Raging Councilman Physically Destroys Innocent Business

[@jtr82369]

Of course, this is always the problem with boards and committees with special interests. Just like the town that blocked a liquor license of a new restaurant that was being built, the board members were the owners of the only 3 restaurant/bars in the town. Just disgusting people...

[@woodsrdr]

It's not like they were even hiding it when they ran for office. How many times have we heard "I live here. I own a business here." as proof that they should be elected because they have skin in the game?

[@secondchance6603]

"The nature of power is such that even those who have not sought it, but have had it forced upon them, tend to acquire a taste for more." - Aldous Huxley (Brave New World)

[@beeenn649]

And it's always the taxpayers that foot the bill when sued. These board members should pay out of their own pocket's.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Had a place do that to me when I was trying to get started. They blocked me so I canceled my contract to lease the building. A few towns over however they were more than happy to accommodate my request. So I restarted everything there, even bought a house there. Always remember if someone wants to hose you chances are somebody else down the road will probably welcome you

[@AJR-zg2py]

Same reason why a Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop will never open in my city - because the owner of a big local outdoors store is very influential in local politics and heads a committee that will do anything to stomp out competition. I hate it.

[@secondarycontainment4727]

I'm a based Republican. These are the type of immigrants we WANT here. They came legally and used the asylum process properly. Then went on to start a business that serves their community and contributes taxes into the system. The entire city council needs investigated and voted out. They are UNAMERICAN!

[@anagram8]

Well said, you are what it is to be a decent, clear minded citizen. I grew up in Va with a Republican Pops and Democratic Mom, they were bosom buddies. They did their fare share of fussing, but it was never about party politics. Pop had weapons that we never saw and Mom was deathly afraid of anything that popped, even the sound of a balloon. Pop was the more liberal of the two, Mom was the strict disciplinarian type. I joined the military at 17 years old and the drill Sgt's used to yell at me about how squared away I was. I told them my Mom is meaner than a rattle snake and twice as fast 😂. I miss my parents because they would help most anyone regardless of party, race, religion, gender, immigrant, citizen because we all need a helping hand from time to time. So thank you for sharing and reminding us of what it truly means to be an American.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@RedHuntsman]

Everyone coming across the southern boarder are given a free pass as they all say the magic word "asylum" when they are intercepted by Border Patrol. Yes others entered the US only after their asylum claim was full adjudicated. But our asylum process is broken when you can say "asylum" and never show up at your court hearing-only a few percentage do, since most all come for economic reasons, which is not grounds for asylum.

[@jw70467]

Agree on all of the above, and this is a nicely produced video, but some one should tell this lady that claiming that people were starving because they didn't know to cook undermines her credibility.

[@Cindy4004]

​@@jw70467 Maybe it was an expression that didn't translate well? Like if somebody said they were "...dying for a milkshake", you wouldn't think they were lying or dying, just that they really wanted a milkshake. Just a thought.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

EVERYONE thats in politics should be required to take classes on the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Little town tyranny is just as bad as big city tyranny. Love Institute of Justice!!

[@geraldstone8396]

What does that mean? There are a lot of politicians, citizens, teachers, and more that don't know what's in the constitution.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

​@@geraldstone8396exactly why it should be a requirement to learn the Constitution and Bill of Rights, instead of subverting and its destruction.

[@juliancate7089]

And that would change Democrats in what way?

[@RpVane]

Not just a class on them but the inspiration and principles of them.

[@fjb960]

​@@juliancate7089 that is a good one

[@ronsimpson143]

This man who caused all the issues should have been arrested and charged with hate crimes.

[@matthewatwood8641]

Why? What hate crime did he commit? Was race involved in this in some way? Also, if this is taking place in the united states, we don't have "hate" laws here.

[@sammoroz-ug1ce]

We do hate hate crimes laws looks it up step out of th 50s we r in 2024 like wtf

[@seamripper0000]

​@@matthewatwood8641we do have hate crime modifiers in the US. When the council man said "go back to your country" it's quite clear what this is all about.

