"If I want to go to a political rally, I expect  to see such things but not when I turn in my plates," said the caller, who declined to give her full name because of her husband's job.

According to MVA spokesman Buel Young, the LaRouche folks were entirely within their rights. It seems that a LaRouche-affiliated group went to court some years ago and sued successfully for the right to air their views on MVA property.

Now the MVA has a procedure under which any group that wants to spread its message can apply to the agency's Office of Risk  Management for permission to disseminate its views on agency property outside MVA  offices. According to Young, the LaRouche people have been scrupulous about following the rules during recent appearances at MVA offices around the state.

"We do not control their message," Young said.

That's the First Amendment at work, folks.

Here are  the rules these groups must abide by. If they are in violation, you have every right to complain.

   We agree to abide by the following restrictions:

1.  These activities shall be confined to the designated sidewalk areas of the facility.
     MVA will designate locations where the activities can be conducted so as not to
     obstruct or hinder the ingress or egress of persons using the MVA buildings,
     obstruct or hinder pedestrian routes, or unreasonably disturb the public in the
     course of normal business activity on MVA property.

2.  The number of participants may be limited to a number reasonable under the
     circumstances to preserve safety, order and ingress, egress and public pedestrian
     routes.

3.  These activities shall be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.  Any person,
     group of persons, or organization participating in the activity may not:

     a)  impede or physically touch the public or pedestrians using or transmitting MVA
      property without their consent;
     b)  engage in demanding, harassing, threatening, or intimidating conduct;
     c)  engage in disorderly conduct;
     d)  create loud and unseemly noises;
     e)  ignite or maintain any open fires;
     f)  profanely curse, swear or use obscene language; or
     g)  unreasonably disturb the public in the course of normal business activity.

4.  Any person, group of persons, or organization conducting the activity may operate
     from a table provided a sign or placard informs the public that the MVA has no
     connection whatsoever with the organization or it's activities.

5.  Any person, group of persons, or organization conducting the activity shall be
     responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of MVA property within it's immediate
     confines and for removing all litter attributable to their activities.  They shall
     furthermore be responsible for any damage to any MVA property, or to any real
     or personal property caused by their activities.

6.  Pamphlets, handbills, leaflets, signs, placards, posters, collection boxes or containers,
     any similar material, may not be left unattended.

7.  Any person, group of persons, or organization conducting activities shall apply for
    approval by completing this form and filing same in advance with the Office of Risk
    Management and Safety (fax 410-424-3068).  Blank forms can be obtained by calling
    410-768-7069 or 410-768-7449.