En route to the Richmond rally

[LittleLebowski]

If I don't report back tonight, avenge my death, thanks.

[Tokarev]

Seen this?

May you live in interesting times....


https://youtu.be/GnHC1FBEEN4

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[rob_s]

https://youtu.be/ma9QXd9R9u8

[JodyH]

NM is behind you 100%... unfortunately we're next.

[Duelist]

Good luck!

[HCountyGuy]

Stay safe, fight the good fight. Figuratively speaking, of course. Unless someone accosts you then handle your business.

Record what you can, I’m interested in seeing how things really are vs how the media is going to spin this.

[Darth_Uno]

Record what you can, I’m interested in seeing how things really are vs how the media is going to spin this.

Yes, please do.

[Yung]

God bless. The free world is watching.

[ssb]

Is there a good way for those of us out of state to read/watch what's happening? MSM is sticking to the "fears of white supremacists marching on MLK day" thing, which is... tiring.

[Suvorov]

Thanks to you and all those who are making a stand today!

God Speed!

[Caballoflaco]

Saw on another site that YouTube is apparently cutting live-streams of the rally.

[Grey]

If I don't report back tonight, avenge my death, thanks.Be safe dude. Hoping for a positive check in this evening.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[Greg]

If you get a chance to strangle lil' David Hogg, please do so.

[blues]

Keep us posted, LL, and thanks for representing.

[Jamie]

God speed, safe journey, and I pray for an uneventful yet fruitful day. Thank you!

[CWM11B]

Stay safe and watch your six. I hope you guys punish the hell out of these bastards in the courts as well as the polls in 2020

[Savage Hands]

Behind you from CA!

[SeriousStudent]

Wishing you safe travels and success.

[Francis]

If I don't report back tonight, avenge my death, thanks.

God speed! Watching from Fly Over Country.

[Francis]

Is there a good way for those of us out of state to read/watch what's happening? MSM is sticking to the "fears of white supremacists marching on MLK day" thing, which is... tiring.

Breitbart is live streaming (http://https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/01/20/watch-live-pro-2a-americans-come-to-virginia-to-rally-for-gun-rights/).

[Guerrero]

1218322165189226497

[LittleLebowski]

Peaceful, polite, orderly, CROWDED.

47509

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/authorities-brace-massive-gun-rights-rally-richmond-virginia/story?id=68328504&cid=clicksource_4380645_4_three_posts_card_hed

Note the choice of AR toting folks. What did one expect from the news?

[BillSWPA]

Wow, all this talk about concern for violence, but no plans to separate the counter-protesters?!

I have to wonder what combination of simple stupidity and malicious intentions could have led to that decision.

Looking forward to the governor having egg on his face when the gun rights side is no problem whatsoever for anyone.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Yung]

https://deepclips.com/clip/3748/lobby-day-live-scroll-sights-and-sounds-from-gun-rights-supporters-packing-into-richmond/firearms

[5pins]

Several live streams on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gun+rights+rally+virginia&sp=EgJAAQ%253D%253D

[LittleLebowski]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/authorities-brace-massive-gun-rights-rally-richmond-virginia/story?id=68328504&cid=clicksource_4380645_4_three_posts_card_hed

Note the choice of AR toting folks. What did one expect from the news?

I can assure you that the VAST MAJORITY was not packing rifles. As in 99%.

[Borderland]

Just thought I would put this civil war thing into perspective. This is Richmond in 1865.

https://i.ibb.co/YBxGfgL/richmond-1865.jpg (https://ibb.co/XxqTFHC)

I don't think anyone wants a civil war. At least not any sane person.

[vaglocker]

I can assure you that the VAST MAJORITY was not packing rifles. As in 99%.

I can also confirm. I was down there from 7:30 till about 10. Ironically had to leave early because I have a gun being delivered I have to sign for.

[JodyH]

Seen this?

May you live in interesting times....


https://youtu.be/GnHC1FBEEN4

Some of these state police guys need to stop and think.
Do you really want to be known as the LE agency that zealously protects the government officials who A) are actively trying to fuck over the constitution and the people and B) don't give a flying fuck about supporting law enforcement, while also being the LE agency that most often works alone in rural areas interacting with (not to mention live among and send your kids to the same schools) the same people who are being fucked over.

Some guy who's seeing red will just see the uniform not the individual wearing it.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

CNN had a positive report. Tens of thousands of peaceful folks, no incidents, no pictures of strange folks. Mentioned the issue was preserving 2nd Amend. rights and interviewed two sensible supporters. No snark from commentators. They mentioned fears but then said there was nothing threatening at all.

Surprising. I am truly impressed by the turn out and the organizations that got this going!

[wvincent]

Wondering how the meetings with the elected Reps are going?
Someone should pop in and say "Hello" to Lee Carter. Oh wait, he's working from an undisclosed location today, isn't he?

[Suvorov]

Some of these state police guys need to stop and think.
Do you really want to be known as the LE agency that zealously protects the government officials who A) are actively trying to fuck over the constitution and the people and B) don't give a flying fuck about supporting law enforcement, while also being the LE agency that most often works alone in rural areas interacting with (not to mention live among and send your kids to the same schools) the same people who are being fucked over.

Some guy who's seeing red will just see the uniform not the individual wearing it.

I saw that and I agree - if things continue the way they are going there is going to be a lot of hard choices for those in uniform.

One has to wonder what kind of person is going to volunteer to be a member of Northams 18 person G(un)oon squad?

[TGS]

Some of these state police guys need to stop and think.
Do you really want to be known as the LE agency that zealously protects the government officials who A) are actively trying to fuck over the constitution and the people and B) don't give a flying fuck about supporting law enforcement, while also being the LE agency that most often works alone in rural areas interacting with (not to mention live among and send your kids to the same schools) the same people who are being fucked over.

Some guy who's seeing red will just see the uniform not the individual wearing it.

I think I can answer this pretty head-on.

It's about protecting the institutions of our country (institutions meaning the political process of our representative republic). Allowing malicious actors to disrupt that process prior to it running its course would result in the degradation if not destruction of our way of life as Americans.

At this point the Virginia State Troopers were 100% in the right not just legally, but morally and ethically to investigate and prevent any threats against the elected officials of the Commonwealth.

[LittleLebowski]

Alex Jones is here as is ErinSmith

47497

[blues]

I saw that and I agree - if things continue the way they are going there is going to be a lot of hard choices for those in uniform.

One has to wonder what kind of person is going to volunteer to be a member of Northams 18 person G(un)oon squad?

While I prefer to give the benefit of the doubt to the vast majority of LEOs, just as in the rest of society there are many who don't really give a rat's about whether the populace at large has the RKBA. Kind of a "screw you, I've got mine" attitude. If it's a lawful order, you can expect that there are those who will carry it out.

That said, I hope there are enough naysayers who will have some influence on their brothers and sisters in arms.

[LittleLebowski]

CNN had a positive report. Tens of thousands of peaceful folks, no incidents, no pictures of strange folks. Mentioned the issue was preserving 2nd Amend. rights and interviewed two sensible supporters. No snark from commentators. They mentioned fears but then said there was nothing threatening at all.

Surprising. I am truly impressed by the turn out and the organizations that got this going!

It’s so fucking cold here.

[Arbninftry]

Wondering how the meetings with the elected Reps are going?
Someone should pop in and say "Hello" to Lee Carter. Oh wait, he's working from an undisclosed location today, isn't he?

From the reports last night, most of the Democrats are absent today. So they probably will only see Republicans in the office today.

[mtnbkr]

Wondering how the meetings with the elected Reps are going?
Someone should pop in and say "Hello" to Lee Carter. Oh wait, he's working from an undisclosed location today, isn't he?


It’s so fucking cold here.
Damn right it is. I just got on the vcdl bus back to the parking lot and my hands still hurt.

BTW, polite and peaceful crowd...

Chris

[blues]

It’s so fucking cold here.

Dude, you're from Wyoming!



;)

[Guinnessman]

It’s so fucking cold here.

Suck it up buttercup! What you are doing is for the children, and their future ability to own 30 round mags.😜

On behalf of a neighboring state, thank you for attending the rally. Any of our states could be next.

[LittleLebowski]

Suck it up buttercup! What you are doing is for the children, and their future ability to own 30 round mags.😜

On behalf of a neighboring state, thank you for attending the rally. Any of our states could be next.