[@matthewatwood8641]

@@seamripper0000 right or wrong, he has a right to say that. If that is true, and I don't really believe it is, any law like that that exists is unconstitutional and needs to be abolished. He should be held accountable for the actual crime he committed, not his thoughts and feelings. I'm not trying to defend the guy, he sounds like a real a******.

[@bearnaff9387]

@@matthewatwood8641 His right to say what he likes does not protect him from having his words used as evidence of his motivations. Motivation behind the commission of a crime can play a large role in determining the severity of the crime. Increasing the severity of a criminal charge (in this case destruction of property and harassment) based on the offender's motivations (as evidenced by the things he said to the victims) does not infringe on anyone's rights. This is why hate crime laws are still on the books. The judiciary isn't stupid, but I wish they'd put half as much effort as I just did to explain how the law works.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

I'm not a lawyer, and even I know you can't make rules or laws retroactive.

[@elijahmiller912]

You don't need to go to government controlled schools to study something. Stop with the, "I'm not a lawyer", "I'm not a doctor" bs. School is not for smart people

[@lashlarue59]

You're right; thats called an ex post facto law and its unconstitutional. But who has the time and money to fight it in court? Remember this is government and they have all the time and money in the world to fight you.

[@TGears314]

@@lashlarue59the institute of justice does! And with more donations, they can fight more fights. Come on, you’re literally on their KZbin page!

[@lashlarue59]

@@TGears314 I agree 100%, thanks why I support the IJ. But government-wise we are living in a grifter society, meaning all levels of government from bottom to top are corrupt to varying degrees. The IJ, ACU etc. just can't be everywhere fighting this stuff because governmental adherence to the law has mostly collapsed and it's been that way for a long time now. This case is just a small example of what's happening literally everywhere now. This is normal.

[@bikeguyhd1035]

The Constitution specifically bans Ex Post Facto laws. No law can criminalize an act that has already happened before the new law took effect.

[@ScienceSleuths89]

This is an outrageous story. That councilman should serve prison time for harassment, stalking, and destruction of property.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Institute for justice is a wonderful organization. Thank you for helping these hard working people.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Why no picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@Richard-jq6ic]

They need toShow his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@kiatiming101]

He should have been arrested for damaging their property in the first place.

[@freeinghumanitynow]

This is what I'm not understanding. How was this guy not arrested? He may be well connected or some undercover agent of some kind.

[@radolfkalis4041]

This is gross abuse of power and blatant open harassment. CREATING laws to weaponize against them. This is heinous.

[@Renee-wy1po]

Why wasn't he in jail? Right on the day? This is a hate crime 😮, he broke so many laws , hersment if I'm spelling that right,

[@thomasjoseph5876]

@@Renee-wy1po Probably for the same reason this video was more heavy on emotion and very weak on actual laws being broken. They might get the guy for cutting the pipe but I doubt much more will come out of this. Without actual evidence and witnesses, most of this case seems to be just simple bullying (which alone is not against the law), and not a lot of laws being broken. Sure, the town council and that one councilman are A-holes but unless there is actual proof and evidence of wrongdoing other than "he said, she said", there isn't much that can be done. I think the Institute for Justice is more or less trying to scare and/or shame the town council and the rogue councilmember into behaving more than anything.

[@spencers4121]

@@Renee-wy1po Small conservative town, everyone knows everyone. And all the white racists, don't want the black immigrants taking over.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Why no picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@goldgeologist5320]

The corruption of this town makes me sick as a citizen and combat veteran! That is the disgusting corruption this nation is not supposed to have.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@brianleeper5737]

The problem with corruption in Virginia is the number of Virginians who are convinced that it does not exist.

[@danielberg7644]

We lived in a lake community. Everyone owned a boat. We had a guy on our village counsel who lobbied to make it illegal for us park our boats in our yards. He owned a boat storage facility.

[@Yossarian921]

I'm hoping he didn't get it to pass

[@danielberg7644]

@@Yossarian921 it didn't pass.

