*****Harrisburg Rally, 5/6/19*****

[Walleye Hunter]

I'm a believer in social media. I get a lot of information I would never even be aware of otherwise. Justin is right, this last rally was a pure grass roots explosion. I witnessed it from start to finish. By tagging friends posts with information about the rally I spread the word to each and everyone of there friends. I'm sure there were at least a few at the rally because of this. It spread like fire.

I'd be willing to take on Westmoreland County if we start organizing. If anybody want s to hook up on facebook send me a PM.

Social media is important but what really strikes a chord here is that so many people felt the need to get involved. And don't forget about those who were afraid to come out who should feel easier about making the next trip.

[pennlineman]

Social media is important but what really strikes a chord here is that so many people felt the need to get involved. And don't forget about those who were afraid to come out who should feel easier about making the next trip.

It was the biggest rally I've seen in Pa so far. The largest was in Columbus Ohio. It was about 800 people on a Saturday. I agree, once you attend one of these they become easier to go to. Almost an addiction to a sense of duty. Many people showed simply because they knew of it. The information was not spread through the normal channels that we are accustomed to. At the moment I'm willing to bet very few people even know about the Harrisburg rally. It's not being pushed on social media yet. Quite honestly most of our would be supporters know nothing of PAFOA. We need to identify and then implement all avenues of communication if we wish to have people show up in large numbers. This requires teamwork, not the infighting we've seen recently.

[Walleye Hunter]

It was the biggest rally I've seen in Pa so far. The largest was in Columbus Ohio. It was about 800 people on a Saturday. I agree, once you attend one of these they become easier to go to. Almost an addiction to a sense of duty. Many people showed simply because they knew of it. The information was not spread through the normal channels that we are accustomed to. At the moment I'm willing to bet very few people even know about the Harrisburg rally. It's not being pushed on social media yet. Quite honestly most of our would be supporters know nothing of PAFOA. We need to identify and then implement all avenues of communication if we wish to have people show up in large numbers. This requires teamwork, not the infighting we've seen recently.

I don't think we'll ever completely eradicate the differences in opinion (infighting) but the other side seems to ignore their differences and get along. I'm a short timer here and this is only the second such rally that I've seen take place but it sounds like the arguing about how to go about it is nothing new. It was the same regarding the Abington walk last year and the aftermath...well there was no aftermath, same as this time. All we can do is hope that the naysayers take notice and remind them of the previous events.

[pennlineman]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. This is a quote we should all start embracing. The people on our side are very freedom minded and are going to carry what they want how they want. Organizers really need to keep this in mind when they try to impose rules on those likely to attend, this would curb a lot of the infighting from the start. We all have one goal in mind, it's the details in how we approach it that cause the problems. Some things just need to be overlooked.

This last rally attempts to undermine were present. Spreading fears of a large counter protest that could turn violent did not materialize. Most of the time there are a few, as in a dozen or less protesters present. They are kept off to the side. If they infiltrate our ranks and cause a disturbance they are escorted away. No big deal.

Also rumors were spread that those with long guns would be arrested. This was false as well. The truth is that most of the street level police support our cause. The organizers also did a fantastic job of coordinating with the police department.

I can't help but wonder how many were deterred by this. What turned out to be a great rally could have been an epic one.

[Justin///M]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. This is a quote we should all start embracing. The people on our side are very freedom minded and are going to carry what they want how they want. Organizers really need to keep this in mind when they try to impose rules on those likely to attend, this would curb a lot of the infighting from the start. We all have one goal in mind, it's the details in how we approach it that cause the problems. Some things just need to be overlooked.

This last rally attempts to undermine were present. Spreading fears of a large counter protest that could turn violent did not materialize. Most of the time there are a few, as in a dozen or less protesters present. They are kept off to the side. If they infiltrate our ranks and cause a disturbance they are escorted away. No big deal.

Also rumors were spread that those with long guns would be arrested. This was false as well. The truth is that most of the street level police support our cause. The organizers also did a fantastic job of coordinating with the police department.

