Politics & Government

First-Time Protester Takes to Tampa Streets

Rick Bishop, of Temple Terrace, came out to let the Republican Party know they are not welcome in Tampa.

This is Rick Bishop’s first protest.

The Temple Terrace resident said he is not a professional protester. He just hopes to be visible and not get arrested.

He trekked downtown with a posterboard plastered with stick-on letters and stood on the corner of Ashley Drive and Kennedy Boulevard holding the sign proclaiming:

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“GOP: You Are Not Welcome Here Greedy, Racist, Closed-Minded, Religious Hypocrites”

Bishop is not your prototypical protester. He is principal at a global software consulting company downtown and considers himself part of the 1 percent.

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That does not mean he agrees with Republican Party economic policies.

“It’s incredible to recommend the same policies from the 2000s that got us in the economic mess,” Bishop said.

He also disagrees with the GOP social stances on immigration and gay marriage.

Bishop is hopeful more Independent-minded voters head to the polls.

“I grew up with the understanding that you need to help each other... do the right thing,” Bishop said. “I don’t think the Republicans are doing the right thing.”

See also:

Republican National Convention in Tampa


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