[@darrellcook8253]

That's clearly a conflict of interest and ole boatboy should be sued for it.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@lordelpus2099]

Are you sure he wasnt a Bar-steward. He sounds like a complete Bar-steward!

[@capnstewy55]

How was he not in jail for property destruction, harassment, and wasting police time.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@D__Lee]

A BIG THANK YOU to Institute of Justice for taking up this righteous fight for justice against tyrants who call themselves "public servants."

[@johnpublic6582]

They didn't lie. They make the public be their servants. They just use a slightly different word order to describe it.

[@SuperApplefan1]

are they rapist?

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

That's such a poor description of them. "Public Servants" my arse....... they are anything but. Nobody puts themselves forward in to a position of governance at any level unless they are in it for something themselves. From the lowliest Parish Councillor to the President of the United States, they all have their little Piggy snouts truffling away at the trough and the teat. If they can't earn something from a situation, they just make damned sure nobody else can by wielding their "Powers". Politicians make me sick.

[@anoka114]

It is a shame that those people or anyone else has to get help against our government officials. Sad commentary on us as a country.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@brt5273]

Gotta love that small town "justice" and hospitality. Really disappointing that the entire town council is operating like an obnoxious HOA. The cops were ready to check out the victim's licensing but wasn't interested in holding the perpetrator accountable for destruction of property, disturbing the peace, trespassing and criminal mischief.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@firewoodtime2]

That councilman should be jailed. What a piece of trash

[@Strideo1]

Absolutely.

[@bikeguyhd1035]

What I want to know is how was he not arrested on the spot for criminal destruction of property and trespassing? Clearly he was there on his own and not in official business.

[@cliffontheroad]

@@bikeguyhd1035 Rhatorical question? "Golden Rule." Town signs the cops pay check. At best, cop would issue a ticket with an error so it is dismissed. Fighting city hall can be too expensive and frustrating. First hand experiences I have.

[@3sparewashers-lg3gf]

@@bikeguyhd1035 The little nazi would probably claim qualified immunity; IE "I can do whatever I want."

[@strawpiglet]

And then investigate and consider charges against the rest of the council.

[@kevinvaldez5163]

"Your food truck will hurt restaurant businesses!" but the food truck IS a restaurant business...?

[@bobgreenwald1338]

a restaurant has tables and chairs a bathroom .a building paying property tax,rent a mortgage.in my city you cant open a food truck ,within 500m of a restaurant ,,they are doing good work ,,✌

[@TheGeosto]

@@bobgreenwald1338 in LA now we have rogue grills set up on the sidewalk under tents.

[@bobgreenwald1338]

In Canada we have a 50-year-old man identifying as a teenage girl, he swims, competes with and changes in the same change room as the girls ..cops wont do anything 🌎@@TheGeosto

[@dragonflydreamer7658]

This is how it starts restaurants pay fees and license have inspections and have to pay tax's, clastic people break every law then cry about how they are discriminated against. America going down the drain one smelly dirty stinking food truck at a time.

[@edwinrodeo]

They are referring to Brick & mortar businesses,

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Little town tyrants couldn't handle the competition from a solitary food truck. Small town, small minds.

[@YourWifesBoyfriend]

I'm sure your mind is supersized because you're from such a superior supersized town, right? LOL what a bigot you are

[@tritchie6272]

You think big cities are any better?

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

No place is all bad or all good. @@tritchie6272

[@daexion]

Not small town, small minds. It's called corruption, and their restaurateur friends wanted the food trucks shut down.

[@jean6453]

@@tritchie6272 I think small towns can actually be worse, in my experience.

[@MayberryRebel]

It is obviously unlawful to make something illegal and declare it was retroactively illegal and you owe fees for breaking the law before it was law.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@guitarlessonswith4480]

As a born & raised American, let me say, thank you for coming to America, working hard and contributing to our economy. We're glad to have you!

