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Heavy police presence deters melee at West Roxbury protest
By adamg on Sat, 03/29/2008 - 6:06pm
West Roxbury's mullahs of morality showed up on the VFW Parkway today to protest alleged sexual exploitation of women in the Boston Phoenix, which they apparently think is distributed only at Gary's Liquors. Fortunately, a phalanx of eight Boston police officers - including two in a prisoner transport van - kept the ten middle-aged and elderly people from running amok through the mini-mall (by 4 p.m., the police presence had dwindled to just two officers).
The protesters, deeply and suddenly concerned about the treatment of young women in the Phoenix (as opposed to the Verizon Yellow Pages, Craigslist, Comcast On Demand, the Boston Public Library or the Amazing adult book store in Dedham), tried convincing passersby to pass by Gary's, which was the only store to tell organizer Bob Joyce to pound sand when he "requested" they stop distributing the paper.
The protesters seemed to have no effect as they stood there, fairly motionless. Gary Park reported the protest was actually good for business - plenty of people buying stuff to show their support. And, he added, he'd rather have Bob Joyce protesting outside his store than burning books. See Karl Stier's report from the front line; 02132 also posts. Gareth drove over to buy a case of wine to support Gary and reports he was grateful for the police presence:
It's a good thing they were there. Somebody might have fallen into a gaping maw of idiocy.
Gary came out briefly to enjoy the bright spring sunlight and to express relief he wasn't in the "100 Un-sexiest Men" issue of the Phoenix (that's Bob Joyce on the far right in the second photo):
A Phoenix box sneaks up on protesters:
I admit it: I'm including this photo because I like the way the light plays on the sign and because it looks like a medieval monk trying to exorcise a liquor store:
With a brisk wind, it was pretty cold, so the kidlet spent most of the time in the car - where she drew this:
Ed. journalism note: Having spent my entire adult life in journalism, it was both weird and liberating to make a point NOT to talk to Bob Joyce or any of the other protesters. As a reporter, I would have had to talk to them, so I could present both sides of the issue in a dispassionate, objective report. As a simple blogger, though, I didn't have to, because I don't think there are two sides: Gary is right, this is still America and Bob Joyce really should find a better hobby than tying up policemen in a stupid attempt to bully a local businessman (especially a local businessman who has probably done a lot more good for the community than Mullah Bob). So I felt kind of sorry for Jessica Smith of the Transcript, who had to talk to Joyce, but who will also have a more complete account of what happened.
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Comments
Missing out
I screwed up the dates. Sorry I missed all the fun.
Wow. It really happened.....
I didn't want to deal with the traffic, but I wanted to be there.....there has to be some personal thing going on between Bob and Gary....there are many other local spots where you can pick up the Phoenix without having to brave the picketors. Why weren't Bob Joyce's followers at all these other places, too? It's just verrrrry strange.....
A reply from Gary's liquors
I can not speak for Joyce, but until he walked into my store last september demanding that I stop distributing the Phoenix, or face his threat of a boycott, I had never met him, or knew nothing of him. I can only assume that he focused on my business, and myself because I was the only one to tell him to go to HELL. I do know that Joyce and his SCD crew will be protesting in Roslindale Square on Sunday. I am not sure of the establishments name, but look for a Phoenix box and I am sure he will be close by. It also puzzles me, that now the Phoenix is available on at least three locations on Center st. that he is still fixated on me. Of all the locations, mine is an establishment that deals with a 21 and up crowd. Go figure. He is due to make a repeat performance on April 12th from 1:30 to 5:30. I do appreciate the incredible support the community has shown for us, and a special thanks to Adam for keeping up this great site. If anyone has any questions or comments, you can email me directly to [email protected] thank you!
I showed up around 5
I arrived about 5 after my friend showed up with a car to drive me over there from Brighton.
Do you hear that, Joyce? My friend and I drove all the way from the center of Brighton to Gary's Liquors in Chestnut Hill to purchase over $50 of alcohol from the store between the both of us SOLELY because you were outside trying to influence people against them. I usually go to many other places in and around Brighton for my alcohol purchases, but I will likely continue to go to Gary's exclusively until I hear that you've given up this nonsense.
I also got some pictures, but nothing quite as good as 8 cops and a Boston Phoenix box too.
You can find the rest at My photo website if you're interested or want one for the daily photo later. Oh yeah, and I picked up a copy of the Phoenix while I was there.
I couldn't make it out...
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it over to Gary's, but I did read a copy of the phoenix yesterday and think of ways to exploit women after doing soon - and then drank some gin and tonix.
I think it is silly to single out one store out of many that actually have Phoenix (I see them everywhere) - and as the original post pointed out, what makes it different from each and every other place?
Quick aside, I grew up in Newton and always found the sort of 'separatist' attitude of Chestnut hill somewhat odd - even how they tried to annex local areas (eg the Atrium Mall is technically in ThompsonVille, not Chestnut Hill) - then again, it is just part of Newton...I don't think having Sumner Redstone live there makes it some sort of royal city state. ;)
I've always wondered about
I've always wondered about that kind of stuff too.
