My wife and I were there for the signing. Sat in the 5th row in front of the governor. There were no problems. Some protestors were there as was stated they were escorted across the street. One sign I believe said Pink Slip Scott no big deal. He drove past the protestors on the way in. He shook several hands after the signing which was done on the stands where all the students were.It was very peaceful,just wish he'd have been there on time.

Originally Posted by RichieLion

You can protest all you want as long as you're on public property and behaving in a lawful manner. The pavilion area is private property and was leased for this event. This has to be respected for it's own value as well as for the security of the governor, which is paramount is situations like these.
The protesters were moved across the street, not to Siberia. If you've been to the square you know this is no big move.

One small clarification: there are situations in which public property can be off-limits for "protestors". The situation is limited public access.

An actual example: the city for which I work cordoned off 2 blocks of public streets and sidewalks to conduct a city-sponsored festival. A small but organized group showed up for the purpose of obtaining signatures on a petition for some sort of special interest they held.

Because we had designated the cordoned-off area to be a limited public access site for the purpose of the festival, and because the group's activities were not previously approved as an activity, we did not permit the group to conduct the petition drive within the festival area.

We did, however, inform them that they could assemble across the street from the festival, where they were welcome to go about their business, provided that they did not obstruct/impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

BTW: Ritchie, I am a fan of the quote you selected as your signature sign-off.

Originally Posted by Tbugs

Dang it, Richie -

I hate it when you give a good clear and coherent answer that is direct, to the point, and also correct. It leaves me nothing at all to argue about.

I'm sure we'll be jabbing each other soon. I'm bound to say something that will make you roll your eyes. I can't help myself.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Since I am way up here in Ohio, neither the Orlando Sentinel or the Daily Sun are options to read.

Glad someone clarified it....a little.

The Orlando Sentinel has a pretty good site Gracie. It's not a truncated version like the Daily Sun. If you pine for Central Florida news, it's the place to go when your at your summer retreat away from your Villages home.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...,2857189.story (link to the Gov. Scott in TV story)

I believe the writer is referring to Gov. Scott's visit to TV to sign the State Budget. As a retired Law Enforcement Official one of my responsibilities when planning the security for a VIP political visit was providing a designated protest zone for anyone wishing to express their opinion at a public event.

It is proper and customary to designate an area for protestors. It allows anyone wishing to express their political opinion to do so without disrupting the ceremony. It also provides a safety buffer for everyone in attendance. This is done at all political conventions, campaign speeches, etc.

TV residents should be honored to have been chosen as the location for the budget signing. The Governor recognized TV residents as seriously engaged in Florida politics. I am proud to be a Village resident and endorse how the protestors were handled yesterday during the signing ceremony.

Originally Posted by robertj1954

I believe the writer is referring to Gov. Scott's visit to TV to sign the State Budget. As a retired Law Enforcement Official one of my responsibilities when planning the security for a VIP political visit was providing a designated protest zone for anyone wishing to express their opinion at a public event.

It is proper and customary to designate an area for protestors. It allows anyone wishing to express their political opinion to do so without disrupting the ceremony. It also provides a safety buffer for everyone in attendance. This is done at all political conventions, campaign speeches, etc.

TV residents should be honored to have been chosen as the location for the budget signing. The Governor recognized TV residents as seriously engaged in Florida politics. I am proud to be a Village resident and endorse how the protestors were handled yesterday during the signing ceremony.

Thank You!

Originally Posted by robertj1954

....

TV residents should be honored to have been chosen as the location for the budget signing. The Governor recognized TV residents as seriously engaged in Florida politics. ....

Personally I think the Governor recognized TV residents as serious Republicans and wanted to hold a press conference in a politically friendly environment, since his approval numbers are among the lowest in the nation. The last poll showed only 29% of Floridians approve of his job performance.

All of you posters who are non-residents but still are interested in what is happening in and around The Villages should really sign up for the online version of The Daily Sun and Orlando Sentinel. I continue reading The Washington Post even though I moved from that area over 18 months ago.

Not sure this article, concerning the signing, is very flattering for The Villages or Villagers...

You be the judge...

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...2567351.column

Originally Posted by memason

Not sure this article, concerning the signing, is very flattering for The Villages or Villagers...

You be the judge...

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...2567351.column

I have always had the feeling (Sweetie HATES when I start a sentence that way) that the folks who write the Orlando Sentinel are not big fans of The Villages.

Originally Posted by memason

Not sure this article, concerning the signing, is very flattering for The Villages or Villagers...

You be the judge...

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...2567351.column

Yikes !!! Real people?

The Wednesday Daily Sun clearly stated the signing was "open to the public". At no time was it stated it was a private event.

People who wore tee shirts merely stating "vote Democratic" were considered "protestors" and escorted off the square.

The sheriffs were moving people off the square not for security reasons but merely due to the allegation it was a private event and whoever "leased" the square decided who stays and who goes.

The Daily Sun's crowd estimate of around 1,000 is laughable. Real media outlets estimated it closer to 500. Apparently they round off numbers to the nearest 1,000.

Originally Posted by gemorc

I was there and watched as the protesters were moved away from the Square area. I understand that the event was paid for with private funds, but what about their right to political dissent. You can tell me they were provided with an opportunity to protest, as long as they did it out of earshot or sight.

The Supreme Court has recently rule that you cannot stifle political dissent. There is nothing sicker, or more reprehensible, as the church that protests at Fallen Hero's funerals. But the Court ruled you can't stop it. I know someone will argue the private property defense, but really, is this what TV has descended to?

Please reread Franklin's quotation, used in your email signature. I'm sure you could imagine the word dissent in there somewhere.

I was at the Square also. (Not for the event--was shopping) I also thought it curious that some of the people with card board posts were removed to the outside of the square while others were let into the square.

One of the statements in that article referred to the veto of funding for The Wounded Warrior Project.
For what it's worth,
It is my understanding that WWP does not /never has accepted government funding.

Originally Posted by FMF Doc

Yikes !!! Real people?

Someone should write a column pointing out was a condescending piece of trash Scott Maxwell is. His column demeans practically the entire Villages community as self-centered greedy so and so's who don't care about children, the environment, our fellow seniors and veterans.

Oh, he does say he hears from the good people who don't like anything about the governor and are still able to enjoy Villages life.

Up yours, Mr. Maxwell.