Harrisburg 23 Jan 2013 10:00 start

[LBaker]

I just want to note here, the capital police have been very supportive of us. Please do not do anything that would hurt that relationship.

Should the NRA ,GOA and such be contacted about this?

[truecrimson]

.............So let's have some input on those two goals.

1. Contrast and dispel the myth that gun owners are dangerous and somehow support or are responsible for the criminal acts of lunatics who just happen to use a gun.

2. Show of Solidarity and Organization

Anyone want to propose another?

I don't know how to work the mag or AWB issues. Maybe slogans? Ideas?

I think carrying long guns goes directly to #1, especially since "assault weapons" are the bogeyman in the current round of gun control proposals. Of course we oppose any and all gun control, but an AWB and mag limits are what are being pushed right now by the antis.

A bunch of law abiding people carrying AR's and AK's sends a visible message that normal ordinary people own them and use them legally without harming anyone.

[PreserveandProtect]

OK, capital police called back. They do not have facilities for checking long guns, so anyone carrying a long gun will not be able to enter the capital building unless they leave the long gun in their vehicle or something first.

Thank you for doing this.

So we either

1. Don't bring long guns
2. Bring long guns, but don't enter the Capitol
3. Bring long guns, and leave them with one or more of our people who will wait outside the Capitol while the rest of us enter

Other options?

Again, I am fine with any or all of the above.

Keep in mind. I am not making any "rules." I am simply trying to organize the information. I have offered my opinions, as I expect us all to do, but I'll go with whatever serves the best interest of the group and the rally.

[gnbrotz]

I just want to note here, the capital police have been very supportive of us. Please do not do anything that would hurt that relationship.

Should the NRA ,GOA and such be contacted about this?

I couldn't care less about "supportive". I'd settle for "compliant with the law".

[LBaker]

I couldn't care less about "supportive". I'd settle for "compliant with the law".

How did that work out for you the last time? How much of an impression did you make with lawmakers? The guys checking the firearms don't make the rules...

[nater99]

Thank you for doing this.

So we either

1. Don't bring long guns
2. Bring long guns, but don't enter the Capitol
3. Bring long guns, and leave them with one or more of our people who will wait outside the Capitol while the rest of us enter

Other options?

Again, I am fine with any or all of the above.

Keep in mind. I am not making any "rules." I am simply trying to organize the information. I have offered my opinions, as I expect us all to do, but I'll go with whatever serves the best interest of the group and the rally.

I'd say option 3 is the way to go. I would think it beneficial to have a presence outside at all times even while people are inside speaking to representatives.

[truecrimson]

Thank you for doing this.

So we either

1. Don't bring long guns
2. Bring long guns, but don't enter the Capitol
3. Bring long guns, and leave them with one or more of our people who will wait outside the Capitol while the rest of us enter

Other options?

Again, I am fine with any or all of the above.

Keep in mind. I am not making any "rules." I am simply trying to organize the information. I have offered my opinions, as I expect us all to do, but I'll go with whatever serves the best interest of the group and the rally.

I was thinking maybe someone would volunteer a vehicle for long guns to be left in, with a couple of volunteers to keep an eye on it.

I assume that most of the event will be outdoors, followed by people entering the capital building to talk to reps and senators if they are there.

[gnbrotz]

How did that work out for you the last time? How much of an impression did you make with lawmakers? The guys checking the firearms don't make the rules...

I was denied entry because I refused to produce a driver's license, and despite assurances from FOAC leadership that the situation "would be addressed", jack shit was done.

If FOAC and the "pro-gun" legislators want to impress me, they can start by bringing the Capitol police into compliance with the law, instead of giving them a public reach-round when rally time comes around each year.

[truecrimson]

I just want to note here, the capital police have been very supportive of us. Please do not do anything that would hurt that relationship.

Should the NRA ,GOA and such be contacted about this?

I was nice and polite. So was the lady I spoke to.

[PreserveandProtect]

I will offer up a few thoughts here in hopes that they will be taken in the spirit intended. I am not writing from any position of authority - only a little experience.

{snip}

How many who have already posted in this thread know the names of your own representatives, what their positions are, and where their offices are in the complex?

Good points. Yes, we are amateurs. Yes, we have been very openly soliciting advice and assistance from experienced folks.

For the experienced people: You can choose to either mock us, laugh at us, or watch us fail- or you can step up and help us make this a success.

I would think the latter is the best choice

Also- instead of finding all the reasons for this event to fail, how about some advice and help in shaping it into a good model for success?

I hope this request is also being taken in the good spirit in which it is intended.