NFOA MEMBERS FORUM
General Categories => Events => Topic started by: RLMoeller on January 02, 2014, 10:31:27 AM
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Should we have one this session?
This would be an event where we gather at the Capitol, have a brief meeting about Grassroots lobbying. After a quick review of the bills introduced this year session that affect us go about visiting with our respective senators and then maybe watch the morning session from the balcony and be officially recognized.
We did this a couple years ago. We've seen it successful recently in Kansas.
SO, should we put this together for this year? Would you make the time to attend? Thoughts?
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I'm in.
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Yes - it should be done.
Maybe... Depending upon when it is planned.
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Yes.
I'd try very hard to attend.
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I'd consider it this year...need plenty of notice though. I really hate writing lesson plans for a sub so this makes the NFOA pretty special ;D
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i'll go if i can. if not, i'll be watching the floor debate via TV or internet.
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I'm in!
We could/ should be able to get a few senators and such to stop by and chat a bit like we did last time. Their insight is very helpful.
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I am in but just like HuskerXDM need a little notice!
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Sounds good. Notice would be nice.
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Count me in.
66bigblock
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Sounds like a winner...I would be interested in attending depending on my work schedule. Maybe we can sneak into the judiciary committee meeting room, and see if they actually have tables & chairs or just a putting green & arcade machine.... 8)
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OK, it's official. Announcing. . . .
NFOA Day @ the Legislature!
Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
8:00a.m - Meetup in a committee hearing room
I'm working on getting a few senators to drop by
More details as we get closer.
9:00 - Go find your senator
10:00 - General Session starts. We will go up to the balcony to watch and wait to be recognized by the Speaker of the Legislature. (it really is a thing, I'm not talking about hoping they notice and just ask who we are :) )
There are lots of things we can do, before and after for those that are interested. Maybe meet for breakfast before hand?
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Darn it, I'll be out of town for work that day.
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As of now I'm planning on taking the day off and will be there!
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I have placed it on my and Linda's calendars.
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Hey I don't work that day, I will plan to attend.
Greg58
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"On the calendar". Will try to make it
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I plan on attending...I just saw on the news that the legislature just discussed manure for 3 hours on the opening day today....& to think, some of our elected officials whine about hearing "another gun bill".....wah wah wah ....
...look forward to meeting those that attend!
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Available for a day trip to Lincoln on Feb 18 but having only been there 3-4 times, would prefer to team up and carpool from West Omaha / Cabelas / Gretna area.
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I have confirmation on the room! We will be meeting in Room 1524.
Room 1524 is a hearing room so that should be a good space to meet in.
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it would be nice to go and just observe and learn from some of you guys, but I won't be able to attend
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Need to get an email alert out to the members soon so they can make arrangements.
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I have a tentative plan to present the local VFW Honor Guard with new Rifle Cases after the Capital gig and lunch for any one that wants to stick around for that.
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i will try to get a video camera for the day.
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That would be great, RobertH.
And someone wants to take some still pictures That would be awesome also.
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That would be great, RobertH.
And someone wants to take some still pictures That would be awesome also.
the camera i'm trying to borrow can take still pics. and so does my phone. but more the merrier.
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Cool
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how long will we be at the capitol? maybe a members lunch somewhere gun friendly?
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Lunch sounds great!
Had thought about meeting up for breakfast, but with an 8 a.m. start, that may be a bit early for those that need to drive a ways to get to Lincoln. Lunch is probably a better option.
Or we could have both as options.
We are pretty open after 11:00 or so. General Session starts at 10:00 a.m that day, so we will probably be recognized in the first hour and then folks can stay and watch or do other stuff.
Maybe folks have ideas for other optional after lunch activities?
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Well, Phat Jack's BBQ is up the road a bit- I know he's friendly. and a member here. And we can dare FarmerRick and RobertH into taking the Nacho Challenge! >:D
11th and Cornhusker in the Belmont Plaza.
Which would also be a good place to meet up and park your car and carpool down. Parking can be a pain around the Capital.
(I'm not real sure about downtown. )
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I intend to be there. I will try to fill my suburban with some of the local gun culture from the York area if anyone needs a ride.
