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Wayne LaPierre and the NRA: A timeline on January 6, 2024 at 7:15 pm Business News | The Hill

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The National Rifle Association announced Friday that longtime chief Wayne LaPierre will resign at the end of the month, marking the end of an era as the group continues to face legal and financial trouble.

Long-maligned by gun control activists and constantly controversial, LaPierre has served as the group’s face in Washington for over three decades.

Rise to power

LaPierre is not generally the type of person one would expect to head a gun-rights organization. He grew up in Roanoke, Va., in a home without firearms, and didn’t purchase his first gun until he was out of college.

Bouncing around between political jobs in Virginia and Massachusetts Democratic circles — once turning down a job from then-Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil (D-Mass.) — LaPierre joined the NRA lobbying team in 1978.

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In his 2021 critical history of the organization, journalist Tim Mak described LaPierre as “bookish” and an “awkward egghead type.”

But, he was considered extremely effective by colleagues and quickly rose in the group’s ranks. In just a few years, he was promoted to lead the NRA’s state lobbying arm and then its federal lobbying effort.

“This organization was sliding into … an abyss when he took over, and he stabilized it and turned it around and started building it,” former NRA President Marion Hammer said in a 1995 Los Angeles Times feature.

Known for social awkwardness, lackluster fashion sense and a reputation for being a push-over, Mak described, LaPierre nonetheless found success winning over Washington politicians to his gun-rights cause.

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He took the CEO job in 1991 with reluctance, only after no other candidate stepped up. Even in the 1995 LA Times feature he showed little confidence in his own job, joking that the NRA board would be quick to have him removed.

It was an open secret that LaPierre didn’t even enjoy shooting guns, Mak wrote, once showing up to a skeet shoot with an embarrassingly rusted shotgun, and years later being so clumsy with gun safety that his weapon was confiscated during a video filming.

“He represents a real departure for the NRA,” author Osha Gray Davidson, who wrote a 1993 book on the history of the organization, told the LA Times. “He’s the first leader for the NRA that doesn’t come from the shooting-sports and hunting area. He’s a politician.”

A video leaked to The New Yorker in 2021 showed LaPierre on an African trophy hunt, attempting to take down an elephant. After nervously felling the elephant, he went on to miss a killing blow three times and was chastised by his guide.

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“Wayne would be spotted far more often with his legal pads than with a pistol,” Mak wrote. “He looks at guns through the lens of politics — as a political junkie, not as a lover of firearms.”

Kingmaker

His early years at the helm of the NRA were marked with internal strife and legislative difficulties. The first hurdle was the 1991 Brady Bill, named for the press secretary who was paralyzed during an assassination attempt on President Reagan.

It mandated federal background checks on gun purchases for the first time, and faced fierce opposition from the NRA. While it did pass, the group won a concession, doing away with the proposed five-day waiting period to purchase a weapon and instead opting for an instant background check.

Then came the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, a landmark bill that threatened to severely hamper gun enthusiasts. But with NRA support, a sunset clause was added to the weapon ban portion of the 1994 crime bill, which expired in 2004. Two decades later, there is little political will to re-implement it, despite efforts from Democrats.

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Through scandals of spending and controversies of policy surrounding ever-more-frequent school shootings, the NRA reached its height in the 2000s and 2010s.

LaPierre was the head of arguably the most powerful lobby in Washington, and wielded that power to force the hands of dozens of politicians on gun policy. Through a militant membership and hefty political donations, the NRA could sink a candidate by endorsing a rival. 

The group also spent hundreds of millions on legal cases, challenging gun control measures in nearly every state.

Fading empire

Cracks began to show in the late 2010s and into this decade. As former President Trump took center stage of GOP politics, less attention was paid to the gun lobby. While the NRA was still successful in pursuing legal cases, its influence was no longer what it was.

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Membership started to drop, and with it fundraising. 

The association lost about a half-million members from 2021-22, according to gun violence news nonprofit The Trace. It raised just $213 million in 2022, about half of its 2016 total, according to the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

That came at the same time legal bills rose. New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) filed a suit against the NRA in 2021, alleging that LaPierre and other executives corruptly spent millions of association funds on personal luxuries.

That included Caribbean vacations, private jet trips, fancy dinners and even LaPierre’s penchant for gourmet ice cream.

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Following an 18-month investigation, James said the NRA fostered “a culture of self-dealing, mismanagement and negligent oversight,” costing the group $64 million over three years. She sought to dissolve the whole organization in the suit, but a state judge pared back that demand last year.

Resignation

LaPierre’s resignation announcement came just three days before the New York case is set to go to trial. He remains a defendant in the case, and has denied wrongdoing.

His resignation was somewhat unexpected, but the 74-year-old chief cited heath reasons for his departure.

In the interim, the NRA will be led by long-time executive and Head of General Operations Andrew Arulanandam, the group announced Friday.

