This morning was the grand opening ceremony for the new Hobby Lobby in Gainesville, FL. We showed up with our notepads so that we could note which of our elected officials came out in support. We needed that information so we would know who to vote out of office. Amazingly enough, not a single one of them was there, not even the Mayor although it had been rumored that he would be among the dignitaries.
It was a very good event. The only two speakers were a woman from the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce who when asked said she does NOT own a local business and some Hobby Lobby suit, presumably an upper management type. The suit led the crowd in "Christian" prayer (I assume it was Christian because at the end he proclaimed it was in Jesus' name but I have since been informed by a local Christian minister that he found nothing of a gospel nature in the prayer invoking Jesus' name. I didn't either.) The suit then invited us all in for goodies procured from none other than Chik-Fil-A.
Most of us declined the invite, except for Garret who was wearing his sign encouraging all of us to vote against Corporate Personhood in Alachua County on Nov. 4 by voting FOR a resolution to amend the Constitution to reclaim personhood exclusively for flesh and blood humans. Garret was denied entry, so he picketed in front of the store until the police showed up and told him he couldn't picket on the sidewalk but was welcome to picket in the parking lot. We also learned that we are free to pass out handbills in the parking lot as long as we respect it if people indicate they do not wish to be approached. The officer was very professional, courteous, and informed. He did a great job of letting us know where and how we can protest. And protest we will. Stay tuned...