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ummm.... Nacho Challenge? might be interesting.
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One more addition. I spoke with the nice folks in the tour office and secured us a Official Nebraska State Capitol Tour. It would be at "11 ish " or once we are recognized on the floor. Then we will break for lunch afterward.
For anyone that has never had the "official" tour, there is alot of interesting history in the Capital Building, I've been on 2 and still find it fascinating.
As for Lunch.....
Anyone have any thoughts on were to go? Any ideas of Friendly places downtown? Maybe within a decent walk from the Capital?
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One more addition. I spoke with the nice folks in the tour office and secured us a Official Nebraska State Capitol Tour. It would be at "11 ish " or once we are recognized on the floor. Then we will break for lunch afterward.
For anyone that has never had the "official" tour, there is alot of interesting history in the Capital Building, I've been on 2 and still find it fascinating.
As for Lunch.....
Anyone have any thoughts on were to go? Any ideas of Friendly places downtown? Maybe within a decent walk from the Capital?
C. Berry's has delicious barbecue downtown. It isn't posted, and I've carried there before.
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I guess the Carry friendly is mostly mute since we WILL be unarmed in the Capital. :(
But we might as well support those are not outrightly posted. :D
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What's the dress code? I'll try to be there, if I can make it, a carpool from Cabela's would be great.
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I will be heading there with my Pontiac Vibe. Traveling from the Kennard area, through Elkhorn and Gretna.
I have one passenger so far, and room for 2 more.
If there is more demand, I can borrow the wife's StealthVan that can hold 6+.
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Gary has graciously offered his Parking lot for that morning. Along West "O" in front of Gun's To Roses. (Big ol Ford Pick up and two concrete Gorillas) if a few folks want to gather there and carpool downtown. I could pass by there and snag a few folks if needed. Let me know.
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I have also secured a tour after our stint in the balcony for anyone interested.
Still researching eateries. And am planning to deliver the VFW's Rifle Cases that afternoon.
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I'd love to attend.
Live in South O (for now...), work in Bellevue, willing to meet somewhere (Gretna etc) safe to leave vehicle parked for few hours we'll be gone.
Still haven't heard about a dress code yet ?
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As far as I'm concerned- Nice. If that for you is a shirt and tie and jacket, then so be it. A tasteful tshirt, and nice jeans? OK. I myself will probably wear my normal - the good blue jeans and a nice button up. (I'm NOT the shirt and tie guy- been there, done it, hated it. ;) ) We were going to try to color coordinate everyone for visual purposes, but that is crazy logistically. We may have other ways of NFOA recognition.
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We may have other ways of NFOA recognition.
facepaint?
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facepaint?
(http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/screencrush.com/files/2012/03/braveheart_59633-1280x720.jpg)
Red paint and all ? :D
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Is That.......
Andy Allen?
sfg
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If that's what the members want........
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So....
Tell someone who's never been to Lincoln how to go about finding the capital and this mystery room and such :D
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Google it! >:D
Nah, j/k. A map of the Capital will be provided and a list of senator's offices.
Tell ya what. I will have someone posted at the information booth in the center to direct folks to the room.
(Room 1524 is West of the Info Desk Half way down the Hall of Legislators (pictures on both sides) I can't recall if it's on the left or right, though. )
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Google it! >:D
Nah, j/k. A map of the Capital will be provided and a list of senator's offices.
Tell ya what. I will have someone posted at the information booth in the center to direct folks to the room.
(Room 1524 is West of the Info Desk Half way down the Hall of Legislators (pictures on both sides) I can't recall if it's on the left or right, though. )
I was going to google it.... but...
Where do I park ?
What building am I supposed to enter ?
Which entrance am I supposed to use ?
etc ?
Gotta remember - I've *never* been in Lincoln.
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Parking; Somewhere within walking distance of the big square building with a huge towering dome on top. (By city design, is is supposed to be visible from most anywhere in the city.
The best way from Omaha would be to turn off the interstate onto the 9th street/ I180 exit. Follow that south, past the Money Pit Pinnacle Area, and the Husker Stadium, ( will change into 10th), and turn at 'K' street. (One way toward the east) 'K' will bring you right to the North side of the Capital. Parking garages are around Downtown, or street side parking is usually best south of the capitol. Either way plan to walk.
