Free speech in malls - a solution ?

 Does a Quaker - pacifist group - known as the " Foot Locker Eight "

    have a right to distribute  leaflets to shoppers in New Hampshire

    malls ?  ( Providence Sunday Journal , front page ,Sept. 27 )

           The passionate advocate of a righteous cause - if I really

    know this type - is  mentally prepared for hostile encounters with

    the " mall zombies ".   "  Yes, I will disturb your tranquility you

    cheerful idiot consumer . THIS issue demands your attention ! "

          And the average Joe shopper feels a little hassled . He thinks :

    " True enough, but right now ?  "

         The management -obviously - would prefer that nobody break the

    blissful " shopping " mood .


            Perhaps less narrow mindedness on all sides might help. The

    mall management should acknowledge the semi-public nature of the place.

    The activist with leaflets should respect the right of the shopper to

    be a cheerful idiot at least while he or she is shopping.

         The SOLUTION is an enclosed PUBLIC MESSAGE area where leaflets or

    tapes can be left for the INTERESTED  shopper. The  area can include

     computers and VCRs .  And there would be no censorship of messages !