Comments on: Woman Sues Over Anti-Bush Car Sticker

Ga. Nurse Sues After Being Ticketed For Obscene Anti-Bush Bumper Sticker

[optimas2]

Chaos,

I agree that some form of vigilence is necessary, and although I object to some of the steps taken by the Administration, I think that others are fairly rational, especially during what amounts to wartime--even if this concept of wartime is different than in the past.

Cicero reminds us that "inter arma enim silent leges." Throughout our nation's history, wartime has resulted in suspended or lessened civil liberties, be it the Revolutionary war, the Civil War, World War II, or Vietnam. In each situation, however, liberties were always fully restored once the threat was removed.

I think you are right, though, that this siutation requires special vigilence because of the unique nature of the war in which we find ourselves. It may very well be an extended conflict and it may very well be never-ending. If this is the case, we must be watchful that our society doesn't become Oceania: using a never-ending war against shifting opponents as justification for all actions taken by the government.

Thankfully, I think we're a long way from this scenario, and, for the time being, I'm willing to accept the unspoken promise--that has been given since time immemorial--that wartime requires special compromises and once the threat is lifted, normalcy will resume.

[chaoszen]

Optimus2,

I agree that we are for the moment about as free as we have been in the past. Our system of government when the checks and balances work properly is about as good as it gets. But I submit that we must remain vigilant in order to secure our freedom. The current administration is attempting to "load" the executive branch with supreme power. Using fear as the vehicle. This is reprehensible. And my hope is that those responsible for shredding the constitution and lying to those that they serve will ultimately be held accountable and brought to justice.

[optimas2]

Chaos,

Be that as it may, the Alien and Sedition Act passed Congress and was used to prosecute people and people were, in fact, convicted. This notion that the Founding Fathers were free-wheeling libertarians that advocated a totally free society is certainly viewing history through rose-colored glasses.

Lincoln suspended habeas corpus and imprisoned countless folks without trial--including members of the Maryland state legislature--for advocating pro-secessionist views.

Fact is that, despite the First Amendment, our country has a long history of punishing people for political speech. Whether you like it or not, right now is about as free as we've ever been, and by and large, that's a good thing.

[omergarland]

I personally have to agree with the person who said that you cannot proclaim America as the land of the free, until you can defend the rights of the man who stands on his soapbox screaming, at the top of his lungs, that which you would spend a lifetime on your soapbox ranting against. When you can do that, then you can call America the land of the free.

[agnim]

If this puny woman is really suffering 'emotional distress' over this non-issue, then the judge should demand that she seek professional help at her own expense, report back to him when she's cured, and pay for wasting courtroom time with yet another frivolous law suit.

Adults are selfish, myopic and irresponsible when they do not take into consideration the bad lessons they are providing the children in the society when they take their ******** public.

She already got off the hook by having her borderline profanity thrown out of court; but this witch is not satisfied if she is not allowed to ram her *** down the minds of the young.

There are other ways to display displeasure against bad leaders besides giving the children bad social/civic lessons.

And oh, she should be investigated to see if she uses profanity with children she may has at home and be charged if found guilty of stressing the emotional well being of a minor.

[chaoszen]

Hmmm. This womans first amendment rights were violated. And the discussion digresses into vitriol about if she should or should not have filed a lawsuit? Of course she should. That's one good way to stop that sort of thing from happening in the future. As far as the Alien and Sedition Act goes it expired in 1801 and was never tested in the Supreme Court, but is generally agreed that it was unconstitutional. Funny thing is.. Jefferson, who opposed it was a Republican. Imagine that?

[optimas2]

Jetauma,

So the government showed up at a war protest rally? What's the problem with that?

Here's a shocker: when you make public speeches, people listen, including the government. If you wish your communications to be private, here's a crazy thought: don't broadcast them to the public! It's sort of like these people that put posts (like a Presidential death threat, say) on MySpace and then seem shocked when people actually read it.

But as an aside, this article really doesn't have anything to do with the bumper sticker on her car--the case was dismissed by court. It's over: she won, the government lost. Done. This is about the lawsuit that she's filed.

[wadyaknow]

It is pretty chilling when the police stop you and ticket you for your political beliefs. I'll be nonest - I'm already scared to put stickers on my vehicles for Democratic candidates knowing what that that would make me a target.

[terribayless-2009]

I am sorry, but I don't understand why when the state prohibits profane language everyone believes this is about politics. I am sure other people get these tickets, but because their's is not political they don't have anyone to sue. Someone is just looking for attention and I guess it is working!

[jetauma]

Grumpas, Amen.