Unions Show Bullying Attitude Toward Noise Compromise

Unlimited levels of noncommerical amplified noise is a health and safety issue--not one of free speech, as labor union representatives mischarachterized it in a June 19 Washington D.C. Examiner story.

Contrary to the union's "public be-damned" attitude, Councilmember Tommy Wells' bill does nothing to hinder anyone's right to speak. It does provide protection to all D.C. residents--high decibels of noise is physically harmful to human health and wellness, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Just as cititens cannot be forced to read a printed flyer, free speech should not mean a resident or business must be forced to hear someone's speech--especially in his or her own home. Many other municipal noise ordinances have passed constitutional muster.

Union representatives participated earlier this year in talks about the noise bill with Councilmembers Wells and Mary Cheh, as well as D.C. residents. Now it appears the unions have done an about face.

Worse, they propose no other reasonable solution beyond their bullying attitude--similar to how the 2004 noise loophole was snuck through committee and passed by the council. Labor unions were at the table--D.C. residents were not.

Quest for Quiet defends the health and safety rights for 581,000 District of Columbia residents.