Court Rules Republicans Who Confiscate Cameras At Town Halls Are Violating 1st Amendment
According to a recent Federal Appeals court ruling, Republican members of Congress who confiscate citizens’ cell phones or cameras and do not allow filming at town halls are violating their constituents First Amendment rights.
One of the ways that unpopular House Republicans have been trying to dodge the wrath of their angry constituents during the August recess is to not allow filming at their town halls. Last week, Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio directed on duty police officers to confiscate the cameras of citizens who tried to film his responses at a recent town hall. Chabot justified this behavior as necessary for the protection of his constituents, but a Federal Court ruling on Friday makes it clear that the Republicans who engaging in this behavior are violating the First Amendment rights of their constituents.
The case brought before the court involved a man in Boston who was arrested for filming the police with his cell phone while they were making a separate arrest of a young man in public. The man who did the filming with his cell phone filed suit alleging that his First and Fourth Amendment rights had been violated. The district court ruled in favor of the person who filmed the arrest, and the state appealed.
The court found that people have the First Amendment right to film government officials in public while they are carrying out their duties. In fact, this right is necessary in our democracy to counteract attempts by those who have power to suppress the rights of citizens. The act of not allowing the public to film the carrying out of congressional duties in public is an act of First Amendment suppression.
“Students at state universities in Wisconsin cannot vote using their current IDs (because the new law requires the cards to have signatures, which those do not). South Carolina prohibits the use of student IDs altogether. Texas also rejects student IDs, but allows voting by those who have a license to carry a concealed handgun. These schemes are clearly crafted to affect not just how we vote, but who votes.
Conservative proponents have argued for photo ID mandates by claiming that widespread voter impersonation exists in America, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. While defending its photo ID law before the Supreme Court, Indiana was unable to cite a single instance of actual voter impersonation at any point in its history. Likewise, in Kansas, there were far more reports of U.F.O. sightings than allegations of voter fraud in the past decade. These theories of systematic fraud are really unfounded fears being exploited to threaten the franchise.”
Wisconsin – South Carolina – Texas = Tea Party Republicans bullying their way to get what they want because they cannot achieve their goal by actually participating in a true democracy.
“I don’t know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We’ve had an earthquake; we’ve had a hurricane. He said, ‘Are you going to start listening to me here?’
Listen to the American people because the American people are roaring right now. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we’ve got to rein in the spending.”
Televangelist Pat Robertson came out and said that the crack in the Washington Monument was a sign from God.
I’ve heard alot of so-called religious foks try to put words and actions into God’s mouth but what I’ve never heard is the fact that maybe Mother Nature if p.o.’d with all these Science deniers who want to continue to pollute and rape our Earth for their own selfish profits?
Or maybe if it is God – maybe He is trying to show us that when He entrusted man to be good stewards of this Earth – that he meant it and we need to stop raping everything we see in sight purely for the monetary profits.
I remember growing up and conservation was emphasised. Everyone knew that one had to nourish the Earth while using the Earth’s resources for our needs.
But, hey, these Science deniers are also the buffoons that told us trickle down economics works – and anyone with one working brain cell knows that plants get their nourishment the roots (bottom) and not the leaves (top).
I suspect that is why these Science deniers want to abolish public education – espeically that Science stuff.
News accounts are telling us at least 33 people in 10 states were killed by Irene, and Michele Bachmann says this was God’s way of getting the attention of politicians. I hope I never meet her god.
If these Evangelical Conservative Christian Republicans’ God is as vengeful and hateful as they all claim He is – I am glad I am not going to be spending eternity with these folks.
The God I believe in, and is described in the Bible as a loving God, would not take such delight in destroying people just to make a point to some inept, stupid, arrogant and ignorant Congress Critters.
I am reposting this on today’s thread – somehow I posted it on the 6/5/11 thread – I think I need a cup of coffee this morning – and I don’t even drink coffee……LMAO
School vouchers – what are your thoughts?
I find it interesting that some of those private Catholic schools were on the brink of closing before the school vouchers funding was signed by Gov Mitch Daniels.
My thoughts are basically two-fold –
1) I want each child to have the best education possible.
