Recently, my wife and I and a small group of senior citizens took the Willamette Shore Trolley to South Portland. The trolley route ends next to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility located in the South Waterfront area, two blocks from the Old Spaghetti Factory.
The sidewalk leading to the restaurant was blocked by a group of protesters under a makeshift canopy with several ice chests, two charcoal barbecues and chairs and tables. One protestor was a topless female. To complete our walk, our group had to leave the sidewalk and continue on the street – including an 86-year-old who has walking issues under the best of circumstances.
As we walked, we were subjected to their loud, curse-filled conversation. It made us feel uncomfortable at noon on a beautiful sunny day. Is it not against the law to block public sidewalks?…