Igold 2009

[darkmark]

I searched the forums and didn't see this so I figured it had to be posted.

2009's IGOLD is coming soon!
When &
Where: Begins Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 12:00pm
Starting Location:
11:00 am - Prairie Capitol Convention Center - Doors open - View Map
Located at the corner of 8th St & Adams.
12:00 pm - Prairie Capitol Convention Center - Legislative Briefing
1:30 pm (approx.) - Head out to lobby Senators and Representatives,
respectfully make our presence known in
committee hearings that are in session
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Reception in the Prairie Capitol Convention Center.
(all information can be obtained from the website at: http://igold.isra.org/ )

We had a good turnout last year and we need a better turnout this year.

On the agenda this year is IL concealed carry.
It has been said that we have the backing of the IL Sheriff on this matter.
(I believe I am correct, if not please make a note for me)

You all must attend if you are an IL gun owner!

 

[NotEnoughSand]

IGOLD was a great time!

This was my first attendance at a major political rally. Last year we had about 2,500 people. This year, estimates were around 5000+.

It was very well organized. The ISRA and county-based gun organizations leased busses from all over the state, and got permission from gun/outdoor sports stores to use their parking lots as boarding points. People could then reserve a seat on those busses online so we always knew if we had enough space for everyone. Some of the gun stores sponsored their bus so those passengers didn't have to pay! My bus left west chicago around 0700hrs. We stopped for lunch inside Springfield, then made our way to the convention center to assemble the troops.

We heard a few speeches, including getting some bad news from lobbyist Todd Vandermyde. Between the previous night and that morning, the democratic-controlled legislature had killed our bill in comittee and had passed several antigun bills out of committee. I doubt the timing of that was accidental. We got a few cheers going, handed out some signs and banners, and then marched on the Capitol.

The streets were blanketed with gun activists. It was an amazing sight, once we reached the capitol, to look back and see the crowd stretching all the way down the main avenue and around the corner. We were told Jesse Jackson was going to have a counter-protest bussed in, but we didn't see anyone. There was one readheaded woman on the sidewalk who looked at us and shook her head. That was about all the "resistance" there was.

We assembled in front of the Capitol, where some of our leaders made a few brief speeches. One of the plaintiffs from McDonald also appeared. As this was going on, our group spread out and started filling in through every entrance that was open. (We knew getting through the metal detectors was going to take awhile). It definitely had a "we're taking over this place" feel to it. (Don't worry, we still let the people who were working there slip past us and so they could do their jobs--we are mostly Republicans and therefore expect government employees to be working when they're on our dime!) We filled the halls of the capitol, walking into our representatives office to make our thoughts known, and handing their staffers cards with our names/addresses and the bills we wanted to see action on. I expect they'll treat these cards as letters, and send out form letters to all of us explaining where they stand.

The women of IGOLD then made their way to the Governor's office and presented him with a plaque containing the "weapons" recommended by the Illinois State Police to use in case of sexual assault: a key, a hair brush, and a tongue depressor (to gag oneself into vomiting, to gross out a rapist). They made it clear what their thoughts were about being left helpless, while the women of 48 other states are allowed to fight back with effective weapons.

After that it was back to the convention center where they had a little buffet and a cash bar for us. Then back to the busses around 1600. Back home after 2100 hours, exhausted as hell. But it was fun! All the staffers were courteous and professional to us, as were the police. There were no confrontations or any ugly arguments. We knew we were representing gun owners across the state and we acted accoringly. But we did make it clear that we're going to be difficult to ignore in the coming elections.

 

[Templar223]

Some photos...

 

[NotEnoughSand]

Very nice shots, Templar.

Found this one at the Daily Herald:

 

[Smithiac]

Wish I could have made it. I wen't last year it was a great time.

Thanks for the pics.

 

[SeanSw]

Thank you for the photos, I can see myself in the first! A friend of mine took dozens of others and I will ask him to share here if possible. Unfortunately I was only able to spend a brief moment with Senator Frerichs, but he appeared supportive.

 

[darkmark]

These are some pics i took from within the marching group.
they get progressively closer to the capitol.
sorry if you think they are bad quality. i am no pro.
it was a great event and my friend and i did talk to our state senator.
he let us know what bills, pro and anti, had been killed and what he supported.
it was a great experience and i am looking forward to the rally in chicago.

i also was able to talk to radio host Geoff Pinkus from am 560 WIND,
who covered this, a little.

here are some of my pics:

 

[HEMI]

My (relevant) photos from the IGOLD rally...





















It was an interesting day. SeanSw, my dad and I stuck together and I took pics.

 

[darkmark]

Jun 26 09 Chicago 2A rally

Second Amendment Freedom Rally
in Chicago

Another ISRA rally.

"In Chicago!
A celebration of the Second Amendment on the Anniversary of the Heller Decision!"

contact the ISRA for more info:
http://www.isra.org/calendar/#jun09