After about 60 minutes of having enthusiastic attendees of the Shockoe Tomato Festival asking me for GSL stickers I was approached by an employee of the city of Richmond - a Mr. Bollo.
First let me describe my methodology - I do
not ask anyone if the want a GSL sticker. I initiate no conversation other than "How are you? or Nice day." I have a roll of stickers in a bag on my shoulder with a strip hanging out and a sticker on my thumb.....which obviously people can see. If the say "yes, I'd like one" or similar, I let them take it from me. This may be a fine point, but I am not pursuing them, I am not in the least actively trying to hand them anything. I am there as a
walking billboard for 2nd Amendment rights.
If someone feels the same way, they must solicit me and request a GSL sticker which I will willingly allow them to take from me.
Back to the "event":
Shortly after my arrival I was approached by a member of the staff who informed me that I was welcome to make several rounds of the Festival and come back any time I wanted. I said I would be staying until I decided to leave. He replied, "OK" and walked off.
After about 60 minutes of having enthusiastic attendees of the Shockoe Tomato Festival asking me for GSL stickers I was approached by an employee of the city of Richmond - a Mr. Bollo. This city employee said "We have a rule against any political campaigning here. I'm going to have to ask you to stop that." I said I was not "campaigning" and explained per above. Also I asked who is the "we" that you suggest
you represent - the City of Richmond or this alleged non-profit organization that you claim can make the rules? No satisfactory answer was given.
A Richmond PD Sgt. had walked over to listen in on the conversation. When I asked him what his position would be, he said if you don't stop what you are doing, I will have to charge you with trespassing. The officer was actually most understanding and patient, not pushing any point of view. I found his actions most reasonable. I did however, elect to not "hold court" on the street and departed directly.
IMO - Mr. Bollo has a definite conflict of interest. He was wearing City of Richmond ID, Parks and Recreation - as such he should not be speaking for a venue (if in fact there is one). FOIA requests to follow.
Will review my digital recording for more detail and proceed to see what develops. MR. Bollo's name may be spelled with one "L" = Bolo.
Once again the City of Richmond has expressed there disdain for our rights. I don't believe for a minute that my 1911 had nothing to do with it - they were just looking for any excuse. Had Ken Cuccinelli been there passing out
Cuccinelli for Governor stickers, do you think he would have been asked to stop or leave? NO WAY!
Once again the City of Richmond has expressed their disdain for our rights. I'll be back and I'm bring my rights with me!