Oh, I endured it, but it was cold. En route home with JV_ driving.

[TC215]

https://i.imgur.com/DtAOaI9.jpg

[AKDoug]

It’s so fucking cold here.
I watched 3 hours of hockey yesterday at -10F. Suck it up :D .. BTW thanks for being there.

[CWM11B]

Sounds like plenty of adulting went on, unlike when the hard left shows up to protest.
Come November Virginians, PUNISH THEM at the polls.

[LJD]

Or there because I tore my calf muscle yesterday. A buddy down there confirms - tens of thousands of peaceful folks of every stripe down there.

[WobblyPossum]

I hope that some of the Democrats who won tight races see how many people showed up today to voice their disapproval of the proposed bills and decide to vote against them. If some of these bills pass, I expect the makeup of the the state legislature will change come Election Day.

[5pins]

Sounds like plenty of adulting went on, unlike when the hard left shows up to protest.
Come November Virginians, PUNISH THEM at the polls.

IIRC Virginia holds off-year elections so it's going to be two Novembers before they have a chance to vote them out.

[blues]

IIRC Virginia holds off-year elections so it's going to be two Novembers before they have a chance to vote them out.


https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2020

[LittleLebowski]

Back home now, ask questions if you like.

[Arbninftry]

Back home now, ask questions if you like.

I have seen some Youtubers saying 100k in attendance. Can you confirm this?

[LittleLebowski]

VA Sheriffs marching in uniform (https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/01/va-sheriffs-show-up-and-join-va-gun-rights-rally-photos/)

[5pins]

Back home now, ask questions if you like.

How many were killit or arrested? The way the news was acting beforehand I know it must have been a lot. It must have made the Baltimore riots look like a walk in the park.

[LittleLebowski]

I have seen some Youtubers saying 100k in attendance. Can you confirm this?

No, can’t confirm, but I would not be surprised. For hours, there was a steady stream of people coming in. I mean like a river of people. Friendly, polite people of all shapes and sizes.

[LittleLebowski]

1219334743889567744

[LittleLebowski]

How many were killit or arrested? The way the news was acting beforehand I know it must have been a lot. It must have made the Baltimore riots look like a walk in the park.

Unfortunately, it was peaceful and orderly :(

[Arbninftry]

No, can’t confirm, but I would not be surprised. For hours, there was a steady stream of people coming in. I mean like a river of people. Friendly, polite people of all shapes and sizes.

That's great, hopefully the local news will give this some playtime and let the local democraps see the people they work for are pissed.

[LittleLebowski]

1219346262769774593

[Matt C.]

1219346262769774593

Upper left photo.
Garand on his shoulder?
Style points in my book.

[SeriousStudent]

Upper left photo.
Garand on his shoulder?
Style points in my book.

What would be insanely cool was if it were a family heirloom.

Imagine a parent passing down a Garand to their son? What an awesome thing! :)

[LittleLebowski]

Infuriating tweet by the Rothschild twerp. Especially infuriating because I rode to the rally with a black guy and met a black PF member there.


1219346262769774593

[LittleLebowski]

1219323689315028993

[Suvorov]

Infuriating tweet by the Rothschild twerp. Especially infuriating because I rode to the rally with a black guy and met a black PF member there.

So glad the Rothschild family is part of the debate. Where would our world be without them?

BTW - isn’t he British and if so what should he care?

[blues]

Infuriating tweet by the Rothschild twerp. Especially infuriating because I rode to the rally with a black guy and met a black PF member there.

I can't read the tweet as I have security that blocks twitter. But apparently you haven't been apprised of the danger we face from black guns. *


Thanks for standing up for us today, LL and thanks to your stalwart companions.





*yes it's sarcasm, folks.

[JAD]

Unfortunately, it was peaceful and orderly :(

Thoughts and prayers.

[Guerrero]

I can't read the tweet as I have security that blocks twitter. But apparently you haven't been apprised of the danger we face from black guns.

I see what you did there.

[jc000]

I was there, didn’t meet any PFers but did see some great friends and very peaceful crowd. I stayed outside the perimeter so didn’t hear much as far as speeches go but had a great time nonetheless. Shame on the gov for his fear-mongering. Probably one of the safest large crowds I’ve ever been in.

[FNFAN]

That's some rich shite with a Rothschild weighing in. Where's George, we really need to see what Herr Soros thinks. Thank you so much LL for going to represent!

[mtnbkr]

I just got back. Traffic on I95 was a beyotch, probably folks returning home from the long weekend.

I can confirm, it was practically nut to butt anywhere near the capital and entirely peaceful.

As for it not being safe for minorities, someone should tell all the minorities there they were in danger. :rolleyes:

I stopped off at Green Top on the way home and that place was busier than I've ever seen it before.

Chris

[wvincent]

What?? No bear spray?? What kind of a rally was this??;)

[LittleLebowski]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/01/20/virginia-gun-rally-updates/


At the Wake Cafe on Franklin Street, two and a half blocks from the square, owner Wade Thomas said the day had been the store’s busiest since it opened seven months ago, with at least 200 separate sales since opening at 8 a.m.

“These were not our usual Monday customers,” he said, “but people needed a place to get warm and have a cup of coffee, so we were going to be here.”

Like other cafe owners downtown, Thomas said the decision to stay open wasn’t meant as a political stance and that the store hadn’t received any blowback.

“We had no idea what was going to happen,” he said. “But the crowd today was some of the nicest people.”

[RoyGBiv]

blues


David Rothschild‏Verified account
@DavMicRot
(https://twitter.com/DavMicRot) 8h8 hours ago (https://twitter.com/DavMicRot/status/1219267779397931011)More



The White Men (and they are all White Men, because non-White Men would not be safe in this crowd) are explicitly TERRORIZING US to demonstrate to lawmakers they will cause more TERROR if they pass gun safety measures the voters wanted and voted them into office to pass.





1219346262769774593

[LittleLebowski]

Woke up to this bullshit this morning. The same “journalist” NBC described the rally as “tense”. Bullshit.

47518

[blues]

blues

Thanks, brother. Wow, that's a crock and a half. What rock do these fuckers live under?

[LittleLebowski]

God, this is funny.

1219289516994940930

[Greg]

#MediaWhores (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=MediaWhores) gonna whore.

47521

[hufnagel]

So... no one had to use their AK?

I guess it was a good day. :D

[EPF]

What an amazing day. Unbelievable really. There had to be 100K people there at least. Everyone was kind and polite. The entire media narrative is BS. My friend and I walked the area several times throughout the day and I could not find a negative thing.

Maybe I thought of a few jokes about the “militia” guys needing a PT program, but today was a day of solidarity so I won’t even make fun of the awesome gear people had on 😂

Been a long time since I was proud of a group of humans. People even organized to pick up trash after. I’ve never seen a crowd that was so easy to move through. A simple “pardon me” and a smile.

[Joe in PNG]

From America's New Newspaper of Record:

Media Offers Thoughts And Prayers That Someone Would Start Some Violence At Gun Rights Rally (https://babylonbee.com/news/media-offers-thoughts-and-prayers-that-someone-would-start-some-violence-at-gun-rights-rally)


U.S.—Somber members of the press offered their thoughts and prayers that someone would start some violence at the gun rights rally in Virginia today.

Reporters expressed their grief and condolences as the violence they hyped has so far failed to materialize.

[Joe in PNG]

Meanwhile, the Stunning and Brave (TM) AOC was "flabbergasted by ‘almost no police officers’ at Va. gun rights rally in the face of all the ‘people flying Confederate flags with semiautomatic weapons’" (https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2020/01/20/aoc-flabbergasted-by-almost-no-police-officers-at-va-gun-rights-rally-in-the-face-of-all-the-people-flying-confederate-flags-with-semiautomatic-weapons-video/)

[blues]

Meanwhile, the Stunning and Brave (TM) AOC was "flabbergasted by ‘almost no police officers’ at Va. gun rights rally in the face of all the ‘people flying Confederate flags with semiautomatic weapons’" (https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2020/01/20/aoc-flabbergasted-by-almost-no-police-officers-at-va-gun-rights-rally-in-the-face-of-all-the-people-flying-confederate-flags-with-semiautomatic-weapons-video/)

She never disappoints, does she? :rolleyes:

And here's the horse's ass:

https://cdn.talkingpointsmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/slack-imgs-1-e1542319489936.jpg

(If only she'd really just walk away.)

