I think that MOST (not all) of us agree on the following two principles:
1) That FREE SPEECH is a very valuable commodity in our
Democracy and a right that must be defended and protected. 2) That some level of restriction on how that RIGHT might
be exercised, in the context of the Farmers Market, is
appropriate. For example, most of us would agree, that
the Farmers Market (or the city) has the right to
curtail behavior which is flagrantly intrusive and/or
obstructive to farmers market shoppers.Where there is some disagreement, is in regards to exactly how restrictive the Farmers Market can be (there are a WIDE range of options).
We've gotten some very interesting legal background AND we've also heard anecdotal evidence that suggests that candidates of various persuasions and positions have been allowed access (or ignored) to the Farmers Market.
I suspect that most of us would be happy with a clear and consistent policy that grants some level of access to political activists.
What would be really interesting, would be if someone called the Farmers Market and asked for what the rules are and how they are enforced? Does a clear and consistent policy exist?
Thanks Paul:
I wonder how charitable ......... and others would be if the RNC or pro-life groups sent in their toadies to accost unsuspecting market-goers?
YES - its easy to defend the Free Speech of those we agree with. A much more important and challenging task is to defend the Free Speech of the those we disagree with. Let's just remember, that the rights we grant to DNC canvassers will also be available to PRO-LIFE canvassers, School Choice Canvassers, or Young Republican Recruiters.
This is a good thing!
I don't expect that an open policy will create many difficulties, as it has been pointed out, its bad business for groups to abuse this RIGHT, because if they become intrusive or obstructionist, they just alienate the audience that they were seeking to start with.
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
=================================================
Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim
=================================================
_____________________________________________
To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
_____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul
Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
