[Peace-discuss] Protesting on Private Property

[Chuck Minne]

This is just my opinion, but I think it is very counter-productive to “invade” private property to protest against the war. If the point is simply to piss everybody off, then it works fine; but if the point is to work for peace by trying to convince “undecideds” to our way of thinking, it is a real loser. A mall just happens to be private property. 

 

How would you feel if someone came on your property and held a rally in support of Bush? 

 

How do you think middle-of-the-road Americans, many of whom we might sway or convert, feel about protesters disregarding the wishes of property owners? Do you think that makes them want to join our cause? I don’t, I think all we do is alienate them, and make them think that we are a bunch of uncaring trouble-makers who only obey the law and respect other’s property when it suits our purpose.

 

Keep in mind that the First Amendment says that the government cannot limit our speech – it limits only the government. It gives no one any rights of free speech on the property of others. I cannot come in your house and say whatever I please and expect to stay. We should all be thankful for that and realize that it cuts both ways.



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