Washington CeaseFire Annual Fundraiser (10/25/00)
Oh, the Irony (aka the WA Cease-fire Backfire)
By Robert McKercher

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining many other WSTRT members and friends at the Washington Ceasefire Fundraiser at the Townhall in Seattle.

Unlike many of the other WSTRT members, I had emailed and received a direct invitation to the event from the WCF Executive Director, Bruce Gryniewski. His return email explicitly put my name on the "Reserved List". When I arrived, my name was on the list, and checking in at the door was no problem. In an attempt to not cause "undue concern" (read "fear") among the other attendees, I purposefully did not carry concealed, even though I could legally have done so. Nor did I bring or wear any signs, buttons, etc. (Although I had a few "backup" copies of relevant documents to share if an opportunity presented itself.)

My intention was primarily to observe the event and report. Interacting with others would only be done if they initiated a conversation and if they seemed open to actually discuss the issues.

However, within five minutes, Bruce felt an overwhelming need to summon a Seattle Police Department officer and another WCF member(?) to confront me. Ironically, the first words out of Bruce's mouth were to the effect of "I don't want to cause a problem, but...." His conversation was basically one of:

  1. He'd refund my money, but I had to leave.
  2. No, despite every indication that this was a public event, it was, in fact, a "private meeting".
  3. No, he wasn't going to engage in any kind of dialogue.
Even the fact that I had a hard copy of his express, by-name invitation was not going to be discussed. Throughout, the SPD officer looked entirely uncomfortable with the proceedings. Since I had not worked out the details of becoming accredited with Keep and Bear Arms as a correspondent, I chose not to press the issue, left the hall and joined my fellow team members without. (I only wish I had been quicker on my feet and, in the American spirit of free enterprise, had asked "What's it worth to you? Shall we start at $100?" I can only imagine the entertainment value of the look on Bruce's face.....:)

Within a minute or two, the same SPD officer came outside to "request" that WSTRT members stand only in designated areas, etc. During the ensuing conversation, the officer related that WCF had requested an off-duty (and presumably armed) officer to provide security for their event (As if the obviously-armed body guards of Hizzoner "I am NOT a Wuss" [aka "Schell-shocked"] Paul Schell were insufficient to the task...) Since no off-duty officer was available (read "willing to volunteer"), the officer had been asked by her lieutenant to spend some of her valuable beat time "ensuring that no problems arose". The irony of this was not lost on us.

For the most part, the evening passed quite well. WSTRT members engaged a number of passersby in conversation. In between, we talked of things of both import and/or amusement.

It was unfortunate that there were several of the gun-grabbers who chose to use abusive language in front of women and their children, but I felt that our message of no compromise on our rights was clearly communicated to passersby and attendees in an appropriate and civil way.

Another highlight of the evening was when Bruce and a few minions brought out a handful of left-over hors-d'oerves and a couple of sodas to us. I, for one, thought the offerings of crumbs symbolic of their attitude towards our civil rights. And ironic.

A state senator (Maybe Jeff or Bob can supply her name.) did talk with us for some time, which I found a refreshing change from the others who scurried past us a quickly as their alcohol-inhibited motor skills allowed. (I wonder if the "donations" for their drinks are being paid by the taxpayers...... Silly me, of course they are!) Personally, I believe that she still doesn't "get it". However, the ever-optimistic Jeff shall persevere, even as he works mightily to defeat her at the polls....

All in all, a Good Time™ was had by all.

Until next time. I remain, Yours in Liberty,

-Robert McKercher
WSTRTeam Member and general all-around Curmudgeon :)