Are those hoof beats I hear? To protect their liberty, 14,000 patriots responded 244 years ago in 24 hours to the urgent need to take up arms against the King of England and his army. Riders on horseback carried the message(cell reception was terrible!).
Patriots, can we rally 14,000 (or more) peaceful citizens using modern communications before January 20 to protect our liberty? Will you spread the word and come out?
Be at the Virginia Capitol on January 20, 2020! Stand for your liberty! Our rights WILL be trampled unless the General Assembly fears doing it. Make a statement by peacefully filling the building and streets with unprecedented numbers they cannot ignore. YOUR LIBERTY IS AT STAKE. Only a massive turnout will make them listen. Join us for this important and historic gathering to deliver the message that we will not allow our God-given right to Liberty to be taken away by elected officials.
Specifics about the event are below, shared by Pat Webb, VCDL Treasurer:
QuoteAs for specifics for the event, we will begin forming groups at 08:00 at or around 10th and Bank Streets. These groups will enter the General Assembly Building and visit with assigned Senators and Delegates, leaving packets detailing all the gun bills filed to date and what our position is on them. We encourage people to stop by their own Representatives offices as well.
At 11:00 to Noon we will hold a rally on the Capital steps. Afterwards, many people meet at local restaurants for lunch before either heading back to the GA Building to sit in on committee meetings or heading home.
It is a highly educational day for school age children and teaches them about the legislative process and the importance of being a part of our government.
Carry is permitted outside the building. Open carry is allowed with or without a permit and concealed carry with a permit. Magazines are restricted to 20 rounds or less if one doesn't have a permit. Carry inside the building, open or concealed, is only allowed if one has a concealed handgun permit.
From Maximum Ordinate:
These pre-filed bills in the Virginia legislature could very well end Project Appleseed in the Commonwealth. That's no exaggeration. If you're in Virginia or the surrounding states, I urge you to attend, get involved, and make your voices heard. Bring a friend or two!
You may wear Appleseed gear and fly the Appleseed flag (literally or figuratively). I know that VCDL is planning charter buses from many locations in Virginia. More info on that can be found here: https://vcdl.org/ (https://vcdl.org/)
Godspeed and good luck.
For the AOC:
Rusty Bonkoski
National Coordinator
I invoke Dr. Joseph Warren calling out the express riders. Task one: You need to be Paul Revere and William Dawes. Spread the message far and wide. Every gun owner in Virginia should hear this multiple times.
Task two: TURN OUT!!!!!!
Gather your friends and relatives and BE on Capital Grounds on January 20, 2020. We have one last step before your rights are snatched away.
Yours in Liberty,
The Wolfhound
The son and I will be there on the 20th.
This is a Very Important rally.
If this nonsense in VA is not stopped in it's tracks it will spread to other states. Including Texas. Don't think for a minute that "It can't happen here" because it can and possibly will. Here in Texas we almost had 'Beto' (we'll take your f***ing AR and AK) win against Ted Cruz. It was close. Vote fraud didn't help either.
I think VA is a test case for the gun grabbers to see how the public reacts. Hopefully the public does react and shows up in huge numbers. Otherwise it might get nasty.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Appleseeders, Assemble!
(https://i.imgur.com/GSdKBMl.png)
Anyone else from MD want to carpool down with me?
V/R,
WhyWon
(Bethesda, MD)
Not sure if work will allow me to attend the lobby day but I will be helping spread the word here in southwest Va!
Am checking my work schedule....
This needs to be attached to as many boards as possible. Should be shared on every State board of every State in the Southeast!
For the Mission :F
S@A
Quote from: Sgt-at-Arms on December 20, 2019, 08:01:48 PM
This needs to be attached to as many boards as possible. Should be shared on every State board of every State in the Southeast!
For the Mission :F
S@A
No. I would suggest we keep most of the information, questions, answers, and updates confined to one thread.
We are reaching out to many shooters and instructors in the areas surrounding Virginia and calling on them. We are pointing them to this thread for updates. Let's not muddy the waters and make it hard to find info.
