WRSA Meatspace AAR

The gentleman that submitted this had invited me to ride with him to the conference but circumstances on my end didn't allow for it. He was kind enough to let me know he'd send an After Action Report which you'll find below.

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This Saturday past I made the trip from the greater Nashville area to Kings Mountain, SC for the Carolina/Georgia Legal Defense Fundraiser hosted by WRSA and NC Renegade. Not a bad ride by any stretch; six-ish hours each way.  I left work early, driving at night, and took a cat nap at a rest area in SC before proceeding just after sunrise to Kings Mountain.  I was by myself, so no big deal. 

WRSA and NC Renegade (with the able assistance from a few others)  hosted the meeting and had it wired tight.  When I arrived right at nine a.m., there was already a nice fire going in the fireplace in the shelter reserved for the meeting.  Just looking at the fire took the chill off the mountain morning air.  I met and spoke with a few people and a short few minutes later, CA from WRSA called everyone together and the meeting began.

Up first was an articulate and insightful young attorney who practices in western NC.  He provided a thoroughly professional explanation of the recent legal proceedings regarding the lawsuits and other maneuverings surrounding the election. In a straightforward and matter-of-fact manner, he dissected the decision of the Supreme Court vis-a-vis Texas, et.al., the progress of the lawsuits by Lin Wood and Sydney Powell (as well as several other examples), explained "standing" so even a caveman could understand it, and offered his opinions on where it all might or could lead.  He took as many questions as people offered and answered each of them thoroughly. 

Were you one of the people who, in school, usually took a nap during history class? You surely wouldn't have wanted to do that when the next speaker began to recount the battle which took place a stone's throw from the park in which we were standing.  You would have missed a great story, better-than-well told, and why today it is not only important but relevant. Three-quarters of an hour passed quickly, and I was completely captivated by the tale of the patriots from the colonial frontier as recounted by a professor, not of history, but of more technical subjects.  And all done without the benefit (or should I say need) of notes, cards, or other aids.  Superb.

Lunch was real barbeque, meaning pork, Carolina-style.  And some of the best white beans I think I've ever eaten.  I tried hard to find who or where to pay for my portion but, as it often is in the South, my inquiries were politely dismissed, as that information was not readily available, it being a matter of good manners and even better hospitality.  So, to whomever it was that generously provided such great food, I thank you. 

After lunch, and some time to mingle and mill about smartly, NC Renegade and his editor cut to the quick and dirty.  They, as well as Grenadier 1, clearly and succinctly offered their insights of why this is a critical juncture in time for our nation.  Equally significant was their guidance of what to do about it, generally and specifically.  The details are easy enough to find so listing them here is not necessary.  The key point is if you aren't already organized and prepared, you're so far behind the curve you might think you're ahead.  That leaves you in a vulnerable and dangerous position.  Better get it in gear and do what you can, while you can. Most significantly, I think, was the encouraging assurance of NC Renegade, who emphatically stated at least twice: "You are NOT alone." If you look around, you won't have to look far to discover the truth of those words.

When NC Renegade finished, CA awarded a prize for the furthest distance traveled to attend (a young gentleman from Indianapolis was the winner), thanked everyone for coming, and ended the "official" meeting.  I truly wish I could've stayed around a while longer to talk to some more people or continue earlier conversations, but I had a decent ride ahead of me and I didn't want to get stuck in Atlanta traffic any longer than I needed to be on a Saturday night.  So, I thanked my hosts, said a few short words to some of the great people I met, and hit the road.

Everyone I met and spoke with was genuinely open and friendly. While the topics of the day were serious, and these are serious people, that didn't seem to dampen anybody's good humor and obvious delight in being together with like-minded people.  Anyways, I felt completely at ease, as did most everybody else from what I could tell.  Most people were eager, or at least willing, to share their thoughts and opinions on the serious (and some not-so-serious) matters at hand.  The courteous and free exchange of ideas was refreshing, to say the least.

I don't think I'm all that different from most people I know.  I see what is happening and it pisses me off. Where to start and what to do about it is the challenge. Gatherings such as the one at Kings Mountain, for assurance you are not alone or to organize something more effective, seems to me to be a fine way to get started.