I live in the PR of Mass. Occasionally I go to the VA Out Patient Center near the old Boston Garden. When you walk in the door there is a small sign that says, "Firearms prohibited,those possessing firearms check in at Security, 2nd floor". After all these years of dealing with the goverment, I should have known better.
This day I happen to be doing some business in the Jewelers Building on Washington St., and was carrying cash and diamonds. I packed my S&W J-frame, and headed for the VA first. I entered the building went to the 2nd floor, found the security office. There was paunchy VA guard there with his feet up on the desk having a snack. I said I had an appointment, and wanted to check my licensed pistol. The feet went skyward, the coffee hit the floor,and I thought he was going to have a heart attack. I calmly unloaded the pistol and handed it to him, "I should be back in an hour",...and walked on down the hall... When I returned to pick up my pistol, there was ten guards in this small room,looking at me like I was Charlie Manson on PCP. The Man in charge told me it was a crime to bring a firearm into a VA Building. I told him I was 'licensed to carry'(Class 'A'), and pulled a pile of cash and diamonds out of my pocket to show him why I was 'carrying'. Boss man says, 'didn't you read the sign downstairs, it say's "firearms prohibited". Yes, I replied, "but it also says those carrying FA's check in at security. Which is it ? The sign makes no sense then. Cop's come in here right, and check their weapon, you see my license, I just did what the sign indicated." My logic failed to register with the Boss Man who kept repeating,"you read the sign downstairs, firearms prohibited?" I said, "why don't you change the sign to reflect what you really want, and this whole thing could have been avoided." I was force to sign this paper, or 'they were not going to let me leave'. Like an ass I did...The sign still unchanged, sits in the lobby, and every time I pass it, I just shake my head...somethings never change....BTW, by signing this 'confession' does this put me on the VA/Goverment's most dangerous list ?...