If folks from California wanted to come to Virginia in support, which airport would we fly into and how far is it to the protest location?
If there is ANYTHING Alaska can do, let me/us know.
Godspeed
--FourFans
Quote from: bob 210 on December 21, 2019, 12:15:23 AM
If folks from California wanted to come to Virginia in support, which airport would we fly into and how far is it to the protest location?
Richmond airport is the closest, and it's about 20-30 minutes drive from downtown depending on traffic. Might be less expensive to fly into Dulles (IAD) which is about a 2 hour drive away.
I will be driving up from north Georgia and riding the bus from Lynchburg on Monday morning.
Everett Womack
Attending is out of the question for me for a variety of reasons. Everything cost money so I'm willing to send a few bucks to help out financially. I guess the VCDL website would be the best way??
Quote from: The Wolfhound on December 20, 2019, 01:52:01 PM
From Maximum Ordinate: These pre-filed bills in the Virginia legislature could very well end Project Appleseed in the Commonwealth. That's no exaggeration. If you're in Virginia or the surrounding states, I urge you to attend, get involved, and make your voices heard. Bring a friend or two!
You may wear Appleseed gear and fly the Appleseed flag (literally or figuratively). I know that VCDL is planning charter buses from many locations in Virginia. More info on that can be found here: https://vcdl.org/ (https://vcdl.org/)
Godspeed and good luck.
For the AOC:
Rusty Bonkoski
National Coordinator
Thanks MaxOrd, we are faced with similar, although not as radical, pre-filed bills in Kentucky this year, and I am encouraging correspondence at this point. Kentucky residents can write their legislators by accessing their email at this link. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/findyourlegislator/findyourlegislator.html
I'll be attending lobby day. Thjs will be my 6th one. By far the most important one.
It just sickens and saddens me that we are facing such blatant tyranny in Virginia.
Brian
Quote from: iballdriver on December 21, 2019, 02:16:24 PM
I'll be attending lobby day. Thjs will be my 6th one. By far the most important one.
It just sickens and saddens me that we are facing such blatant tyranny in Virginia.
Brian
Time we reminded the VA elected officials via the soap box and ballot box the inscription on the great seal of VA. Past time.
I'll be there and looking foreword to jointing my AS colleagues to convince a few senators that common sense is better than gun control.
My son and I are both coming down from NY. Hopefully, the rest of the car is filled with like minded people.
My family will be there from GA.
Quote from: Maximum Ordinate on December 20, 2019, 10:47:00 PM
Quote from: Sgt-at-Arms on December 20, 2019, 08:01:48 PM
This needs to be attached to as many boards as possible. Should be shared on every State board of every State in the Southeast!
No. I would suggest we keep most of the information, questions, answers, and updates confined to one thread.
We heard the alarm in Michigan. I'd like permission to start a thread in the Michigan Instructors forum to see if there is enough interest to pool ourselves into a van, bus, or train. Our IBC isn't until late-February. I am doing my SBIT3 the weekend immediately following this rally. If you want MI support in VA, then I need to be free to organize our cadre.
Quote from: T. WOLF on December 22, 2019, 11:50:58 PM
We heard the alarm in Michigan. I'd like permission to start a thread in the Michigan Instructors forum to see if there is enough interest to pool ourselves into a van, bus, or train. Our IBC isn't until late-February. I am doing my SBIT3 the weekend immediately following this rally. If you want MI support in VA, then I need to be free to organize our cadre.
Of course, that's what those volunteer-only areas are for. :)
Friends,
We need to talk about this Virginia thing. Before I move forward, let me say how much I appreciate our VA crew and Wolfhound, who leads them. I am grateful they are keeping the standard high.
Virginia's Lobby Day is going to be a big deal. I think the turn-out will influence the path of the legislature going forward. So, let me offer some thoughts:
1. I think this event will be peaceful and educational. I think it'll be something we should bring children to, as they are our posterity.
