The Fool wrote: > > I don't think that you really mean that. > > > > For example, if I wore a T-Shirt bearing the slogan "Abortion is Muder" in > > bright red letters, and the mall authorities asked me to remove my shirt, I > > don't think that either you nor The Fool would be posting an article here > > about my "freedom of expression." > > Bullshit.
What if it was a whole group of people? What if it they were carrying signs instead of just wearing shirts? What if the signs said "Vote for Bush in '04"? What if the signs (or shirts) had some racist propaganda or slogans? How about if they had bullhorns too? Where is the line drawn? I for one would rather not see *any* of that at the mall, whether I agrred with the message they had or not. I don't think a shopping mall is the place for that stuff, and I suspect the mall owners would agree. It just isn't an appropriate forum. I think that the mall fully has the right to reject that stuff by asking people to stop displaying their message or leave. That said, the mall security might well have over-reacted, depending on what the facts really are. I don't think one or two people quietly wearing the T-shirts should merit any reaction from security. (I strongly doubt that was the case, though). On the other hand, it says here http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/crossgates1.html : "Received complaints that they were stopping other shoppers". If so, I have no problem with them getting removed. And if they weren't "stopping other shoppers", but their shirts were instigating loud arguments between themselves and other shoppers? Well, from the mall's perspective, I see that as a problem they'd justifiably want to put an end to, regardless of the t-shirt's message. I guess that's where I see the line being drawn: it's OK, unless it starts causing problems. And my guess is *that's* why those guys were asked to remove their shirts or leave; it was causing shoppers to complain (whether of being stopped or just or "verbal disputes"). I just don't see this as a freedom of speech/expression issue, unless you wish to argue that the shopping mall is an acceptable public forum for any and all forms of speech/expression. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
