photogpat wrote:I just got back to a computer where I can sit down and coherently put my thoughts down.
WHAT A TURNOUT!!!
There had to have easily been 800+ #2A supporters there this morning. My apologies to those of you who were not able to get seats (not that I could have controlled it). The media, Capitol Security and most importantly the Legislators all took note of just how many of us there were --- and it MATTERED!! Our opponents had, maybe, 50 people there total. They were not organized, and not ready for our turnout.
Now, if we can keep this momentum going through Thursday.
For the doubters - numerous uniformed LEO's were present (not Chiefs) and they all voiced their support in OPPOSITION of the bills in conversations with GOCRA members. We have testifiers from Law Enforcement on deck for this evening and tomorrow. Rest assured, Chiefs don't speak for the rank and file -- and that was apparent today.
We also had plenty of conversations with the anti's that were present -- polite, respectful conversations. They had NOT been well-informed by their leadership about the bills, and about what some of the consequences of the bills would be to their fellow Minnesotans. One woman was shocked to learn her M1 Carbine collecting husband would become a felon since there is no carve out this time for Curios & Relics.
All in all -- a good morning. I can only hope we get stronger as the week goes on!
Winston Churchill comes to mind.
There's a story where he gave a speech and he said "Never!", paused for a short time, said "Never!" again, paused and repeated this for awhile, finally ending with "Never Surrender!!"
We can not let up. Not now. Not ever. When all of these bills fail, we MUST keep the momentum going. We need to keep this energy flowing towards a pro-gun legislation. We would hope that 2A is enough, but perhaps we need our own Minnesota Firearms Protection Act. We need to be continually pro-active vs. re-active, which I think largely the gun community is more pro-active than not. Clearly, that's true because the day these HF bills were release, we knew about them, so kudos to the gun community for that.
One thing that concerns me along with the AWB / anti-gun efforts at the national level, is what's going on at the local level. It's happening in NY and here in MN, but where else? How do we know? Do other people in other states know what's going on in MN right now? Maybe some do, but I'm sure the vast majority don't. I concerns me GREATLY whats going on in other states as well as in my own because those things can set precedence.
"Well, look at XYZ in State ABC." some politicians will say. There will be case law created from those laws, and those things can affect other things at the national level. Imagine if 15 states had a Firearms Protection Act which was pro-gun and extended 2A rights, but at the state level. I can guarantee you other states would be look at that as well.
Years ago when Hillary Clinton was looking at a national healthcare program, she came here to look at MinnesotaCare, so there's an example of state-possibly-affecting-the-federal-level-legislation.
I really want to thank everyone for whatever they have done, can do, will do, whatever difference we can make will and does help the overall cause for pro-gun rights in Minnesota and in this country.
Keep up the good fight.
