Upon our 9:00am arrival at SAKS, we learned that SAKS does not follow the "early bird tradition" of opening early for the traditional busiest shopping day of the year. They opened at 10:00. Okay, no problem, we'd hang around and pass out literature.
Well, when you're SAKS, why should you have to address animal activists when you can get Glimcher Properties to handle the issue for you? Yes, the private property arguement.
As we organized to move to SAKS' door, our path was blocked by Glimcher Properties management, security, and at least 8 (maybe more) Columbus police. Their message was simple - leave now or be arrested. Our thoughts were to move our demonstration to the street. We were then informed of the infamous "right of way" issue. This is where the property developers fail to put in sidewalks, thereby extending their property to the actual street. This prevents any type of negative action from taking place anywhere in front of a business. We ran into this issue when we protested at The Fur Salon, Dublin Road.
Being ones who think this law is taking away our right to protest, we decided to march to the intersection and continually cross the street. Well, it seems that another law, which developers probably hate, was in our favor: The American Disabilities Act, which requires wheelchair access at traffic intersections. There in front of Polaris Fashion Place, or as we like to say, Polaris Mall, was a small sidewalk. Hooray!!!
We remained on our safe haven for the rest of the protest. This proved to be a better location for traffic as more people saw us as they entered and exited the mall. So everything worked out for the best.
Until, with our protest ended, we loaded up our cars to leave. Well, apparently not fast enough for the Columbus police. Some of our group were approached and told to immediately get into their cars and leave the mall "Now." A POET member asked, "You mean if I wanted to go into the mall and buy a pair of socks I'd be arrested?" The answer, "YES."
Is this the new homeland security, one which protects a business that survives on the selling of animal skins from peaceful protest? So SAKS didn't have to address the fur issue. Well, as Arnold said in Terminator 2, "I'll be back."
Enjoy the pictures and remember: SAKS SUCKS FOR SELLING FUR!!!
Showing soon at a corner near you.
Surrounded on all sides
Our safe sidewalk - Note SAKS in the background.
Our right to speak against cruelty - Don't Buy Fur!