[Joe in PNG]

She never disappoints, does she? :rolleyes:

(If only she'd really just walk away.)

I wonder if she's Lt. Colombo (a smart person pretending to be a dingbat), or Inspector Clouseau (a lucky dingbat)?

[blues]

I wonder if she's Lt. Colombo (a smart person pretending to be a dingbat), or Inspector Clouseau (a lucky dingbat)?

I think it's grossly unfair to saddle either of those two with any equivalency to AOC.

[Borderland]

Dude, you're from Wyoming!



;)

But I don't think he drove all the way from Wyomin. That's just a ski resort destination. ;)

But no matter. I'm glad LL made the trip for a first hand account. That's dedication right there.

[Matt O]

It was indeed a good day, just absurdly cold.

Sage wisdom was also doled out on the trip along 95.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200121/5550e43b4a3f1233ee222dac209905ff.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mtnbkr]

It was indeed a good day, just absurdly cold.

Sage wisdom was also doled out on the trip along 95.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200121/5550e43b4a3f1233ee222dac209905ff.jpg


That guy was driving all around the capital area too.

Chris

[EPF]

It was indeed a good day, just absurdly cold.

Sage wisdom was also doled out on the trip along 95.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200121/5550e43b4a3f1233ee222dac209905ff.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dude, my buddy and I drank coffee in the window box of my hotel room at 08:30 today. Almost immediately that thing drove past followed by Alex Jones screaming from his armored vehicle and four dudes emerging from their car in full kit with rifles at the Valet booth. I have to admit that things seemed a lot more likely to get sporty at that point than reality proved. 🙂

[Matt O]

Yeah I saw the truck riding around the grounds but didn’t get a good picture until we were back on the highway heading home.

My buddy and I were joking about Alex Jones but I had no idea he was there. Talk about speaking of the devil...or the court jester.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Borderland]

Meanwhile, the Stunning and Brave (TM) AOC was "flabbergasted by ‘almost no police officers’ at Va. gun rights rally in the face of all the ‘people flying Confederate flags with semiautomatic weapons’" (https://twitchy.com/sarahd-313035/2020/01/20/aoc-flabbergasted-by-almost-no-police-officers-at-va-gun-rights-rally-in-the-face-of-all-the-people-flying-confederate-flags-with-semiautomatic-weapons-video/)

Well, it was a state holiday.

[Borderland]

deleted.......

[RoyGBiv]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOvbqgtWAAE_Hvf?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Matt O]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOvbqgtWAAE_Hvf?format=jpg&name=900x900

The gentleman on the left has selected a very appropriate saying for this event.

[RoyGBiv]

The gentleman on the left has selected a very appropriate saying for this event.

I assumed that is his GF holding the English version of the same sign...

Did I ass U me wrongly?

<checking Google image translate >

[Matt O]

I assumed that is his GF holding the English version of the same sign...

Did I ass U me wrongly?

<checking Google image translate >

No, the saying is: 水能载舟，亦能覆舟. It's part of a larger proverb that says: If the emperor is as if a boat, then the people are the waters of the river. While the water can bear the boat, so too can it sink it. His sign is the second half, though the part about the emperor seems also rather fitting for the jackass sitting in the governor's mansion and his associated cronies.

[SeriousStudent]

Thank you for the translation, Matt.

[Wheeler]

If someone else made this observation earlier I missed it.

It would appear the NRA has been rather quiet about the entire affair, almost as if since it's not their rally, it doesn't deserve their attention or support.

[scjbash]

If someone else made this observation earlier I missed it.

It would appear the NRA has been rather quiet about the entire affair, almost as if since it's not their rally, it doesn't deserve their attention or support.

They'll probably be taking credit for it in tomorrow's emails.

[Borderland]

They'll probably be taking credit for it in tomorrow's emails.

Upstaged again. They missed the real show. Nobody is talking about the NRA anymore. Office space for lease.

[RoyGBiv]

If someone else made this observation earlier I missed it.

It would appear the NRA has been rather quiet about the entire affair, almost as if since it's not their rally, it doesn't deserve their attention or support.

I get the animis. Let's not devour our young just yet, eh?

[LittleLebowski]

Yeah I saw the truck riding around the grounds but didn’t get a good picture until we were back on the highway heading home.

My buddy and I were joking about Alex Jones but I had no idea he was there. Talk about speaking of the devil...or the court jester.


Alex is far more clueful than AOC.

[HCountyGuy]

So...who brought the guillotine?

47536

[modrecoil]

Despite the odds, it was a great success. I haven't been that cold since I was in Times Square watching the ball drop in the late nineties.

[Casual Friday]

I have a few IRL friends that were there today, they flew in from WA yesterday to join the protest and are headed back home tomorrow, on their own dime.

[LittleLebowski]

47537

[Casual Friday]

47537

I don't know who Tess Owen is, but she's fucking stupid.

[Caballoflaco]

I get the animis. Let's not devour our young just yet, eh?

I just checked the NRA twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Not.a.single.mention. of the Virginia rally on any of it.

Why?

[blues]

I just checked the NRA twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Not.a.single.mention. of the Virginia rally on any of it.

Why?

Because they weren't headliners.

[Kanye Wyoming]

Priceless.


God, this is funny.

1219289516994940930

[Wheeler]

I get the animis. Let's not devour our young just yet, eh?

It’s a legit question. If I’m wrong by all means steer me in to proper direction rather than chide me for making the point in the first place. :)

[Exiledviking]

I assumed that is his GF holding the English version of the same sign...

Did I ass U me wrongly?

That's his wife of 7 years and a recent US citizen. They met in China when he was studying abroad according to the article I read earlier. He's an immigration attorney.

It was a decent article in The Washington Post.

[Hambo]

I just checked the NRA twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Not.a.single.mention. of the Virginia rally on any of it.

Why?


Because they weren't headliners.

Or because they're nutless and afraid something would happen followed by bad press.

I read a decent account online yesterday, including quotes from a woman who had her coffee shop open. She spoke well of those in attendance.

[LittleLebowski]

Or because they're nutless and afraid something would happen followed by bad press.

I read a decent account online yesterday, including quotes from a woman who had her coffee shop open. She spoke well of those in attendance.

Yeah, that's that Washington Post article I linked to in this thread.

[LittleLebowski]

Saw a guy open carrying an AR, wearing this. It's $6.51, so...ORDERED.

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Tread-Rainbow-Flag-3x5ft/dp/B0083W32L6

47540

[Caballoflaco]

Or because they're nutless and afraid something would happen followed by bad press.

I read a decent account online yesterday, including quotes from a woman who had her coffee shop open. She spoke well of those in attendance.

They dont even have post rally reports. In world of the NRA it never even happened.

[EPF]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/virginia-capitol-gun-rights-rally

The way the numbers break down here and the language used reinforces my belief that there was closer to 100k people over the day. Might be that the people in charge had an interest in reporting lower numbers or it might benign.

They say 6k inside the fence on the hill. I think they know that number precisely. So let’s take that as fact. They say 16k outside the fence. Maybe if they meant only the area immediately adjacent to the capitol on 9th and Bank streets, but that’s laughable as a mark for the entire group.

I walked the entire perimeter and then each street several times. I’m getting to old to walk with a pack all day 🙂 but it kept me plenty warm. Because of the heavy equipment barricades on cross streets and fencing, the crowd was canalized into the long arteries going quite a distance away from the capitol itself. From the vantage points we walked, you could see that the crowds in each of these areas was several times larger than the crowd inside the fence and easily as large as the 9th/bank street group. So taking them at their word on the 6k inside I would estimate double what they are saying.

Additionally, many people came for only part of the day. As an earlier poster did. From 9-1pm there was a constant stream of thousands of people coming and going up and down each main artery. On my walk back to the hotel, I passed at least 500 people just heading in on Cary as it was nearly over.

Maybe a snapshot of the crowd at any given time was 50k, but over the day I’d wager many more came and went. There were several contracted drone company vans and at least one news helo. I can’t find any pictures that don’t show a small sliver of the area or weren’t taken from the ground by attendees.

