[Mudder]

Are various groups permitted to go door to door handing out materials? A few minutes ago two women from Jehovah Witness were in our driveway wanting to drop off some materials. I respectfully declined, they went to the next house and so on. Just wondering is there any kind of policy about groups doing this?

[zcaveman]

Call Neighborhood Watch and report them. They will send someone out to talk to them.

[redwitch]

Simple answer: no, they're not allowed. As the caveman said, call Community Watch.

BTW: In California, I used to tell them I was a witch and I'd happily attend one of their meetings if they would agree to come to my coven for a gathering. It would be usually be at least a year before anyone came to my door again (my neighbors would get someone at least once a month).

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Simple answer: no, they're not allowed. As the caveman said, call Community Watch.

BTW: In California, I used to tell them I was a witch and I'd happily attend one of their meetings if they would agree to come to my coven for a gathering. It would be usually be at least a year before anyone came to my door again (my neighbors would get someone at least once a month).

Do you know Christine O’Donnell from Delaware?!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Xavier

Do you know Christine O’Donnell from Delaware?!

She is not a witch......I heard her say so on television.

[redwitch]

At least Christine went to some sort of meeting. I haven't, but it does keep the JW's and LDS's away from my door.

[Talk Host]

What law are these people breaking? By law, I man enforceable ordinance. I object to them too, and am concerned that Community Watch has no authority what-so-ever to do anything. What would Community Watch do if they refused to leave? What would the sheriff do if a "religious" group claimed first amendments rights to freedom of speech and religion.

Just Askin"

JLK

[billethkid]

the "rules" of TV = no soliciting.

One should tell them they are not allowed to be soliciting in TV and then report them.

Most people won't tell them and another too large a percent will not report them, hence we have solicitors.

I tell them long before they get into their spiel and that the "authorities will be along shortly. My house is usually their last stop even if it is the first one.

btk

[jblum8156]

I once had a crowd of them in my driveway. They were like the clowns in the mini-car at the circus, about 6 of them climbing out of this little VW Beetle. I simply told them to get off my property or I would call the cops. They left.
Gosh, I used to own a shotgun. It was never loaded, but it was a great deterrent to trespassers.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by billethkid

the "rules" of TV = no soliciting.

btk

That's exactly my point. What enforceable rules? The streets are public streets. The properties are owned by private individuals. The Villages doesn't have lawmaking authority, or does it? Even if it does, can it enforce it's Villages laws with outsiders? The only enforceable law would be one made by the county. Does that exist, it may.

I'm thinking that unless the homeowners post a "no trespassing" sign (no signs allowed) then nothing can be enforced.

The only reason I point this out is that I believe some people have a false sense that this is a gated, closed community. I think that on a public street anybody can stand and speak their piece? Knocking on doors is a little different if there is a "no trespassing" sign.

Somebody here talked about a "shotgun" to deter religious solicitation. Seems kind of extreme to me. What if it was a person from St. Marks handing out information about a spaghetti supper? I personally wouldn't aim a shotgun at them, (even an empty one) as I don't believe that it's a capitol offense.

JLK

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

That's exactly my point. What enforceable rules? The streets are public streets. The properties are owned by private individuals. The Villages doesn't have lawmaking authority, or does it? Even if it does, can it enforce it's Villages laws with outsiders? The only enforceable law would be one made by the county. Does that exist, it may.

I'm thinking that unless the homeowners post a "no trespassing" sign (no signs allowed) then nothing can be enforced.

The only reason I point this out is that I believe some people have a false sense that this is a gated, closed community. I think that on a public street anybody can stand and speak their piece? Knocking on doors is a little different if there is a "no trespassing" sign.

Somebody here talked about a "shotgun" to deter religious solicitation. Seems kind of extreme to me. What if it was a person from St. Marks handing out information about a spaghetti supper? I personally wouldn't aim a shotgun at them, (even an empty one) as I don't believe that it's a capitol offense.

JLK

Hi TH, I think you are making much ado about not much. If solicitors of any kind came to my door, I would handle it as BTK suggested-- tell them that soliciting is not allowed in TV and report them promptly.

Say that only discourages 80 percent of them. The other 20 percent keep going door-to-door until Community Watch shows up. Then, they tell Community Watch to bug off. Oh well. Can't win 'em all.

[Bogie Shooter]

Here comes that gun carrying discussion again.

[Bottaboom]

Nothing wrong if you happen to be cleaning the shot gun when they come calling.

Seriously though, I get satisfaction from just closing the door in their face.

[Larryandlinda]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

She is not a witch......I heard her say so on television.

You Don't Know Her
we heard this in a speech-and there were witnesses

As far as the Door-to-Doorers go, we don't like them too much either - but if they are presentable and friendly
We always turn it around, time permitting, and preach to them about various topics - politics, ecology, bike riding.....

We make sure we are doing something worthwhile like trimming the flowers, cooking, cleaning.....so time is not being too wasted

Like TH, we'd like to know the ordinance that prohibits folk from entering the streets and strolling around

We're certain a street corner bible thumper with a megaphone or the white robes would be awkward looking, but like TH said, what's the law say?

L and L

[Ajack]

What does that mean???