Topic: Free Speech

Unconstitutional Acts to Protect the President from Protestors

January 15, 2008 |

In the waning days of this administration’s tenure, President Bush’s lack of interest in opinions contrary to his own is as striking as ever.  Most recently in New Mexico, a group of peaceful demonstrators was removed from the president’s sight, continuing the administration’s long-held tradition that dissenters should be neither seen nor heard.  Sound undemocratic? Indeed.

Last August, President Bush attended an exclusive, high-priced fundraiser for New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici.  Local activists opposed to the president’s policies were, of course, not invited.  To let the president know that not everyone agreed with him, they planned to stand along his motorcade route holding up signs expressing their views, especially their opposition to the war in Iraq.

The peaceful demonstrators’ attempt at free speech was quickly squashed when police officers forced them to stay at least 150 yards away from the motorcade route, walling them off by placing numerous police cars and officers on horseback between the protesters and the president.  Meanwhile, a group of Bush supporters was allowed to stand right along the motorcade route, where their “God Bless George Bush!  We pray for you!” sign was in plain view of both Bush and the journalists accompanying him. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues | No Comments

Judge says section of Patriot Act “offends” Constitutional principles

By Christine Anne Piesyk | September 6, 2007 |

“Democracy abhors undue secrecy … an unlimited government warrant to conceal… has no place in our open society… - US District Judge Victor Marrero

At least one part of the revised USA Patriot Act of 2001 has fallen under a federal judge’s gavel in a ruling that requires a court approval before investigators can order internet providers to turn over customer records. The ruling is another blow to already beleaguered Bush administration and its anti-terrorist policies.

The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (revised in 2005) is a perpetually controversial package of anti-terrorist legislation that has been sharply criticized for its apparent violations of basic constitutional rights and civil liberties.

In a 120-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero supported the American Civil Liberties Union contention that the government’s ability to demand records and use administrative subpoenas known as security letters without warrants or judicial review was a violation of free speech and individual rights. The letters under protest include a gag order that also prohibited businesses from disclosing that such demands were even made. Marrero said the law “substantially deters any judicial challenge.” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics | No Comments

Um, Can I have my Freedom of Speech Back?

By Christopher Lee | May 24, 2007 |

Well lately it seems that what I post on the internet is not taken seriously or worst as the inane ramblings of a 20 year old male who has no college degree who therefore by logic knows nothing of the world around him regardless of how open his eyes are.

Truly astonishing.

Since when does a piece of paper say I know more than someone else? Congratulations. You have a piece of paper that says you paid money to learn something that could be learned for free. You may even be able to recall that information at any given time granted you went to class, paid attention, and passed with something more than a “C’ average. I applaud your efforts and yet I understand that it is all needed to find the cheese.

You know what else is truly astonishing?

Freedom of Speech is fast becoming a joke amongst people, primarily those in authoritative positions, i.e. managers, politicians, religious leaders, etc.

We have been so caught up in the P.C. phenomenon that has swept through our television and other means of communication that we are now unable to express ourselves as we see fit in fear that we may offend someone or it may be deemed “socially unacceptable” or worse, “unprofessional.”

I say psssh to P.C. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | 1 Comment »

A Media Bill of Rights

By Bill Larson | February 20, 2007 |

An overview on the “Bill of Media Rights” as promoted and advanced by a large coalition of organizations and activists working towards a more democratic media system.

The program includes a point-by-point description of the principles inherent in it and required for a media system that is truly reflective of and responsive to the needs and interests of the public.

«Read the rest of this article»

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What the Judge actually said regarding the NSA spying program. Why doesn’t the press care?

By Bill Larson | August 19, 2006 |

I posted the other day on the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in response to the lawsuit brought by the� American Civil Liberties Union� challenging the President’s so called “Terrorist Surveillance Program” (TSP).� It was a story posted with little review of the judges decision. Her ruling actually raises serious issues that extend beyond that one program.� �

The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny. - THE FEDERALIST NO. 47, at 301 (James Madison)

Here’s the meat of the issue. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Opinion, Politics | No Comments

NSA’s Warrantless Domestic Surveillance UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

By Bill Larson | August 17, 2006 |

Judge orders program to be halted!

It’s just coming out, MSNBC and the AP are reporting that U.S. District Court Judge Anna Diggs Taylor has ruled that the President’s warrantless domestic spying program is unconstitutional, and that she has ordered an immediate halt to it.

This is a serious rebuke to the Bush Administrations, and their attempt to use the State secret privilege to block an independent judicial review of the legality of this program. This is something that other judges need to take note of as well. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, News, Politics | No Comments

Senate Approves Whistleblower Rights Breakthrough

By Bill Larson | June 23, 2006 |

I am posting this here, due to the large number of civil service employees in our community. I feel that it directly affect them, and their constitutional rights. Whistleblowing should be encouraged and protected, Whistleblowers should have nothing to fear. Sadly this is not the case, and has been made worse by the recent Supreme Court decision.

Legislation Added to Defense Bill Would Restore Free Speech Rights Canceled by Supreme Court for Federal Government Workers on the Job.

WASHINGTON - June 23 - (Press release) - The Senate yesterday acted quickly to plug a government accountability loophole created less than one month ago, when the Supreme Court’s Garcetti v. Ceballos decision canceled constitutional free speech rights for government workers carrying out their job duties. Senate bill S. 494, which includes that reform amidst a general overhaul of the Whistleblower Protection Act, was agreed to by unanimous consent as an amendment to the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, passed 96-0 last evening. For the last three Congresses, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) approved similar legislation, but until yesterday Senate leaders had refused to permit a floor vote. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics | No Comments