Went downtown in my small hometown to play music. I take a metal milk can with me that's labeled "Thank You".

On a public sidewalk, actually in front of a closed, little-used public building, I get told by a Code Enforcement lackey that I "can't be doing that".

Playing music? In a public place? "No. You can't. You're here collecting money".

No; I'm here playing my guitar. Not blocking any sidewalk access, not asking for money, just singing songs. I didn't even mention that if people wanted to tip, they could.

So, as a tax-paying resident of this town, I can't play music on a public sidewalk?

"You're a tax payer, then go play in front of your house."

1st and 14th Constitutional Amendments guarantee the right to free speech and free expression, and busking is clearly legally distinct from begging or panhandling.

What say you? I already called the Police Lieutenant who is the overseer of the Code Enforcement guys. I'm waiting for him to return my call so I can hear chapter and verse from the Borough Code. In the meantime, I've read the municipal code and the only references to music are unlawfully loud after a certain time and permits for concerts.

Only references else are to panhandling and alms.

Do I wait until I hear back from the Lieutenant, do I go busk again and brace for a confrontation, or do I talk to bossman, then make sure I have a letter or some such?