2nd Amendment Rally – Part III: “The Rally”

After checking in our sidearms. We proceeded up to the rotunda, only to find it chock full of people in support of freedom, liberty and the 2nd Amendment.

There were a number of speakers from the NRA, Sisters of the Second Amendment and more. Along with a raffle of a Ruger LCP, gift certificate and an autographed copy of Holbrook’s book on the 2nd Amendment.

Photos of the rally….

After the rally, we all broke up into several groups and went to the offices of the varying state senators and representatives.

Well the Democrats must have caught wind of the rally. As they were M.I.A. the entire time. One secretary told us they were in session. But then we found out they were not. Another that they were caucusing. Another taking photos. I pretty much walked away with the opinion that they had made sure that their schedule would be busy so as to avoid us.

We did go to the offices of a couple Republicans.  One had a meeting. A second, Merle Phillips, was in a meeting but would finish up soon and then he’d meet with us.  I overheard them talking about needing a camera.  I had my DSLR and offered to take some photos, and did so.

I asked if they had a business card so that I could email the photos. You should of seen my expression when the second man handed me his card and I realized it was John Sigler, President of the NRA. (So of course I got my picture taken too!)

Afterwards I hung out with Snowflakesinhell and and Bitter for a while.  Looking forward to seeing them again soon at the NRA Annual Meeting/Gun Bloggers Bash.

I’ve posted more photos up for those who want to see more…

Gallery

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UPDATED:   News article on the event can be found here.

Some have asked if they could download and repost the photos from the gallery. So I’ve provided a zip file (approx. 8 mb)

Photo Download

2nd Amendment Rally – Part II: “Checkin”

Check in….

So after being stuffed with blueberry pancakes, hashbrown casserole and sausage, I headed downtown.  Found some parking and walked to the capital. Now we had to go through the rear entrance where they were prepared for the larger quantity of us bearers of firearms.  (It was a 2nd Amendment rally afterall.)

Took about 10 minutes to get through the initial line. We had to fill out forms with our name, contact info, firearm serial number, etc.  They stated that if we wanted a receipt we had to fill out two copies. As I had both my Ruger P-345 and LCP, I had to fill out four forms.  Why two sidearms? Overkill?

Well, this was the first event that I went to with the consideration and plan to do some open carrying. Normally, I view this as a risk. Open carry lets others know you are armed. And if a criminal element is around, then you are likely to be the first one they seek to take down.  In this case, I felt the risk was low – being surrounded by fellow armed citizens.  However, I had pretty much avowed to myself that if I ever did open carry. I would at least carry a second firearm.

After we filled out our forms about a dozen of us were led down to the basement to store our firearms in a locker until we were ready to depart.

All-in-all the process probably took around 45 minutes. But mind you, they were overwhelmed with supporters of the 2nd Amendment there for the rally.

😉

I do want to chime in that the PA Capitol Police were police, civil, and professional.  Good job guys!!!

Ninth Circuit Court Incorporates the Second Amendment

BIG NEWS!!!
http://bigtweet.com/c/b/twitter/gunrights/17VOJt

Good discussion over at Arms and the Law
http://armsandthelaw.com/

And for the legal buff wanting more nitty gritty…

From what I understand of it. This is just a circuit court. So it carries a tremendous amount of weight, but could still be reviewed by the Supreme Court. The actual case was lost, as the 9th Circuit Court deemed the issue a reasonable regulation. But it affirmed that the Second Amendment applies to the states in the 9th Circuit.  Definitely a step in the right direction. And should make Chicago’s upcoming case a bit more difficult to play.

2nd Amendment Rally in Harrisburg, PA

A lot more news on the upcoming 2A-rally in PA. We’re hoping for this to be one of the larger Second Amendment rallies. So please come if you are able…

2ARally.com

Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA) posted some great and detailed info.

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Nationally Recognized Speakers

In addition to the fun of meeting with your peers and standing up for your rights, the rally will feature an amazing cast of speakers:

• Daryl Metcalfe: State Representative
• Stephen Halbrook: Nationally renowned 2nd Amendment Attorney
• Larry Pratt: President, Gun Owners of America
• John Sigler: President, National Rifle Association
• Joe Tartaro: Executive Editor, Gun Week
• Peggy Tartaro: Executive Editor, Women & Guns
• Marinelle Thompson: National Coordinator, Second Amendment Sisters
• Kim Stolfer: Chairman, Firearms Owners Against Crime
• Melody Zullinger: Executive Director, PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs

Chance to WIN a Ruger LCP

What could be better than standing up for your rights? How about being automatically entered into a raffle for a brand new Ruger LCP just for showing up! Thanks to a generous donation, one lucky attendee will receive a certificate that can be redeemed at ACE Sporting Goods.

Promote the Rally

• Download the Flyer
• View the Invitation (email it to friends)
• More information here…