In journalism’s heyday, the recent capitulation by a patriot group to overreaching county bureaucrats might have been headlined: Declaration Devotees Flub First Amendment Test.
As noted by Linda Busch-Somach, who makes all the relevant points in her informative letter published in the July 3-9 issue, demanding fees in the hundreds of dollars for assembling “peaceably” blatantly and flagrantly violates the First Amendment.
That those fees include vehicle insurance in addition to liability coverage, when the Newton Green is not even vehicle-accessible, suggests a certain spitefulness on the part of our county commissioners.
What next? A pilot’s license in case an airplane flies overhead during a protest or rally? A food service license for individuals who bring snacks? A certificate of occupancy for the homeless sleeping nearby?
And sorry, “other towns are doing it” is not an explanation. It’s an excuse for suppressing speech and for asserting illegitimate control over whose voice is heard and whose isn’t.
Mary Rapuano and Angelo DePalma
Newton