Marina De LaRouche

A pair of LaRouche supporters ventured outside their natural habitat (arguing on the sidewalk with College Republicans) to spread their gospel at the Waterside Shopping Center in Marina Del Rey on Friday. According to the activists, mall staff called local police to have them removed from "private property." Authorities came, ran a quick check for wants and warrants, and determined that the protest was protected by law. One explained that, "This is free speech. We don't have town squares in this country anymore, so we can do this in a public area." The other chimed in, "Yeah, but it's a state thing. We couldn't do this in Texas."

While the activists alienated a diverse range of shoppers by explaining why global warming isn't real and that Dick Cheney should be impeached, mall staff responded with their own exercise in free speech. Large signs were erected on either side of the LaRouch table stating, "This group is not associated with or endorsed by this shopping center." LAist was disappointed that the high end mall didn't support its merchants with more creative choices like "Chipotle is easier to swallow" or "Global warming is real -- Eat at Cold Stone before it all melts."