2. Recognize the remote chance that antagonists might use Lobby Day 2020 as a platform to agitate. With that in mind, if at any point you feel unsafe or that the situation is going sideways - walk away. Just walk away. This is not the time for a brawl or worse. Yelling or arguing with people on Lobby Day isn't going to change anyone's mind, so let's stay on the high road.
3. Fly our flag, but this isn't an official Project Appleseed event. If you want to, wear your gear proudly. Remember this is a Virginia-centric event. If you're approached by the press, you're attending as a private person. Speak for yourself plainly and let it be known you're speaking only for yourself. If the press wants an official statement from the Program, get their info and contact CokeGuy, me, and malabar. We'll be able to provide official statements.
4. Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) asked folks to not carry rifles. The only thing I ask of Appleseeders is to carry firearms within the guidelines of Virginia Law. If you're carrying a rifle, you'll not be allowed in the Capitol building. Pistols? Well, we're not so sure. Today, pistols are allowed in the Capitol building. The legislature may change the rules on that between now and then.
5. Dress for the weather. It's Virginia in January, so be prepared. If you're open carrying, you might be in the elements all day. We should respect the rights of property owners in restaurants and other businesses in the area.
6. We've shared VCDL/Lobby Day event info far and wide on social media. We've had to hide some visitor comments that were chest-thumping or militia related. If you see something on FB/twitter/etc that reflects poorly on the Program, take action to clean it up or let someone know. Thanks for helping us stay on message.
7. Have fun. Seriously. Meet fellow lovers of Liberty and make friends. The seeds we plant well today will bear good fruit tomorrow!
in Liberty,
MaxOrd
For the out of staters planning to go, I thought I'd describe it to help you know what to expect.
Lobby Day is an annual thing. We always flood the statehouse on this day to speak with all the elected representatives.
Many are happy to talk, some hide in their office and some act very bizarre. It's always interesting.
Then we have a rally outside with speakers and such. This year will be much larger with more speakers.
It's not a one off protest event attached to the current excitement.
As the first post noted, you can carry pistols in Virginia openly without a permit and concealed with a valid carry permit.
A carry permit is required in order to carry inside the statehouse for the actual lobbying. Make sure VA honors your permit.
They honor almost all of them. It's great to have the metal detector go off, you show them its a pistol and they wave you in.
I would not show up in full kit with rifles, like some people are suggesting. That will not be helpful. The media will have a field day with that and portray us as lunatics.
It is a great day, every year. Seeing and meeting fellow patriots is always a good thing. Seeing people get off the couch and come out for liberty is always a good thing. It's like the feeling at an Appleseed event on a bigger scale.
All are welcome to come out.
For those of us that can not attend in person I suggest that we send emails to the VA legislatures, governor, and the the tourist department, (whatever it's called in VA), VA Chamber of Commerce, &c, and let them know that if VA goes down this path VA will not be included in any future travel plans.
info@vachamber.com
Quote from: hogfamily on December 25, 2019, 07:20:01 PM
For those of us that can not attend in person I suggest that we send emails to the VA legislatures, governor, and the the tourist department, (whatever it's called in VA), VA Chamber of Commerce, &c, and let them know that if VA goes down this path VA will not be included in any future travel plans.
info@vachamber.com
That is a great idea. And thank you for any assistance you can give in this arena.
For those interested in a peaceful armed demonstration a large number of members on arfcom are coordinating a protest on the capital grounds.
You can check out the discussion at the link below.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-/5-2280760/? (https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-/5-2280760/?)
They make a very valid argument that this is Virginia's lobby day not the VCDL's alone and that polite discussion alone has not achieved anything in other states besides a loss of rights.
They are calling it the Rattlesnake Rally with the protest of thousands of rifle carrying patriots serving as the buzzing of a rattlesnake's tail to politicians who think they can just wave a magic wand and make millions of Virginians felons overnight.
QuoteThey make a very valid argument that this is Virginia's lobby day not the VCDL's alone and that polite discussion alone has not achieved anything in other states besides a loss of rights.