[Old Man Winter]

I just checked the NRA twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Not.a.single.mention. of the Virginia rally on any of it.

Why?

The NRA has taken two to the chest and while it still has a pulse, things aren't looking good.

[BobM]

I thought I read in this or a related thread that the NRA was keeping a low profile regarding this event so as to not draw further negative attention? I suppose NRA involvement might have drawn more agitators willing to set off confrontation.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Now if you want to read one of lamest commentaries yet:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/guns-are-no-mere-symbol/605239/

What a wuss! BTW, did he forget that the Civil Rights marchers and anti War protesters of the past marched against the strong armed presence of a hostile government? In my youth, I recall seeing a line of more NYS troopers and Buffalo police cars that stretched seemingly endless down the streets near campus. Did the demonstrators go home? No.

One amusing side bar was that when the riot/demo went hair on fire, the demonstrators ran off campus into a very affluent area and the denizens enjoying Brie and Chablis were delighted to see H2H, tear gas going off and assorted mayhem by the gazebo.

[45dotACP]

Now if you want to read one of lamest commentaries yet:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/guns-are-no-mere-symbol/605239/

What a wuss! BTW, did he forget that the Civil Rights marchers and anti War protesters of the past marched against the strong armed presence of a hostile government? In my youth, I recall seeing a line of more NYS troopers and Buffalo police cars that stretched seemingly endless down the streets near campus. Did the demonstrators go home? No.

One amusing side bar was that when the riot/demo went hair on fire, the demonstrators ran off campus into a very affluent area and the denizens enjoying Brie and Chablis were delighted to see H2H, tear gas going off and assorted mayhem by the gazebo.Perhaps what the author of said article didn't consider was that the pro-gun control side didn't turn out because they knew their numbers wouldn't be impressive enough to be newsworthy...so instead they stayed home and cried suppression

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[WobblyPossum]

I thought I read in this or a related thread that the NRA was keeping a low profile regarding this event so as to not draw further negative attention? I suppose NRA involvement might have drawn more agitators willing to set off confrontation.

I thought I read something similar: that the NRA didn’t want to be seen as influencing or directing this movement so that people could see it was a grass roots effort. I don’t think that’s a bad idea but it still seems weird to me that the NRA doesn’t seem to be reporting about the events much after the fact.

[Borderland]

Perhaps what the author of said article didn't consider was that the pro-gun control side didn't turn out because they knew their numbers wouldn't be impressive enough to be newsworthy...so instead they stayed home and cried suppression

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That's as good as any reason I've heard.

My take on it was they just didn't want to confront a crowd that size who could have overwhelmed any police presence easily and were mostly armed.

[Borderland]

The NRA has taken two to the chest and while it still has a pulse, things aren't looking good.

The NRA won't be a relevant 2A/RKBA organization again until WLP leaves. He killed it but I don't think he cares.

[ralph]

The NRA won't be a relevant 2A/RKBA organization again until WLP leaves. He killed it but I don't think he cares.

No, he doesn’t care. As long as he can send out scary letters to all the Fudds out there, and watch the money pour in, he has zero inclination to leave, anyone who got wise to his shit, was shit canned awhile ago. WLP is surrounded by yes men, who are all too happy to look the other way.. For me, the NRA has lost all credibility...

[Wendell]

This article wasn't negative:


Instead of violence and hatred, the protest appeared to bear out an argument of the people who took part: that they are peaceful, passionate Americans.

https://nationalpost.com/news/crowd-of-thousands-clogs-downtown-richmond-to-defend-right-to-bear-arms

Thousands of protesters — many carrying assault rifles — clog Richmond, Virginia, in defence of right to bear arms (https://nationalpost.com/news/crowd-of-thousands-clogs-downtown-richmond-to-defend-right-to-bear-arms)
https://nationalpost.com/news/crowd-of-thousands-clogs-downtown-richmond-to-defend-right-to-bear-arms

[BillSWPA]

Hopefully at least one message sent was that even if the NRA is weakened by various investigations as well as its own incompetence, support for gun rights among the voters is undiminished, and perhaps energized.

David Hogg spent the day tweeting about white supremacists and the supposed desire to intimidate children. If that is the best that a Harvard education is enabling the new face of gun control to accomplish, they will be as ineffective as they hope to make the NRA.


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[JohnO]

Hopefully at least one message sent was that even if the NRA is weakened by various investigations as well as its own incompetence, support for gun rights among the voters is undiminished, and perhaps energized.

David Hogg spent the day tweeting about white supremacists and the supposed desire to intimidate children. If that is the best that a Harvard education is enabling the new face of gun control to accomplish, they will be as ineffective as they hope to make the NRA.


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Some unfortunate individual much more academically qualified lost their Harvard seat to this Left Wing Puppet. Shameful!

[MK11]

Amusing CNN video in which Anderson Cooper looks like he swallowed a hairball while first a CNN reporter basically says, "Yeah, it's just law abiding citizens protesting peacefully" and then Dr. Cornell West says, "Yeah, this isn't a Klan rally or anything, black people need guns too."

Still, kudos for CNN for even airing it.


https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/01/20/richmond-virginia-gun-rights-rally-acfc-full-episode-vpx.cnn/video/playlists/acfc-full-episodes/

[trailrunner]

Amusing CNN video in which Anderson Cooper looks like he swallowed a hairball while first a CNN reporter basically says, "Yeah, it's just law abiding citizens protesting peacefully" and then Dr. Cornell West says, "Yeah, this isn't a Klan rally or anything, black people need guns too."

Still, kudos for CNN for even airing it.


Sorry, but I'll disagree. By constantly repeating white supremacists in the same sentence as gun owners, they are just reinforcing the connection, even if their reporter on the scene said it wasn't a factor. The rally was about gun rights, so why didn't they talk about the gun control measures being proposed in Virginia? I admit that I only watched 7 minutes of it before I turned it off (but they were starting to talk about Martin Luther King Jr at that point), so maybe they eventually got around to discussing the rally.

(And if they really wanted to talk about white supremacy, why didn't they bring up Northam's yearbook photo?)

[Maple Syrup Actual]

That's as good as any reason I've heard.

My take on it was they just didn't want to confront a crowd that size who could have overwhelmed any police presence easily and were mostly armed.

Yeah, I thought the same thing. Antifa people aren't stupid; they're bullies when they have the numbers and crybullies when they don't. Aggressively confronting tens of thousands of armed gun enthusiasts is WAY out of their league and they know it. That's out of the league of most large police forces and small armies, frankly, which is entirely the point if you ask me.

[mmc45414]

Perhaps what the author of said article didn't consider was that the pro-gun control side didn't turn out because they knew their numbers wouldn't be impressive enough to be newsworthy...so instead they stayed home and cried suppression
Or they were unwilling to freeze their balls off all day for their cause.

[P30]

Antifa people aren't stupid; they're bullies when they have the numbers and crybullies when they don't. Aggressively confronting tens of thousands of armed gun enthusiasts is WAY out of their league and they know it.
In Germany (Cologne) two weeks ago, there was a demonstration against the fees every household has to pay for public broadcasting (52.50 € per quarter). It was planned for Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the protesters were attacked by antifa. The demonstration was cancelled for Sunday by the organizer for safety reasons.

Shows what antifa people are: They want to promote a totalitarian state. Aggressively. They call themselves anti-fascist but in fact they are pro-totalitarian (which is the same crap).

pressecop24.com/eilmeldung-wegen-antifa-gewalt-demo-fuer-sonntag-abgesagt (https://pressecop24.com/eilmeldung-wegen-antifa-gewalt-demo-fuer-sonntag-abgesagt/)
youtube.com/watch?v=k6xJ7IX5FzU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6xJ7IX5FzU) (according to the video description, it shows how police defended themselves and protesters against antifa people, who attacked the protesters and the police -> good cops)

[wvincent]

"With threats of violence looming before a gun-rights rally, a couple of delegates secretly escorted the students to their offices at the Capitol complex so they could stay overnight and safely take part in Lobby Day."

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/community/march-for-our-lives/march-for-our-lives-students-at-pro-gun-rally-richmond/65-e1fa262d-cac7-49c3-896e-7082090c8a1f

I guess some really are more equal than others.

[BillSWPA]

I read earlier that the red flag law passed out of committee in the VA Senate. Unfortunately that does say something about the effectiveness of the rally.