2) I wish each and every school (public and private) to be the best school possible.
What I do not like about this school voucher program is this – it pits the private schools against the public schools and the only factor in this game is about the money. What about the goal of the best education for the kids?
Just a thought – do you suspect these private religious schools are also those people on the ‘right’ side of the aisle that want religion and politics to mix – especially when it comes to getting their hands on all those tax dollars?
I think school vouchers are the GOP’s way of ensuring more tea partiers — they have to keep people as illiterate as possible. I’ve read the so-called achievements of home-schooled children and don’t doubt some receive a superior education and preparation for a productive adult life. I don’t think a majority do!
Education is the answer no matter what the question is! When a political party can interfere with all people having access to education they have managed to educate only those they deem worthy and provide the education of their choosing to those.
Read the article I posted earlier about the Texas history curriculum. They managed to slant what is taught to their liking even in the public schools.
I agree – and that is what is really frightening in America. We’ve all talked about the Conservative Bible Project that is rewriting the Bible to suit the Conservative Christian Republicans’ agenda.
God, please protect us from your hypocrit followers..
Agenda like ‘conservative’ & ‘Conservative Bible Project’ have nothing to do with God. That stuff is all about the ‘Church.’ The Church is mostly another human effort to have their way, not God’s way. God want his followers to “sell everything they pocess and give all the money to the poor.” That’s not the way of the church. The church wants its share, too,
But we’ve all talked about the Conservative Bible Project. This is the son of Phyllis Schafly ( the well-known Republican activist) who has taken it upon himself to rewrite the Bible to justify the Conservative Christian Repubiicans’ agenda.
And yet no one of the Far Right dares to question this project?
sorry for double commenting…..I wanted to reveal the person who was doing the rewriting of the Bible – that alone is very telling – don’t you think?
Remember Phyllis Schafly? She has been on the political scene for way too long and talk about mixing poltiics and religion – and making alot of money along the way.
But, in today’s so-called Far Right Religious world – making money is the ONLY thing that is important.
The part I don’t understand about the making of the money is how republicans cooperate so willingly to help make more money for those who already have more than they’ll ever be able to spend. They’re all for giving them extra-special advantages over everyone else. I’ve heard their excuses about those are the job creators, but they aren’t and anyone paying attention knows they aren’t. It’s the small businesses who create the jobs and they don’t come anyplace close to having the kind of wealth the top 2% have.
Army Ranger’s widow booted from Rumsfeld’s book signing
Body guards forcefully removed the widow of an Army Ranger from Donald Rumsfeld’s book signing in Fort Lewis, Washington Friday after she confronted the former defense secretary about her husband’s death.
Another book by yet another Far Right Conservative Republican .
I wonder if this submissive wife had to get permission from her husband before she could write this book – or co-write it – IIRC.
I do find it interesting though that she get her political start in her mid-40’s when she won the State Senate after losing a school board race.
IIRC the Evagnelical Movement’s strategy – getting on the local school board was often the jumping-off point for alot of these Evangelicals that love to mix their politics with their version of Christianity.
Well, lookee here, another story about Indiana schools.
This time it is about the State taking over four schools due to their not passing certain criteria.
And lookee who is going to be taking over these schools – private managers. I wonder which corporation (and their political connections) will be getting paid quite handsomely to run these schools?
But – why not just give these kids those school vouchers like the first story I posted. Wouldn’t this have solved the problem without the State having to pay extra money for those private managers of these schools.
Rupert and James Murdoch will be questioned under oath at the upcoming inquiry into the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks may also be called. The inquiry will investigate “the culture, practices, and ethics of the press in the context of the latter’s relationship with the public, police, and politicians.” The proceedings, which will begin in October, will be held at the Royal Courts of Justice, and may be broadcast live to ensure transparency.
PrairiePopulistsAndProgressives.net 
Score one for the U. S. Constitution!
http://www.politicususa.com/en/1st-amendment-town-halls
We REALLY need a LIKE button.
What Did You Learn in School Today? (The Texas Version)
The board included Estee Lauder in the state curriculum, but not George Washington.
Why do you question this? Didn’t Estee Laude rmake alot of money?