[@WWG1WWGA]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@blueabattoir]

WWG1WWGA You must be a woman or a child. Only women and children use emoji’s.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@TheRantingCabbie]

That's the problem with a lot of these small towns. The city council and mayor think it's their personal domain for them to be in control of.

[@stevenstehling]

And you think it's different in the cities? How do you think things work in Chicago, New York and San Fransisco? A lot of the people that seek power are tyrants that don't care about the rules.

[@msmarch]

It's amazing that people actually behave this way--a grown adult and a councilman... smh

[@scottmccutcheon9828]

It is unfortunate that conflicts of interest permeate the political class at all levels. In many ways it resembles a Mafia-esque operation, doesn't it? Thank goodness for the works of the IJ and organizations like it.

[@hastyhillfarmand4x480]

It's pretty typical really

[@Bdamazyn]

It's disgusting.

[@Fazzel]

And that people vote for them

[@theyetirulrs]

Used to live there and I’m not surprised.

[@Jim-fe2xz]

This should be in federal court for civil rights violations and corruption. The people who should leave our country are the un American members of the council and the jerk who started this mess!

[@s.o.s.ministriesdustinguid3185]

I live here . I will say two of the council members voiced opposition and voted against the food truck ban but they were outnumbered….

[@andylifer5302]

If you really live there I’d be interested in more of the details because it seems clear to me there is more to this then just a tyrannical council member.

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

Sounds like there should be an _especially_ active campaign during the next election.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Please fill us in on some of the details here. Do you know this scumbag councilman personally? If so, I'm sure some of us here would have messages we'd like you to pass along.

[@s.o.s.ministriesdustinguid3185]

@@andylifer5302I Do live Here with my family. We moved Here In 2022. We live about 3 Blocks From That Location And It’s Across The street- From The brand new library which is a favorite Of ours. There are 2 Sides to every story : but this side was not Being told in town council meetings……

[@OldProphet61]

So what are the citizens of your town going to do about it? If you don't stand up for these innocent people, you're approving of what the council did. All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

[@darrenconway8117]

One councilman can't do this alone. He needed the cooperation of other officials. This is corruption in depth.

[@iansanchez331]

Tar and feathering needs to make a comeback

[@lilmaham7940]

We need to get foreigners out of the country

[@sailingspark9748]

Many years ago, when I was a kid, my parents led the charge in changing the town's government from a council to a mayor and council. During that time, the police followed them everywhere. 1 mph over the limit, they got a ticket. Pause for too short a time at a traffic light, they got a ticket. Get close to sunset and the lights were not on, they got a ticket. It got to the point where the cops would follow them home and then pull them over in the driveway so the neighbors could see everything. My parents eventually did win, both in changing the corrupt government and against all the tickets, but that is politics in a small town.

[@MCC9584]

That was so wrong..I'm wondering why the cops didn't arrest the town councilman who vandalized the food truck by cutting the water line..

[@eaglesclaws8]

Two words. Sister wives... One more word. Inbreeding... One more. Nepotism...

[@christinathatch2949]

*laughs hysterically* oh you wonder, do you?

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@waynesellers9929]

Because the police answer to the town council or their friends!

[@allenbarfield2242]

Color has nothing to do with it. The town police is only one man. You want to talk about color, who robbed the dollar general in parksley 3 times

[@butteredtoast6510]

Liberty and justice for all. Keep up the great work IJ!

[@cmlxjcky]

I'd be willing to bet money that this town official either owns, or closely knows someone who owns a restaurant that was ripping off the customers of this food truck prior to it's opening.

[@aaronderossett3998]

It said he owned a restaurant, and told them their business would hurt the other restaurants

[@01Eldar]

His is an appliance store. Possibly supplying the local brick and mortar restaurants?

[@imightbebiased9311]

@@aaronderossett3998 It said he had close connections to the restaurant industry, not that he owned one.

[@GFSwinger1693]

He owns Henry's Appliances in the same town and sells appliances to the town's restaurants. If he was not so narrow minded he could also be selling stuff to another, albeit wheeled, restaurant. Hope this couple gets some justice, Mr. Nicholson gets double slice of humble pie, and Theslet and Clemene expand to now own in addition to a brick and mortar and a food truck but now also an appliance store.