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[Borderland]

Some other effects of the rally.

https://bearingarms.com/cam-e/2020/01/16/wv-lawmakers-annex-va-counties/

It was noted here that the state of WV was the result of the civil war. Now it seems another migration is being proposed by WV.

I think the dems in VA better wake up soon to the calamity they have caused before Irish Democracy takes a very real foothold in the state.

[10mmfanboy]

I guess living in the middle of nowhere allowed me to not be socially engineered to buy into the PC agenda BS. Here is what I saw:
1: Installation of Giant walls around the capital as to block out all of the noise.
2: Declare State of Emergency to strip everyone of their rights before they even got there.
3:No fly zones so no footage of the turnout.
4: Little to no news coverage

If you tally it all up it equals message not received. The message I got from the governor is shut up and obey. Once you see the truth you cannot un see it, it is like a liberating curse in a way.

[mtnbkr]

I guess living in the middle of nowhere allowed me to not be socially engineered to buy into the PC agenda BS. Here is what I saw:
1: Installation of Giant walls around the capital as to block out all of the noise.
You mean the fences around the immediate capital grounds area? Otherwise, there was nothing there to block people or noise. I stood outside the fence and was able to hear all of the speakers.


2: Declare State of Emergency to strip everyone of their rights before they even got there.
Yes, but it only applied to those inside the fence or capital. Those of us outside those controlled areas were armed.


3:No fly zones so no footage of the turnout.
There are plenty of pics circulating the web.


4: Little to no news coverage
There have been a number of videos posted to various sites and several televised interviews of folks outside the fenced-in area.


If you tally it all up it equals message not received. The message I got from the governor is shut up and obey. Once you see the truth you cannot un see it, it is like a liberating curse in a way.
Well...yeah. Nobody expected the Gov and his sycophants to do an about face. However, there have been a lot of comments, statements, etc that we were polite, peaceful, neat, and clean. Local business owners commented favorably on our behavior as well.

Chris

[Yung]

For those of you who were wondering what the NRA might have been up to, our guy joshs hinted at some of the then-plan a bit toward the end of a podcast with Mr. Jedlinski released at the end of last month.

https://modernsamuraiproject.podbean.com/e/the-msp-podcast-36josh-savani-master-class-shooter-fast-coin-owner-and-attorney-at-nra-ila/

Skip to around the 40-minute mark, going until about 41:50.

[mtnbkr]

Politics aside, a couple other things I noticed from the rally:

People need to do some PT. I'm not the slimmest person (though nobody would say I'm fat either), but there were a lot of folks in full battle rattle that couldn't manage a flight of stairs without getting winded. Instead of a kevlar helmet, maybe they should purchase a gym membership and some personal trainer time. Or just put the sammich down and go walk around the block a few times. It doesn't take much. If nothing else, it gives you options when the shuttle bus queue is over an hour long (I ended up walking the 3 miles to the rally instead of waiting).

Way too many crap holsters. Nylon sausage sacks, thigh holsters, and Sherpas oh my! I think I saw 3 non-crap holsters (of those being OCed or poorly concealed). I saw one guy walking down the street with a crappy nylon thigh holster that was flopping around like it was barely attached. If you've got the cash for a $300+ gun and the ammo to feed it, you can swing $50 for a decent holster. Maybe the Venn Diagram of people who feel compelled to OC at a political rally and those too cheap or uninformed to buy a quality holster has a lot of overlap?

A bit judgemental perhaps, but people really could put a bit more thought into something beyond "the gun".

Chris

[LittleLebowski]

Yeah, I thought the same thing. Antifa people aren't stupid; they're bullies when they have the numbers and crybullies when they don't. Aggressively confronting tens of thousands of armed gun enthusiasts is WAY out of their league and they know it. That's out of the league of most large police forces and small armies, frankly, which is entirely the point if you ask me.

The way ErinSmith tells it from experience; it takes roughly 4 Antifa to 1 right wing protester to achieve parity in a fight.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

Well, my experience is pretty outdated now but I would have made a similar guess...

I don't make a lot of noise about this for a bunch of reasons but way back around 1993 or 94 I toured briefly with a punk band who had a song called "Antifa" (although I'm not sure if they had written it yet and since I was "singing" I THINK I would remember? I'm honestly not sure). Anyway these guys thought Antifa were just great. I think back then Antifa was primarily a German phenomenon.

At any rate they were basically just a metal band, only poorer and really insanely far left. I mean, you guys talk about the far left here when you talk about Bernie Sanders....these guys would have seen him as roughly one degree left of George Bush. They were full-on anarchists who called people like Leon Trotsky a statist piece of shit. I didn't know any better so I wasn't bothered by the politics and I did really like the idea of fistfights and riots so I would have been pretty sympathetic to it back then. It was mostly a fun tour although like all hardcore lefties, they were abusive, miserable, exploitative jerks, and I saw more people huffing spraypaint than I would have thought realistic. But there were a lot of good shows along the way.

I've seen most of those guys now and again since then and they are exactly who Antifa appeals to, still. I would estimate that I could easily kick the living shit out of that entire band during the intro to one song. The combination of essential unemployabilty and veganism makes for some pretty pitiful fighters.

But their first album was, objectively, pretty killer sounding. The second album which actually might have been called Antifa was not nearly as good.

Anyway it's a more mainstream movement now so I'm sure the average participant quality has increased SOMEWHAT. But still, I have a lot of experience with the far left and it has given me both an extreme disdain for their ideas, and a pretty serious contempt for their abilities.

[Tensaw]

Politics aside, a couple other things I noticed from the rally:

People need to do some PT. I'm not the slimmest person (though nobody would say I'm fat either), but there were a lot of folks in full battle rattle that couldn't manage a flight of stairs without getting winded. Instead of a kevlar helmet, maybe they should purchase a gym membership and some personal trainer time. Or just put the sammich down and go walk around the block a few times. It doesn't take much. If nothing else, it gives you options when the shuttle bus queue is over an hour long (I ended up walking the 3 miles to the rally instead of waiting).

Way too many crap holsters. Nylon sausage sacks, thigh holsters, and Sherpas oh my! I think I saw 3 non-crap holsters (of those being OCed or poorly concealed). I saw one guy walking down the street with a crappy nylon thigh holster that was flopping around like it was barely attached. If you've got the cash for a $300+ gun and the ammo to feed it, you can swing $50 for a decent holster. Maybe the Venn Diagram of people who feel compelled to OC at a political rally and those too cheap or uninformed to buy a quality holster has a lot of overlap?

A bit judgemental perhaps, but people really could put a bit more thought into something beyond "the gun".

Chris

Sigh... Not judgmental at all in my estimation - simply stating facts. Let’s just say PF people are, generally, above-average in most ways, and I generally experience disappointment and exasperation when coming in to contact with most other folks purported to be gun people. The chasm between those who populate this board and “the average” gun-owner is jaw dropping. And don’t dare try to nudge them in a better direction... The Kel Tec is strong with them. (Most of) Ya’ll have spoilt me and created unrealistic (apparently) expectations.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

I would just like to add that my thumbs-down thing was unintentional - although I probably did it with my own thumb. So, maybe it's just a need my thumb had to express its presence.

[BillSWPA]

Politics aside, a couple other things I noticed from the rally:

People need to do some PT. I'm not the slimmest person (though nobody would say I'm fat either), but there were a lot of folks in full battle rattle that couldn't manage a flight of stairs without getting winded. Instead of a kevlar helmet, maybe they should purchase a gym membership and some personal trainer time. Or just put the sammich down and go walk around the block a few times. It doesn't take much. If nothing else, it gives you options when the shuttle bus queue is over an hour long (I ended up walking the 3 miles to the rally instead of waiting).

Way too many crap holsters. Nylon sausage sacks, thigh holsters, and Sherpas oh my! I think I saw 3 non-crap holsters (of those being OCed or poorly concealed). I saw one guy walking down the street with a crappy nylon thigh holster that was flopping around like it was barely attached. If you've got the cash for a $300+ gun and the ammo to feed it, you can swing $50 for a decent holster. Maybe the Venn Diagram of people who feel compelled to OC at a political rally and those too cheap or uninformed to buy a quality holster has a lot of overlap?

