Local CBS 6 got the story someone should have done a few weeks ago – the group of men who walk up and down Carytown with ‘long guns’ – rifles or shotguns – an American flag, and low hanging balls.
Local CBS 6 got the story someone should have done a few weeks ago – the group of men who walk up and down Carytown with ‘long guns’ – rifles or shotguns – an American flag, and low hanging balls.
Have a look at the video:
Scott Royal (pictured below) – mascot for ‘what people from out-of-state think Richmonders look like,’ and possible leader of these ‘patriots’ – defended the weekly, fully armed trips to Richmond’s small business-marketplace saying he gets lots of support from passerby’s. “People ride by, honk their horn at you, wave at you, put their thumbs up, thank you for what you are doing,” he told CBS.
Hey Royal, thanks for standing up for our right to bare arms in an economically fragile part of the community. Nothing says “bring your family down to Carytown for a day of friendly shopping” like a group of men armed to the teeth with military grade weapons.
I’m actually a pretty big fan of guns and enjoy shooting when I get the time, but these weekly displays are a fetishization of patriotism and don’t belong in the public sphere, let alone in a part of town working to welcome as many people as possible.
“Nut up or shut up. I am a true patriot. Are you?” wrote Jason Spitzer, Royal’s compadre in the Carytown ‘marches’ on a Facebook event inviting more people to carry long guns through Carytown Friday afternoon for July fourth.
Spitzer is the one in the gray wife-beater. Don’t worry, his hand gun is fully loaded with a bullet in the chamber.
For the record, Short Pump Mall doesn’t allow ANY guns in their facility. They don’t list this rule on their website (who puts that on a website and what kind of world do we live in where that NEEDS to be listed?) However a quick phone call to their security department informs you no guns are welcome at the West End shopping center.
We don’t have much of an opinion on this issue, honestly – but, as a town, we’ve seen a fair share of gun violence, and violence in general.
Lets leave the small businesses in peace here – why not go stand on the Boulevard with the Confederate Flag folks – I bet they’re nice and seem to share your wacky fun-house mirror view of the social contract.