[@justlookingaround]

You’re a fool if you eat at that roach wagon.

[@mabus42]

Has Nicholson not ever heard the phrase "fuck around and find out"? He's already completed the former, and the latter will happen in due time. Hoping the judge finds him PERSONALLY liable for damages, fees and a punitive fine to boot.

[@jaybee2337]

They’ve filed a federal lawsuit so here’s hoping corrupt Nicholson and the rest of the council members who back him get to “find out” in a very big way

[@nancyrautmann1636]

They have turned off all commenting & messaging on their FB page...... Clearly they know they've met their match! Can't wait to see these lovely people get PAID! You'll have my support!

[@ethanmatthews500]

I used to live there; he has always been like that. He even harassed me and my family outside of my home.

[@AbnormalTibby]

Mr. Nickleson should be doing some jail time

[@davesfx437]

Please tell me that this creep counsellor has been removed and the City attorney as well

[@countbenjamin1442]

Good luck with the lawsuit. Small towns councils need to think before opening themselves up to lawsuits and national public attention. Thanks for opening our eyes to this injustice

[@Strideo1]

It's good that they didn't think before opening themselves up to lawsuits and national public attention. I'd rather they openly screw themselves with blatant misconduct and corruption. It's much much harder to fight a city council full of shrewd and sly corrupt officials who know how to make your life hell without making it completely obvious by acting like unhinged lunatics when competition arrives.

[@cliffontheroad]

@@Strideo1 Elected are protected from law suites, and tax $$ used to defend them anyway. Destruction of water line? $50 fine. The Judge is on the payroll too

[@SourceAwryT]

They should sue him personally for treble damages. Cheers!

[@Strideo1]

@@SourceAwryT They should. He would probably claim he has qualified immunity but there is no way shouting at local businesses, blocking delivery trucks, and cutting water lines are even remotely part of his duties as a city councilman. The only problem is if they didn't record his actions it would be their word against his. Regardless I'd love to see this guy in a deposition being hammered by a lawyer about his ridiculous actions.

[@cliffontheroad]

@@Strideo1 It can be hard to find/hire a lawyer willing to take on city hall. The lawyer risks losing all his future cases. Repeating: the couple would expend lots of $ and still may not get justice.

[@Yessssz]

Those “leaders” need to be in jail and barred from office. No one is above the law (in theory and only in practice when there is accountability). If you think their business is hurting your business, you need to make better food, advertise, or get a food truck too. Are we not a capitalist society, and a free country?

[@Montross4440]

So: Councilman who has undeserved authority, uses that authority to harass free enterprise, and actual emmigrants because he owns a few restaraunts in town and doesnt want his crummy restaraunts to loose money.

[@1976smb]

I bet he's a president of a HOA too.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@glenbateman5960]

If a food truck can crush your restaurant, you clearly suck at running a restaurant.

[@ygrittesnow1701]

I am confused. If the councilman was actively destroying property why wasn't he arrested and charged accordingly? I think your lawsuit should include the town's law enforcement agency also. By not applying criminal charges to a clearly criminal act they have aided and abetted this crime.

[@keithfreitas2983]

All the Government witnesses would back the Councilman.

[@ygrittesnow1701]

@@keithfreitas2983 And if caught on video they should share in the criminal charges.

[@francissobotka8725]

He's a republican and is racist.

[@kettch777]

If the town police won't do anything, call the county sheriff's office. If the sheriff won't act, call the state police.

[@commerce-usa]

Seems pretty clear cut, good luck in getting this couple the justice they deserve. Politicians seem to say no one is above the law, yet behave as if they only mean us, not them.

[@SourceAwryT]

Politicians are above nothing but the law, from my view. Cheers!

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@aaronmorgan2476]

Wtf??? Cut the pipe???? Physically blocking them from being groceries?????? Wtf????

