My Desultory Blog

While I am -not- an Obama supporter and agree with the right to free speech, I would have to guess the size of his sign was probably a safety risk (not to mention the 18″ or so of 2×4 extending beyond each end of the sign) folks carrying such huge displays need to temper themselves a bit.

Another point in the other direction for this person – I find it “interesting” as best that states allowing concealed carry also allow all privately owned areas to prohibit carrying on their property. This makes sense for homes and many truly private places however I am not so sure this should apply to private property that has been made generally “public” such as fair grounds and other places where anyone can come walking in without a specific invitation. It seems the purpose of the “don’t carry here” is usually countermanded in most, if not all, of these places.

Often times I think “we” citizens abuse the 1st amendment and forget that there are consequences when getting in someone’s face. Personally I thought the guy was asking for a confrontation after hearing his tone on the video … perhaps he wanted the attention?

In my experience, I’m generally going to give benefit of the doubt to law enforcement when it comes to dealing with belligerent people or overly provocative signage. They have a difficult enough job without people protesting while carrying a firearm, even if they are within their rights to carry it.

Agreed on giving law enforcement room for any doubt. Every time they put on the uniform their lives are at risk and while that does not give them the ‘right’ to be king and commander it does mean that persons should be giving them more respect. When teaching my kids how to drive I include a lesson on “getting pulled over” – it’s going to happen sooner or later. The focus of the lesson is what to do to -not- make the officer any edgier or angry than he might already be – “Put down the drivers window, put the car i park/engage parking brake, put hands on steering wheel and don’t do another thing until the officer tells you to.” Many people don’t realize that a “simple traffic stop” is a top killer of cops, don’t give them a reason to be jumpy by digging around in the glove box for your registration or insurance card while they’re walking up to the car.

Regarding limits on free speech (my words, not yours) I believe the issue is one of civil politeness – just because you are free to say what you wish does not mean you have the right to force innocent bystanders to listen. Overly loud persons, signs and displays intended to get in peoples way so they have to notice you, and vulgar language all fall into that category. I suspect we agree 99+% on this guy – he was out of line and only drew most of his “support” because of the high level of frustration with the federal government.
Stopping now before I need an hour to proof-read and correct this rambling mess

law enforcement could have talked to the person in a better way without the robocop attitude that most cops have. they could have stood him up and treated him with some respect in stead they wrestled him down to the ground and then sat on him and refuse to give the man any fluids.the cops did not have to humiliate the man in front of all those people. people don’t think about other peoples feelings or either they just do not care.even though what he did was against obama his freedom of speech was taken away and wasn’t right.