audit Committee for the past 20 years.

    Also, Cotton’s depositions in the federal bankruptcy was self-incriminating.

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  15. The current members of the Special Litigation Committee are comprised of Carolyn Meadows, Charles Cotton, David Coy, and NRA President Barr.

    David Coy has been at center of corruption for the last 20 years as evidenced by being Co-Chairmen of the Audit Committee for the past 20 years.

    NRA President Barr has been previously reported on (accidentally firing a weapon, etc.) and has been a devout Wayne loyalist and part of the corruption center for years.

    Why he put himself on the Special Litigation Committee is telling, because it is now an even number which does not allow “ties” to be broken. But that is moot point and will never occur with 3 corrupt Wayne loyalists.

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  16. Knowing that the NRA President Barr is a major problem and responsible for committee appointments for chairperson and co-chairperson, one should assume that if Charles Cotton and David Coy have been Chairmen and Co-Chairman for the past 20 years while Wayne was CEO, that it is mostly like that they will unfortunately continue to be audit chairman and co-chairman going forward under Barr.

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  18. While we all hope for the best and fastest fix, I was under no fantasy that this retaking of the organization would be fast. We still have devils in the details. We still have bad actors that may work to derail us.
    What I do see is all of us growing and becoming more united and educated. We can’t thank NRAinDanger enough AND all those who have joined the positive cause.
    it is going to take a while and we all won’t be 100% happy. I know some smart people working to truly make a difference with member transparency and voluntary involvement. We can do this. IF you know some truly wonderful, capable, skilled board member wantabes make sure to drop their name and credentials. I want experienced Non Profit board members. WE all hopefully support the NRA, but not all of us, myself included, have the skills needed to fix this baby.
    Let’s work together to get the board down to a reasonable number of members. 76 is absolutely insane(IMHO)

    Have a great Saturday and don’t lose sight of the prize.

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    1. It is amusing though, the new ‘president’ was handed a pistol at a campaign event and didn’t follow the basic rules of gun safety and killed a window. Think about the optics of that? The NRA preaches “gun safety” and the numbskull who is “president” can’t remember to keep his finger off the trigger and check to see if the pistol’s loaded? Thank God he only killed a window and not a person.

      Regardless of corruption, with a history like that, they might as well of selected Dick Cheney, he has a history of peppering his friends with birdshot… And being corrupt too.

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    2. Dannytheman: I just want to say that you are on this blog, and you believe in the NRA, you shouldn’t shortchange yourself. You do not have to be a genius to sit on any board, anywhere. What you do need is common sense, good character, high morals and ethics, loyalty to donors and above all the ability to learn and follow the rules of law governing non- profits. All of these are what moves a non-profit in the right direction- FORWARD

      The problem with the vast majority of the current 76- member board is that they consider themselves genius’s and have none of the above-mentioned qualities. Many of the so-called “big” names on the board were likely approached and offered a position, for that name. All they had to do was “turn the other cheek”. In the end, their only qualities are greed and a self-indulgence.

      You certainly do not project yourself in that manner in you writing. I say GO FOT IT. You certainly couldn’t be any worse than the current.

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      1. If you only White-Out’ted the name of the body you wrote of it could easily be mistaken for the “elected governing officials” of our late great Republic.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement. Also, thank you to the two people who liked it. (One of which I will see on Friday)

        I disagree politely with some of what you said. I truly believe, that we need people strongly knowledgeable in Non Profit Boards.
        The NRA is a vertically integrated organization with a Foundation, The Whittaker Center, the PVF, the ILA etc., etc. My skills are in light cable TV Technology and marketing of new products, not business. While I can read a balance sheet, we need people who can read it and understand how it relates to the future status of the entire organization.
        In my personal opinion we have to many people who love the NRA like I do, but have no ability to move it forward. Many current board members hold their title like a status thing, instead of a “What’s best for the gun community (members) thing.
        A current board member moved to my state years ago. He was all about training people AND had zero issue with it being mandated by government. (Shouldn’t be on there)

        Other two, on competition committee, wouldn’t allow competitors to use suppressors at any NRA sanctioned events. (There states didn’t allow them, so F the rest, they’d be out, too)That finally changed.
        Ending on my normal positive note, I feel Judge Journey, Ricky Marshall, Jeff Knox and others get it.
        I am also hoping we can get Frank Tait back on the board to lend quality leadership.

        Have a great humpday.

        Liked by 2 people

  19. I’ve got it! Alec Baldwin for next NRA president! When he “accidental” maybe kinda sorta doesn’t pull the trigger, but the gun fires, he actually kills someone!

    And Alec Baldwin’s got the right temperament, too, he’s a stark raving mad lunatic.

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  22. Jim Baker was head of the NRA’s ILA (Institute of Legislative Action) and ultimately responsible for the hiring of Conte. Conte funneled work to an outside attorney by the name of Charles “Chuck” Michel of the law firm, Michel & Associates to legislate 2nd Amendment cases. Michel & Associates, P.C. (michellawyers.com) Unfortunately, the association between Michel and Conte allowed Michel to double bill the NRA with Conte’s approval. In return, Conte received a kickback!