[@neryskkiran1820]

Nicholson is the worst this country has to offer.

[@mortalclown3812]

💯

[@Superman679]

You need to get out of the house more ! Unless you meant people like him and not him personally, but that's not what you wrote and if you did mean HE is the worst ? You and most of the country would not have even heard of him and this city council had you not come across this video, yet there isn't a person on the planet by now that hasn't heard of the mushroom dick-tator. The mango Mussolini, man baby tRump !

[@pozleo78]

One of the worst… too many like him unfortunately.

[@billlybarrue5953]

He’s par for the course.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@jakemartzahn6329]

I love when you guys put a town on blast so hard that they have to turn off comments on their social media pages!

[@howardclegg6497]

I wish this couple success in their case. Thanks to IJ for helping.

[@donaldwebb9148]

Outrageous!

[@kyle381000]

Gee whiz. A councilman who is also in the food service business sponsors a ban on his own competition. How American of him.

[@rileysamuel4360]

Sue the city

[@carolbamforth7475]

This councilman is doing illegal things to this family. And should be arrested. Glad to see IFJ

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@MrCapitalizer]

FBI needs to investigate for civil rights violations.

[@brandenhall9254]

That's horrible. I hope they can get the justice ⚖️ they deserve. Mr. Nicholson seems like a very unpleasant person.

[@Bdamazyn]

He's despicable.

[@dancooper2511]

​​@@Bdamazyn and probably a maga deplorable as well!!

[@Blackdog222]

I think you're being kind. Nicholson is a criminal.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@marilynndesilva7620]

Unpleasant? He's a sociopath!

[@billsmith2212]

These criminal acts demand punishment !

[@thesuperdingos]

How are you gonna ban food trucks because they are taking up businesses your buddy owns? What’s wrong with having more options? Wow

[@vdwhite687]

Less money for my buddy! Cant have that, thats how i got this cool gig man!

[@vietcongbuondanbannuocphan1791]

People should avoid his friend business.

[@SavageAudits]

Food trucks make an area trashy, like Tijuana.

[@jseehowitsbeen3177]

There is a whole episode about this subject during an episode of The Tuttle Twins. (Tuttle Twins is a cartoon that teaches kids about laws and business and government politics, etc.)

[@jean6453]

@@SavageAudits They are very popular in Minneapolis and are appreciated for their excellent and diverse food choices. McDonalds and other fast food restaurants seem trashy to me.

[@zemtek420]

Institute For Justice I need your help. We have a local mayor that threatens people who ask him questions to give out their personal information online. I hope you can help us protect our privacy and we do have screen shots of him saying this.

[@PawsuasiveDogTeaching]

Hope we can get help.

[@TheSkete]

I wish they had shown a picture of this bully in the video. But I guess it's best for legal reasons that they didn't.

[@John-rz4cu]

Small town tyrants. Should be held liable for damages. Hope this couple wins and the town government is ousted.

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

That is a hate crime. Destroys property. Attacks w xenophobic language. Creates a mob. What is goin on there ?

[@allenbarfield2242]

Where's footage of his screaming or cutting any line? I agree he has no right to cut power, but so far, this video only makes statements about it. I can say that happened all day long, but you gotta have evidence or admission. Word is that he admitted it to the council and others. This isn't how that couple should be treated and I hope they stay, get their business going again, and end up successful

[@jaredhowell7104]

Its sad to see people who come here legally to start a life they thought would be better get harassed by ignorant people in power who do everything to crush their dreams.

[@dave8k9hohnjmdavez57]

I think the county and city deserve some phone calls.Explaining the bill of rights and constitution of America to them.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@Jesses001]

I have heard this story plenty of times. It seems small town politicians often get just a taste of power, and go insane. I remember another small town that had power hungry politicians. That ended badly for everyone. Some thing to do with a welding project and a bulldozer.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Keep fighting the good fight, IfJ! Until these public servants realize integrity and accountability are values not to be feared, YOU ARE NEEDED! Thank you for your service.

