Is Wisconsin part of the USA?

[barman]

I think the answer is Yes, in which case someone in the region might wish to advise this Kenosha alderman as to how the First Amendment works

(hat tip to Radley Balko at The Agitator http://theagitator.com)


http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-090811-kenosha-police,0,4882986.story
Kenosha alderman wants to fine citizens for swearing at police



WITI-TV, KENOSHA - In Kenosha it could soon cost you $118 for swearing at police. An alderman wants to give police officers and firefighters the authority to write a ticket to people who swear at them.

The alderman behind this ordinance says it's about putting officers first, but some wonder what about the first amendment?

Kenosha Alderman Patrick Juliana says he got the idea for the proposed ordinance after seeing firsthand a night in the life of Kenosha police.

The City of Kenosha already has an ordinance banning the use of profane, vile, filthy, or obscene language within the city limits. This law can only be enforced if a third party makes a complaint.

His ordinance would allow police officers and firefighters to issue the citation themselves, if the language is directed at them. Some residents worry this proposal goes too far. Several told FOX 6 it sounds like the city is more concerned about its pocketbook than protecting police.

The proposal says the officer would first have to issue a warning to stop the language, but if you don't zip it you could get a ticket.

 

[barman]

The Comments section below the linked news coverage in Post #1 is an interesting thumbnail of the American public. With close to 100 Comments, there are about 10% who express their belief that criminalizing speech can be acceptable


This is why I personally have spent the past ten years persistently educating on First and Fourth Amendment rights.

A 10% level of ignorance won't carry an election, but it can still cause real trouble in the short term if not quickly reined in.

 

[artiesliver]

A 10% level of ignorance won't carry an election, but it can still cause real trouble in the short term if not quickly reined in.

Could not agree more mi amigo.

 

[Mistermj]

I think the answer is Yes, in which case someone in the region might wish to advise this Kenosha alderman as to how the First Amendment works

(hat tip to Radley Balko at The Agitator http://theagitator.com)


http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-090811-kenosha-police,0,4882986.story
Kenosha alderman wants to fine citizens for swearing at police



WITI-TV, KENOSHA - In Kenosha it could soon cost you $118 for swearing at police. An alderman wants to give police officers and firefighters the authority to write a ticket to people who swear at them.

The alderman behind this ordinance says it's about putting officers first, but some wonder what about the first amendment?

Kenosha Alderman Patrick Juliana says he got the idea for the proposed ordinance after seeing firsthand a night in the life of Kenosha police.

The City of Kenosha already has an ordinance banning the use of profane, vile, filthy, or obscene language within the city limits. This law can only be enforced if a third party makes a complaint.

His ordinance would allow police officers and firefighters to issue the citation themselves, if the language is directed at them. Some residents worry this proposal goes too far. Several told FOX 6 it sounds like the city is more concerned about its pocketbook than protecting police.

The proposal says the officer would first have to issue a warning to stop the language, but if you don't zip it you could get a ticket.

Ok...I'll take the bait.

No I won't.

I'm still stewing over the unsolved murder of my niece in Kenosha...

I'm not a very big fan of the Kenosha police dept.

I'll have to recuse myself from this subject. I've told them to F-off myself.

 

[barman]

Honestly wasn't a "bait" topic per se (smile)

The intent was to lob up one of the stories I see a few times a month where elected officials demonstrate their utter ignorance of general civil rights. Next week it will be in Florida...or Texas...or somewhere else.

 

[mplastered]

The Comments section below the linked news coverage in Post #1 is an interesting thumbnail of the American public. With close to 100 Comments, there are about 10% who express their belief that criminalizing speech can be acceptable


This is why I personally have spent the past ten years persistently educating on First and Fourth Amendment rights.

A 10% level of ignorance won't carry an election, but it can still cause real trouble in the short term if not quickly reined in.

Seldom do I agree with you, but I do here. However, telling a cop to F off is a good way to make you life miserable.

 

[barman]

There are certainly more sensible ways to state your mind with a cop that's out of line - no doubt.

With each passing day it becomes easier and more accessible for people to record their encounters with police and I'd recommend it as a staple response.


===
As for the cited coverage from Wisconsin, it's of far more concern that citizens not be unduly concerned with being able to say less directly personal statements, such as:

This is fucked up

This is fucking bullshit

You are way the fuck out of line

Fuck this

Fuck seatbelt laws

etc

Especially when the encounter is within earshot of other people and the cop - for whatever reason - suddenly decides to be the Protector of Other People's Ears.

Citizen: (regarding the ticket) This is fucked up

Cop: You need to watch your comments. There's some kids over there.

Cit: Fuck those kids. This is none of their fucking business.

 

[roadreeler57]

Well I dont know about the $118 in Kemosha but in Toledo if you swear at a Cop or a Fireman it gets you a free ride to the slammer but I'll have to agree with BM on this one.

 

[barman]

Apparently no one in Toledo has not had the gumption to challenge such an arrest as it's clearly unconstitutional. (presuming such arrests actually take place).

Perhaps the ACLU of Ohio needs to step in

 

[ProPokerPlayer]

This is a joke right? Congress is about to pass law that will let this officer have him arrested on federal felony charges (3 convictions will get a life sentance) simply because the man hurt his feelings or may have shown hate for cops....
And you talk about a constitution?????? yea its a joke thread.

 

[ProPokerPlayer]

You want constitution??????? What the fuck is this????????

Clermont police interview suspect in Obama 'Joker' posters

Suspect???????????? Are you fucking kidding me??????????? A"suspect" for putting up posters??? Suspected of what???????????? Breaking what law???? What fucking constitution???????????????

 

[barman]

Congress is about to pass law that will let this officer have him arrested on federal felony charges (3 convictions will get a life sentance) simply because the man hurt his feelings or may have shown hate for cops....

I see your Imaginary Night Terrors have come out of the ol' Anxiety Closet once again. Well, it is after midnight LA time

 

[OnWisconsin]

wisconsin sharp shredded cheddar.....

that's all i got to say about that....

 

[roadreeler57]

Apparently no one in Toledo has not had the gumption to challenge such an arrest as it's clearly unconstitutional. (presuming such arrests actually take place).

Perhaps the ACLU of Ohio needs to step in

After a certain amount of continuous abuse its called disorderly conduct & we dont need the American Criminal Liberties Union stirring up any more shit in Ohio thanks anyway.

 

[barman]

After a certain amount of continuous abuse its called disorderly conduct & we dont need the American Criminal Liberties Union stirring up any more shit in Ohio thanks anyway.

Okay, so people are not being taken to jail for cussing at cops, but rather are being taken when exhibiting persistent disorderly conduct.

Just enough of a difference for cowardly cops to legally smirk at the First Amendment....cool