builtjeep
Regular Member
looks like my parents will not be coming :-(
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Pre-Lobby Day 7AM Breakfast, CARPOOL, and VCDL Lobby Day - 9AM, Jan 21, 2013 -
- Thread starter ed
- Start date
5o am..........I'm outta here!
We ride, Sir Don, we ride!
va_tazdad
Regular Member
To one and all
This was my first Lobby Day and found it to be very interesting. Started with the Garbage plate special at RCD and found it to be acceptable sustenance for the day ahead. Service as always was Gr8!
Lead a fellow LDV (Lobby Day Virgin) down to find parking on Governor's St and walked up to see the largest gathering of 2nd Amendment supporters I have seen yet.
Ventured inside and after a quick "wanding" stopped at offices on 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th floors. I was very impressed by a young man named Ed, (Father was also Ed) who expertly and explicitly shared his views with a number of legislative assistants and interns.
I found all that spoke to be knowledgeable and well informed . Some of the L/As were obviously not concerned by our presence but most listened and took notes.
Others seemed not to care because their boss was anti and appeared to suffer thru our visits.
I just wanted to say thank you to all that made the effort as I not only enjoyed the event, but received an education and will be there in the future for Lobby day!
This was my first Lobby Day and found it to be very interesting. Started with the Garbage plate special at RCD and found it to be acceptable sustenance for the day ahead. Service as always was Gr8!
Lead a fellow LDV (Lobby Day Virgin) down to find parking on Governor's St and walked up to see the largest gathering of 2nd Amendment supporters I have seen yet.
Ventured inside and after a quick "wanding" stopped at offices on 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th floors. I was very impressed by a young man named Ed, (Father was also Ed) who expertly and explicitly shared his views with a number of legislative assistants and interns.
I found all that spoke to be knowledgeable and well informed . Some of the L/As were obviously not concerned by our presence but most listened and took notes.
Others seemed not to care because their boss was anti and appeared to suffer thru our visits.
I just wanted to say thank you to all that made the effort as I not only enjoyed the event, but received an education and will be there in the future for Lobby day!
45acpForMe
Newbie
It was a great day! Lots of 2A supporters and friends walking the halls talking to everyone that was in. Our team had 10 people to talk to and only got to talk to 3 delegates/senators since the rest were in some other session/meeting/committee. We talked with the legislative assistants for the rest.
We talked briefly with some of the biker-lobbyists about what they were lobbying for and their two main issues was regulating moped use a bit more and making the helmet laws a pro-choice if you were over 21 years old. I told them about Open Carry and they said they already knew and one guy's dream was to get a mare's leg and leather holster for his GoldWing and OC it around. ;-) There was also one very cute biker chick wandering about.
Thank you 2a4all (and Mrs. 2a4all) for leading the team around!
One interesting story was told to us by a biker waiting to see a senator. After we were told that we wouldn't be able to talk to Mamie Locke and that her assistant had run out for a minute we waited about 10 minutes until he returned. He (David) was cordial and let us talk to him for about 20 minutes. When we left his office some in our group recognized that Mamie was in her office. As we came out and were talking about her being un-available the biker walked up and told us that before we arrived Mamie came out of her office and asked her assistant who was next on her schedule. Her assistant told her the gun lobby and Mamie replied that "I don't talk to gun people!". Well unfortunately for me she is my state senator! I told David that I would take her to the range if she wanted to learn about guns at all. I'll report back if she takes me up on it.
On the way home I stopped by Pierce's BBQ Pit for lunch (and picking up dinner). GreatDaneMan and Ryan7068 were in line in front of me so we chatted over lunch at one of their picnic tables.
Already looking forward to next years Lobby day!
ETA: A few members of my team were joking that all the anti Senators/Delegates decided ahead of time to schedule a meeting when we would be there to avoid us. Maybe even a pizza party. It was odd that even though we had appointments 7/10 had some meeting to be in.
We talked briefly with some of the biker-lobbyists about what they were lobbying for and their two main issues was regulating moped use a bit more and making the helmet laws a pro-choice if you were over 21 years old. I told them about Open Carry and they said they already knew and one guy's dream was to get a mare's leg and leather holster for his GoldWing and OC it around. ;-) There was also one very cute biker chick wandering about.
Thank you 2a4all (and Mrs. 2a4all) for leading the team around!