The Capital Building has a entrance on each of the four sides, Green Door/ Revolving Door. North side you will go thru the car entrance under the stairs, West side is behind President Lincoln, South side is up a few stairs thru what looks like a green vault door, and IIRC the East side is also a simple door (I rarely use that door.) You want to be on the First Floor. If you end up in a huge area under a big dome/ chandelier, you're on the Second Floor. Find some stairs and go down and find the nice "young" lady at the info desk, (Big desk in the middle of the intersections of all the center halls) she'll get you anywhere you need to be.
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Parking; Somewhere within walking distance of the big square building with a huge towering dome on top. (By city design, is is supposed to be visible from most anywhere in the city.
The best way from Omaha would be to turn off the interstate onto the 9th street/ I180 exit. Follow that south, past the Money Pit Pinnacle Area, and the Husker Stadium, ( will change into 10th), and turn at 'K' street. (One way toward the east) 'K' will bring you right to the North side of the Capital. Parking garages are around Downtown, or street side parking is usually best south of the capitol. Either way plan to walk.
The Capital Building has a entrance on each of the four sides, Green Door/ Revolving Door. North side you will go thru the car entrance under the stairs, West side is behind President Lincoln, South side is up a few stairs thru what looks like a green vault door, and IIRC the East side is also a simple door (I rarely use that door.) You want to be on the First Floor. If you end up in a huge area under a big dome/ chandelier, you're on the Second Floor. Find some stairs and go down and find the nice "young" lady at the info desk, (Big desk in the middle of the intersections of all the center halls) she'll get you anywhere you need to be.
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Oops. Wrong button...thanks for the breakdown Bull ... I haven't been in the capital in 20+ years I would guess...
Still not sure what to say to my senator...."hey Steve, any firearms bills that you plan on crapping on during this session"
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Here are a couple of maps that may help ... http://www.nchea.net/sites/default/files/Lincoln_Parking_map.pdf (http://www.nchea.net/sites/default/files/Lincoln_Parking_map.pdf)
and
http://www.nchea.net/sites/default/files/Capitol_map.pdf (http://www.nchea.net/sites/default/files/Capitol_map.pdf)
I pulled these from my site ... our Homeschool org is have our Capitol day the following week so the maps were handy ... ;D
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For those that are cheap like me, you can usually find street parking south of the Capital a couple of blocks, any where from right behind the Governors Mansion to a couple blocks south of there. I have also had some luck finding parking a block or two east of the Capital.
If you are willing to walk there is free parking around, just allow yourself some walking time.
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Thanks webtrekker I will try to put the map into something I can modify and mark out points of interests
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Drive. Show up. Look at forum. Hey it's the 18th not 8th
So anyone in Lincoln wanna say hi before I go back to ****ing Omaha?
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Back to Omaha I go. Grrrr. I blame Rod :P
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OK, it's official. Announcing. . . .
NFOA Day @ the Legislature!
Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
8:00a.m - Meetup in a committee hearing room
I'm working on getting a few senators to drop by
More details as we get closer.
9:00 - Go find your senator
10:00 - General Session starts. We will go up to the balcony to watch and wait to be recognized by the Speaker of the Legislature. (it really is a thing, I'm not talking about hoping they notice and just ask who we are :) )
There are lots of things we can do, before and after for those that are interested. Maybe meet for breakfast before hand?
So how was Lincoln for the first time?
I don't think you can blame Rod, this post is pretty clear.
Hope you can make it on the 18th.
Greg58
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OH Unfy, I'm sorry. (I have totally done that before) We will just call it a practice run thru. Now you know where the capital is and how to find parking? Right?
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It was nice to visit on a relatively low traffic day sure.
I didn't appreciate walking all the way around that square thing wondering why I couldn't get in :D. At least, not in semi-dress shoes, tie, and freezing wind hehe.
Given that I only saw I180 -> 9th -> K -> around capital -> 10th -> I180.... it was... I dunno. A town. Note that I'm a navy brat so have seen quite a bit heh. It did remind me a bit of Sacromento.
