Open door

Open Door Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Peter C.S. Adams Metrowest Daily News

Regarding the article "SMOC says visit to wet shelter violated privacy," I find it hard to believe that any legitimate business, particularly one that offers accommodations and operates as a boarding house, would object to anyone walking in their front door when it is unlocked and they are open for business.
Mr. Orr did not claim he was a selectman, he did not claim he was representing the PILOT committee, and he did not break in. He walked through an open door and spoke to a receptionist. He was not asked to leave. What did he do wrong?
SMOC director Jim Cuddy "likened Orr's actions to walking into someone's house to take a look around," and Selectman John Stasik seemed to agree with that bizarre analogy, saying "the shelter is a private residence like any other."
Perhaps Mr. Cuddy's and Mr. Stasik's homes have foyers and receptionists, but I don't know of any others that do. The correct analogy is walking to someone's front door and ringing the bell. Unless I missed a revolution recently, that is not illegal in this country.

Open Door	Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Peter C.S. Adams	Metrowest Daily News
Regarding the article "SMOC says visit to wet shelter violated privacy," I find it hard to believe that any legitimate business, particularly one that offers accommodations and operates as a boarding house, would object to anyone walking in their front door when it is unlocked and they are open for business. Mr. Orr did not claim he was a selectman, he did not claim he was representing the PILOT committee, and he did not break in. He walked through an open door and spoke to a receptionist. He was not asked to leave. What did he do wrong? SMOC director Jim Cuddy "likened Orr's actions to walking into someone's house to take a look around," and Selectman John Stasik seemed to agree with that bizarre analogy, saying "the shelter is a private residence like any other." Perhaps Mr. Cuddy's and Mr. Stasik's homes have foyers and receptionists, but I don't know of any others that do. The correct analogy is walking to someone's front door and ringing the bell. Unless I missed a revolution recently, that is not illegal in this country.

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