It has come to our attention that the merchants of Old Town Manassas are being asked by the anti-KK zealots to close up shop for 1 hour during the middle of Fall Festival, between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Are they nuts?
Fall Festival and the other events held in the City are to promote fun, highlight the city, and bring in folks to spend money in the City of Manassas. Localities all over America do this and each place tries to add its own unique touch to an event; something that makes the festival special.
What kind of a self-serving, narcissistic, selfish person would ask merchants in this economic crunch to turn away potential business for an hour? Why? Are they going to pay each merchant their lost revenue? Are they going to replace the BPOL tax loss for the City? Are they going to replace the sales tax to the state? Are they going to pay the salaries of the worker bees who might get put on unpaid ‘break’ for an hour?
Do these people think that the average shopper coming from outside Old Town Manassas gives a fig about KK Temptations, which by the way, isn’t even open for business yet? The Moonhowlings roving reporters will be taking note of which businesses were bullied into closing. We will publish those names. Our readers and contributors may handle the situation as they feel best.
[Clarification: People may chose to spend their money in establishments opposing KK Temptations or instead they may choose to withhold their money from said establishments.]
One has to ask what on earth these people are trying to do to the City. This proposed behavior is illogical. What people boycott themselves? The object of the boycott won’t even be open for business.
Knowledge is power. This boycott is all about bullying and power. Some of us will not allow ourselves to be bullied.
Elena
Moon-howler
What a bunch of morons.
I don’t know what they (whoever they is) hope to accomplish.
Supposedly it is a protest. Don’t you try to hurt the other guy rather than yourself? I wonder how many merchants felt pressured into closing up?
This is where I would be putting on my ‘I don’t negotiate with terrorists hat.’
I don’t understand the obsession with wanting to stomp out anything sexual. Is this the new religious right?
Sometimes you really wonder what happens to people who have a “cause”. Wonder whether those who are asking the shopkeepers to close, have talked to those shopkeepers? During a Fall Festival!
What kind of pressure could be put on the shopkeepers? Will they be marked as porno-lovers of Manassas? Will they be outcasts from whatever churches they belong to? Will friendships be lost? I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!
I don’t know. I am hoping that someone comes along and tells me that isn’t really happening. I don’t know what happens to those who don’t comply with the boycott or whatever it is. I think there is an attempt to embarrass people who don’t join by acting like they like pornography.
That is why I read that there was a plan under way to video people going in and out of KK Temptations once it opens. That is a form of bullying also. I think that the good towns people have branded the store a ‘porno shop’ also indicates their intentions.
In addition to the LOCATION card, they are using the KID card also..”.I have to walk my kids right by there if they are going to lessons at the Candy Factory. ” Well, no…that isn’t true either. All the parking comes from the other side. This is a huge tempest in a tea pot.
Let me understand if I have this right. First, all y”all are opposed to having the local merchant’s demonstrate their opposition to this recent change to the Old Town redevelopment concept. After alll it is their investment and livelihoods that will/could be affected by this change. They probably know more about their customers and business than anyone here. Second, I have to assume that you would not be opposed to the expansion of this new development – in the interest of freedome of course. Can I assume – in your view – that Old Town should permit more such outlets, peep shows and movie theaters? Probalby good that your money is not involved.
I should thnk then that Old Town should also lift any loitering laws as a principle of Freedom – is that right? Is that what you really want for Old Town after all these years??
Don’t put words in anyone’s mouth. I don’t know what redevelopment concept means.
I am sure you can read our position. I repeat the question: why would any merchant boycott themselves?
If they want people to hang out in Old Town I would think loitering laws mighit be counter productive. I would probably enforce the panhandler laws instead.
Is this really all about reelecting Jackson Miller? Create a brouhaha by way of email campaign, get the Puritans to City Hall for a meeting, create a dramatic reminder of the issue during the Fall Festival by shuttering the shop doors at noon thus making hungry people inquire about “why” this is happening. Now they’re hungry, grouchy because of that hunger, and ready to blame someone – the Democrat at the next election (whoever that might turn out to be). LOL!!! I think we’ve witness this insanity over another issue in the not too distant past. The issue was immigration and some of the players are the same.
PWTaxpayer,
Why not lift the loitering laws? They certainly are not enforced.
Furthermore, let the businesses close up shop. It will come back to bite them in the a$$ more than likely in my opinion.
