Peace and Justice

In this photo from Nov. 19, the noisemakers did not use the amplifier, but apparently were agitated that I was photographing them. This fellow on this day called me a “faggot” and a “cracker.” I found it quite unpleasant, others call it hateful, while others cheered him for saying it--further evidence that speech content is entirely subjective. (Photo copyright © 2005. David Klavitter)

David Klavitter, resident of the 700 block of 8th Street NE, writes (slightly edited):

A new online blog documents our neighborhood's continuing quest for peace and quiet near the intersection of 8th and H Streets NE in Washington DC. It’s called “Quest for Quiet” and we'd appreciate it if you read it and link to it.

The blog chronicles our community's experiences--in words and photos--with the noisemakers, D.C. agencies and city council. We hope it will help advocate a legislative fix to the D.C. noise law.

Again, we support freedom of speech, religion and assembly, but also our rights to the pursuit of happiness through peace and quiet in our own homes.

Thanks for your interest and happy new year!
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What's going on is that a religious sect goes out to the corner of 8th and H Street NE on Saturdays, and uses amplifiers to spread their message.

This corner is already a very loud place because 8th Street and H Street are major busline routes, and this intersection is the major transfer point between these two lines, which are amongst the busiest of the buslines in DC.

It is amazing how noisy the Metrobuses are--a neighbor once commented about the difference in San Francisco where the buses are electric, and thus quiet, often we don't realize how loud internal combustion engines really are--until you stand for awhile in a yard on 8th Street NE. I don't see how people can comfortably sit on their porches given the frequency of service. It's why I appreciate the Van Hool buses used by the Downtown Circulator. By comparison, they are much quieter.

However, an interpretation from the DC Attorney General rules that under current DC law, "free speech" uses of amplification are exempt from the extant laws that limit how loud such amplification can be.

People in the neighborhood support free speech, but with some limits on amplification, in order to allow more "quiet enjoyment" in and at their abodes--in an already pretty noisy place.

For this to happen, for the various agencies of the City Government to be able to enforce noise laws against street preachers, the current law will have to change.

I will be adding a link to this blog in the right sidebar.

People young and old are easily within earshot of unamplified speech as they walk past the noisemaking group on the afternoon of Nov. 19. The amplifier was present, but was not used by the group that day. (Photo copyright © 2005. David Klavitter)

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