A bit judgemental perhaps, but people really could put a bit more thought into something beyond "the gun".

Chris

I find nothing judgmental here. As impressed as I am that so many gun owners did such a good job of demonstrating themselves to be responsible, friendly people, we all need to be careful to represent ourselves well in ALL respects. Poor gear selection, or claiming to prioritize self-defense while having less than 20 seconds in their personal “gas tank” fails that test. The camo outfits, helmets, etc. also fail in this respect.



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[Yung]

It has been about two weeks.

https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Virginia-Senate-passes-series-of-gun-bills-567082181.html

Bad enough with red-flag, one-gun-a-month, and UBC. Tomorrow they're having a hearing on the big one, HB 961 for AWB, cans, and magazines..

https://legiscan.com/VA/research/HB961/2020

https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Virginia-lawmakers-to-debate-assault-weapon-ban-567631941.html

https://americansuppressorassociation.com/virginia-suppressor-ban-hearing-tomorrow/

[JRB]

Politics aside, a couple other things I noticed from the rally:

People need to do some PT.....

....A bit judgemental perhaps, but people really could put a bit more thought into something beyond "the gun".

Chris

At least they could be bothered to drop what else they had going on, and peaceably assembled to protect their constitutional rights with nary an incident. I'll tip my hat to them for that.


It has been about two weeks.

Bad enough with red-flag, one-gun-a-month, and UBC. Tomorrow they're having a hearing on the big one, HB 961 for AWB, cans, and magazines..


My Father always said a 'one gun a month' rule was tough to budget for, but he'd dutifully follow the law and buy one gun a month for as long as he was able.

Jokes aside, I hope like hell the VA political machine knows they're swimming in dangerous waters to push further.

[mtnbkr]

At least they could be bothered to drop what else they had going on, and peaceably assembled to protect their constitutional rights with nary an incident. I'll tip my hat to them for that.
Absolutely. I almost feel bad for mentioning it at all because of that.



My Father always said a 'one gun a month' rule was tough to budget for, but he'd dutifully follow the law and buy one gun a month for as long as he was able.
Yeah, it's going to be a budget buster for sure. I suppose I'll have to collect all the LCR variations.


Jokes aside, I hope like hell the VA political machine knows they're swimming in dangerous waters to push further.
There have been cracks in the Dem side with one or more stating they refuse to support any law that removes guns from lawful owners.

Chris

[JRB]

Yeah, it's going to be a budget buster for sure. I suppose I'll have to collect all the LCR variations.


I was thinking of all the various TALO edition and Lipsey's exclusive Glocks and Ruger revolvers myself, but I'm not sure my paychecks would agree with that for long...



There have been cracks in the Dem side with one or more stating they refuse to support any law that removes guns from lawful owners.


They passed the red flag law without fuss - I guess that other post I saw here on P-F about the VA Dem's favorite hats are each other's asses is about on-point.

[mtnbkr]

I was thinking of all the various TALO edition and Lipsey's exclusive Glocks and Ruger revolvers myself, but I'm not sure my paychecks would agree with that for long...
Neither would mine. After all, I have kids and a retirement to fund. :D


They passed the red flag law without fuss - I guess that other post I saw here on P-F about the VA Dem's favorite hats are each other's asses is about on-point.
Red Flag is bad, but to Govt types who feel like we have adequate checks and balances to protect folks, it looks like a good idea. To those types, the optics of refusing Red Flag Laws are worse than the potential outcome to civilians. After all, it only takes guns away from bad people...

Chris

[Matt O]

HB961, the house AWB, just passed out of committee and will go to the house for a vote where it will likely pass. I've hammered my rep with communications almost daily but he's a useless shite who will vote for it.

Guess Bloomberg made a few calls to ensure he got another taste of his ROI while he's in town today.

[Matt O]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ROm8PJXb0/
48353

[Grey]

Barf

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[HeavyDuty]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ROm8PJXb0/
48353

Assuming the description of what happened is accurate, this is a travesty of the democratic process. Any trooper who complied with these actions is a disgrace to his or her office.

[BJXDS]

This NOT going to be good in the end, and they will not stop. There will be further and continual infringements on our 2A Rights!

Am I missing something? there is no definition of AW, does the mags that hold 12 rounds apply across the board to all firearms?

My understanding is there is only 1 more no vote needed in the Senate to stop this? But that does not mean its dead, there will be minor revisions and something very similar will pass.

Also at least the Fed ban expired in 10 years. It seems state laws that pass, are forever laws, have any ever been repealed or am mended to be less restrictive?

[mtnbkr]

Am I missing something? there is no definition of AW, does the mags that hold 12 rounds apply across the board to all firearms?
The 12 round limit is not limited to AWs. However, it does NOT apply to permanently fixed magazines like a tube mag in a Marlin 60.


My understanding is there is only 1 more no vote needed in the Senate to stop this? But that does not mean its dead, there will be minor revisions and something very similar will pass.
I think it needs more than 1 vote, but it's close. FWIW, this is significantly watered down from the original version. They are hearing us or it wouldn't have been reduced like it has.


Also at least the Fed ban expired in 10 years. It seems state laws that pass, are forever laws, have any ever been repealed or am mended to be less restrictive?
They've learned from that sunset provision. Even a new fed ban won't expire, so get that thought out of your head. Several years ago VA repealed a lot of nonsense, including some of the stuff being proposed right now (1 handgun, preemption, etc). Point is, it's never over, but will require more effort to repeal than to block.

Chris

[Grey]

It requires 2 votes. 1 vote will be a tie that is decided by lt gov.

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[joshs]

It requires 2 votes. 1 vote will be a tie that is decided by lt gov.

Sort of. We can also stop it with just one "no" vote and another Senator abstaining.

[TGS]

The 12 round limit is not limited to AWs. However, it does NOT apply to permanently fixed magazines like a tube mag in a Marlin 60.

Kinda yes, kinda no. The magazine wouldn't be banned, but that Marlin 60 would still be an "assault firearm" under HB 961:




A. For purposes of this section:

"Assault firearm" means:

1. A semi-automatic center-fire rifle that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material with a fixed magazine capacity in excess of 12 rounds;"

[mtnbkr]

Kinda yes, kinda no. The magazine wouldn't be banned, but that Marlin 60 would still be an "assault firearm" under HB 961:

The Marlin 60 is a rimfire, the law specifically applies to centerfire.

It was a bad example as such, but I was pointing out guns with tube mags seem to have been given a pass to avoid making pistol caliber lever guns and other similar weapons illegal.

And I think "fixed" applies to the magazine capacity, but am not 100% sure. The language is kind of wonky...

Chris

[TGS]

The Marlin 60 is a rimfire, the law specifically applies to centerfire.

Derpa derp, missed it right in front of me. Thanks for the correction.

[Grey]

What time is this vote happening today?

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[mtnbkr]

Derpa derp, missed it right in front of me. Thanks for the correction.

No worries. The law has changed so much, it's tough keeping track of what is what.

FWIW, for anyone who needs to keep up to date, this is the latest version as of last night:
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HB961EH1

Chris

[mtnbkr]

What time is this vote happening today?

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No clue. If you can stand the derp and tough talk, the vaguns subreddit seems to keep a close eye on things.

Chris

[blues]

This article makes VA sound like the next "progressive" paradise...

https://apnews.com/55cdfed8d8f1bf661bc94f860a522fd7


Virginia emerges as South progressive leader under Democrats

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — In a state once synonymous with the Old South, Democrats are using their newfound legislative control to refashion Virginia as the region’s progressive leader on racial, social and economic issues. Lawmakers are on the verge of passing the South’s strictest gun laws, broadest LGBTQ protections, highest minimum wage and some of its loosest abortion restrictions, churning through landmark legislation on a near-daily basis.

The leap to the left has sparked fierce pushback from rural Virginians, social conservatives and others who are chafing under the political shift in the state, where a holiday honors Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson and monuments to those men dot the landscape.

“It’s like a jewelry store smash and grab,” Republican Sen. Bill Stanley said of Democrats’ strategy. “They’re going to grab everything they possibly can while they can get it before the lights go on and the siren goes off.”

It’s a breathtaking change after years of legislative inertia. Virginia has been a political outlier among southern states for a while, routinely electing Democrats to statewide office. But Republicans held a firm grip on the legislature until President Donald Trump’s election in 2016, which mobilized disaffected suburban voters and boosted Democrats in two successive legislative elections. They have full control of the General Assembly this year for the first time in two decades.

