Protest Rally Being Organized to Re-Open Virginia:

Many Virginians are planning to protest in Richmond at the State Capital in response to the continuation of school closures and business shut downs across the Commonwealth of Virginia ordered by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam in two weeks.

Following the lead of State Senator Amanda Freeman Chase (R) representing her Senatorial District in the suburbs of Richmond, Virginians plan to rally in defiance of the Governor's Executive Orders restricting gatherings in the State. Chase in recent weeks has been ginning up her base support for her run for Governor in 2021  by taking to social media and challenging the orders of Governor Northam and his restrictions on many businesses throughout Virginia. Chase would like to see the Commonwealth "open for business" and like the rally that drew some sixty thousand Virginians to Lobby Day back in January over Second Amendment rights Chase is hoping that Virginians will support her demands to re-open.

Organizers hope to bring Virginians out to demonstrate outside the State Capital, which as of Wednesday April 15th has been locked down  by the Capital Police. The call for the rally follows others around the country that have opposed governmental restrictions imposed on business and civilians alike. The most recent protests in Michigan against Governor Whitmer are the latest to make national headlines and President Trump appears to have called for Americans to "liberate" after new coronavirus guidance has been implemented by states.

Michigan has not been alone. Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina have all experienced protests over the extended shutdowns. The protests have been against both Democratic and Republican Governors alike. Michigan protesters used their cars to line the streets of the capital in a rally dubbed "Operation Gridlock". The protest in Michigan was not supported by the Michigan medical community and the Michigan Nurses Association even released a statement calling the protest "irresponsible".

Virginians will have to determine for themselves whether the risk of exposure warrants driving to Richmond for the rally. The most severe region on Virginia impacting  by the virus thus far is the Northern Virginia areas of Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William. It would certainly be ill advised for any Virginian to leave those areas and drive to Richmond given what the guidance has been relating to people who may not show any symptoms but may still be a potential carrier.

Another concern is the rising number of cases in the Counties of Henrico and Chesterfield. The latter represents Senator Chase's home base and is approaching 300 confirmed cases while Henrico has experienced 532 cases. Many suspect that these will be the localities that the majority of supporters of the protest will come from and many in the State Government are warning that such a rally would not be in the interest of "public safety".

Many have ratcheted up the rhetoric against Governor Northam in recent weeks with his extended shutdown orders under the banner of "freedom" and "liberty". For Virginians those are two things very hard to ignore given the history of Virginia herself. While no one would likely characterize Senator Chase as a Patrick Henry, Chase has certainly attempted to capitalize on the growing opposition to the "stay at home" orders and Virginians displeasure with Governor Northam. No other Virginia leaders appear joining to calls for protest though many have expressed concerns.

Senator Chase stated "We know our Constitutional rights and “We the People” will prevail over tyrants both foreign and domestic-so help us God." Chase has continually referred to Northam as a "tyrant" throughout the General Assembly session and during the coronavirus crisis. Chase goes further and states "Our VA Governor is more concerned with letting criminals out of our jails and prisons during COVID19 than he is in allowing law abiding citizens protect themselves....I and millions of Virginians will not allow our summer to be taken from ‘never mind their livelihoods and their small businesses’ mindset, pushed by liberal minded leadership."

Chase has said she create "a small business task force" to address the concerns of Virginia business interests but very little has been disclosed regarding who will e on this task force. Chase has called out Governor Northam's "experts" routinely with regard to the crisis so it will be interesting to see who the Chase advisory task force will actually be made up of.

State Senator Steve Newman (R)who many Virginians would like to see run for Governor in 2021 as well stated :

" We have not been consulted on the actions the Governor takes in his Executive Orders, nor have we received advance notice of those actions or the details accompanying them.We need to clarify this because so many of you have asked if we were involved in the decision making on the orders."

State Senator Emmett Hanger (R) stated:

"Going into the weekend, please continue to STAY HOME to help us all reduce exposure and from spreading the virus. Show your support for healthcare workers, law enforcement and first responders by staying home and helping to flatten the curve. Call to check on neighbors and say a collective THANKS to all working to keep our groceries stocked, food and other essentials available and working to protect the health of VA"

State Senator Jill Vogel (R):

"I appreciate everyone’s notes and feedback. I understand how devastating this is for everyone—personally, financially, for our healthcare workers and first responders, for children who want to be in school, and for parents with essential jobs who need childcare. The list of needs is endless and our Senate office is working around the clock to respond to every request for help. We are all affected and I am uniquely aware of the impact because I communicate with people all day who are in crisis. I receive a lot of feedback about government making it worse as well. I promise that I abide by the rule that government’s goal should be first do no harm and for my part, I am trying to make sure that we do the right thing. The House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene this month and I anticipate that we will address many issues raised by constituents.

I represent a majority rural district and I am grateful that we have the freedom to be outdoors. It is a huge challenge for families not to leave the house and I hope that everyone can stay stay home and remain healthy.

We have distributed regular updates online and in the newspaper for those not online. Please let us know if you need help and we will respond as quickly as possible."

There appears to be a stark contrast in how leaders are dealing with the crisis in Virginia. Some appear to be fueling the fears and anger while others appear to be addressing the needs of Virginians and keep them informed while they offer assistance to constituents. It will be up to Virginians to decide for themselves what the proper course should be to follow in the coming weeks and whether or not to rally at the State Capital or respect both the Federal and State crisis guidelines.