FAQ
In fairness, nobody has asked us any questions as of yet. So when we say FAQ we pretty much mean “Frequently Answered Questions.” It’s our hope that these are questions you would ask, or questions that need answering that you just haven’t gotten around to thinking of yet.
Q: Why are you doing this?
A: We think we pretty well answered that question over here, but another answer is “so you’ll ask this question.” Our purpose is to raise awareness of the situation. We don’t have any grand designs to become a legal test case, though some of us wouldn’t shy from the opportunity. Mostly we want to make people aware of the ways in which public space is being made private and being put into the control of private individuals who may not have the general public’s interest in mind.
Q: I agree with you. Can I come?
A: Absolutely. You can find information on the when and where over here and we’ll continue to put up news items and updates as needed.
Q: I think you’re wrong. Can I come?
A: Sure. Part of why we think this kind of this is important is we believe in people’s right to get out there and exercise their rights. One of your rights is to move about freely in public space, and everywhere we intend to go is public land. So if you want to follow us around and watch you’re free to do so.
Q: I can’t wait to come. I want to get up in the face of those fake cop security guards and start some ****.
A: One, that’s not a question. Two, do us a favor and do it without us. On some other day. In another state. Or maybe on another planet. Better yet, don’t ever do it. Those guards are working an honest job and enforcing a company policy. We happen to think that policy is both counter-productive and, in this case, illegal, but none of them woke up in the morning and decided just to head out and give you some crap. So don’t do it to them.
Q: I’ve been here and harassed/abused/annoyed by the guards. Why shouldn’t I go there and give it right back to them?
A: What did your mommy say about two wrongs not making a right? You can disagree with someone without being a jerk. If you think we’re right about this issue and want to come with us, then help make our case rather than hurting our cause. One good way to do that is by not looking like we’re just abusive jerks looking for a fight.
Q: But you ARE just looking for a fight!
A: Again, not a question. Not true, either. What we’d really like is for the Montgomery County government to amend their agreement with the Peterson Companies to state that the area under their “management” can not be restricted in any way beyond that which any other city street would be. Barring that, we hope to bring this situation to the attention of the general public and force Montgomery Country’s hand.
Q: Why can’t you just take pictures somewhere else?
A: Well, we can. We do. However we think we should be able to take pictures in any public space, as is the law of the land, and that includes the area along Ellsworth Drive. The taxpayers paid for that land, own that land, and support that land. So why shouldn’t they be able to take pictures there?
Q: Okay, let’s say I agree. Is not being able to take pictures of a neon sign really worth making an issue over?
A: We think so, but we also think it goes way beyond that. Montgomery County and Peterson Companies’ position is that the public is granted “access” but Peterson has the right to choose their method of “management.” What else should they be able to restrict in this management? Perhaps people wearing logos promoting brands competing with stores on Ellsworth will be prevented from shopping there. Maybe they’ll decide no redheads should be there.
Q: That’s just ridiculous, they’re not going to do that.
A: Not a question! And no, we don’t think they’ll be that blatant but it’s just an example of just how extreme they could decide to be if we’re going to say they have carte blanche to decide who can go there and how they can behave. Wouldn’t it be easier and better just to say that Ellsworth is a public street and subject to all the same protections and rights as every other street in Silver Springs?
Q: That’s a question, not an answer.
A: Actually it was both. And that wasn’t a question.
Q: Isn’t this gag getting old?
A: Yeah, okay.