[@mabus42]

I wonder if Nicholson realizes that he's most likely painted a MUCH bigger target on his own back. The internet doesn't usually take too nicely to these sorts of shenanigans.

[@angelikalindenau943]

No curse like becoming the target of a loser in power without accountability. I hope this couple will get an apology and compensation and will be left in peace to lead their lives and run their business.

[@robertpaulson9868]

Are they American citizens? If so, how can that be if they don't speak English? I don't donate money to the IJ to help illegals or foreigners... I do it to help Americans.

[@daveblackman816]

It’s what I can’t stand about these small towns with a monopoly on everything. They can’t stand any sort of change. And it’s not like this is a big box like a WalMart or Target, but a small local owned business. Disgusting.

[@Strideo1]

And this is another reason why a small town like this will remain poor. The city council is mostly run by local business owners who make sure no one else can get a piece of the pie and thrive and create new opportunities in the town.

[@larryl43]

thank you. it appears to me we have here either a racist or a government official in the pocket of restaurant owners.

[@avsystem3142]

What we have here is a racist AND an abusive government official.

[@krasher100]

Time to create a constitution Mafia to protect the citizens/civilians

[@vinniebarusa]

You can start by interviewing every candidate before you vote for them. If they’re too busy to talk to you about a vote then they certainly won’t listen to you after they’re elected.

[@jimduffy9773]

Thanks for IJs great work!,

[@govinda102000]

Lets see how the taxpayers feel after the city gov. loses the lawsuit and pays up. Funny how government officials don't ask for legal advise before pulling off stuff like this.

[@TwistedQuestionMark]

I would really like to hear the other side of this. As it stands, the government sounds horrible... as usual.

[@RipperYouTubeOfficial]

What other unconstitutional activities has this mayor in this city council done to others I hope that these other victims will come forward

[@ajhubbell3754]

Corruption and tyranny can be at any level and should be rebelled against every time.

[@AnnaCentauri]

I am a Latino excavation contractor. I went through similar harassment in Nacogdoches Texas. Existing Contractors (with the help of Police) ran us out of town. The local police stopped our rig with the digger, over 10 times our first year in town. We eventually bought land in a neighboring county with less ties to white supremacy. It is the small towns your have to look out for, because nobody is there to hold them accountable.

[@PureMagma]

That's so sad. Finding heavy equipment operators who are truly skilled anymore (in rural areas) is like trying to find unicorns. The guy who owns a backhoe in our community is close to eighty years old has a bad back... knees... hips... but he still works everyday and is booked out months in advance.

[@firewoodtime2]

I live in a small town. You'd do well here.

[@scottmccutcheon9828]

@AnnaCentauri I will argue your personal experience is not a matter of "white supremacy," IT IS a matter of outright despotism, dictatorship, tyranny, the three of which know no specific creed or race.

[@scottmccutcheon9828]

@AnnaCentauri I will argue your personal experience is not a matter of "white supremacy," but a matter of outright despotism, dictatorship and tyranny, the three of which know no creed or race.

[@Strideo1]

That sucks. There's nothing worse than a small town where a bunch of corrupt "good ol' boys" run everything.

[@BOMBON187]

WOW the actions of a *COUNCILMAN* Let that sink in to the voters.

[@AMERICANPATRIOT1945]

This case is an example of overt racism, restraint of trade, and why government at all levels must be banned from enacting bans, unless those bans are the only method of solving real demonstrable problems that have no other solution, and that without the ban, real and severe physical harm will come to a majority of the population. Hurt feelings, and offense to religious, political, or other belief systems don't matter. One's inability to compete with another business does not matter.

[@davidgenie-ci5zl]

I bet everything you see is racist.

[@kidwave1]

Just despicable!

[@alienvampirebusterswhoyoug8257]

Another corrupt small town big surprise

[@mkshffr4936]

Small towns and big towns; corruption is everywhere.

[@juanitasullivan3372]

That is disgusting! That whole town council needs to be replaced and now! Where I live we have similar issues. It's just wrong on all levels.

