Stop prohibited soliciting*

Having transplanted, originally from the Philippines and California, to Virginia, I have been residing in Suffolk for almost two decades.

This piece tackles the issue of a "no solicitation" community. And, whether we like it or not, as law-abiding and peace-loving citizens of our community, we have concerns about and related to it, like housing, people, litter issues; crime prevention and community rules or regulations.

Solicitation has different connotation to different people. It depends on who you ask. It can be construed as prostitution, an act of selling or peddling goods, or services, from door to door, or asking someone or a group of people for a moment of their time to listen to a thought or idea.

This "no solicitation" sign printed above the name of our community, prominently displayed in bold letters and placed at the entrance of our non-gated community, apparently has been ignored by people who "visit" our place.

I don't want to use the word "trespass" because, if I do, I would be engaging in legal matters that may seem to be criminal in nature. I'm not a lawyer, though I'm a law-abiding U.S. naturalized citizen, trying to share my thoughts and ideas that positively try to enlighten fellow residents and people of different backgrounds. To be safe, I'd rather use the verb "visit."

Let's be honest, folks. You and I, I'm very sure, have experienced, not only once or twice but several times, dealing with unwanted, annoying "strangers" or salespeople going around the neighborhood, ringing your door bells or knocking at your doors soliciting, leaving restaurant or business flyers at your door or inserting at your mailboxes.

At times, there are well-dressed persons who equip themselves with a Bible and other printed religious matters, walking around from house to house trying to engage in nice talks, which eventually lead to discussions about their faith or beliefs.

Consider that we have residents who work at night and sleep during the day. They don't want to to be disturbed with constant ringing of the door bells or knocking at the door by unwanted strangers. What about this situation: a new mother who's trying to get some sleep or nursing her newborn and there outside, in front of her house, a "solicitor" is knocking at her door or ringing the door bell for a couple of times, trying to sell something?

I understand we have rights, such as free speech, freedom of religion and choice. We also have responsibilities towards our fellow citizens. We have to understand and respect the right of others to live free to enjoy quiet life, free from unnecessary solicitation of any kind that poses a threat to their health, well-being and safety.

There are communities, such as ours, that have home owners' association with rules or regulations that each homeowner-resident is required to abide by or follow. We have local city codes and ordinances that every resident ought to adhere to.

We have local and state law enforcement officers who make sure our country is one of the best places to enjoy life and retire with family and friends. They do their best to keep our community safe, peaceful and orderly.

But what about federal laws pertaining to the issue of no solicitation or no trespassing? We know that Supreme Court has upheld the right to free speech, which allowe3d salespeople to sell and religious groups to spread their message.

We have "No Solicitation" sign posted in front of houses, too, like the one that always calls my attention each morning my dog Simba and I go out and walk around the neighborhood. The sign reads: NO SOLICITATION. No knocking on the door. No weird ringing of the door bell."

The question now is: (How) can we minimize or stop solicitation in our communities, especially in the homeowners' association communities that have a "no solicitation" policy?

-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com

*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, September 15-16, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.