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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