Virginia gun group to protest Congressman Cantor’s “roundup” on Oct. 17, 2009

October 6, 12:27 AMDC Gun Rights ExaminerMike Stollenwerk

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Rep. Eric Cantor(R - VA)

For many years Republican leaders in Virginia and their deep pocket contributors have been gathering annually at the Innsbrook "Snagajob" Pavilion in Henrico County, VA for the "Republican Roundup."  The  managers of Innsbrook's "Snagajob" Pavilion, out of step with most commercial establishments enforce a strict rule mandated by the Highwoods Corporation against gun carry.  In 2005 the facility deployed Sheriffs deputies to escort the Philip Van Cleave, the President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), from the Republican Roundup.

That didn't sit well with VCDL leaders and gun owners, so for several years now they have been asking Representative Eric Cantor (R - VA) and his Republican handlers, like Lynnwood Cobb, Chairman of the 7th District Republican Committee, to hold their annual Roundup at a venue which respects gun rights consistent with the Virginia Republican party platform.  But the Republicans have steadfastly refused to move the venue and what irks Van Cleave and gun owners the most is that "Cantor and his people miss the point and, in an unprincipled way, are letting an important right be trampled so that Cantor can hold his rally at the Innsbrook Snagajob Pavilion."

In response to the Republican snub, VCDL has organized the "Freedom Rally" immediately outside and surrounding the entire Roundup with hundreds of picketers carrying signs and chanting against Republican hypocrisy for selecting an anti-gun venue each year for the Roundup.  Speakers and music are planned, along with some "surprise" events.

And thanks to the help of Innsbrook's original developer, Sidney Gunst, President of the Innsbrook Associates, and the owner of the Innsbrook Shoppes, much of the private land in the area will be 
available to VCDL's Freedom Rally.  Local shops are offering 1,000 free parking spaces and free drinks and snacks to freedom rally attendees. 

Said Gunst to other rally planners, "we consider ourselves a freedom friendly mall, and at this point we have the Roundup surrounded."