After Dueling Interviews, Amplifier More Mellow...For Now

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) In a digital showdown at the southeast corner of H and 8th St NE, a man from the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge (ISUPK) and I record images of each other. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)

It was noticeably quieter yesterday for the residents living in and around the 700 block of 8th Street NE. One group’s amplifier still was present, but apparently it was turned waaaaay down. Don’t get me wrong—it still was loud, but not the ear-splitting, peace-disturbing level of the past. Perhaps the ISUPK was trying to be on its best behavior in light of the recent uptick in media interest in this story about noise.

After I walked the few short steps from my home, I arrived at the corner, where Furious Zion—a.k.a. James Henry or Sunglasses Man—and I exchanged some words about his and my recent Washington Post Express interviews. (I was somewhat disappointed that his interview garnered many more reader comments than mine did.)

We both agreed that it was good people were learning about the issue at H and 8th Streets—we both said people would come to realize the truth. However, I think he and I have different interpretations of what the truth really is. While I can’t speak for Mr. Henry, for the neighbors living in and around the 700 block of 8th Street NE, the truth is the desire for quieter Saturdays.

I wanted to discuss this more, but our conversation abruptly ended when one of the other USUPKers who calls himself "Lord's Chosen" beckoned Mr. Henry away. I never had a chance to see where he'd be for Sunday's Citywide Amplified Free Speech Day.

The H and 8th Street NE neighbors will be in Georgetown Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the intersection of Wisconsin and N Streets NW in Georgetown.