George,

I was very surprised and pleased to read about Rich Collins being arrested for campaign leaflletting in the parking lot of a mall. It's about time someone publicized and protested the prohibitions enforced in shopping malls by their owners. The malls, despite what anyone says to the contrary, ARE INDEED public areas and to close them to any but commercial interests violates the whole notion of the First Amendment and the right of assembly. Rich Collins makes it clear that he stands for democratic rights of assembly and was willing to stick his neck out to make the point. Three cheers for Rich!

Kay Peaslee (electronic mail, May 11, 2005)