I can't help but wonder how many were deterred by this. What turned out to be a great rally could have been an epic one.

I just listened in on a meeting, those false things are still being spoken. One person even claimed that the police were following people to vehicles to check for concealed weapons.

I don't expect both sides of this issue are ever going to agree on this, unfortunately. At least not while falsehoods are spoken openly like that.

[Hodgie]

I just listened in on a meeting, those false things are still being spoken. One person even claimed that the police were following people to vehicles to check for concealed weapons.

I don't expect both sides of this issue are ever going to agree on this, unfortunately. At least not while falsehoods are spoken openly like that.

No doubt spoken with out a shred of proof or credible evidence.

[kmrcstintn]

gotta be tactfully blunt about this...heard stories about previous Harrisburg rallies that were held outside and had more NRA involvement which had more appeal & made lasting impacts on several friends who continuously urge me to get & stay active; these are folks who have done mega rallies in DC and say that FAOC moving the event indoors alienates many gunowners who do not have time to check in and cram inside the rotunda; you preach year after year that more folks are needed for active 2A support and then move the event inside a secured building which eliminates public awareness and limits involvement! with as much tactful response as I can muster...move the friggin event outside which allows more involvement by the gun owners of PA!!!

with that said...if you keep it inside then I will not attend! I will not have enough time before work to go through the capitol building rat maze...working in healthcare does not allow leniency for taking time off; rant done...

[Walleye Hunter]

gotta be tactfully blunt about this...heard stories about previous Harrisburg rallies that were held outside and had more NRA involvement which had more appeal & made lasting impacts on several friends who continuously urge me to get & stay active; these are folks who have done mega rallies in DC and say that FAOC moving the event indoors alienates many gunowners who do not have time to check in and cram inside the rotunda; you preach year after year that more folks are needed for active 2A support and then move the event inside a secured building which eliminates public awareness and limits involvement! with as much tactful response as I can muster...move the friggin event outside which allows more involvement by the gun owners of PA!!!

with that said...if you keep it inside then I will not attend! I will not have enough time before work to go through the capitol building rat maze...working in healthcare does not allow leniency for taking time off; rant done...

I don't think that you are taking the right approach. There are guys who remain out front carrying long guns and your presence with them would be great. The Rotunda was full to the brim last year and some were purportedly turned away because of it. The responses I heard were all about how great it was that our attendance was so high, not that people were sour because they could not get inside. If you believe in the cause come out and join the group.

[TooBigToFit]

gotta be tactfully blunt about this...heard stories about previous Harrisburg rallies that were held outside and had more NRA involvement which had more appeal & made lasting impacts on several friends who continuously urge me to get & stay active; these are folks who have done mega rallies in DC and say that FAOC moving the event indoors alienates many gunowners who do not have time to check in and cram inside the rotunda; you preach year after year that more folks are needed for active 2A support and then move the event inside a secured building which eliminates public awareness and limits involvement! with as much tactful response as I can muster...move the friggin event outside which allows more involvement by the gun owners of PA!!!

with that said...if you keep it inside then I will not attend! I will not have enough time before work to go through the capitol building rat maze...working in healthcare does not allow leniency for taking time off; rant done...

The point of having it inside is to have everyone visit their elected politicians after the speeches and presentations to show support for 2A related bills, and to question those who are fighting against the 2A.

It's not just about showing up and making some noise (though that's also very important), it's about keeping your representatives accountable.

[kmrcstintn]

ok...folks wanna talk to legislators; as in years before moving event inside these folks did so after the outdoor rally; more folks can hear speakers outdoors & allows folks on tighter schedules more time to arrive, hear speakers, be counted amongst the numbers, and move out as needed; FAOC is limiting involvement...sorry this is how I see it!

I use POPVOX, NRA-ILA, facebook based petitions, and other online sources to contact my legislators about 2A related concerns and will remain active that way...