Balmy Weather Beckons Noisemakers

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) 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. (Copyright © 2005. David Klavitter)

Under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid- to upper-40s, the noisemakers returned to the corner on Saturday, Dec. 17. They were absent during the prior two consecutive weekends--apparently because of cold temperatures in the low- to mid-30s. They resumed using the loudspeaker.

Our neighborhood’s effort is dedicated to lowering the noise level within safe and reasonable decibel levels--specifically we want the noisemakers to stop using the amplifier. We support freedom of speech, religion and the right to assemble. The noisemakers’ content could be considered polarizing--some people strongly agree, while others disagree.

However, on Dec. 17, the noisemakers used profanity, according to one neighbor, Marc, who witnessed the street corner gang in a “yelling fight with a woman.”

He said the noisemakers were using the amplifier and he could clearly hear them calling her a “lesbian and using the 'F' word in their exhortations.” Marc said the woman was screaming back at the fellows, without the benefit of an amplifier.

The noisemakers on many occasions have called me a “faggot” and a “cracker.” In another instance, one woman I spoke with said they called her a “bitch” in front of her eight-year-old son. But I’ve not typically heard them use the generally accepted profane words like “fuck.”

“The leader was more agitated than I remember seeing him,” said Marc, who added that he saw three police officers watching the exchange from the northeast corner of 8th and H Streets. They took no action, he added.