Guidelines for this Saturday’s Counter-Demonstrations…

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I've gotten a lot of calls about this weekend already. And between the Illinois State Rifle Association's email to members and our new issue of GunNews and our website's promotion of this Saturday's coming counter-demonstrations, plenty of people have noticed.

The media are excited, salivating over a potentially contentious "coming together" of the two sides. Oh yeah, the media will be there with bells on. So avoid wearing camo, or blaze orange. Dress nicely and bring a flag and another to share. Bring a sign or two.

Some on the other side are showing fear – "Oh my gosh! They're talking about carrying GUNS! Guns! It's not going to be safe!" Yeah, whatever Sallypants. We carry guns everyday and nobody notices. What's more, only violent bad guys have anything to worry about from our guns. And 99.44% of bad guys aggressively avoid potential victims who might fight back, much less who are armed. So look for very safe venues for these events. Yes, it will be safe enough to bring your kids! And spouses. And that's before the local police show up!

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And some on our side, new to this whole idea of counter-demonstrating are nervous. It's okay.

Here's some answers to commonly asked questions.

1. Are we gonna have permits? We are not securing PERMITS. Not gonna do it. Besides, the other side has secured permits for some locations. What is our primary (scratch that, make that EXCLUSIVE) reason for no permits? Because if we get a permit, our gathering becomes a "gun free zone". We aren't down for "gun free zones" and we certainly aren't creating more of them to express our First Amendment rights. Worried about that? Read on…

2. Where are we going to rally? We are NOT going to rally.

3. If we're not going to rally, then what are we going to do? We're going to vigorously defend our civil rights to passersby (and the media) as we walk slowly down the sidewalks at the periphery of the anti-gun rallies. We'll have our flags and our signs and the people driving by will see us and our message as we *keep moving* and engage traffic with waves, smiles and our signs. "HONK for Gun Rights" would be a great message to write on bright neon backgrounds.

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4. What if they have a march that will approach on the same sidewalk? Well, if we're there first, then they can walk around us down one side of the sidewalk. Or, if they are too intimidated to do that, they can march in the street. Kill 'em with kindness is the motto for the day. Remember, we're not trying to convince die-hard gun grabbers of the folly of their endeavor. We're there to let the media and the general public know that gun owners aren't going to silently sit back and let the Left in America March for our Guns.

5. Is this legal? Well, yeah! We're the good guys. We don't break the laws! So long as you stay on the sidewalk, and keep moving and not arguing or heckling with the anti-gunners, you'll be a-okay with the local police and local laws. Your mere presence will serve as a heaping serving of microaggression for some on the other side. They should suck it up and adult a little. Yes, some special snowflakes may meltdown, but that's a "THEM" problem, not a you problem.

6. And the most commonly asked first question: Can we carry? So long as you're on the sidewalk, and not stepping into a public park or other prohibited property, and not loitering in the same place (no, don't set up a lawn chair on the sidewalk, silly), you're good to go. As counter-demonstrators, we are NOT covered by the "gun free zone" created by the anti-gun rally's protest permit. In short, stay on the sidewalk or the parkway between the street and the sidewalk and keep moving and you're golden.

7. Is is going to be dangerous? No. There will be police there. And if you're licensed, you may carry under the provisions of Illinois' CCW law. Others certainly will be. Expect everyone on our side to be on very good behavior. Expect much the same – with the exception of middle fingers and a few obscenties – from the other side. Nobody's going to come with baseball bats and black masks. Bullies don't come for a fair fight and your .38 will trump their sticks and brass knucks every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Helpful hints:

Retailers such as Walmart, Menards, Lowes, etc. have "foam board" which makes an excellent backing for your message. Some even have neon colors on one side. Buy a MAGNUM sized sharpie marker and create a short message. Leave the crayons for the other side to use for their messaging.

Come early and even if you're the first there, just walk slowly up and down the sidewalk where you expect the other side to meet. Ideally, we'll put ourselves between passersby on the street and the anti-gun rallies, effectively obscuring their message to the undecideds and the uniformed folks driving past. Wave, smile and embrace your cause. Stake out that real estate if possible before the other side arrives en masse.

Of course, do as the police ask with a pleasant smile and courteous demeanor. If the police are there, don't be surprised if the cops stand with their backs to us while facing the anti-gunners. Cops know who they have to worry about and who has their backs if and when things go sideways.

Here are some sign slogan suggestions:

GUNS SAVE LIFE (sorry, I had to put that one first.)

MORE GUNS, LESS CRIME

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