George,

I was honked off to learn of the recent ticketing by Charlottesville Police of drivers honking in support of a living wage in front of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel [Police ticket drivers honking to support living wage, by Adrienne Schwisow, July 28, 2001]. Chief Longo apparently believes that this honking constitutes a threat to public safety. He is quoted in the article as saying 'what if someone slammed on his brakes because of honking and, God forbid, someone got hurt? Then what? Our job is to preserve the peace.'

Preserving the peace in this case appears to have been entangled with other police business at the Marriott on the day of the ticketing. I am also curious if protection from the sound of honking was part of the protection agreement struck between the Marriott and the police on behalf of Marriott guest country star LeAnn Rimes.

I have held placards in front of the Marriott but I have never heard honking that I considered excessive. It is just enough to let the Marriott folks know the strength of those in support of workers at the Marriott not being paid a living wage. Perhaps Chief Longo will ultimately do the right thing and retract these highly questionable tickets and let the peaceful dialog between living wage supporters and the Marriott continue rather than threaten freedom of expression in the guise of preserving the peace. And, if you are a LeAnn Rimes fan, do let her know that there are other hotels paying living wages where she can stay next time she visits Charlottesville.

Peter Kleeman (electronic mail, August 6, 2001)