I addressed the Sioux Falls city council last night about the importance of free speech. Surprisingly they had nothing to say after I read the following:
I would like to start out by reading the First amendment to you:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.â€
First Amendment
n : an amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression; includes freedom of assembly and freedom of the press and freedom of religion and freedom of speech [syn: First Amendment]
I watched in amazement on July 14 as a police o cer grabbed a dissenting citizen’s arm for simply stating his opinion. I thought I was watching a renactment of ‘Don’t Taze me bro’.
As citizens we have the right to dissent our government publicly, not only is it guaranteed by the 1st amendment, I will also remind you that you work for us and we elect you, we pay your wages and we are your boss, not the other way around. I will also remind you that you have the luxury as the mayor and the council to debate the issues for almost 2 hours during the council meetings, while we only get 5 minutes. Last I checked the First Amendment does not include a time limit. I believe if someone’s statements are made within a reasonable amount of time, they should not be cut o in mid-sentence. I believe that is ‘out of order’.
As a supporter of the National Coalition Against Censorship I became very disenheartened when I saw the video of the incident. Whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Weiderman’s statements is not the issue here, the issue is as long as a citizen is not threatening your life or bodily harm, they can state anything they want to from this podium, and they should not be threatened with arrest for their opinion.
Are some people’s statements going to make us uncomfortable? Of course, the truth isn’t always a pleasure to hear, but either way the 1st amendment guarantees citizens the right to dissent their government.
If you cannot take criticism or suggestions from your constituents, I suggest you resign your posts.
WHAT THE????? – OK, Mr. hippy-pants, since when does freedom of speech have to do with a citizen not allowed the act of speaking ill of a council member during a council meeting? And I don’t understand what your problem is with an officer grabbing a citizen as he speaks ill (verbal aggression just has to be against the law, or if not, it should be) of our beloved elected officials – you are sounding like you are the one in need of my aunt Bertha’s special tazerings, bro’ – Sincerely, EggBert
By the way, I just bet you are so far “hippified” that you were probably even out at the hippy-fast this past weekend in Sioux Falls – slopping around after the storm on Saturday in the wet muck puddles with your top off like a hippy at the Woodstockman’s fest in the late 1960’s – just be sure and stay away from me and my family as we are happy indoors at our nice Sioux Falls home playing Rummy cards like good Republicans do each Saturday afternoon. Start acting like a quiet, stoic and conservative South Dakotan like you are supposed to be. You are sooooooo laymo bro’ – Sincerly, EggBert