A notorious nemesis of First Amendment freedoms, Democrat Congressman Tom Perriello (VA-05) has done the unthinkable: By royal decree, he has outlawed his subjects’ right to free speech!
At a series of taxpayer-funded re-election rallies (aka Town Hall meetings), Perriello’s staff has posted the following edict at the Congressman’s behest:
“To assure a pleasant atmosphere, no signs are permitted in the meeting room.” [Emphasis added.]
To King Perriello, it matters not that most of these meetings are being held inside taxpayer-owned and taxpayer-funded buildings (i.e. government schools).
To King Perriello, it matters not that all of these meetings are being bankrolled by United States taxpayers.
To King Perriello, it matters not that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the government from infringing on the freedom of speech.
In a bizarre, Orwellian exculpation of an indefensible ruling, Perriello spokesman, Ridge Schuyler, ironically told NBC 29 news (see video below) that the no-signs directive was established to enable King Tom’s constituents to “speak freely.”
Schuyler dug himself deeper when clarifying his position on the sign-ban at King Tom’s rallies:
“It is not a political rally. It’s not generating opposition or support for a candidate. It’s about people listening to their elected representative and hearing what is happening.”
Yet, pictures from the rallies, as broadcast in the NBC report and as obtained from independent sources show, among others, Perriello 2010 campaign signs —“Tom Perriello, Vote November 2,”—planted in highly visible locations on the event grounds.
Did the signs magically appear?
Were they not intended to send a political message?
If these are “non-political” events, then why did Perriello’s campaign team place the signs on event grounds?
If they did not place the signs, why did they not request that the signs be removed since they directly were “generating support” for a candidate?
Tom Perriello, in violation of the First Amendment, you’ve conspired to constrain conservative protesters from petitioning you on your taxpayer-funded office property. Now, you’ve pronounced a prohibition against American citizens displaying signs inside taxpayer-funded buildings during taxpayer-funded events.
Where will you stop, King Tom Perriello, and what’s next?
- Charging campaign volunteers and workers, regardless of their own free will, to “tithe” of their time?
- Imposing a massive energy tax on everyday American citizens in order to promote a globalist agenda?
- Using the force of law to compel unwilling Virginians to purchase health insurance as a condition of American citizenship?
Right now, Tom Perriello, it’s good to be king. Enjoy the gluttony of your reign.
But know that your subjects are stirring. We take solace that despite your ongoing abuse of power, November is coming, and you, your royal highness, are soon to be dethroned.
See the NBC 29 video report:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THh99Pr2Ao8
Congressman Tom Perriello Townhall Schedule
Thursday, August 5
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
250 LeGrande Avenue , Suite A, Charlotte Court House, VA
Saturday, August 7
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Carysbrook Performing Arts Center
8880 James Madison Highway (Hwy 15), Fork Union, VA
Monday, August 9
7:30 am – 9:30 am
The Nelson Center
8445 Thomas Nelson Highway , Lovingston, VA 22949
Tuesday, August 10
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Scottsville Elementary School
7868 Scottsville Road , Scottsville, VA
Thursday, August 12
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Buckingham County Middle School
1184 High School Road , Buckingham, VA
Saturday, August 14
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Swartz Gymnasium, Ferrum College
445 Ferrum Mountain Rd , Ferrum, VA
Monday, August 16
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Chatham Community Center
115 South Main Street , Chatham, VA
Tuesday, August 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
O.T. Bonner Middle School
300 Apollo Avenue , Danville, VA
Wednesday, August 18
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Martinsville High School
351 Commonwealth Boulevard East , Martinsville, VA
Thursday, August 19
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Halifax High School
1030 Mary Bethune Street, South Boston, VA
Friday, August 20
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Ruckersville Fire Station
50 Sassafras Lane
Ruckersville , VA 22968
Monday, August 30
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Saint Paul’s College, Chicago Building, Kirby Auditorium
115 College Drive , Lawrenceville, VA
Tuesday, August 31
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Blackwell Hall, Longwood University
201 High Street
Farmville , VA 23909
Wednesday, September 1
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Mecklenburg County School Board Meeting Room
175 Mayfield Drive , Boydton, VA
Thursday, September 2
7:30 am- 9:30 am
Kenbridge Community Center
511 East 5th Avenue , Kenbridge, VA
Friday, September 3
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Cumberland Community Center
13 Community Center Drive , Cumberland, VA
Tuesday, September 7
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
MLK Performing Arts Center
1400 Melbourne Road , Charlottesville, VA
Friday, September 10
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Campbell County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
Haberer Building , Board Level
47 Courthouse Lane , Rustburg, VA
Monday, September 13
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Bedford County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
County Administration Building
122 East Main Street , Bedford
Kudos to The Schilling Show! On the way home this afternoon at around 4:45, I heard the news that Periello rescinded the ban on signs. It was YOU, Mr. Rob Schilling, that put this front & center, and the risk of an action from the Rutherford Institute was apparently too much for him to handle. I expected him to cave, but not quite so quickly, or should I say “flip-flop”?
Thanks for looking out for our Constitution Mr. Schilling!
I expected him to cave, but not quite so quickly, or should I say “flip-flop”?
Perhaps you should say “acknowledge his mistake, good intentions notwithstanding.” But I join with you in congratulating Rob for helping to right this wrong. Kudos to the Schilling Show indeed for earning that “community watchdog” title.