I don't do arfcom for a number of reasons. That said:
While I don't disagree with this point, it's worth noting that Jan 20 is not the only "Lobby Day" in the Commonwealth. There are several organizations, of various causes, that converge on the state capitol complex on certain days of the year.
Here's my fear: We have an upswelling on January 20, and then everybody thinks, "Oh - I attended so I did my part." Even a tsunami recedes, eventually.
We need to look past Jan 20 and have these kind of events REGULARLY - maintain the momentum. Instead of a tsunami, we need engagement so enduring, it's more like an volcanic eruption, creating a mountain where only grassy plains stood before.
Quote from: Monkey on December 27, 2019, 09:45:27 AM
QuoteThey make a very valid argument that this is Virginia's lobby day not the VCDL's alone and that polite discussion alone has not achieved anything in other states besides a loss of rights.
I don't do arfcom for a number of reasons. That said:
While I don't disagree with this point, it's worth noting that Jan 20 is not the only "Lobby Day" in the Commonwealth. There are several organizations, of various causes, that converge on the state capitol complex on certain days of the year.
Here's my fear: We have an upswelling on January 20, and then everybody thinks, "Oh - I attended so I did my part." Even a tsunami recedes, eventually.
We need to look past Jan 20 and have these kind of events REGULARLY - maintain the momentum. Instead of a tsunami, we need engagement so enduring, it's more like an volcanic eruption, creating a mountain where only grassy plains stood before.
Absolutely agree! The mindset of "I already did my part" is what got us here in the first place.
So ... it looks like a bunch of Appleseeders are heeding the call to action.
A couple questions directed to the VA instructors - now what? How should we identify ourselves as Appleseeders? Instructor sweatshirts? Gather around an Appleseed flag on a flagpole?
If we want to get critical mass as an Appleseed group - where and when should we gather? My suspicion is that most of us will be there late morning at best, and since many will be out-of-staters, what's the best way to have an impact? I don't imagine that impact will be by out-of-state supporters meeting with individual VA representatives, as they will likely not respond to non-VA residents.
Thoughts? Maximum Ordinate posted some ideas on Dec 23, but let's start to firm them up so we can get critical mass.
This was posted on this forum by Henry Foxall on 12-26-2019:
"As for specifics for the event, we will begin forming groups at 08:00 at or around 10th and Bank Streets. These groups will enter the General Assembly Building and visit with assigned Senators and Delegates, leaving packets detailing all the gun bills filed to date and what our position is on them. We encourage people to stop by their own Representatives offices as well.
At 11:00 to Noon we will hold a rally on the Capital steps. Afterwards, many people meet at local restaurants for lunch before either heading back to the GA Building to sit in on committee meetings or heading home."
Just thought it would help.
Quote from: BrotherPilot on December 21, 2019, 09:07:06 AM
Quote from: bob 210 on December 21, 2019, 12:15:23 AM
If folks from California wanted to come to Virginia in support, which airport would we fly into and how far is it to the protest location?
Richmond airport is the closest, and it's about 20-30 minutes drive from downtown depending on traffic. Might be less expensive to fly into Dulles (IAD) which is about a 2 hour drive away.
FYI, I drove from Alexandria, VA to Richmond, VA today via I-95. It was a 3 hour drive. Bumper to bumper traffic. For 85 miles. I drove in the opposite direction last Monday. It was a 2.5 hour drive, in bumper to bumper traffic, then. The Richmond airport would be a better choice.
Just go please.
Please Encourage attendance.
IAD to Richmond is a 2-hour drive on 1/20 as its a federal & school holiday. I think the VCDL busses are leaving fairfax at 6am, to arrive at Richmond around 8am.
Here is a link (http://www.richmondgov.com/Parking/documents/map_RF_RIC_Parking.pdf) to parking garages in Richmond.
The public parking map will be most helpful! Thank you!
While Virginia HB 567 isn't targeting outdoor ranges, with it shutting down all non gov't owned indoor ranges, once the foot is in the door.....
https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/breaking-virginia-vows-to-shut-down-all-gun-ranges-not-owned-by-the-state/
QuoteThey want to shut down every gun range in the state that isn't owned by the government.
