A response to ‘crime’ letter
I’m writing to respond to the Letter to the Editor entitled, “Is that a crime?” that appeared in the April 19 edition of Sun Newspapers dated April 19, 2012.
In his letter, Dale Parkes wrote, “According to the article, the person was doing three things:
“1. Talking to kids from the high school
“2. Possibly handing out religious pamphlets
3. Preaching”
The article begs the question: Is any of the above a crime? Do any of the above even constitute suspicious activity?
Yes, they do.
Freedom of speech means you are free to believe what you like as long as the beliefs and behavior stemming from those beliefs do not harm others or otherwise break the laws of this country.
Yes, you are free to think and write as you please on your own property, in your own mind and on your own blog but you cannot just decide to set up camp somewhere just because technically you aren’t breaking any laws.
Even community fairs require a fee and license in order to set up a table to promote your cause, give a speech or distribute free food and literature.
What are the possible crimes that were prevented by stopping the actions listed above?
1. Trespassing on public or private property
2. Creating a public nuisance
3. Preventing children from attending school during school hours
4. Threatening public safety and disturbing the peace
5. Not abiding by the separation of church and state
I highly doubt anyone would defend this person using the argument of freedom of speech if the person is question was preaching, talking to kids and possibly handing out literature for a political organization.
Melissa Gans
Sunset Beach
The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the Sun. The Sun welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 300 words maximum. Letters should be e-mailed, signed by the author and include the author’s address and phone number (the latter two are for verification, not publication). The Sun reserves the right to accept, edit, or reject letters for any reason. Unless otherwise indicated, all letters sent to the Sun are understood to be intended for publication. E-mail letters to: dennis@sunnews.org.
