Posted on 11/02/2013 8:56:09 AM PDT by ThE_RiPpEr.
In recent months, a loosely coordinated band of activists have displayed anti-Obama signs from atop overpasses across the U.S. After one town cracked down on the practice, conservatives involved in the movement are crying foul.
Officials in Campbell, Wis. recently passed legislation that specifically targets signage displayed within 100 feet of a bridge, precisely the areas targeted by the so-called “Overpasses for Impeachment” campaign.
Town Chairman Scott Johnson claims the decision stemmed from “them distracting people,” which he said “constituted a safety risk.”
Despite insistence that the new laws are designed to combat distracted driving, Tea Party-aligned activists naturally feel that they are being targeted. With permanent signs displayed on countless overpasses and individuals holding roadside banners for any number of causes, there seems to be little evidence these protesters are any more distracting than other highway diversions.
One individual’s attempt to simply display a flag from the town’s pedestrian bridge earned a $132 citation. Additionally, when protesters tried to work within the constraints of the law by wearing shirts that spell out “IMPEACH” instead of holding signs, police came in to disperse the activists.
Local resident Tony Curtis said that the town is “hiding behind safety as an excuse,” explaining that protesters were told they could engage in free speech provided they found another location. The bridge, however, provides the greatest platform through which they can engage the public.
Campbell lawmakers, many in the group feel, are attempting to stifle the right to express a conservative opinion. The use of city ordinances to outlaw these effective protests could ultimately catch on, leading to similar outcomes in other communities.
In response to what they say is discriminatory behavior, Tea Party activists in the vicinity are considering taking legal action against Campbell.
Governments have long used the power of lawmaking to keep dissension in check. The First Amendment to our Constitution, however, provides each citizen the right to publicly express his or her opinion.
Hopefully, this case will ultimately set a precedent, making it harder for municipalities to stifle free speech based on political ideology.
Suggest you seek out an objective media type.
Here is a clever you tube video that can pretty much sum up the situation:
“Hitler Rants about Overpasses for Obama’s Impeachment in Wisconsin’s Town of Campbell”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhRLH9k8w7Q&feature=youtu.be
Ensure retractions are applied equally.
Use Billboards instead, as courts have settled that issue.
I’m not a fan of overpass banners, for ANY protest.
I suspect it was INVADED...by hordes from the more urban areas?
No practice of free speech in that town of Wisconsin?
They need to take this to the Supreme Court. The town would lose!
Yep, including primarily those associated with the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, which has become a little haven for greasy-gray ponytail types.
Campbell thinks it can piss all over the First Amendment?
“Town of Campbell is basically an island in the Missisisippi near LaCrosse, which is one of the blue blotches on rural Wisconsin. Republican State Rep. Dan Kapanke was removed from office by a successful recall in this district for supporting Gov. Walkers reforms.”
__________________________________________
The Town of Campbell police even blocked off a street during Wisconsin’s recall to allowing the useful idiots to protest outside Republican Senator Kapanke’s home.
Nope, no political bias in the Town of Campbell they claim, nothing to see here - move along......
Equally important, if you win, you can force the the town to pay your costs and attorneys’ few, as Chicago was forced to when it lost the McDonald firearms case. GO FOR IT!!
Here are links to the overpass movement:
https://www.facebook.com/OverpassesForObamasImpeachment
http://overpassesforamerica.com/
Campbell, WI constrains conservative free speech
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
Sounds like the universities who illegally establish “free speech zones” that are on the opposite side of the campus from controversial leftist speakers.
BUMP for later.
There are some FANTASTIC ideas to try here, that’s for sure.
God Bless Freepers, Everywhere! :)
Can’t we impeach the WHITE half of him?
Common theme: they're all real big on banning things - telling you what you can and cannot do. They're all real big on government intervention in every part of your lives.
Basically take freedom and liberty and go the opposite direction. That's what "liberals" are all about. Meanwhile they lie their backsides off, claiming to be more "liberal" than anyone else. Look at their actions and the consequences of them, and try to tell me they are "liberal"...
I’m certain this is how Hitler got his start.
Call the ACLU. This is a clear violation of the 1A.
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