And as we all know, this is more important than George Washington who did nothing more than just help form our great country.
dripping in sarcasm////
A Poll Tax by Another Name
“Students at state universities in Wisconsin cannot vote using their current IDs (because the new law requires the cards to have signatures, which those do not). South Carolina prohibits the use of student IDs altogether. Texas also rejects student IDs, but allows voting by those who have a license to carry a concealed handgun. These schemes are clearly crafted to affect not just how we vote, but who votes.
Conservative proponents have argued for photo ID mandates by claiming that widespread voter impersonation exists in America, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. While defending its photo ID law before the Supreme Court, Indiana was unable to cite a single instance of actual voter impersonation at any point in its history. Likewise, in Kansas, there were far more reports of U.F.O. sightings than allegations of voter fraud in the past decade. These theories of systematic fraud are really unfounded fears being exploited to threaten the franchise.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/27/opinion/a-poll-tax-by-another-name.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
Wisconsin – South Carolina – Texas = Tea Party Republicans bullying their way to get what they want because they cannot achieve their goal by actually participating in a true democracy.
American town halls more contentious than ever, in part by design
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/american-town-halls-more-contentious-than-ever-in-part-by-design/2011/08/25/gIQAhKWHjJ_story_1.html
Michele Bachmann, in Florida yesterday.
“I don’t know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We’ve had an earthquake; we’ve had a hurricane. He said, ‘Are you going to start listening to me here?’
Listen to the American people because the American people are roaring right now. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we’ve got to rein in the spending.”
Televangelist Pat Robertson came out and said that the crack in the Washington Monument was a sign from God.
I’ve heard alot of so-called religious foks try to put words and actions into God’s mouth but what I’ve never heard is the fact that maybe Mother Nature if p.o.’d with all these Science deniers who want to continue to pollute and rape our Earth for their own selfish profits?
Or maybe if it is God – maybe He is trying to show us that when He entrusted man to be good stewards of this Earth – that he meant it and we need to stop raping everything we see in sight purely for the monetary profits.
I remember growing up and conservation was emphasised. Everyone knew that one had to nourish the Earth while using the Earth’s resources for our needs.
But, hey, these Science deniers are also the buffoons that told us trickle down economics works – and anyone with one working brain cell knows that plants get their nourishment the roots (bottom) and not the leaves (top).
I suspect that is why these Science deniers want to abolish public education – espeically that Science stuff.
I grew up with the television ad with the Indian crying near a road where litter was strewn everywhere.
Does anyone else remember that?
In today’s America – littering is the least of our problems. Today’s litterers are the rapists who take-take-take and never give-give-give.
At some point the well will go dry………
I hadn’t thought of that powerful message for a long time, but now that you’ve reminded me it’s a clear image in my memory!
The majority of American people are also saying that ‘tax the wealthy’ is the way to go.
Take that thought back with you to Washington DC Michele and put it to good use.
News accounts are telling us at least 33 people in 10 states were killed by Irene, and Michele Bachmann says this was God’s way of getting the attention of politicians. I hope I never meet her god.
If these Evangelical Conservative Christian Republicans’ God is as vengeful and hateful as they all claim He is – I am glad I am not going to be spending eternity with these folks.
The God I believe in, and is described in the Bible as a loving God, would not take such delight in destroying people just to make a point to some inept, stupid, arrogant and ignorant Congress Critters.
I am reposting this on today’s thread – somehow I posted it on the 6/5/11 thread – I think I need a cup of coffee this morning – and I don’t even drink coffee……LMAO
School vouchers – what are your thoughts?
I find it interesting that some of those private Catholic schools were on the brink of closing before the school vouchers funding was signed by Gov Mitch Daniels.
My thoughts are basically two-fold –
1) I want each child to have the best education possible.
2) I wish each and every school (public and private) to be the best school possible.
What I do not like about this school voucher program is this – it pits the private schools against the public schools and the only factor in this game is about the money. What about the goal of the best education for the kids?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/28/indiana-vouchers-prompt-t_n_939946.html
Just a thought – do you suspect these private religious schools are also those people on the ‘right’ side of the aisle that want religion and politics to mix – especially when it comes to getting their hands on all those tax dollars?
