Recently some of our friends and neighbors were in front of Clements Market on multiple days to promote their political candidate. They set up chairs, signs and placards to deliberately get attention from passing motorists. 

Since they set up at the busiest intersection on Hope Street, their intention seemed to be to distract as many drivers as possible, even though that intersection is close to both RIPTA bus stops and school bus stops.

None of the businesses in that shopping plaza or the local police issued any disclaimers or traffic advisories, so does the First Amendment give people the right to compromise the safety of their friends and neighbors?

If there was an accident caused by the planned distraction, could anyone be held liable?

Judith A. Byrnes
Bristol