Members of Richmond Tea Party deliver the invoice and letter to the Office of Mayor Jones in protest of the preferential treatment given to the “Occupy Richmond” encampment in Kanawha Plaza in downtown Richmond.
Covered by Angela Pellerano of WTVR CBS6.
In my opinion, asking the City of Richmond for a refund of monies paid for fees and services rendered as a response to the illegal actions taken by the Occupy movement and the irresponsible inaction taken by the City of Richmond for nearly two weeks reflects poor character on a true grassroots movement that has carried the distinction of being both ethical and law-abiding. The Richmond Tea Party followed the protocol demanded by the City of Richmond for its past rallies and can be satisfied with the reward that comes with doing the right thing. To seek a reversal of a previous lawful agreement says many things, but, most loudly it says, “we only wish to do the right thing when penalties exist for not.” The Richmond Tea party paid its fair dues for occupying that space legally and should seek no claim to be exempt in the footsteps of trespassers and vandals that have contempt for the rule of law and civil authority and yet have been coddled by the aforementioned. It reflects a more commendable moral character to let this issue rest and know that one has prevailed by simply complying with the codes and ordinances of the City of Richmond. In the end, it is quite lucid who really is paying their fair share.
I agree with the Richmond Tea Party asking for a refund. I think their main objective is not to get a refund, but let the city know special treatment for the “Occupy” people won’t be tolerated. It’s basically a matter of principle.