Bitch-slappin' Qwest

I was headed to a small town last week for a work assignment when I came to a 3-way stop in a semi-remote area. At this intersection, next to each stop sign was an advertising sign. These glossy plastic signs were sitting atop wire holders... much like political signs. However, these were advertising high-speed internet service provided by Qwest.

It is illegal to use public property for advertising. Period. And this practice is not only illegal, but Qwite unsightly.

So I took the 3 signs... and gathered up a couple more later in the day. There is absolutely no law against picking up "litter". Keep in mind, however, that political signs are protected under special freedom-of-speech laws. Advertising signs are not.

I cut 18" by 24" signs into three pieces each. Then I marched myself down to the local Qwest office - with a bag of sign carcasses in hand. I started putting the signs around their lobby... up against the walls, on the phone, on the chairs. Then I said to the Qwest employees, "This is what Qwest is doing to my neighborhood. And it's illegal. Do you think this looks good?"

"Well, sir, you will have to talk with someone in customer service. We just work here.", said the nearest employee. I said, "I will need to talk with a manager... this is illegal and it has to stop."

A minute later a manager came around the corner and asked what he could do for me. I explained that Qwest was breaking the law, and that advertising in the public right-of-way was illegal. He seemed surprised at that comment and I said, "I would think Qwest would be aware of laws regarding the use of the right-of-way."

"It's illegal and Qwest needs to stop."

"Thanks for letting us know, sir."

And he began picking up the signs as I walked out.

Corporate bastards.

Litterbugs.