According to House Bill 567, any indoor shooting range would be prohibited by law - UNLESS it was inside of a building owned by the state.
And any business owners who decided to defy the law could be facing up to a $100,000 fine and potential civil penalties.
My family is displaying our support for our Brother & Sister Patriots in VA.
(https://i.imgur.com/fqIIH7Rl.jpg)
Quote from: hogfamily on January 07, 2020, 10:09:50 PM
My family is displaying our support for our Brother & Sister Patriots in VA.
(https://i.imgur.com/fqIIH7Rl.jpg)
On behalf of my brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth, my deepest thanks and gratitude for you and your family's support.
SB 353 could indeed be the end of Appleseed in VA. :( :wb:
It basically prohibits all outdoor ranges within 500 yards of a residential zone. This one needs to be defeated resoundingly.
I heard about the bill regarding indoor and outdoor ranges. When you think it can't get any worse it still does. I saw NRA is going to show up on 1/13 monday for the first hearing of these bills then the monday after will be the big show. I'm glad they are separate, can see the difference between the organization and true grass roots.
Good luck to us
Quote from: BrotherPilot on January 09, 2020, 09:24:44 AM
SB 353 could indeed be the end of Appleseed in VA. :( :wb:
It basically prohibits all outdoor ranges within 500 yards of a residential zone. This one needs to be defeated resoundingly.
Some of the ranges that we frequent fall into this category, but not all.
#IAO
HB 567 takes a direct shot at The Range at NRA Headquarters. The Delegate from Fairfax (where the headquarters is) is the poisonous spawn proposing it.
We are winning against the onslaught of proposals to deprive liberty. See the 2020 update from the Governor, he highlighted what he was interested in signing. However, we still have much work to do to get him to veto ALL gun control bills. I'm calling him every day, are you?
For those who are too far west to make it to Virginia there is a very similar event here in Washington State. 20th January, Monday next, is also lobby day at the Capitol in Olympia. Our own state ""owners" have a gaggle of very ugly new gun control laws they plan on trotting out on that day. Much the same rhetoric, and funding. Many of the same nasty anti-gun and freedom bills. We also have a nasty AtG and governor who are activley pressing these bad laws.
The Senate Hearaing Room in the Cherbourg building, 304 15th Ave SW starting at ten AM
We here inWashington also have a dynamic duo bent upon disarming is, our governor and attorney general seem to be near carbon copies of the pair in Virginia. Exept that our Governor has not been so vocal and in your face as have Virginia's Gov and AtG. Same list of bad gun bills, and we lost the Senate to the Dees in November so tney think they have a walk in the park.
Anyone available
They will be trying to impose a bunch of restrictioins and hoops for getting our Mother May Cards to carry handguns concealed, and they also want to impose a magazine capacity limit.
Michigan has arrived in Virginia! I'll be looking for you all tomorrow! Be Safe! And BE LOUD!
BeeFree :F :F :F :F
Thanks to all who arrived and made it a success - the bills were voted down as I understand it.
Quote from: StevenK on February 18, 2020, 06:00:29 PM
Thanks to all who arrived and made it a success - the bills were voted down as I understand it.
The nastiest one was tabled the other day.
There are plenty others that are bad for liberty - the next wolf closest to the sled would essentially eliminate state pre-emption for gun legislation.
Thanks for coming down last month. Your presence made a difference.
June 8 PA. I think philly but check
Quote from: StevenK on March 01, 2020, 09:12:20 PM
June 8 PA. I think philly but check
You mean the annual 2A rally? Harrisburg at the Capitol. We'll be outside this year due to the Governor being intimidated by the crowd that showed up last year. ^-^
Hoping to get an update of what y'all have been involved with since jan. 20th?
This weekend we have rifle training and qualifiers for Campbell County at VIR.
Also on the radar is a 1A rally/revival-prayer meeting in downtown Lynchburg that should be a good display of civil disobedience.
Keep it up patriots!