nhluke wrote:That was the first time I've attended a gathering like that. I think I've honestly been reluctant to be "officially associated" with some of the folks that I have seen in the media attending similar functions. I vote, write letters, get new people every year their first firearm experience and their own equipment, hunt, etc. I own a lot of the stuff that I typically look down at others for displaying at these events. I get that part of these displays are showing citizens could be ready for armed conflict blah blah blah. I guess I've leaned towards the more subtle approach but as I get older I'm more open and thankful for the more bold approach. There may be merit to appearing "normal" and still siding with everything or most things spoken about at this rally. If every rally has the tactical dressed crowd, biker gang etc look that's what the media and antis seem to lump the group into. Maybe that softer tactic would allow more laws against my freedom. I still agree with others that a large group with out the "extreme looking" crew may swing some of the people on the fence or who are exploring their thoughts on 2a laws. Politics are not something I'm extremely well versed in but I figured I should at least make some additional efforts in learning and supporting in new ways.
Random things that stuck out as I think back.
There were a lot of comments in the crowd when one of the speakers mentioned politicians wanting to take away guns that hold 7 or 9 rounds in the chamber.
The banners that say "come and take it" make me think Jerry Seinfeld would have some funny quips
I was happy to see a nice mix of kids and women in the group.
It appeared that lots of females were involved in the leadership
Several volunteers were picking up trash and a speaker also asked rally members to clean the area on the way out.
Law enforcement seemed pretty casual even with several people open carrying (I imagine they have seen it at these events prior without incident)
I didn't notice one counter protester but others said there were a small number of them.
The former Duluth police officer who's running for office used his story of being shot while off duty effectively.
Thanks to all who made it happen though
Thanks for being there!
We coordinated closely with the State Patrol which provides security at the Capitol - they attended our pre-event briefing and we were connected on communications. They had no concerns about our group, but we all shared concerns about counter-protestors.
The MN Gun Owners Caucus have many women in leadership roles -- Lisa ran all of our volunteer activities on the ground at the event, Sarah was doing drone photography during the event. The NRA-ILA staff at the event was led by their regional director, who is also female -- and more than 1/3rd of our event volunteers were women.
Not to mention the speakers
Thanks again for coming out!