What I am seeing is an opportunity for something that goes beyond a single event. I see something more like an organization that, as a main annual event puts on a “Recognition Picnic” for First R’s along with Military and their families. The goal, as I see it is to, on a local level, close the gap between the general public and the LEO’s, and to promote the Constitution. There is a trend, as I’m sure you are all aware, of a widening gap between the public and LEO’s. Just do a search on you tube for “cop vs” and remember that this is where the next generation is getting their information. The confrontational approach to achieving general acceptance of a 2A society will not work. As polebarn said, we are fighting generations of indoctrination.
With that said, I think we should start with the picnic. Not an open carry rally. We need to be very careful to avoid ALL politicizing of this event. As was said, we should NOT promote it on PS’s show, mention the NRA or initially show any pro gun stance. That will alienate much of the public that we need to reach. I know that it sounds like I am proposing the “using” of the First R’s as a tool to achieve a political goal and that is a fair assessment because it is the truth. However our point is to show appreciation, make their lives easier and safer and to effectively promote the same things that we, and most of them believe in.
Once this event becomes an accepted community tradition, we can then start to slowly and carefully ease in our agenda but from an established position of acceptance in the community.