VCDL Freedom Rally

DaveH · September 23rd, 2009, 11:09 AM

Unlike most of the rest of the Party here in Virginia, the Seventh District Republican Party has held their "Roundup" in an Anti-RKBA location, for years now.

VCDL has complained and negotiated even suggesting Pro RKBA venues, which would meet their needs – all to no avail.

IMHO, most of the rank-& file members of the District and most of the rest of the Party, Statewide, are unaware of the situation and of the District’s leaderships action.

It is time to change that.

Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL)

Quote:

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The VCDL protest against the 7th District Republican Party holding their "Roundup" event every year at the anti-gun SnagAJob/Innsbrook Pavilion is now officially called the VCDL Freedom Rally.

The GOP 7th District has strung us along every year and then ultimately ignored our complaints about gun owners being barred and even evicted from their selected location. It is past time that they understand that our rights are not negotiable.

Major components of the protest are now locked down and in place.

The event will be from 2 PM to 7 PM, Saturday, October 17th, followed by the opportunity to purchase dinner and enjoy a rally with keynote speakers.

Trust me [Philip Van Cleave] when I tell you that this is a MUST attend event that is not only going to be fun and is going to get a lot of attention, but it will have strong implications for the General Assembly session this year!

Here is what we have already arranged with the Innsbrook Shoppes mall (yes - this a freedom-friendly mall located at the intersection of Cox and Broad in Henrico County near Richmond):

1. VCDL has a large staging/event area, with wonderful backup facilities in case in case of bad weather. Our backup facility can hold 500 people by itself.

2. We are going to have guest speakers, including talk show personality Doc Thompson of WRVA here in Richmond. If you attended the 912 Project rally in DC, you got to hear the powerful and moving talk that Doc gave the crowd. We will be announcing the names of even more exciting speakers as we confirm them.

3. We are going to have a large number of professionally prepared signs, which will be carried by members on private property at one of the busiest intersections in Richmond. We will also be carrying signs on public property near the Republican Roundup.

4. The restaurants at the staging/event area are specifically welcoming VCDL members to their restaurants at the end of the rally! We will have a list of participating restaurants later, but these are absolutely excellent restaurants. What a message THIS ARRANGEMENT is going to send to the General Assembly next year when they consider our Restaurant Ban Repeal! I can't wait until Senator Saslaw tries to tell the General Assembly this time that restaurants don't want gun owners as patrons! ;-)

5. Parking will NOT be an issue - we have this base covered nicely.

6. We have begun coordination with the Henrico Police Chief Stanley and with Sheriff Wade's office.

The location of the staging/after event area is at one of the busiest intersections in Richmond and we have permission to DOMINATE that area!

In January we got 600 people to come to Lobby Day. Let's shatter than number and absolutely pack this event in preparation for Lobby Day 2010!

Please note: this is a peaceful protest - we will not be blocking anybody's access to the Republican Roundup, either by foot or by vehicle. The people attending the Roundup are really our friends and probably have no idea that the Republican leadership has been keeping gun owners out of this event for years by picking an anti-gun location. Our job is to educate Roundup attendees and the general public about Eric Cantor and the 7th District Republican Party not standing on principle, and we will - in spades.

I would like to get a rough head count for further planning purposes. If you are planning on coming, please send an email to:

FreedomRally*vcdl.org

Make the subject line "YES" with a dash and the number of attendees, like this: "YES - 4"

We will NOT read the body of the email itself, but will simply count attendance by looking at the subject line.

**Please respond ONLY if you are ABLE to attend.**

See you Saturday, October 17th from 2:00 PM to 7 PM!

------------------------------------------- ************************************************** *************************

Please join us, if you can.

Also, as Phlip says,

Quote:

this is a peaceful protest - we will not be blocking anybody's access to the Republican Roundup, either by foot or by vehicle. The people attending the Roundup are really our friends and probably have no idea that the Republican leadership has been keeping gun owners out of this event for years by picking an anti-gun location.