I have no problem with future restrictions. I really find it quite laughable that with all the money that’s been sunk into Old Town that did NOT have anything on the books to prevent this shop from opening in Old Town. Bottom line the city got caught with their pants down on this one. I doubt you’ve been around long enough to remember this one. Once upon a time the Mayor’s(not the current Mayor) son had a “head shop” in Old Town. I don’t recall people being in uproar over that store when it was Old Town. hmmm
I think the proper way to handle this business is to let the market dictate its failure or survival. It met the standards that were in place at the time of its application. The email-generated brouhaha has done nothing but divide the community – free marketeers v. Puritans, fiscal conservatives v. social conservatives, shop owners who will close v. those who will remain open, consumers who will reward the city merchants for their stances v. those will punish them by taking their business elsewhere. Thank Delegate Miller for all this acrimony! It appears as though he’s willing to sully the community’s reputation in order to promote his own ambitions.
On a slightly different subject related to group events – what’s the latest on Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity? Mrs. NTK and I are both Stewart fans even though he’s to the left of us politically (we can’t stand Bill Maher). Anyone chartering a bus or something on October 30?
I would take the subway if I were going. It is from noon to 3.
Arianna Huffington is running charters from NYC. I guess that doesn’t help you and Mrs. NTK.
I just love it when all these ‘free market’ and ‘no regulation’ people get themselves tied up on issues like this – it makes them all the more hypocrite. That it is a taboo topic, makes it even funnier, as the family values comes into play.
Let the shop open, if the community really does not want that type of business in Old Town, it will not survive, no need to spend all kinds of money on that – or are they afraid that the business might thrive?
I really wish the blue laws would come back, and really bring things back to being family oriented.
Need to Know,
I would metro it!
Pat,
AWESOME post. Yes, free market must only apply to those “value” accepted businesses.
What are the “blue” laws Pat?
I don’t understand the outrage. Maybe its something the shop owners decided to do, and if so, let them. Its their business, they can be as opened or as closed as they want to be. Right?
I don’t think the shop owners decided on their own, especially the ones I have talked to. In fact, the ones I have talked to are pretty pissed off that they would be asked to shut their doors during the height of a tourist event. What person boycotts themselves?
Tell me Manassas123, are you one of the protesters? Do you have a dog in this fight?
Are people so offended by an adult boutique they would cut off their nose to spite their face????
No, I have nothing to do with this, I was just trying to understand the situation. I was reading comments and I just think these shop owners have every right to close for an hour if they want to. The one’s you have talked to that will not close, thats good too, they should be open if they want to be. I am just trying to understand where the anger is coming from because I just don’t see what the big deal is, that’s all.
@Manassas123–
Merchants sometimes feel under pressure, depending on who is coming around asking. I hope that isn’t happening.
I am angry on behalf of the merchants who were looking forward to a financial shot in the arm during Fall Festival. It appears that they are being put in the middle of political crossfire. Today an adult boutique. Tomorrow, perhaps a book store, or a restaurant that serves liquor. Where does it end.
I generally come down on the side of underdogs. I just don’t see why someone would want to close their doors during an extravaganza event. It makes no business sense.
Elena,
Here’s some info on the Va. Blue Laws. Last time I was in SC they still had blue laws. I’m not sure if they still do or not.
http://www.vahistorical.org/onthisday/11574.htm
Idea for a counter-protest : Merchants who support the shop, and “orgasmic freedom” in general, should throw soiled tissue into the nearest street at noontime
Seriously, I am far from a sexual prude, but I don’t think the shop should be opened in Old Town.
I heard there are more merchants angling to into Old Town once the floodgates are opened. Specifically :
A mom-and-pop owned peepshow booth known as “The Jack Shack”
A massage parlor named “Sticky Fingers”
An adult-themed coffe shop “Milky Delights”
Unbelievable. The owner moves her grand opening to Oct. 20 to comply with requests for no controversy during the Fall Jubilee, and then someone end-runs a protest? Who’s behind it?
PWC Taxpayer makes a good point – Old Town merchants know their customer base better than anyone here, and they’ve made the significant investment – but so have we taxpayers. If they have a core of loyal customers who shop/dine/participate in activities in Old Town — and do a lot of word-of-mouth directing others there – I’m one of them.
Moon, the 2002 comprehensive plan (starting on page 5-30) gives you a good look at all the work gone into revitalizing Old Town & goals they’re working on now. http://manassascity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2316
My point is, you want an Old Town with a New Attitude, geared to guests and tourists with more retail, arts, entertainment. Go for it. You’re not going to fill up the empty retail/office space or apts/condos by shutting your doors with a repressive “Old Attitude.” And your most loyal customers may be those who are not necessarily the most vocal on this issue.
Unfortunately, I’ll be missing out on the Jubilee this year, but I’d like to see the KK ladies have a table or vending truck there! My friends and I would gladly make a big show of it and even mug for pictures.
Someone I respect is wasting a huge amount of political capital over this. And note to the City Council: You could probably repave my long-neglected and weed-infested street with the tax proceeds from the Jubilee lunch hour.