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LaPierre now has the opportunity to go through with a retirement plan he laid out for the LA Times in 1995 and has reportedly frequently repeated to friends since: to start an ice cream shop in northern Maine.

​Business, News, NRA The National Rifle Association announced Friday that longtime chief Wayne LaPierre will resign at the end of the month, marking the end of an era as the group continues to face legal and financial trouble. Long-maligned by gun control activists and constantly controversial, LaPierre has served as the group’s face in Washington for over three…  

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The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.

Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.

Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.

Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.

In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.

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Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.

These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.

As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.

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How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, his ambitious plans for mass deportations have thrust America’s urban centers into the spotlight. As the nation grapples with the potential implications of what Trump calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” cities across the country are bracing for significant changes that could reshape their economic, social, and cultural landscapes.

The stakes are particularly high for metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Miami, which host the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants. These cities, along with other major urban hubs such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, stand at the forefront of a looming transformation that could reverberate throughout the nation.

Economic Tremors

Economists warn that the proposed deportations could send shockwaves through urban economies. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, cautions that businesses would face “significant challenges” if a substantial number of immigrants were removed. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare—pillars of urban economies—could face severe labor shortages.

Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, emphasizes the potential ripple effects: “The native-born workforce cannot meet current labor demands.” This labor gap could lead to increased wages, potentially rekindling inflation—a concern that looms large over city planners and policymakers alike.

Community Fabric Under Strain

Beyond economic considerations, the social fabric of cities hangs in the balance. Elena, a Nicaraguan immigrant in Houston, voices a fear echoed in immigrant communities across the nation: “I’m scared… This is my home.” The threat of family separations, particularly in mixed-status households, casts a long shadow over urban neighborhoods.

Immigrant advocacy groups like FIEL are mobilizing, advising clients to prepare for “anything that can happen.” This atmosphere of uncertainty could lead to decreased community engagement and cooperation with local authorities, potentially impacting public safety and community cohesion.

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Cities at a Crossroads

As the debate intensifies, cities find themselves at a crossroads. Some, like New York and Los Angeles, have historically positioned themselves as “sanctuary cities,” often at odds with federal immigration enforcement. The impending clash between federal policy and local governance promises to be a defining feature of this new political landscape.

Meanwhile, the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive deportation operation remain daunting. Questions abound regarding detention facilities, transportation networks, and the sheer manpower required to carry out Trump’s vision.

Looking Ahead

As America’s urban centers brace for potential change, the full impact of Trump’s deportation plans remains to be seen. Legal challenges are all but certain, and the resilience of America’s cities will be put to the test.

What is clear is that the coming months and years will be pivotal for urban America. As Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, puts it, the plan is to “immediately reinstate” immigration policies from Trump’s first term. For America’s cities, this could mean a period of unprecedented change, challenge, and, potentially, transformation.

As the nation watches and waits, the story of America’s cities in the face of this ambitious deportation plan is just beginning to unfold. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of urban life in America for years to come.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election

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Based on the election results, Donald Trump has indeed won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s an analysis of the key statistics and implications:

Electoral College Victory

Donald Trump has secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states and flipping some key states that were previously held by Democrats. The final Electoral College tally is still being determined, but Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Battleground State Performance

Trump’s victory was largely secured by winning several critical swing states:

  • Wisconsin: Trump’s win here was pivotal in securing his path to victory.
  • Pennsylvania: This state flipped back to Republican control.
  • Georgia: Another key state that Trump managed to win back.
  • Michigan: Trump successfully flipped this traditionally Democratic stronghold.

While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:

Congressional Control

The election results extend beyond the presidency:

Media Implications

The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:

  1. Polling Discrepancies: Many pre-election polls suggested a tight race or even a slight Harris advantage in key states. Trump’s victory, particularly in battleground states, may indicate that polls underestimated his support.
  2. Narrative Shifts: Throughout the campaign, much of the mainstream media focused on Trump’s legal challenges and controversies. His victory suggests that these issues may not have resonated with voters as much as economic and policy concerns.
  3. Voter Priorities: The emphasis on issues like the economy and immigration in voter decision-making may indicate a disconnect between media focus and voter concerns.
  4. Electoral Predictions: Many mainstream outlets were cautious about predicting a Trump victory, even as results began to favor him. This hesitancy could be seen as a reflection of broader media skepticism about Trump’s chances.
  5. Underestimation of Trump’s Base: The results suggest that Trump’s core support remained strong and potentially grew, despite negative coverage in much of the mainstream media.

It’s important to note that while the election outcome may challenge some media narratives, it doesn’t necessarily invalidate all mainstream reporting. The complex factors influencing voter behavior and the challenges of accurate political forecasting remain subjects of ongoing analysis and debate.

As the dust settles on this historic election, both the media and political analysts will likely engage in extensive reflection on the factors that led to Trump’s victory and the implications for future political coverage and analysis.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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