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    1. HMMMM….. Someone should dig into the tax filings and see if the law firm above is listed as a vendor. If not, that would likely me the payments to the law firm were funneled through some other entity or vendor. Got any ideas? I sure do!

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  23. After Chris Cox and David Lehman (former Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel of ILA) left the NRA, Conte was fired in 2020 by his supervisor. On that very same day, Conte called John Frazer (NRA General Counsel) and stated that if he was not immediately rehired, he would go to the media and destroy the NRA overnight.

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  24. On the same day Conte was hired at almost $400,000 a year with the understanding that he would NOT be assigned any work. However, he was given an office, but rarely occupied it, and “worked” from home. Conti was paid this exorbitant amount of money until the day he died!

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  25. One should ask Mr. Hamlin and General Counsel to refer Frazer to the Ethics board committee for this malfeasance. What could possibly be wrong with that referral is that Charles Cotton is chairman of the Ethics Committee and would likely result in no action!

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    1. You are right, nothing would come of it. But the mere fact Hamlin hasn’t made and official referal speaks more about the kind of man Hamlin is, than either Frazer or Cotton.

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  26. We believe there is no set pay for the Secretary of the Board. Since Frazer has been demoted, his pay should commiserate with his current position, not that of general counsel. Mr. Hamlin should pay Frazer’s approximately $100,000 per year to incentivized him to resign. However, all of this is moot in one year, because Frazer will be eligible to retire with the NRA pension based on the (“Rules of 80).

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    1. Yet more frivolous spending. They give him the Secretary position so he could get his last year to qualify and recieve a pension and then pay him an outrageous amount of salary.

      At this rate, and with lack of oversight, I am pretty certain they have blown through the 23 million they borrowed and will be quickly in default based on their budget predictions. No wonder they couldn’t pay the full 20 million to Brewer.

      Sorry folks, the numbers don’t add up and pretty sure bankruptcy is looming.

      Their budget predictions were far too optimistic as far as donations and their predicted budget for Brewer was significantly lower than what was owed.

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      1. “Oh c’mon man! The Ol’ NRA can just use Monopoly money to pay it’s debts like I do!… Can I have more ice cream now?”- Joe Biden

        Liked by 2 people

  27. Mr. Hamlin and General Counsel do not understand that for every problem there is always a solution! Instead of thinking nothing can be done, Mr. Hamlin could suspend Frazer, even though he was recently elected as Secretary of the Board, for his malfeasance subject to the board’s approval.

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  28. What is the possible problem with that? Mr. Hamlin is likely concerned for his job as CEO. The Executive Committee could suspend or relieve him of his duties, since the Executive committee consists of Charles Cotton and other Wayne loyalists.

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      1. You are correct that Mr. Hamlin will not last given his lack of qualifications and inability to deal with the “sharks!”

        Liked by 2 people

  29. Mr. Hamlin should send an email to all the board members requesting a special executive session which only requires a majority of the board and then approve a resolution to fire Frazer.

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  30. If Mr. Hamlin were a strategic thinker, he would correct this problem with Frazer because any punitive action against him would be suicidal for the NRA with the bench trail weeks away with Judge Cohen.

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  31. Since Mr. Hamlin and General Counsel cannot find solutions to these problems it would benefit them to retain a high-profile attorney to facilitate the solutions to these issues.

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  32. Going forward, Mr. Hamlin should be careful concerning intentional misrepresentations because he can be held liable.

    For example, to state that the NRA is in full compliance is undeniable false. Similarly, to state that “I will be up front, we’re gonna (sic) make it. But this is a crisis management situation” is misleading when the $20,000,000 dollars owed to Brewer could not be paid in full due to lack of funds.

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  33. With all due respect to Mr. Hamlin, especially for his military service, he is not qualified to be CEO of a non-profit. Given that fact, we again strongly recommend that Mr. Hamlin hire consultants to assist him.

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  34. Consultants are necessary is in this instance as he is currently only a “place holder” for Brewer, NRA President Barr, Chales Cotton, David Coy, and majority of the board. These individuals will continue to outmaneuver him.

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      1. You don’t need to be a crook to beat a crook. A man’s just gotta have the courage, and the daring to be willing to fight fire with fire.

        Liked by 2 people

  37. Transparency is proven by being ethical and lawful by revealing the following on the NRA website: who is on the various boards (i.e., NRA, the Foundation and Whittington center), the chairpersons and co-chairpersons of the various committees, the board members of each committee, the current officers, the IRS filings (form 990s, etc.), and all meeting minutes. In addition, educating the current board members about their fiduciary responsibility and oversight.

    Finally, provide complete financials to board members to allow them to perform their fiduciary responsibility and oversight.

    The fact that the Special Litigation Committee’s four board members are the only ones privy to legal expenses is problematic.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. While not all of what you mention is required by law, it is utilized by non-profits who truly are being transparent!

      The NRA and its entities do not even come close to following the minimum requirements of the regulations that govern non-profits!

      Liked by 3 people

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      1. No corporation, whether for profit, or not for profit, can rightfully argue against transparency with it’s shareholders, or members. There’s just no justifiable reason for secrecy.

        Liked by 2 people

  38. Special thanks to our research detectives and forensic accountants that go through the myriads of shell companies and associated nonprofits, tax fillings, etc.

    Liked by 2 people

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