I went to my first protest/rally today.

I drove down to Annapolis with a female friend in tow, and we were amazed. I'd estimate about three thousand pro-2A people showed up for the rally, and we FILLED the MD Senate building. They had to shut down the building - it was at capacity. We had folks from Maryland Shall Issue, Maryland Shooters Forum, the NRA, and I believe I spotted one of the Alans from the 2AF...that, or he has a twin running 'round Annapolis.

So, an observation: the crowd at the rally was possibly the most polite and respectful crowd I've had the pleasure to be around. I'm slightly agoraphobic in certain situations - for example, the photos of the Ravens rally yesterday made me nervous - but I only felt a slight amount of ohgodTOOMANYPEOPLE near the end, while waiting to sign the testimony book. This group of men, women, and yes, children, really helped to put a pleasant face on what many folks down in Naptown think is a big evil monster. I'm proud to be a part of it, and given the opportunity I think I'd go back down for similar reasons.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to testify. We stood in line for over 2 hours just to be told we wouldn't be allowed in. I have faith my fellow protesters said some fantastic things. I just hope we have a prayer of making a difference. I'm told Beretta has threatened to leave Maryland if SP281 gets passed, and I trust them to follow through with that threat. If anything has an impact on my state senators, that might. Maybe. I hope.

And because I remembered to take a photo, here's a crappy picture showing the amount of people who were there:

The crowd filled that ENTIRE square, plus maybe another hundred people on the steps immediately in front of me, and another 100 or so in line to get in the Senate building. SO MANY PEOPLE. More pictures and updates have been and will be posted here, here, and probably in other threads in that section of MDS. Please feel free to keep an eye on them.


Also, as we were leaving, "someone" in a police motorcade, two tour buses, and a guy with a Mini-14 hanging out the back of the last car in the motorcade caused the trolley we were in to practically beach itself on the curb. Thanks, nitwit. So glad to know you felt the need to show off your might.

Curators Corner on the NRA Blog

Thanks to Lars Dalseide and the NRA Museum, one of the coolest things we did at the NRA convention was get the opportunity to see, learn about, and handle some famous and prototype 1911's. This appealed to my geeky love of history and precision mechanical devices so much I almost had a Laura-type squee moment. (Almost?  Hah!  He squeeed and he knows it! - L)

I guess I'm late to the party, but in case any of you are too, the NRA Museum Blog has a weekly segment called Curator's Corner which is a virtual presentation of what my experience at the convention was. Senior Curator Phil Schreier discusses unusual or special firearms in the museums collection. Exhibits have gone from movie guns to historical items and the special and rare.  Not only is this historically interesting, but it's also a great way to see some of what the NRA Museum offers if you can't get there.  Go get your geek on and check it out! No one will see you squee, I promise.

The Nuge!

This photo was take just seconds before The Nuge looked up, sniffed the air, held up his hand, and then leapt to the top of the table while simultaneously pulling his bow from underneath and bulls eyed a rat near the concession stand. Amazing!! I head him snicker and say. Yea I'm having that sucker mounted. ;)

Fun At the NRA Convention

Wow Pittsburgh sucks. It's mostly just the lack of preparedness for over 70k people descending on the city like a swarm of locusts. I think they haven't prepared for this at all. Traffic routing is terrible. I think the city government needs to read more prepper blogs. At least call the last city and ask them what happened there last year.

The Convention is great! I haven't sniffed a whiff of con-funk, but I lost count of the safari/tactical vests around 638.

The people have been very nice. Howdy's and excuse me's all around. Say what you will about the NRA members, at least we're polite.

I know it's early, but I'll hand it to the booth workers. I haven't even been kicked out of a single one even after my. incessant questioning like a 5 yr old.

Last night I met many strange and wonderful internet denizens. Although the names fly by so fast I cant remember them all. A good bunch. (psst. they like to drink)

I had 2 hot, famous, blogger chicks in my room last night. How's you're convention going?

So far mines a blast. :)