Rmac58 · September 23rd, 2009, 09:00 PM

Provide an address, I'll mapquest it.

DaveH · September 24th, 2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmac58

Provide an address, I'll mapquest it.

Innsbrook Shoppes
(804) 747-9600
4036 Cox Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Innsbrook Shoppes - Glen Allen, VA, 23060 - Citysearch

Snag-A-Job Pavilion
(804) 965-7922
4600 Cox Rd,
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Snag-A-Job Pavilion (Innsbrook After Hours), Glen Allen, VA : Reviews and maps - Yahoo! Local

Rmac58 · September 24th, 2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks.

DaveH · October 15th, 2009, 03:37 PM

Virginia gun group to protest Congressman Cantor?s ?roundup? on Oct. 17, 2009

Quote:

Virginia gun group to protest Congressman Cantor’s “roundup” on Oct. 17, 2009
October 6, 12:27 AMDC Gun Rights Examiner Mike Stollenwerk

For many years Republican leaders in Virginia and their deep pocket contributors have been gathering annually at the Innsbrook "Snagajob" Pavilion in Henrico County, VA for the "Republican Roundup." The managers of Innsbrook's "Snagajob" Pavilion, out of step with most commercial establishments enforce a strict rule mandated by the Highwoods Corporation against gun carry. In 2005 the facility deployed Sheriffs deputies to escort the Philip Van Cleave, the President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), from the Republican Roundup.

That didn't sit well with VCDL leaders and gun owners, so for several years now they have been asking Representative Eric Cantor (R - VA) and his Republican handlers, like Lynnwood Cobb, Chairman of the 7th District Republican Committee, to hold their annual Roundup at a venue which respects gun rights consistent with the Virginia Republican party platform. But the Republicans have steadfastly refused to move the venue and what irks Van Cleave and gun owners the most is that "Cantor and his people miss the point and, in an unprincipled way, are letting an important right be trampled so that Cantor can hold his rally at the Innsbrook Snagajob Pavilion."

In response to the Republican snub, VCDL has organized the "Freedom Rally" immediately outside and surrounding the entire Roundup with hundreds of picketers carrying signs and chanting against Republican hypocrisy for selecting an anti-gun venue each year for the Roundup. Speakers and music are planned, along with some "surprise" events.

And thanks to the help of Innsbrook's original developer, Sidney Gunst, President of the Innsbrook Associates, and the owner of the Innsbrook Shoppes, much of the private land in the area will be
available to VCDL's Freedom Rally. Local shops are offering 1,000 free parking spaces and free drinks and snacks to freedom rally attendees.

Said Gunst to other rally planners, "we consider ourselves a freedom friendly mall, and at this point we have the Roundup surrounded."

From VA-ALERT

Quote:

This Saturday, October 17, is the VCDL Freedom Rally at Innsbrook, in
the Richmond area.

We are asking the Republicans to walk-the-walk, not just talk-the-talk
when it comes to gun-rights.

And, we are also going to be sending an important message on repealing
the restaurant ban in 2010.

** I'm told that Republicans aren't taking our protest and rally
seriously, however. **

That's their mistake to make. The bigger our turnout, the louder our
message will be heard.

And what's really great is how local businesses are standing with us!

Besides restaurants, we now have hotels and a store offering discounts
to gun owners attending the rally:

-

The following restaurants at the Innsbrook Shoppes shopping center are
welcoming us and are offering various discounts and specials to gun
owners who say they are with the VCDL Freedom Rally:

Capital Ale house - private 60 person room, diverse menu and beverage
choices
Finn McCools - Irish Pub
Sharky’s Billiards
Hondo’s - Steaks
Firehouse Subs
Curry House - indian
Mama Cucina - Italian

Here is a link to a directory and map of the Innsbrook Shoppes:

Innsbrook Shoppes | Glen Allen, VA

-

The following store is offering an additional 30% discount off their
lowest sale price to any customer that presents a VCDL membership card:

Shoe Carnival
Colonades West Shopping Center (just across the street from the
Innsbrook Shoppes shopping center)

So if you or the kids need shoes, you will absolutely want to stop at
Shoe Carnival on your way home!