That's AWESOME
"The pretending to be overly scared population"
I love it!
I'll be sure to pick up a case at Gary's next time I'm in the area. Hell, I might even drive down on Monday just because of this buttmunch and his cheeseball righteous indignation stunt.
Extra gas to make the trip: $12
Silly Mass. bottle deposit: $1.20
Letting that guy know what a dillhole he is: priceless
A spectacular Own Goal!
Pretending to be scared. Priceless!
pretty big security detail - who ordered it?
8 cops show up because less than a dozen middle-aged people are holding signs protesting the escort pages in the Phoenix? Did the cops have to draw their weapons?
But seriously, this is your taxpayers dollars being wasted because someone is overreacting to Bob Joyce's little self-righteous act.
Two cops, one cruiser, two cups of coffee and a box of donuts would have done the trick.
Instead, its eight cops, three cruisers, a paddy wagon (I didn't name it Swirlyg.)
Send the bill to Ayatollah Bob Joyce. I don't think the taxpayers should have to pay it.
Heavy police presence
I commend Captain Hasson of are E5 for his handling of todays events. I know to some of you who showed up that it seemed that there were more police than Joyce's crew, but Bobby Joyce has ticked off many people, and many groups of people. The Captain was airing on the side of caution during todays events, and we in this community should be very greatful that we have someone like Captain Hasson who is concerned more with public safety, than saving a few bucks on police overtime. Yes Joyce and his SCD organization should foot the bill, but I will not hold my breath for that to happen. The officers that were on the scene were very alert as to what was going on, and were responsible for making sure that the protest was so uneventful. My thanks to all of them.
is Joyce good for business?
Gary, I applaud your handling of this situation. You refuse to bend to the morality police, treat the opposition with respect in spite of their lack of respect for you and your enterprise, and with a bit of finesse, turn lemons into lemonade. If Joyce's protest brings attention that brings business then good for you, I'm all for it. About the police, two in a squad car car assess the situation and call for backup, no?
is joyce good for business?
Well, as I have stated in my previous post, Bob Joyce over the years, and especially when he ran for state senate said alot of things that offended alot of people, and "groups" of people. You can not even imagine how many people have come into my store, and groups that have contacted me with many, many Bob Joyce stories. He has not made many friends with his views, and That said, the police were prepared for the worst. I am glad they were, and even more so, that nothing bad happened while he and his followers were picketing. Yes, he has been good for my business, and thanfully the overwhelming majority of people in this community cherish their rights as United States Citizens, and the Costitution of the United States. I am deeply saddened that Joyce is getting all of this attention at my expense, and hope that he just goes away. Truth be told, I am kind of glad that he has decided to focus all of his energy towards me, and maybe it will keep him him from harassing other people, "groups" of people, and other businesses in the area. I have also seen that the Phoenix is back available again at least 3 locations on Center St. that I have seen, and maybe even more. So again, the strong police presence was warranted, and thankfully they were prepared for the worst.
Kidlet's got some toonin' chops
She hits one out of the park (the sun wearing sunglasses is a particularly nice touch.) Really, I think if there were a position for Universal Hub in-house political cartoonist, it oughta go to her.
I think her illustrated
I think her illustrated commentary was a nice touch. Was it her first protest?
Her first as an observer
She staged her own protest back in 2006.
Gary's Liquors
Gary, off topic query. You know the free promotional stuff you get from Jameson, Heineken, Coors Lite Etc?
Stuff like t shirts, key chains and posters?
Every other place gives that promotional stuff away.
You sell it at the front.
Reminds me of when the Sox put new turf down at Fenway and
sold the old grass.
Happy Passover Sir!
a bigot with manners
I don't mind Gary selling what he's been given. You can sell what you've been given and so can I. It's ours to do with what we choose. You can't seriously think other people are entitled to receive for free things that you've been given.
If you don't like the price, see if you can negotiate a better one. If you don't want the stuff, why bring it up?
Is your religious holiday well-wish an implied slur? If it is, u might be a bigot.
Get over it
This is the second time he's tried to bust Gary's chops over selling swag...GET OVER IT! Do you get this torqued up over more important issues or do you just lose sleep over missing out on free Jaegermeister t-shirts?
