Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site whuxl.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!whuxl!orb From: orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER) Newsgroups: net.politics.theory Subject: Re:Freedom of Speech and Assembly in Public vs Private Property Message-ID: <673@whuxl.UUCP> Date: Tue, 2-Jul-85 09:10:31 EDT Article-I.D.: whuxl.673 Posted: Tue Jul 2 09:10:31 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 3-Jul-85 07:48:38 EDT References: <656@whuxl.UUCP> <2380054@acf4.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Whippany Lines: 34 > >From me: > >Would you think it fortunate if all property now publicly held were > >placed in private hands and the Courts ruled that there was no freedom > >of speech or assembly in *any* private property? > > I don't think the property should be "placed" in anyone's hands. Instead, > the government should either just give it up, or sell it. > > Mike Sykora You didn't answer the question Mr. Sykora. The question is a *very important one* which emerges from considering the implications of your philosophy and past statements. That question is what kind of freedom of speech and assembly remains for the general public if: 1)there is no longer *any* public property, parks or even streets 2)even in public places such as streets, malls or markets there is no guarantee of freedom of speech for speech not liked by the private owner or manager from these two statements I conclude that there would be no freedom of speech left. If private owners have no obligation to respect free speech, and all property is privately owned then it follows that no guarantee of free speech remains. Demonstrations typically take place on public streets and public parks. Where will they occur if all such property is privately owned and the owners don't like such dissent? Dissemination of leaflets typically occurs on public sidewalks. Where will it occur if the private owners of all sidewalks decide they don't like it? Is this really promoting either freedom or liberty? tim sevener whuxl!orb