I learned that the NRA-ILA tour bus would be making a stop in Kalamazoo yesterday, about a 45-minute drive from my home. The bus is on a thirteen state, 60+ day tour of the U.S.. I figured a visit would be worth my time, having walked through exhibit buses/trailers for art and cultural events in the past where artifacts, photos or other postings usually make the displays worthwhile. Surely, with the NRA's heritage, a couple of muskets, revolutionary/civil war articles, or any modern representations of the NRA would be worth the trip. I was amazed to find the bus parked in a sporting goods store lot, as advertised for its 1pm--4pm stopover. The bus, however, was locked and not open for entry. From a side window I could see that the interior of the bus was filled with cardboard cartons and in disarray. A small outdoor canopy and four comfortably dressing fellows sitting outside at folding tables was the only engagement for visitors. At the table were stacks of promotional, cheap snapback baseball caps which are readily given with new NRA memberships. There were also two open laptop computers, obviously arranged for visitors to sign up or donate, at the end of the tables. The bus, itself, is a plastic wrapped advertisement for the NRA and is undeniably distinctive. I'd seen it online. I did not realize that a visit to the tour stop would offer nothing more than another look at it. I post this only to alert other curious folks-- I've been an NRA member most of my lifetime-- that the NRA-ILA bus tour provides nothing to enhance or educate the public. It is an entirely missed opportunity. While I was there, a total of three visitors approached and engaged the men at the table in random conversation. No one else arrived during the fifteen minutes while I was onsite. The bus will soon be heading to Ohio and Pennsylvania for additional stops. Given the high price of diesel fuel, I'd say the NRA-ILA bus tour is a total waste of NRA resources. Don't bother with it.