-

Local hotels are going to be offering discounted rates to those who
might want to come a day early or leave a day late! There will be
more information on the hotels and their offers in the next day or two.

-

Hopefully the weather will be good. But if there is some rain, we
will have access to a reception hall that can hold 500 people!

Remember that this is a family friendly event - so bring the kids.
This will be a great chance for them to have some fun and to see
freedom in action!

Expect to see various media there covering the event.

and

Quote:

Hotels offering discounts to VCDL Freedom Rally attendees

For those who might like to stay at a hotel near the VCDL Freedom
Rally, here are two hotels which are offering special pricing for
attendees:

The Richmond Marriott West
4240 Dominion Boulevard
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: 804-965-9500

Either call the hotel directly or the reservation line at
888-839-0610 and ask for the VCDL group block.

A room is $89 + tax

--

The Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook
4050 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: 804-521-2900
Promo code: VCDL
$79 + tax

DaveH · October 15th, 2009, 04:25 PM

If you are going, we might try to get to gather for a meal afterward.

PM me to arrange.

DaveH · October 16th, 2009, 10:32 PM

From VA-ALERT:

Quote:

Good news: the weather looks like it is going to be cool, but good for tomorrow!

As you drive into the Innsbrook Shoppes at Cox and Broad streets Saturday (for your GPS, you can use "4024 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA" as an address), you will see members in green safety vests with VCDL lettering on their back handing out flyers with the full schedule and an annotated map of the areas we will be working.

The initial meet up is at 2 PM in the center of the Innsbrook Shoppes mall area. The map on the flyer will show you the location of the meet up - it's not hard to find.

Doc Thompson's keynote speech later that evening will be at the same location as the meet up.

Oh, and have the kids keep an eye out for George Washington. At the last moment, he told me that he can make the rally! I plan on coercing him to say a few words. ;-)

--

Click here for the full article on the VCDL Freedom Rally in the DC
Examiner today:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2782-DC-Gu...r~y2009m10d16- Bring-a-gun-get-a-free-bun

Quote:

<SNIP>

Innsbrook area businesses have banded together to offer gun owners material support in the form of lodging, food, and drink specials. So far these businesses include: The Richmond Marriott West, The Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook, Capital Ale House, Finn McCools, Sharky’s Billiards, Hondo’s, Curry House, and Mama Cucina. [PVC: Also, Shoe Carnival across Broad street with a 30% discount for VCDL members.]

As previously reported here, the freedom rally is organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) to protest Congressman Cantor's hypocrisy in selecting an anti-gun venue each year for the Roundup. Speakers and music are planned, along with some "surprise" events.

<END SNIP>

DaveH · October 19th, 2009, 12:56 PM

Old Virginia News Blog Archive Gunowners Tell Cantor No Roundup for Them

http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-gun-ri...0,364846.story

http://www.vimeo.com/7149690

DaveH · October 20th, 2009, 02:19 PM

From the local comunity paper:

State’s Largest Gun Rights Group Protests Innsbrook Republican Rally | Downtown Short Pump

Quote:

State’s Largest Gun Rights Group Protests Innsbrook Republican Rally
October 18, 2009 - 2:24 pm
By Trevor Dickerson

On Saturday afternoon, Republican Whip and Short Pump resident Eric Cantor hosted the 2009 Republican Round-Up, an annual rally at the Innsbrook SnagAJob Pavilion. Outside the gates, several hundred members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), protested the event’s venue choice.

VCDL is the state’s largest firearms rights group and has been successful in influencing legislation affecting gun owners’ rights in the past.