[@switzerlandful]

Amazing that this can still happen in a country that's supposed to be a land of freedom and opportunity.

[@AnthonyBennettKY]

It happens because good people do nothing and the bad people are not held accountable. Maybe this law suit can turn that tide.

[@cnidsniffer]

Well well well, I might have to make a little roadtrip.

[@emmapeel8163]

Petty Tyrants! Actually the more food businesses there are, the better everyone does IF everyone cooperates & makes the community a foodie destination.

[@davidjackson7715]

Correct

[@annetteshimkus1779]

I am sorry this couple is going through this. It is appalling behavior on the part of those council members.

[@mamabearthrives7815]

Thank you IJ for all of you hard work bringing these government bully’s to justice! Good luck to everyone! Eager for the update! 💪💓🇺🇸

[@Richard-jq6ic]

Show his face. Where's a picture of Henry Nicholson?

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

Some folks get a little power and wow, does it go to their head.

[@lineber2]

I am so glad the Institute for Justice is bringing this racist action to light. Having a food truck might actually hurt other restaurants, but it's called competition. It's the way business works. If you have a restaurant that people stop going to, it's your fault. Some of the best food I've had comes from food trucks.

[@Yossarian921]

I'm just guessing here but I bet a lot of their clientele doesn't eat at the local restaurants and from how these people were treated by the city board not to mention told to go back to Haiti by one member I bet they don't feel welcome at the local restaurants.

[@lineber2]

@Yossarian921 I agree, and from the way they appear, I'd bet they welcome all customers to their food truck. I can't believe how backward this government is to people offering a service to their community. Also, this councilman is a complete bigot. I made a very small donation to IJ. It's time I do it again.

[@kylebrooks4147]

I can't believe I am seeing this behavior in America. Damn shameful & abusive!

[@janemiettinen5176]

That is special kind of pettiness.. I wish nothing but the best for you, sounds like you are more than a place for food in your community. Go get them, IJ!

[@kellietaylor7863]

The outlandish statement “people were starving because they didn’t know how to cook” caused me to question the rest of her account.

[@adiuntesserande6893]

Presumably a lot of her customers are other Haitian refugees. They might well be able to cook *with the ingredients they knew back in Haiti* but have no idea what to do with the ingredients available to them in Virginia.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

It's not that they're immigrants. It's that they're not immigrants from, you know, Norway.

[@joymelton-bollen6383]

Most all council people pick and choose WHO they serve, and IT IS NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC...it is whoever brings them the most money!

[@Olddeadleadfoot]

Omg, this story is so maddening. No one has the right to use political power to ruin these people's business, and destroy the goodness they bring to the community. That Nicholson-jackass ought to be criminally-charged and prosecuted for vandalism and stalking, convicted and lodged in jail. Thank you, Institute For Justice for defending these people's rights. You are the souls! 👍

[@ronblack7870]

you mean like letitia james in ny?

[@Olddeadleadfoot]

@ronblack7870: With your incomplete thought, what is the point that you are attempting to convey?

[@reloadnorth7722]

I wish you good luck. Stay safe and vigilant against the tyrants.

[@kf5hcr176]

This is why I contribute money to IJ, they're doing the work I cannot do on my own. Y'all need to send IJ a few bucks, if you believe in stopping injustice.

[@mattwaters6987]

Hey town council, piss off and leave them alone. 😕

[@hotttt28]

Sue them !

[@enargins]

Unbelievable. Plus, I mean, how much could this one food truck be hurting restaurants anyway? Still, just unbelievable. I hope they sue that councilman personally and he has to pay a huge amount!

[@perezm714]

And that my friends is how the United States has operated since it's conception. Make laws to oppress good people's opportunities.

[@steveladner4346]

Bingo

[@ethansprofile6670]

Some of the best "ethnic food" is the local food trucks.

[@TheOrangeRoad]

Food trucks DO hurt restaurants, because their food is better

[@GRasimos]

Thank you IJ for your great work for the people. I have so much respect for you guys.