The problem here in Delaware Ohio is that the Jehovah's Witnesses sometimes don't take no for an answer. There was even one guy recently that knocked on my door a SECOND time immediately after I closed the door in his face after telling him no less than ten times that I was not interested.
I think this entire issue was grossly misinterpreted. I agree that they should have first amendment protection to speak in a PUBLIC place (public is the operative word there), but that absolutely should not extend to an unwelcome visit at someone's front door. If they want to preach on a street corner, then let them go at it. At least people would have the option of walking away if they were not interested. Allowing them to go door to door is the same as allowing someone to force their religion on you in your own home. Many, if not most, have trouble being rude and shutting the door in someone's face - even an annoying someone. I personally would not mind so much if they would take no for an answer, but now I fear that they will be more aggressive and harder to get rid of once they are on your doorstep. My favorite part of their justification was the line "their authority to preach derived from the Bible and not the government". Perhaps they should be exempt from all other government rules as well? Another part of the issue of door to door solicitations of any kind is the safety factor. We live in a small apartment community and everyone knows everyone. When the Jehovah's Witnesses come here, they often come in groups of 5 to 10 people. Personally, I have a problem with 10 strangers walking around my community with children playing outside. Certainly there will always be people that you don't know around and one should always be diligent about watching their kids, but I fear that this will allow strangers more access to come and go in the neighborhood more often. Perhaps the law should be amended to read that Jehovah's Witnesses can go door to door, but homeowners have the right to greet them holding a 9mm automatic? I wonder if that might be somewhat of a deterrent? Gary - Who is finding it much easier as I get older to shut the door on annoying religious nuts. > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On > Behalf Of The Fool > Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 1:43 AM > To: Brin_L > Subject: first admendment upheld >