The Innsbrook SnagAJob Pavilion is private property, separate from the rest of the Innsbrook Corporate Center. The venue, home to popular Summer concert series Innsbrook After Hours, does not allow firearms at the concerts or any other event.

“Four years ago, a couple of our members showed up and were turned away because of their firearms,” VCDL board member Bruce Jackson said. “We found [the Republican Round-Up] another location and they turned that down and said, ‘Well it’s pro-gun but it doesn’t allow alcohol,’ and apparently drinking is more important than the Constitution to Eric Cantor.”

Jackson went on to explain that the organization then found another venue that was was both pro-gun and alcohol, as well as conveniently located, which was also turned down. “The truth is they are just not pro-gun,” Jackson said. “They are holding their event repeatedly at a place that bans firearms. We’re trying to prove to the Republican Party that firearms are important and need to be allowed in their events.”

VCDL claims to be a non-partisan group with members from all across the political spectrum, but many seemed to hold issue with the party as a whole solely for its decision to hold the Round-Up at the Innsbrook Pavilion.

“Part of the platform of the Republican Party is the protection of the Second Amendment,” VCDL President Philip Van Cleave said. “Yet every year, they pick this one anti-gun location where we can’t do an open carry. You either believe in the Second Amendment or you don’t, and they’re apparently trying to have a gun-free zone and we’re protesting that. We have people who are even willing to pay for a new location, but they are simply not willing to move.”

Van Cleave calls the party’s actions “hypocritical” and says the group will continue to protest with more members each year until their concerns are heard.

Interact: What do you make of the Republican Party’s venue decision? Do you think the VCDL should protest it? Leave your comments below.

Trevor Dickerson is the Founder & Managing Editor of Downtown Short Pump.

Bob O · October 20th, 2009, 06:52 PM

Some great videos from the rally...

This is an overview of the rally:
VCDL Freedom Rally Innsbrook 2009 on Vimeo

This a great speech by "George Washington":
George Washington speaks at the VCDL Freedom Rally at Innsbrook 2009 on Vimeo

A very good speech my Doc Thompson radio personality:
http://www.vimeo.com/7150887

Bobo

October 15th, 2009, 04:25 PM	#6
DaveH VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 2,392	If you are going, we might try to get to gather for a meal afterward. PM me to arrange. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ I'm just one root in a grassroots organization. No one should assume that I speak for the VCDL BTW -- I am neither a lawyer, nor I do not play one on television or on the Internet. I hope no one assumes that I am giving legal advice Veni, Vidi, Velcro

October 19th, 2009, 12:56 PM	#8
DaveH VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 2,392	Pictures & report Old Virginia News Blog Archive Gunowners Tell Cantor No Roundup for Them http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-gun-ri...0,364846.story http://www.vimeo.com/7149690 __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ I'm just one root in a grassroots organization. No one should assume that I speak for the VCDL BTW -- I am neither a lawyer, nor I do not play one on television or on the Internet. I hope no one assumes that I am giving legal advice Veni, Vidi, Velcro Last edited by DaveH; October 19th, 2009 at 05:52 PM.. Reason: added www.vimeo.com url

October 20th, 2009, 06:52 PM	#10
Bob O Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Central, VA Posts: 253	Some great videos from the rally... This is an overview of the rally: VCDL Freedom Rally Innsbrook 2009 on Vimeo This a great speech by "George Washington": George Washington speaks at the VCDL Freedom Rally at Innsbrook 2009 on Vimeo A very good speech my Doc Thompson radio personality: http://www.vimeo.com/7150887 Bobo __________________ Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other" ~John Adams

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September 23rd, 2009, 09:00 PM	#2
Rmac58 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hopewell, Va Posts: 504	Provide an address, I'll mapquest it.

September 24th, 2009, 06:22 PM	#4
Rmac58 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hopewell, Va Posts: 504	Thanks.