imported post
Welp, attended a Grassroots Activist training held by the ACLU at the GMU School of Law in Arlington. And, I open carried the entire time.
1. I was not arrested, confronted, or questioned by any campus LEOs. The only LEO I saw was walking away from me and was escorting a woman to her car.
2. No students inside panicked or made an issue. I don't even imagine any of them saw my sidearm as most were operating in condition white.
3. The ACLU 'staff' were very accomodating and at no time challanged me for carrying. After the class one of the instructors actually THANKED *ME* for coming and 'demonstrating' my 'right to carry'. He mentioned that he was originally from Southern Virginia and that he knows his way around a longgun and that while the ACLU can't take an official position on (pro) 2A that there are many people like him in the org that appreciate the efforts of the NRA and VCDL (he's lobbied in Richmond so he knows about VCDL)
4. I sat next to six vegans (I don't think they eat dairy, cheese, meat, etc.) and at one point one of the gentlemen asked me 'how are you guys SO effective in Richmond??'. He wanted me to share tips so they could pass animal cruelty legislation.
5. One of the femal vegans pulled me aside and asked me if I was a lawyer. I responded back with a smile and "No, I still have a soul..". She laughed and then pulled me close to her and said, "I support gun rights". She was there also to advocate for the rights of rabbits but she said "as a woman, I want to be able to own a gun and use it to avoid being attacked"
6. I had one anti- that was at least WILLING to talk to me about gun rights but in the end she would refuse to acknowledge that we have a right to guns and she kept on making reference to mentaly disabled persons having access.
7. I introduced myself with my name and my county and said that I was here to advocate for the revokation of gun control legistlation and more gun rights for people. That got a LOT of audible gasps from people (especially this very anti-Bush lady) but to their credit the group as a whole either left me alone, ignored me, or would ask polite questions about why I carried.
8. One thing I did feel *uncomfortable* with is that in group sessions they would 'elect' me leader and I would 'speak' for the group. While I have no issue with public speaking - I fear that they MIGHT have done it because they saw me (armed) as a figure of authority and control - something I was trying to disuade.
Overall, it was a very beneficial training class on 'becoming an activist' and I believe that I changed the hearts and minds of a few people. And, thats important because when in a room with many people that are almost openly hostile to you, to get them to see your point of view and even agree with it; is a major victory.
Happy carrying!
