VCDL was once again at the forefront of the activity - this time at the Richmond Convention Center for what is being billed as the largest Tea Party event anywhere in the United States to date.
Beginning prior to 6:00 AM a few hardy individuals met for breakfast at the 3rd Street Diner. By 7:30 the first of many GSL stickers were being handed out - by mid morning the Convention Center looked like the Orange Bowl.
CC or OC acceptability had been determined and indeed the day went without negative encounter. The level of acceptance and endorsement was palatable - you could feel the strong positive support for the RKBA. Comments heard: I appreciate what you are doing, I was looking for you, Thanks for being here, That should have been the 1st Amendment ....... and simply the best - "Thanks for carrying!"
Pleasant conversation with a Richmond PD Sgt. Several Boy Scouts and the leader asked a lot of good positive questions - they bemoaned the demise of the marksmanship merit badge. Offer made to set the scouts up with some instruction and range time - their faces lit up, think we'll likely see that happen.
I solid backing by VCDL members lead by Phil and Bruce manned the VCDL table in Exhibit Hall A. Phil, Skidmark and I were interviewed by the Times-Dispatch and two reporters from Finland. I had the opportunity to go live on Steve Batton's Freedom 1650 radio (Va. Beach) and WLEE radio from Richmond - interesting and positive conversation with plenty of good questions and points made.
Numerous other VCDL members made their presence know passing out stickers and engaging people in conversation. All morning long I kept running into other members - great job guys 'n gals.
BTW - a certain member was seen with a camera - she must have brought extra batteries with as many pictures as she took - maybe we'll see some of them here - hint, hint.
Tomorrow I expect an even bigger, more exciting day as people will be off work and coming out to offer their support.
Beginning prior to 6:00 AM a few hardy individuals met for breakfast at the 3rd Street Diner. By 7:30 the first of many GSL stickers were being handed out - by mid morning the Convention Center looked like the Orange Bowl.
CC or OC acceptability had been determined and indeed the day went without negative encounter. The level of acceptance and endorsement was palatable - you could feel the strong positive support for the RKBA. Comments heard: I appreciate what you are doing, I was looking for you, Thanks for being here, That should have been the 1st Amendment ....... and simply the best - "Thanks for carrying!"
Pleasant conversation with a Richmond PD Sgt. Several Boy Scouts and the leader asked a lot of good positive questions - they bemoaned the demise of the marksmanship merit badge. Offer made to set the scouts up with some instruction and range time - their faces lit up, think we'll likely see that happen.
I solid backing by VCDL members lead by Phil and Bruce manned the VCDL table in Exhibit Hall A. Phil, Skidmark and I were interviewed by the Times-Dispatch and two reporters from Finland. I had the opportunity to go live on Steve Batton's Freedom 1650 radio (Va. Beach) and WLEE radio from Richmond - interesting and positive conversation with plenty of good questions and points made.
Numerous other VCDL members made their presence know passing out stickers and engaging people in conversation. All morning long I kept running into other members - great job guys 'n gals.
BTW - a certain member was seen with a camera - she must have brought extra batteries with as many pictures as she took - maybe we'll see some of them here - hint, hint.
Tomorrow I expect an even bigger, more exciting day as people will be off work and coming out to offer their support.