One interesting story was told to us by a biker waiting to see a senator. After we were told that we wouldn't be able to talk to Mamie Locke and that her assistant had run out for a minute we waited about 10 minutes until he returned. He (David) was cordial and let us talk to him for about 20 minutes. When we left his office some in our group recognized that Mamie was in her office. As we came out and were talking about her being un-available the biker walked up and told us that before we arrived Mamie came out of her office and asked her assistant who was next on her schedule. Her assistant told her the gun lobby and Mamie replied that "I don't talk to gun people!". Well unfortunately for me she is my state senator! I told David that I would take her to the range if she wanted to learn about guns at all. I'll report back if she takes me up on it.
On the way home I stopped by Pierce's BBQ Pit for lunch (and picking up dinner). GreatDaneMan and Ryan7068 were in line in front of me so we chatted over lunch at one of their picnic tables.
Already looking forward to next years Lobby day!
ETA: A few members of my team were joking that all the anti Senators/Delegates decided ahead of time to schedule a meeting when we would be there to avoid us. Maybe even a pizza party. It was odd that even though we had appointments 7/10 had some meeting to be in.
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DJEEPER
Regular Member
DrMark
Lone Star Veteran
It was a good day, but taking the whole family has its pros and cons. We might have stayed later, but the kids were getting pretty restless and hungry.
It was good meeting fellow OCDO members.
The only main annoyance was the Capitol Police (CP) splitting up my family. The CP female at the main entrance announced that anyone with a bag had to use the main entrance, and anyone carrying (thus having a CHP) had to use the side. I said our family has both, my wife with a purse and me carrying. She sounded annoyed and said that my wife had to use the main entrance and I had to use the side entrance.
A woman behind me then stated that she had a purse and was carrying, and asked what she should do. The CP female looked annoyed and turned around and entered the building without answering.
We mainly saw legislative assistants, as most of the legislators were in session. After our group was about done, I went back and met with my Senator's assistant. (Like 45acpForMe, Mamie Locke is my Senator.)
On our way out we walked around the grounds. Along the way, I spoke with about 4 other CP. Surprisingly, they were professional, even cordial.
In and around the Gen Assy Building, I had a sport coat on, but was OC elsewhere. Restaurants & rest stops... no problems. At the restaurant on the way home, we ran into the dad of one of my son's friends from school. He glanced at the pistol on my hip, and surprised me with his response: "So, were you at the VCDL Lobby Day?"
Overall, it was a good day. Let the campaign roll on!
It was good meeting fellow OCDO members.
The only main annoyance was the Capitol Police (CP) splitting up my family. The CP female at the main entrance announced that anyone with a bag had to use the main entrance, and anyone carrying (thus having a CHP) had to use the side. I said our family has both, my wife with a purse and me carrying. She sounded annoyed and said that my wife had to use the main entrance and I had to use the side entrance.
A woman behind me then stated that she had a purse and was carrying, and asked what she should do. The CP female looked annoyed and turned around and entered the building without answering.
We mainly saw legislative assistants, as most of the legislators were in session. After our group was about done, I went back and met with my Senator's assistant. (Like 45acpForMe, Mamie Locke is my Senator.)
On our way out we walked around the grounds. Along the way, I spoke with about 4 other CP. Surprisingly, they were professional, even cordial.
In and around the Gen Assy Building, I had a sport coat on, but was OC elsewhere. Restaurants & rest stops... no problems. At the restaurant on the way home, we ran into the dad of one of my son's friends from school. He glanced at the pistol on my hip, and surprised me with his response: "So, were you at the VCDL Lobby Day?"
Overall, it was a good day. Let the campaign roll on!
45acpForMe
Newbie
I also stopped by our Delegate Gordon Helsel to see if he was in but he was in committee too.
DrMark I tried to text you where we were but I guess you hooked up with another team. I saw you and family outside (no where near to getting in) when our first appointment started.
One thing that was curious when I left about 11:45am was that they were still wanding people in at the CHP entrance. Were people showing up that late or left and came back? I guess technically our work was done (meeting with who we made appointments) but nothing would stop anyone from continuing to lobby the rest of the day. One delegate's assistant told us that he would probably be back around 1:30pm or so.
As far as them cancelling/ignoring appointments, is that how it usually works or was this an unusual year?
Wolf_shadow
Activist Member
I didn't make it this year, but thats what happened the last two when I was there.
The turn out was awesome!!
Started at River City Diner where we literally opened the place - Courtney and crew (all wore GSL stickers) served over 4 dozen of us with their usual panache.
Arrived at the GAB where I was met with a sea of orange stickers and hats (thanks Bruce) - total count for the day was estimated to be at least 750 of us. I gave out over 1/2 roll (500) of the stickers myself so no telling what the total might have been when all of our "friends" where added into the tally.