Ned Devine/Gary's Liquors
Ok, First Ned, The Stuff at the front of my store probably looks free to you. I guess if it were free, the liquor, wine, & beer companies would be passing those items out on the street. The items at the front of my store are given to me at NO CHARGE because I buy millions of dollars in product from those companies, so I guess in a way, I do pay for them. Here's what you probably did not know... I use the money from the sale of those items at the front of my store towards all the money that I give back to local charities, and to the community itself. For example, I give over $3000.00 a year to pay for the halloween party that is held at Area E5 for over 1000 children, and have been doing it for years. There was a family day at Millenium park last year, that we contributed $500.00 to. Then we have the local youth sports teams, of which we donate, and let them can in front of the store. Oh lets not forget the schools, pto organizations, and the endless golf tournaments that we donate to. The Fundraiser for the 2 Boston fireman killed in the line of duty on center st last year... over $1000.00 donated to the event held at Mosleys for their families. I am very proud that I grew up in West Roxbury, and now run a local business that has been in my family for nearly 70 years. I am also very greatful that my company, and my family are in a position to give back to the community. It is a complete pleasure for us to do that! I am sorry if the items at the front of the store remind you of the selling of sod from fenway, but it could not be further from that! I do hope you understand. I guess I could give that stuff away, but the money from those items does alot of good, for alot of people. If you get any free stuff, and you want to sell it for a great price, and then donate the money to charity, email me at [email protected] . I am not sure how the Passover comment was intended, but I will let it slide.
Swag
Gary
It's very admirable that you and your family give back to the community. The reason I inquired was because I worked
for years at The Eliot Lounge and when the beer and booze distributors dropped off swag they always asked us to hand the items out to folks who purchased that particular product, be it Guinness, Dewars, Captain Morgan, etc.
If you put a sign up saying the proceeds from the swag go to your annual charitable fund, I bet people would also
be more than happy to follow your lead and kick in some coin.
The Happy Passover comment was intended in the best possible way. I wish you and your family well and continued success.
Best, Ned
swag
Thanks Ned. I really appreciate that! :)
west roxbury
You have shown that you are a real reporter,you make up headlines that has nothing to do with the truth , there was no prospect of a melee at the protest saturday,your choice of words to describe Bob Joyce ie. mulla Bob shows your ignorance as well as intolerance, the police had nothing to do with stoping any problems, because we went there to inform not riot as you suggest. If you are going to be fair and balanced you should take note of what is really going on .
You have shown you can't read
I state right in my post that I was NOT there as a reporter (If you want a balanced account, you'll have to wait until the Transcript comes out on Thursday). And I state right in my post why I think Bob Joyce and you and the other people there should find a different hobby.
As for the headline, you are right: I never saw the least bit of evidence that you were going to storm Gary's (although please also follow the link to Karl Stier's account of a woman trying to infiltrate the liquor store even though it is private property and Bob Joyce was clearly told to stay off that property). I therefore apologize to you for perhaps being too subtle in my sarcasm about the need to have eight policemen on guard against a bunch of mild-mannered old folks - and Bob Joyce.
Actual reporter files actual story
Jessica Smith posts on the Roslindale Transcript site:
Ooh, here's a fun quote:
I don't know, Bobby, based on the people I talk to, the expression of community opinion is in favor of the First Amendment and against yahooism.
Support Community Decency
Support Community Decency Inc should pay for the police protection required by their protest. 8 Cops, two cruisers and a paddy wagon showed up last Saturday. As of now, Boston taxpayers foot the bill.
No fun for the cops either
Not going to happen, Joyce asked for the name and badge number of an officer that suggested that the group had made their statement and should consider packing it in. Seems he wanted to make a complaint to the Captain. Behavior like that sort of flies in the face of Bob's "neighborhood values" huh?
phoenix protest
A phoenix box sneaks up on protesters? How hilarious!
New Newspapers Tossed into Trash
I was waiting to cross at Centre & Corey yesterday around noon, and I noticed about 10 new issues of the Phoenix in the trash can there on the corner.....SOMEBODY's not playing fair....there is a Phoenix box right there next to the mail box...I was wondering why the assumed protestor didn't clean out the whole boxfull....
John Curry is Satire and Irony Impaired
He took that headline at face value? Adam's silly and obviously exaggerated over-description of the "scariness" of the lame morality rodeo too?
OMFG! Better use those evacuation routes, folks - Teh Stoopid - it's reaching critical mass - it's gonna blow nuclear!
Now we know what the problem is, folks. Extreme Humor Deficiency. Quick - get the rubber chicken so we can get TS to revive him!
If you hadn't posted this yesterday
I'd have sworn it was an April Fools post.
To the people protesting against the Boston Phoenix
Instead of picking on a popular local package store owner, why don't you protest in front of the newspaper's offices? A lot more people walk by 126 Brookline Avenue than you'll ever see in West Roxbury, especially before or after a Sox game.
If you don't do this, you're either too lazy to leave your neighborhood, or too gutless to deal with the reaction you'll get in the Fenway.
Wrong assumptions
You're assuming these people are rational and/or don't have some hidden agenda going on here that really has absolutely nothing at all to do with the Boston Phoenix.
It's all about the audience.
It's all about the audience.
Joyce thought he'd be a hero preaching to the choir in West Roxbury, a family neighborhood known for its two catholic churches on each end of Centre St. But not all catholics are intolerant like Bob Joyce. I guess he misjudged.
I think its fine that he exercise his 1st amendment rights harassing Gary but I don't like the idea that the public pays for his security detail. Maybe the chief can send one squad car to keep an eye on things and call in the SWAT unit only if it is needed.