“It’s nice to finally be able to do what I think the majority of Virginians have wanted for a long time,” Democratic Del. Mark Levine said.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

The urban / rural process is going to increase across the country. WNY is gun friendly but dominated by the NYC politicians on gun issues. Unless, SCOTUS moves - this is the fate of the RKBA. OK, the RKBA is going to be limited except for states that don't have this demographic wave. However, the majority of the USA population will be under the new restrictions.

Here's a happy thought: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/14/opinion/california-revenge-trump.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

California Takes Revenge on Trump


The question is: Are they bringing California values — fierce defense of the environment, tolerance of immigrants and a multiracial society, insistence on universal health care — with them? It could be just demographic churn. But if you look at the changing politics of Nevada, Colorado and Arizona, all fast-growing states packed with new arrivals from California, the answer is yes. Texas may not be far behind.

This is why I am adamant of not allowing cliches such as "I will defend the RKBA" with no action to be sufficient to worship a politician.

[Matt O]

What time is this vote happening today?

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Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing the bill on Monday morning at 8am as per VCDL.

[HCM]

The urban / rural process is going to increase across the country. WNY is gun friendly but dominated by the NYC politicians on gun issues. Unless, SCOTUS moves - this is the fate of the RKBA. OK, the RKBA is going to be limited except for states that don't have this demographic wave. However, the majority of the USA population will be under the new restrictions.

Here's a happy thought: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/14/opinion/california-revenge-trump.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

California Takes Revenge on Trump



This is why I am adamant of not allowing cliches such as "I will defend the RKBA" with no action to be sufficient to worship a politician.

Texas and AZ may draw a different set of Californians than the pot paradise of CO.

Despite the cries of don't California my TX actual studies have shown that overall non-native Texans voted more conservatively than native Texans in the last election.

[blues]

Texas and AZ may draw a different set of Californians than the pot paradise of CO.

Despite the cries of don't California my TX actual studies have shown that overall non-native Texans voted more conservatively than native Texans in the last election.

Yep. People flee their original home states for any number of reasons. Some of them actually honorable.

[HeavyDuty]

Yep. People flee their original home states for any number of reasons. Some of them actually honorable.

One of the major reasons I’m leaving IL for NH. I’m not going to try and change their culture, I’m going because of it.

[Matt O]

Looks like HB961 was tabled until next year so we get a reprieve, albeit temporary! I believe that also means they'd be voting on it in an election year so hopefully that makes politicians a bit more wary about their voting habits.

[LittleLebowski]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

[Matt O]

I think I’m going to have to set up a celebratory AR now. That Sic Semper Tyrannis lower is looking lonely.


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[blues]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

Congrats. Keep up the good fight.

[mtnbkr]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

It may be dead-dead as it's being referred to the same Crime Commission that said an AWB wasn't likely to have an impact on crime (more nuanced than that, but you get the idea).

House and Gov are up for election in 2021, so the house at least won't be as aggressive in chasing unpopular legislation...

Chris

[MichaelD]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.Huzzah! Very happy to hear this. Glad all of you in VA were able to scare the politicians straight. Hopefully people will remember to vote next election.

[fixer]

I'm not in Virginia and have no connections...but man am I breathing a sweet sigh of relief this morning.

[blues]

I'm not in Virginia and have no connections...but man am I breathing a sweet sigh of relief this morning.

I think we're all connected, ultimately, and face the same peril unless we keep up the pressure across state borders. A win for VA is a win for all of us. Just as their loss would also be ours.

[mtnbkr]

Hopefully people will remember to vote next election.
Yup! I was talking about that at the Chantilly gun show Saturday. If all the folks panic buying and all the folks who showed up in Richmond voted, and if the Republicans ran someone in every contested district, we might not have come this close to disaster.

Chris

[Greg]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

You guys still need to punish them at the ballot box or they'll push it through after the election.

They must have seen polling that scared them.

[joshs]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

We aren't totally out of the water until we're done with the governor's amendment process, but today was definitely a solid win.

[HCM]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

Does that include the 12 round mag limit and suppressors a?

[joshs]

Does that include the 12 round mag limit and suppressors a?

Yes, it was all in the same bill.

[trailrunner]

I'm still a little concerned about the bill that would allow localities some power to control guns. I've read that this bill will either a) allow localities to ban guns at their discretion at permitted events on government property, or b) allow localities to ban guns in government buildings, facilities, and parks. I understand a version of this bill has already passed both chambers.

If it's a), that would not be good, but it would not be disastrous. If it's b) then I could see my county (Fairfax) banning guns at all county parks. There are large and small parks strewn throughout the county, and this would be almost a de facto ban. For example, I'm about ready to leave my house and go for a walk along a path in my neighborhood, which will take me by a county tennis court, which I presume could be a county park. Or if I ride my bike along one of the many streambed trails, I'd probably be traversing a half-dozen county parks. Heck, the Fairfax County Connector Trail that I often ride on is one long park that traverses numerous parks.

Can you provide some clarification?

[Kanye Wyoming]

It’s a black day for Gov. Northam.


(Wish I’d thought of this. Alas, I stole it.)

[SecondsCount]

Let me reiterate: the Virginia AWB Bill is dead for this year.

Pure awesome! Congratulations to you guys for putting up a good fight, showing what we are made of, and winning! We have been let down by the NRA in this fight and you showed that we don't need them to stand up for our rights.

I'm hoping that one day they will get there act together but in the meantime, Virgina has created a huge wave of enthusiasm among gun owners that is going to be hard to stop.

[NH Shooter]

I was elated to hear this! And screw Mini-Mike's millions....

[blues]

It’s a black day for Gov. Northam.


(Wish I’d thought of this. Alas, I stole it.)

How will he face it?

[Hambo]

Congratulations, Virginians! Buy a gun, have a drink, then get to work...


You guys still need to punish them at the ballot box

Start the campaign tomorrow. When you run those bastards out of office, you'll have the attention of the rest of your elected officials.

[blues]

Congratulations, Virginians! Buy a gun, have a drink, then get to work...



Start the campaign tomorrow. When you run those bastards out of office, you'll have the attention of the rest of your elected officials.

And, importantly, others of their ilk around the country.

[BJXDS]

I just hope all that support the 2A get off their ass and continue to make it know that our rights shall not be infringed upon and VOTE!

This was to close for comfort and you can bet your ass the antis will regroup they will NEVER stop.

[Lex Luthier]

We who are facing much the same sorts of proposals in MN stand and applaud.
And yes, get after their jobs tomorrow.

[Josh Runkle]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200218/6306925da4282b05889126f82b4c9b56.jpg


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[Matt O]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200218/6306925da4282b05889126f82b4c9b56.jpg


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That was one takeaway I had from rally day. There are a lot of individuals in the 2A community who need to spend a lot more time on their cardio and weight than worrying about their kit. I sympathize though as I used to be one of them.


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[Dog Guy]

I may have missed it but what happened to the bills restricting or banning shooting facilities?

[Matt O]

I'm still a little concerned about the bill that would allow localities some power to control guns. I've read that this bill will either a) allow localities to ban guns at their discretion at permitted events on government property, or b) allow localities to ban guns in government buildings, facilities, and parks. I understand a version of this bill has already passed both chambers.

If it's a), that would not be good, but it would not be disastrous. If it's b) then I could see my county (Fairfax) banning guns at all county parks. There are large and small parks strewn throughout the county, and this would be almost a de facto ban. For example, I'm about ready to leave my house and go for a walk along a path in my neighborhood, which will take me by a county tennis court, which I presume could be a county park. Or if I ride my bike along one of the many streambed trails, I'd probably be traversing a half-dozen county parks. Heck, the Fairfax County Connector Trail that I often ride on is one long park that traverses numerous parks.

Can you provide some clarification?

HB421 (http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+cab+HC10117HB0421+BREF) passed the house and is with the Senate Judiciary Committee. I have heard rumors it might be heard this coming Monday?



I may have missed it but what happened to the bills restricting or banning shooting facilities?