My thanks to all for making this a great, memorable Lobby Day! Keep the pressure on - it is working.
Started at River City Diner where we literally opened the place - Courtney and crew (all wore GSL stickers) served over 4 dozen of us with their usual panache.
Arrived at the GAB where I was met with a sea of orange stickers and hats (thanks Bruce) - total count for the day was estimated to be at least 750 of us. I gave out over 1/2 roll (500) of the stickers myself so no telling what the total might have been when all of our "friends" where added into the tally.
My thanks to all for making this a great, memorable Lobby Day! Keep the pressure on - it is working.
B. Reddy
Regular Member
Lobby Day 2013- My Two Cents
- Got my VCDL sticker. It's pretty impressive when you are waiting for the elevator, the doors slide open & you have to shield your eyes from all the orange stickers blazing at you.
-Dress code- I agree that a little extra effort it pays off- I did the tie/sportcoat thing and felt like my list of items was getting a fair accounting. BUT, the most important thing is be there and wear that Guns Save Lives sticker!
Actually one L/A said she recognized my last name from all my emails.
-The offices I visited are pretty pro-2nd Amendment. What kind of reception did you get at offices that are less friendly?
- Got my VCDL sticker. It's pretty impressive when you are waiting for the elevator, the doors slide open & you have to shield your eyes from all the orange stickers blazing at you.
-Dress code- I agree that a little extra effort it pays off- I did the tie/sportcoat thing and felt like my list of items was getting a fair accounting. BUT, the most important thing is be there and wear that Guns Save Lives sticker!
Actually one L/A said she recognized my last name from all my emails.
-The offices I visited are pretty pro-2nd Amendment. What kind of reception did you get at offices that are less friendly?
Add your pictures of the Lobby Day festivities to this thread started by Peter Nap:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?110629-Lobby-Day
Old Virginia Joe
Regular Member
MP guy and I kept on lobbying our own delegates til after 2 pm at least, before we quit. When I got home, my wife says she saw VCDL being covered on the CBS Tidewater TV news affiliate, and that they covered the antis lying on the ground outside, and that they talked to 2 of our people, one, a guy carrying what my wife said was an M-16 (!!!?) slung, and a well-spoken lady. Our group, also, ended up talking mostly to the horse-holders of the General Assembly today. The representatives of the People had other things to do, apparently.
mpguy
Regular Member
Why wouldn't the antis come inside? Everyone seemed happy we were there.
Sent from my Motorola Galaxy s3 using Tapatalk 2
As usual, I was a little overwhelmed with people I deal with here everyday, but have never met.
It was especially good meeting Dr. Mark. Crazydude introduced himself and he isn't near as crazy as he wants people to think:lol:. I was walking along with my face in the view finder and spotted an AR pistol so I got to see Dejeeper again.
Special thanks to Mark. I really appreciate them!
Grapeshot was doing his usual job as caretaker of the faith, Pourshot as usual, was organizing the teams.
Bob was hustling right along with Bruce.....just a thousand faces, literally :lol:
TJ was there and I hadn't seen him for a long time. He's lost a little weight but seemed fine.
Great day everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was especially good meeting Dr. Mark. Crazydude introduced himself and he isn't near as crazy as he wants people to think:lol:. I was walking along with my face in the view finder and spotted an AR pistol so I got to see Dejeeper again.
Special thanks to Mark. I really appreciate them!
Grapeshot was doing his usual job as caretaker of the faith, Pourshot as usual, was organizing the teams.
Bob was hustling right along with Bruce.....just a thousand faces, literally :lol:
TJ was there and I hadn't seen him for a long time. He's lost a little weight but seemed fine.
Great day everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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DJEEPER
Regular Member
45acpForMe
Newbie
I missed seeing T33J but if you are correct and he lost some weight he may have become invisible from certain angles!!!!:shocker: He must be following in the GrapeShot OC method.
Was so thin I didn't throw a shadow - gained some weight and now resemble a plumb line.:lol:
45acpForMe
Newbie
I chatted with Skidmark for a bit before heading upstairs and did hear your voice Grapeshot but didn't see you.
I thought you were showing up a bit late but you might have been there the whole time.
Now you just need to add some chalk to that plumb line to fill it out!If I did see you I would have shook your hand though! This was the first year I could tear myself away from my kids for the day and even got home without it being burnt to the ground! My oldest thinks she can cook but forgets to turn things off or take things off the stove and or falls asleep. She litterally burnt the pot trying to boil water the first time.
I left a $20 on the table trying to encourage her to take her sister out to lunch rather than let her cook without me home.