Good point, Tamara. When people have to go through metal detectors and X-rays to get into Bentleyville, I'll consider the idea of a Free Speech Zone. Actually, I'll consider one right now. As Bentleyville can get enormously, ridiculously crowded on some nights, I would support establishing a Free Speech Zone on the main plaza as you enter, to enhance safety. The plaza would provide everyone with ample room to disseminate their respective propanda, and for audiences to gather to listen if they wished. It would reduce congestion in the main display itself, where the paths would be reserved for the shuffling herd. There I go again: solving everything for free. How much has the city spent fighting this awful threat so far?

Also, let me say that I am a huge fan of recording one's own encounters with the public.

I haven't heard any objections to the preachers that haven't been totally frivolous. They all boil down to people disagreeing with the preachers' message and not wanting to be bothered by it. That's what people are willing to violate the Constitution for? Jeez, I'd like to have your comfortable life. I'm sorry that a few particular soundwaves moving through the air disgruntle people. If it really bothers you, there's always the option of staying home. Or you can do what the vast majority of your fellow-citizens would do: Ignore it. If the free-speech limitations ever take hold at Bentleyville, it will be illegal to walk around Bentleyville holding a sign that says, "I have a sign." I got kicked out of the mall once for doing something similar. But just so long as nobody's bothered by anything, I guess that's okay. We wouldn't want to make any smudges on the blank slate of anybody's happiness.

People who are insecure in their own beliefs are often the first to try to stifle other people from expressing theirs. Fortunately, I am blessed with intellectual tolerance. Because my own beliefs are firm, I can hear all sorts of things and not be bothered. If anyone would like lessons on how to tolerate their fellow citizens, I will be happy to offer a class. Let me know.

That is what many insecure people say.

It's funny to me that people can get so riled up by a couple of guys saying stuff. The incessantly merry Christmas music blaring at Bentleyville is a lot more irritating to me than evangelists. I might be supportive of the city establishing an Annoying Christmas Music Zone across the street. I was never at war with you, Baci, so it's hard to declare a truce. I'll be happy to chat.

Actually, Claire, if it's a case of their right to evangelize at Bentleyville versus your right to not hear anything irritating, their rights do trump yours. The Constitution grants us the right to free speech; it does not grant us the right to irritation-free bubbles. Again, I really am amazed at how riled up people get over small, even insignificant, matters. If I come across something in the world that annoys me, I ignore it. It's easy!