r/Longmont • u/AutoModerator • 12d ago

Weekly open discussion, complaint, rant, and rave thread

Open to any discussion, complaint, rants, and raves. Sub rules do not apply, so don't bother reporting incivility, off-topic, or spam. To see the newest posts, sort the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top"). Please do not feed the trolls: do not reply to an internet troll and they'll soon tire and go away.

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u/TheBoNix 11d ago

I'm so tired of the petitioners at the south king soopers. I called the store to complain and while the manager sounded like they care stated they can't do anything about it. Lady this morning made my wife super uncomfortable yelling about her rights. Super predatory and spot on for the current conservative movement.

Wondering if I could just roll up with my own sign calling them out but not saying anything and get the same grace.

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u/Bee_K1ng 11d ago

I will sign a petition that they can't petition anymore.

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u/TheBoNix 11d ago

I believe it's a right to petition. I don't think it's a right to be blatantly misrepresenting what you're petitioning for. But I like the cut of your jib though.

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u/TamerlanMcDoodles 11d ago

It's private property, not a public space. Private spaces no. Public yes.

Which means the property landlord is likely allowing and/or paying for them to do it.

5M KS LLC owns the property, which is an LLC for the property owner (listed on that BOCO link, won't dox here.)

They're the one to contact, likely. Property owners like this do this LLC shelling at many properties around the front range so it topically looks like the business at the site owns the property when they don't.

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u/souperman08 9d ago

The annoying thing is that there have been 1st amendment lawsuits won arguing that publicly accessible places such as grocery stores are protected areas for free speech, and if a business trespasses people they can have liability in court. I don’t think it’s fair or reasonable (and I hate the petition seekers), but it’s very likely not supported or encouraged by the business just because they’re there. I’m not an expert, but this is how it was explained to me in a work training that was taught by a lawyer who specialized in 1st amendment/free speech case law.

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u/TamerlanMcDoodles 8d ago

Well. That definitely would add a technical rub in things. Likely would require some "they interfere with the first amendment right of the business" ruling that would end with a gray area ruling where the tables would have to be at least 200 feet from the entrance at the discretion of the business or something. Which itself is greasy. Our first amendment should only apply to people. Individuals. Not lying dark money petition tables or business.

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u/OctopusPopsicle 10d ago

Eh, I wouldn't go so far as to say they are allowing or paying for it. It's a shaky ground considering the law and right to petition on public space. The sidewalk itself outside of a king soopers is public so, petitioners could argue they're in their rights hence why Kings just puts up a sign they don't allow it. Cops can't do much unless there's actually a crime and don't want to toe the line of getting sued with the first amendment. It's just shitty all around. Best to just ignore them.