> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Santa Monica Mall sells out freedom of speech
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-mall-sells-out-freedom-of-speech-editor/
- Published: 2007-09-15T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:52:52.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homelessness

*By James Paul Zeruk Jr. Santa Monica*

I witnessed an interesting thing today (Wednesday, Sept. 12) while having dinner in the Community Focus Gallery of Santa Monica Place (“Hard to say goodbye,” Sept. 14). Local peace activist Jerry Rubin and some friends were gathering near the bay windows to discuss, what I assume, was the city’s decision to cut down our beautiful and healthy trees. I assume this because Jerry had placed a white sign atop a table that read in green letters, “SAVE OUR TREES.”

The sign was only about as large as a spread-out copy of the L.A. Times and was facing inward, away from the street. A mall security guard came to the group and told them they could not display this sign atop the table. (Rubin) came back after a few moments with the guard and removed the sign.

Sieg Heil! What kind of nonsense is this when a peaceful meeting of American citizens concerned with their community and its dunder-head City Hall cannot keep a small simple sign atop a table and leaning against the window? Especially in the Community Focus Gallery — where many social issues (such as homelessness and mental illness) are expressed and routinely displayed on the walls in the form of art exhibits.

If the guards at Santa Monica Place need something to do, I have a suggestion — spend more time walking through the parking structures and being seen by potential car burglars, rapists and robbers, and less time throwing weight at fellow Americans peacefully discussing their First Amendment Right to redress government.

I should add that I in no way was a part of the meeting; I’m just a citizen who happened to be having dinner in the room. In fact, I don’t even like Jerry Rubin, and some of the bumper stickers he sells on the promenade turn my stomach. However, I served my country to protect (him) and his right to offend and disagree with my politics and religion.

As the late Bible scholar and U.S. Constitution expert Dr. Gene Scott has pointed out — the Founding Fathers intended that the most offensive free speech be the most protected of all free speech.

And one more thing... save our trees!

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 15, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/091507.pdf?ref=smdp.com)