Parking - I saw a few spots that might be of use, and the the PDF's above by webtrekker will undoubtedly come in handy.
The two folks I met around the capital building (one through the buzzer, the other walking up to it) were nice... which was... more than I can say for Sacromento :D.
I dunno if I'll make the trip on the 18th. 2.0-2.5hrs driving has been unfriendly on my back. We shall see.
And I don't care what anyone says, I'm still blaming Rod >:D -- just cause it was obviously my fault heh.
All that time spent on face paint for nothing j/ki
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UPcrawfish was looking for riders, as are a couple others. Look them up and let them do the driving.
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bump
reminder that the NFOA Day at the Legislature is this next Tuesday. We have room 1524 reserved for us from 8 am - 9 am.
Jeremy lined up a tour for us around 11 a.m or so
See you there.
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Once again, Gary at Guns to Roses (West "O" ) has a few parking spots in front of his place available for the morning. Otherwise some ideas would be a Walmart/ HyVee lot to park and car pool from, to make parking a little easier.
Once Larry from the VFW gets back from sunny, warm, Arizona. We will finalize a time/ place to meet up after lunch to present the rifle cases.
As for lunch, any ideas?
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i have borrowed two video cameras for the day....
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I still have 2 seats available for anyone that wants one.
We'll be passing through the Elkhorn-Gretna areas on Hwy 31, and stopping at DE Guns on the way back. 8)
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As for lunch, any ideas?
I like your Phat Jack's BBQ idea!
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I still have 2 seats available for anyone that wants one.
We'll be passing through the Elkhorn-Gretna areas on Hwy 31, and stopping at DE Guns on the way back. 8)
I would like to hitch a ride...I was planning on driving solo since I haven't met many memebers yet. Funny thing is I was looking ath the deguns website earlier & though that I should swing in while in Lincoln... I will message you
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I would like to hitch a ride...I was planning on driving solo since I haven't met many memebers yet. Funny thing is I was looking ath the deguns website earlier & though that I should swing in while in Lincoln... I will message you
OK, I have 3 coming with me now. Probably going to swipe SHMBO's Toyota minivan for the "Lincoln Invasion".
Have room for 2 more, if needed.
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I could pick up three more (if I clean the car out from the women's expo ) Will be coming from West Cornhusker (NW Lincoln) so Belmont Center (Save Mart) or Guns to Roses would be on my way.
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"Lincoln Invasion"
HaHa......Lincoln Invasion! Love It....Lets Roll!
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There is strength in numbers.
If you are at all considering coming, please do, to show the Legislature that we care.
Greg58
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There is strength in numbers.
If you are at all considering coming, please do, to show the Legislature that we care.
Greg58
...and that we pay attention to what they do.
im hoping for a huge turnout.
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As an extra for anyone interested, I just got off the phone with Larry from the VFW and we will meet up with them at Antelope Park at the Veteran's Memorial at 2 pm.
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With the move and other complications, I dunno if I'll make it. I'm PLANNING on it, though.
Given that I have a possible busy day, I'll make the drive solo.
I'll be in a dark suit with ... probably a red shirt and red tie.
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See attached a map to the Meeting Room 1524
Also Maps and Senator Room List will be available in the room.
Please Sign in and fill out a Name Tag when you arrive.
Tips to the dapper fella at the table are appreciated. :laugh:
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Good luck, everyone. Wish I could be there. I'll be sitting in Coach class at 30,000 feet while you're hobnobbing with the Nebraska political elite :)
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Dagny and I plan on being there, so we'll add 1.5 to the head count.
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Just watched the live feed recognition of 50 members of the firearms owners of... uh... all across Nebraska :) I tried to get a screen capture, but like an idiot when I hit pause on the feed the screen went back to the default NET Live banner and missed it! Dang!
Sorry I couldn't make it today folks. Woke up at 2:30 today with a sick kid. I was really looking forward to meeting more of you and experiencing the Unicameral firsthand.
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Was good to meet folks and shake hands, even if I ended up being late for the starting meeting.