Emma, It is my understanding that they decided to open up their shop AFTER the Fall Festival so as to not distract. I believe they are trying very hard to be good neighbors. Sorry you have to miss it. I love your spirit!
ah, the blue laws – times when there was no mall, and no shopping to do on a Sunday – time that families could spend time together. Today, there is no respect for a Sunday – as the sales are on, and everyone needs to go shopping. What would we do it we could not get a burger or taco at 2am??
Not get indigestion in the middle of the night? Just kidding.
I thought the blue laws were a real pain.
I don’t think blue laws dissed Sunday any more than football does. Of course, I was raised with some sport being on the radio or TV.
@Pat.Herve
I remember when everything in Manassas closed up shop at 6 on Saturday and nothing open on Sunday. Organizations calling for donations on a Sunday morning gets me pretty fired up.
Emma/Moon,
They’ve followed the rules and set back their opening date. Yet, those that don’t like it feel the need to protest during one of the city’s biggest events. Just another black eye for the city. I read Holly Morris of Fox5 will be in Manassas tomorrow morning promoting the Fall Festival. I hope their camera’s take a shot of the brown paper window at KK’s while in town. There’s nothing like MORE free advertising for the store that’s coming soon.
Rick, shame on you. Why can’t a tasteful shop open up in Old Town. Why is that more sacrosant than say the mall? Why should women and couples go into creepy places to buy erotica? What’s wrong with an upscale shop right down the street from a bistro?
We are not talking flashing neon lights here with neon girls in stiletto heels and pasties.
Rick, maybe you are a closet prude and don’t know it.
“Why should women and couples go into creepy places to buy erotica? ”
The MVC near me is not in a creepy place. It’s surrounded by churches and delis.
“What’s wrong with an upscale shop right down the street from a bistro? ”
I guess it’s just a question of one’s taste. Presumably you would draw a line somewhere.
I’m not a closet prude but I do believe in minimizing children’s exposure to sex as commodity.
Rick, so do I. They have no reason to go into the shop or peep in its windows. Anyone going to Candy Factory would presumably park on the other side of KK so they don’t even have to walk past it, not that it matters if it is a tasteful store front.
Do we blindfold our kids at mall when we pass Victoria’s Secret or Spencers? How the Fredericks of Hollywood shops?
I don’t believe kids should be exposed to sexual material either. However, whats in the store should have nothing to do with children.
The KID card just isn’t cutting it with me.
Do you know what I find offensive? Homeless people, clearly mentally unstable, hungry, and cold, sleeping and living outside. THAT is offensive, compared to lingerie and consual sex, no comparison, hands down, homeless wins.
Can I sign my name to your post too? 🙂
ENOUGH of the Kid Card!!
@Moon-howler
Check out this new event I saw on FB!!
I’m sure glad I didn’t get an invite to this event during the Fall Festival this Saturday.
Grass Roots Protest of Sex Shop in Old Town.
Saturday, October 2 · 12:00pm – 2:00pm
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Location Manassas City Hall
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Created By Jennifer Basinger
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More Info We need our city officials to take a more aggressive course of action!!!
Everyone please bring a green helium baloon with a big black dollar sign marked on it to show the “negative secondary effects” that the City Council is looking for
Wow, how crazy! Sounds like someone has WAY too much free time.
@Elena
I wish I could write UFB in huge letters.
As long as the KK opposition continues to turn a blind eye to the trailer-park children who board a school bus every day in front of Fashion Fantasy, they will have absolutely no credibility pulling the “kid card” in Old Town. It just ends up sounding like NIMBY elitism.
Very excellent point, Emma. In the first place, how scary to have to board a bus on route 28. And you are correct about the location. Good one! NIMBY elitism.
I understand that certain elected officials don’t like it when I use the ‘elitism’ word.
However, there is no concern for Kindercare, Parkside, Central Library or the bus stop near Fashion Fantasy. But let’s keep the eyes pure in Old Town. Yessireeeee! (And there is no school for blocks)
Emma, right you are. I had someone tell me that MVC was a half a mile from the K-Care, PMS, Central Library. Give me a break. I’ve lived here my whole, and know it is NOT half a mile by any means.
Someone lied to you, Lafayette. But you knew that.
To those not familiar with Mathis Avenue: It is up a block and across the street from Kindercare which is right next door to Parkside. They get to see MVC on their way to and from school. there is the library, which is directly across the street from Parkside. And I am being sarcastic. They will live long healthy lives, even after seeing the store front of MVC. I drove right past it for years and never noticed it.
Your built in GPS is not off.