I think school vouchers are the GOP’s way of ensuring more tea partiers — they have to keep people as illiterate as possible. I’ve read the so-called achievements of home-schooled children and don’t doubt some receive a superior education and preparation for a productive adult life. I don’t think a majority do!
Education is the answer no matter what the question is! When a political party can interfere with all people having access to education they have managed to educate only those they deem worthy and provide the education of their choosing to those.
Read the article I posted earlier about the Texas history curriculum. They managed to slant what is taught to their liking even in the public schools.
I agree – and that is what is really frightening in America. We’ve all talked about the Conservative Bible Project that is rewriting the Bible to suit the Conservative Christian Republicans’ agenda.
God, please protect us from your hypocrit followers..
Agenda like ‘conservative’ & ‘Conservative Bible Project’ have nothing to do with God. That stuff is all about the ‘Church.’ The Church is mostly another human effort to have their way, not God’s way. God want his followers to “sell everything they pocess and give all the money to the poor.” That’s not the way of the church. The church wants its share, too,
I know – it is frightening – huh?
But we’ve all talked about the Conservative Bible Project. This is the son of Phyllis Schafly ( the well-known Republican activist) who has taken it upon himself to rewrite the Bible to justify the Conservative Christian Repubiicans’ agenda.
And yet no one of the Far Right dares to question this project?
sorry for double commenting…..I wanted to reveal the person who was doing the rewriting of the Bible – that alone is very telling – don’t you think?
Remember Phyllis Schafly? She has been on the political scene for way too long and talk about mixing poltiics and religion – and making alot of money along the way.
But, in today’s so-called Far Right Religious world – making money is the ONLY thing that is important.
The part I don’t understand about the making of the money is how republicans cooperate so willingly to help make more money for those who already have more than they’ll ever be able to spend. They’re all for giving them extra-special advantages over everyone else. I’ve heard their excuses about those are the job creators, but they aren’t and anyone paying attention knows they aren’t. It’s the small businesses who create the jobs and they don’t come anyplace close to having the kind of wealth the top 2% have.
Army Ranger’s widow booted from Rumsfeld’s book signing
Body guards forcefully removed the widow of an Army Ranger from Donald Rumsfeld’s book signing in Fort Lewis, Washington Friday after she confronted the former defense secretary about her husband’s death.
http://www.rawstory.com/rawreplay/2011/08/army-rangers-widow-booted-from-rumsfelds-book-signing/#.TlvuxEXmPso.facebook
Good for her. I hear Dick Cheney is scheduled for yet another book tour – get the buses ready and let’s go see what Dickie has to say.
Another book by yet another Far Right Conservative Republican .
I wonder if this submissive wife had to get permission from her husband before she could write this book – or co-write it – IIRC.
I do find it interesting though that she get her political start in her mid-40’s when she won the State Senate after losing a school board race.
IIRC the Evagnelical Movement’s strategy – getting on the local school board was often the jumping-off point for alot of these Evangelicals that love to mix their politics with their version of Christianity.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/29/michele-bachmann-memoir_n_940977.html
Well, lookee here, another story about Indiana schools.
This time it is about the State taking over four schools due to their not passing certain criteria.
And lookee who is going to be taking over these schools – private managers. I wonder which corporation (and their political connections) will be getting paid quite handsomely to run these schools?
But – why not just give these kids those school vouchers like the first story I posted. Wouldn’t this have solved the problem without the State having to pay extra money for those private managers of these schools.
Just wondering out loud…..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/29/indiana-schools-takeover_n_940454.html
Murdochs to Be Questioned Under Oath
Rupert and James Murdoch will be questioned under oath at the upcoming inquiry into the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks may also be called. The inquiry will investigate “the culture, practices, and ethics of the press in the context of the latter’s relationship with the public, police, and politicians.” The proceedings, which will begin in October, will be held at the Royal Courts of Justice, and may be broadcast live to ensure transparency.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8730063/Phone-hacking-judge-to-question-Rupert-and-James-Murdoch-under-oath.html
Some more trouble for the Murdochs….
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/27/new-york-scraps-21-millio_n_938929.html