Blue shirt instead of red - but all my red ones were dirty heh.
Thanks again to NEBull for directions and stuff.
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Good to see everyone today.
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A heartfelt Thank You from all that attended today's little get together. I really felt it was informative and enjoyable at the same time. (Kinda our plan ;) )
(Of course if there is anything your would like to see done better/ different should we do this again next year, please feel free to PM me )
I personally would like this to become an important enough event that more Senators would take the time to come by. (most of those that had said they would ended up with sick kids/ conference calls, etc. )
We had a total number of around 41.5 according to the sign in sheets. That's encouraging, for sure, I hope next time we can fill the room.
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41.5 aint terrible. Numbers are slowly improving from my informal 5 second "thought about it" moment. And I think the fact that folks are seeing more of each other, the coffee get togethers are going nicely etc -- that hopefully it'll just continue to get more and more folks involved.
HELL, even *I* drove to Lincoln twice for this event :P.
I think motivation is a cumulative thing as long as you can keep feeding it.
Dagny was definitely the star of the show :D - she's adorable Wes!
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I had a good time...apparently Mr Lathrop found out that I was coming to discuss his stance on a few bills & he ran off to a meeting!
I found my way to senator Kintners office & he is definitely a big supporter of our rights!
I hope that we can help to get him reElected as it seems he isn't scared to introduce pro 2 amendment bills...
Big Thanks to Farmer Rick for the ride & those who attended... especially the members/board who set up & spoke!
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Dagny was definitely the star of the show - she's adorable Wes!
Heh. Thanks. I think Dagny enjoyed her homeschool tot school fieldtrip to the capitol today. One request she did have of Jeremy, though, is to have crayons available for signing in next time, since she's more comfortable with those. Or finger paints. ;D
On a more serious note, a big thanks to Rod, Jeremy, the rest of the Board, and other members who volunteered time to make today successful. Organizing events like this takes a lot of time and all that effort is definitely appreciated!
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Good job guys. I wish I could have been there.
41.5 is not bad at all. Nebraska isn't exactly known for having an engaged electorate, so just showing up at all sends a strong message. If we keep growing it every year it will only get stronger. Just think what will happen when some day we have 200 people show up? Or 500?
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Good job guys. I wish I could have been there.
41.5 is not bad at all. Nebraska isn't exactly known for having an engaged electorate, so just showing up at all sends a strong message. If we keep growing it every year it will only get stronger. Just think what will happen when some day we have 200 people show up? Or 500?
The numbers in group from the Nebraska League of Women Voters that was recognized right after us was pretty close to the same size.
It was good, but we can always do better!!
Thanks to all that were able to attend.
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Our apologies, Pam and me planned on attending but we both have really bad colds and didn't want to spread the wealth...
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I enjoyed my visit today, had a nice ride with FarmerRick, good lunch at PhatJacks, enjoyable visit to DEGuns.
The Capitol tour was fun, I had a pleasant discussion with my Senator Beau McCoy and his staff.
Thanks To Jeremy, Rod, and anyone else who had a hand in organizing the day, keep up the good work.
Greg58
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yep, very good day! i think it was a pretty good turnout, but we'll need more next year.
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Did anyone take pics?
How did the gun case presentation go following for the VFW following the Capitol excursion? Any pics taken there?
(I know, I know... shoulda been there and wouldn't have needed to ask for pics, but for those of us that couldn't attend it would be nice to have a glimpse.)
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I have pics from the VFW presentation. Im in the process of emailing them to Jeremy and then he can post them. ;D
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Did anyone take pics?
RobertH was running around with camera stuffs
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i have pics here: (link dead)
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i have pics here: http://s53.photobucket.com/user/rchaisch/library/NFOA%20at%20the%20Legislature%20Day%2002-18-14 (http://s53.photobucket.com/user/rchaisch/library/NFOA%20at%20the%20Legislature%20Day%2002-18-14)
Ugh, look at my bad posture due to bad back. I need to work on that :P
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Ugh, look at my bad posture due to bad back. I need to work on that :P
UGH! Look at my Big Ol Gut!
The lighting in there just sucks, huh? RobertH?