Now, correct me if I am wrong…I checked out the link Lafayette left regarding a protest. I checked out the guest list. Didn’t I just see one of the guests who checked that they would attend the ‘protest’ on facebook page telling someone in a film that shall go unnamed that demonstrations are a tool of the fringe left and of the third world. So….am I to assume that the demonstrators/protesters during Fall Festival are the fringe left giving free advertisement to that which they are demonstrating against?
Is Manassas now considered third world?
For shame. Those demonstrators need to build their town up rather than tear it down.
Just out of curiosity, what are they going to tell the people from outside Manassas who might ask about their strange paraphenalia? If they were worried about the reputation of their city, they would not be doing this.
Its all about control and bullying. They want to show that they can assert their will and their religious beliefs down everyone else’s throat. I have an escape. I don’t have to go to Old Town. The City folks who aren’t bullies or sexually repressed are stuck. One person I talked to today wants to move.
Well, the opposition blinked first. Greg’s tighty whities are in a bunch because we have chosen to oppose the hysterical mob who is going after the owners of KK Temptations. (yes, I have seen a few of the emails)
I find Greg’s mock outrage to be almost humorous since he allowed a morphed picture of a scantily clan woman with Elena’s face superimposed on the figure on his blog. That one morphed picture being allowed to stay on his blog disqualifies him from calling anyone else out over their support of ‘porn.’ To my knowledge, and to hers, it is still there.
Greg, with all his talk of fisting and condom girls as well as other unattractive subjects, is a hypocrite. Disparaging a young woman’s reputation to ascertain defeat of her boss in a political race is unconscionable.
Yes, the “pretend” outrage from a guy that posts about “rubber fists” is freakin’ hilarious!
http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2007/12/20/a-rubber-fist-a-camera-crew-and-a-washington-post-reporter/
Yes, Greg, the big defender of women, what a joke. If I had a dime for every time he allowed women to be degraded on his blog, I would be rich.
Oh, MH, don’t forget one of the more recent comments on BVBL that suggested something about beastiality, me, horses, and living in the rural crescent. There was also some about me and sexual devices that would bring down the power grid!
I posted this on the other discussion but think it belongs here too.
If what bvbl reports is true and there will signs hanging in windows… then I will take pictures of any participants and we can boycott those establishments.
I will post the link containing the pictures on the newspaper comments section and here so that everyone knows which businesses are part of this wacky movement.
Do any of you really think that – as a general matter – the introduction of sex shops (and no that does not include Victoria Secret and other women’ apparell – and no this is not wat we are talking about here) contributes positively in any way to the economic revitalization of any business community — or — is it fair to say that the introduction of such shop – historically – has degraded the business envirnonment.
Confusing this issue with freedom to have smut is a cute gimmick, and yes, I am tired of the Kid card too, but do you really believe that this shop in Old Town is in Manassas’s best long term interest?
@TP
How do you know what is going to be in there? We aren’t talking about a shop on the Baltimore block or Times Square. I don’t think businesses that have adult content or themes degrade the business atmosphere any more than I think restaurants that have their smoking and drinking outside do.
You are bashing the unknown. Have you ever been in an upscale adult boutique?
I certainly haven’t forgotten that, Elena.
I have been searching for the reason why some people, who I know aren’t that puritanical, have objected so much to KK Tempations being located in Old Town. It finally dawned on me. Some of these people aren’t opposed to adult boutiques. They are opposed to their friends and neighbors seeing them go into such a place.
As long as the shop is tucked away in some out of the way shopping center or even better, in another town, no one will see them going in, or what they are buying–not even their wives.
The light bulb came on when I got to thinking about the brilliant idea some had about taking pictures and using the internet to embarrass the potential customers. Maybe they feel guilty. Who knows. Or maybe they had a mother who told them any interest in sex was dirty and they never got over it.
I certainly think we need to know which businesses want to run legitimate businesses off. What concerns me is that those businesses were bullied into joining the protest. I have talked with several people who have indicated that there was definitely some strong coercion involved. Merchants were visited.
Those merchants who voluntarily closed during big money times are not the sharpest business people to start with. They also need to worry about the many people who don’t like what is being done to KK Temptations.
The speculation about what is going to be in the shop must be revving up some folk’s engines. snicker. Maybe they are getting shivers and tingles, sort of like Chris Matthews.
This might be the most exciting thing that has happened to some of the black velvets in a long time.
I think one of the readers there has a crush on Elena. It sounds like the same person who has an overly active obsession with a certain Arlington supervisor.
@City Patron
Signs hanging in the windows. Wow!! I remember seeing those green signs hanging in the windows when the MWB/MSF had their “big boycott” of businesses back in 2007.
Oh shoot, I had forgotten about that. Do you suppose that is where this group got the idea?