On April 27, 2006, there was a Government Services Fair for the City of Charlottesville on the Downtown Mall. In light of the recent celebration of the First Amendment Monument, I took the opportunity to do some unscientific polling to see what folks thought about it. Here are the answers of those who were willing to have their names used:

"The diversity of our community is a strenght and part of what makes us Charlottesville. It's important to share and discuss our ideas, opinions and beliefs in a civil manner. This is one way. It is not the only one. One question is whether we will be able to maintain civility in the process. Either way it should be an interesting experience from which we can learn." Galloway Beck

"Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing but I feel our community would be better served if monies raised were used to provide shelter, food and medical care for our less fortunate City residents." Barbara Bell

"My expectation was that within days the monument would be defaced in some way. What is amazing to me is that it has not." Dave Chapman

"It's a fine idea - an exercise in freedom." Claude Worrell

"I don't see a problem with it. I don't see where it disrupts anything. It's kind of interesting." Rob Sorensen

"It seems to be very popular. I haven't heard of people complaining." Linda Daly

"It is working better than I thought it would. There are so many other countries where they do not have free speech. This has been a powerful lesson for me (and our community) in what freedom is all about." Gary O'Connell

"I think it is unique for the City of Charlottesville It represents what Thomas Jefferson stood for. [While I have heard concerns about the kinds of things that would be written on the wall, I have also] seen people of all ages writing down their thoughts, ideas, expressing their opinions, and sending messages to other people. It's great to see people put up messages and express their ideas to others." Ginny Sarver

"I am excited about it. I am hoping that it will be all that it's promised to be." Kathleen Glenn

"What is great about it is that so many people have preconceptions about its value, and by actually building it, we will move the discussion from the theoretical to the practical realm." Chris Seitz

"I don't know what to think of it. There are so many other ways you can express yourself. I am surprised it has not been vandalized." Liz Harman

"It's a great addition ot the area and I hope that people use it responsibly and respectfully." Sherri Iachetta

"It's nice that people are able to legally express their opinions in public. My biggest fear is vandalism and spray paint." Wanda Hammill

"I am really proud of our city for erecting a monument that allows us to voice our opinions in a positive way!" Leslie Kelley-Gensen

"Time will tell how the appearance goes. I don't like in your face grafitti. As long as it is kept civil, it may be okay. While it is free speech, it may also be an eyesore where it is located. Support for it should not come out of city funds." Judy Barlow

Editor's Note: For a sampling of the use of the monument and what went onto the monument by the end of the day, see First Amendment Monument - April 27, 2006.