HB567 (https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HB567&fbclid=IwAR09kenPVAbc2UiRjgZkGpgSYpoje1GG3nIzR8ezm emzQUC9ObDKyI9bUac)was filed in January and then I don't see any activity. Crossover day from the house to the senate has passed so given it wasn't voted on, I think it's dead for now. I'm not an expert on the legislative process by any stretch though, so, if I'm off base, somebody please feel free to correct me.

[joshs]

HB421 (http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+cab+HC10117HB0421+BREF) passed the house and is with the Senate Judiciary Committee. I have heard rumors it might be heard this coming Monday?

HB567 (https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HB567&fbclid=IwAR09kenPVAbc2UiRjgZkGpgSYpoje1GG3nIzR8ezm emzQUC9ObDKyI9bUac)was filed in January and then I don't see any activity. Crossover day from the house to the senate has passed so given it wasn't voted on, I think it's dead for now. I'm not an expert on the legislative process by any stretch though, so, if I'm off base, somebody please feel free to correct me.

That's correct, HB567 is dead. I believe the rumors you heard are correct as well.

[trailrunner]

Yes, but is HB 421 version a) or b) from my post above?


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[joshs]

Yes, but is HB 421 version a) or b) from my post above?


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"B" describes SB35. HB421 is a complete repeal of preemption.

[Ed L]

That was one takeaway I had from rally day. There are a lot of individuals in the 2A community who need to spend a lot more time on their cardio and weight than worrying about their kit. I sympathize though as I used to be one of them.

Be grateful that each and every one of those people showed up--unless you want to introduce a body-fat measuring station that people must pass before they are allowed to take part in a demonstration.

[blues]

Be grateful that each and every one of those people showed up--unless you want to introduce a body-fat measuring station that people must pass before they are allowed to take part in a demonstration.

Some people's commitment carry more weight.

[RoyGBiv]

Some people's commitment carry more weight.

Not mutually exclusive.

[blues]

Not mutually exclusive.

Double your pleasure.

[deflave]

Kudos to Virginia for their victory.

[DamonL]

It looks like its not over for this session.

https://www.wavy.com/news/politics/virginia-politics/virginia-senate-committee-advances-nine-gun-control-bills/

[DamonL]

Northam will sign one-gun-a-month and background checks for private sales gun control measures into law.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/last-second-gun-control-bills-pass-virginia-senate-head-to-northams-desk

[trailrunner]

I’m far more worried about the law that will let localities make their own gun laws. My county will take that and run with it, and it will have a large effect on me.


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[Yung]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gov-northam-signs-several-landmark-gun-violence-prevention-measures-into-law/ar-BB12rT7D



The legislation includes:

Extreme Risk Protective Order
Required background checks on all gun sales
Mandate reporting of lost and stolen firearms
Preventing children from accessing firearms
Reinstating Virginia’s successful one-handgun-a-month policy
“We lose too many Virginians to gun violence, and it is past time we took bold, meaningful action to make our communities safer,” Governor Northam said. “I was proud to work with legislators and advocates on these measures, and I am proud to sign them into law. These commonsense laws will save lives.”

Attorney General of Virginia, Mark Herring shared the news on social media.

[Tensaw]

So, with this most recent huge surge in gun sales due to all the coronas, what are the chances that the Virginia legislature gets the hint and foregoes future efforts at restricting firearms rights? With the uproar over the lack of PPE being available, you would think that restricting access to the ultimate PPE would be a non-starter. You would think. But you would probably be wrong.

I would be really curious to see the stats for first time gun buyers in VA over the last 12 months.

[Grey]

So, with this most recent huge surge in gun sales due to all the coronas, what are the chances that the Virginia legislature gets the hint and foregoes future efforts at restricting firearms rights? With the uproar over the lack of PPE being available, you would think that restricting access to the ultimate PPE would be a non-starter. You would think. But you would probably be wrong.

I would be really curious to see the stats for first time gun buyers in VA over the last 12 months.

There might be less appetite to go after further bills, we will see... I wouldn't put it past the goldfish like attention of the general populace to quickly forget why they bought a gun in the first place and what they went through. Hoping to be proved extremely wrong and we added some serious numbers to the 2A initiated.

[blues]

There might be less appetite to go after further bills, we will see... I wouldn't put it past the goldfish like attention of the general populace to quickly forget why they bought a gun in the first place and what they went through. Hoping to be proved extremely wrong and we added some serious numbers to the 2A initiated.

I think they may need to see events resulting in "rooftop Koreans" before it sinks in that when danger rears its ugly head, they are their own best chance of surviving it.

That said, I don't think that those who had the presence of mind to actually go out and purchase a firearm and ammo will be so quick to want to cede their newfound sense of security and newly exercised rights.

[Grey]

I think they may need to see events resulting in "rooftop Koreans" before it sinks in that when danger rears its ugly head, they are their own best chance of surviving it.

That said, I don't think that those who had the presence of mind to actually go out and purchase a firearm and ammo will be so quick to want to cede their newfound sense of security and newly exercised rights.

I mean I can just dress up and get on my roof if that's what it takes... :D

[blues]

I mean I can just dress up and get on my roof if that's what it takes... :D

Well, choose your outfit wisely.

Pretty sure most folks here, where I live, own firearms. Not all, mind you, but most. So, I think I can stand down from getting up on the roof and shaking my fist at a cloud. :p


ETA: I did my part by selling a handgun to one of my neighbors a few months ago. The only firearm he owned previously was a small caliber rifle inherited from his father. Gave both him and his wife some rudimentary lessons on safety and basic handling. Told them to call me anytime day or night if they need questions answered or assistance.

[Kyle Reese]

So, with this most recent huge surge in gun sales due to all the coronas, what are the chances that the Virginia legislature gets the hint and foregoes future efforts at restricting firearms rights? With the uproar over the lack of PPE being available, you would think that restricting access to the ultimate PPE would be a non-starter. You would think. But you would probably be wrong.

I would be really curious to see the stats for first time gun buyers in VA over the last 12 months.

In my neighborhood, there are four new gun buyers/owners that I know of.


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[trailrunner]

I'm still a little concerned about the bill that would allow localities some power to control guns. I've read that this bill will either a) allow localities to ban guns at their discretion at permitted events on government property, or b) allow localities to ban guns in government buildings, facilities, and parks. I understand a version of this bill has already passed both chambers.

If it's a), that would not be good, but it would not be disastrous. If it's b) then I could see my county (Fairfax) banning guns at all county parks. There are large and small parks strewn throughout the county, and this would be almost a de facto ban. For example, I'm about ready to leave my house and go for a walk along a path in my neighborhood, which will take me by a county tennis court, which I presume could be a county park. Or if I ride my bike along one of the many streambed trails, I'd probably be traversing a half-dozen county parks. Heck, the Fairfax County Connector Trail that I often ride on is one long park that traverses numerous parks.

Can you provide some clarification?

I don't think anybody responded to my concern about this. And I was right to be concerned.

Although Virginia beat back many of the gun-control laws, this little law was passed. The VCDL notice below alerts us that Alexandria will ban guns from parks and rec centers effective on 1 July -- as soon as absolutely possible. I have no doubt that my county (Fairfax) will do the same with the same warp speed. Fairfax County has numerous parks and rec centers spread throughout the county, so this is going to have a huge impact. I spend a lot of time in our parks, and I can't hardly take a walk from my house without crossing some sort of county park. Giving localities this power will be disastrous, and effectively destroyed our Dillon rule.

There is zero chance that Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax county will not take full advantage of this. They have been trying to get their own exceptions for over 20 years, and this year they finally got it.


***************
And so it begins - local gun-control, brought to you by the Virginia Democrat Party.

We need to be a unified team as we start to fight back against the more tyrannical localities in Virginia.

This coming Tuesday, June 9th, the City of Alexandria is going to vote on a gun-control ordinance that will be effective on July 1, if passed. Basically, they plan on passing every single bit of gun control the new state law allows and make it effective on the first day allowed.

With no exceptions for anyone but military on official duty, sworn police officers, historical re-enactors, certain higher education classes, and City security personnel, the ordinance will ban the possession of firearms, ammunition, or any combination thereof in:
Buildings, or parts thereof, that are owned or used by the City
City Parks
City Recreational or community centers
Permitted events and any adjacent streets in the City
CHP holders are NOT exempted. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

[Grey]

Saw the notice, going to see how this plays out... really not thrilled...

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