My letter to the Editor today
Thomas -
I read with interest the article cited above. ( http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/05/05/2010-05-05_he_threw_his_weight_around__got_busted_portly_exhiram_aide_in_bword_spat_with_of.html)
Wayne Mahlke may not be a nice person (based on his reported comment to the police officer); however his words are constitutionally protected speech.
The police officer had NO right to ask him for his drivers license as he had committed no crime at that point in time.
Please note I am not condoning his behaviors either before or after that point. His possession of a forged police placard is truly a criminal issue.
However his being stopped because he said something offensive to a cop is unacceptable and a violation of his First Amendment rights.
When the police can arrest someone becasue they didn't like what was said we ALL lose an essential part of our freedom.
What's next, stopping me and asking for ID becuase the police don't like my stand on immigration reform or the economy?
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. B. Franklin
Examples:
In November of 2009 a Pittsburgh man won a $50,000 settlement after being arrested for giving police the middle finger. Source: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_654597.html
In November 2000 a woman was arrested for cursing at police. Shee too sued and won. Source: http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=16793
HLW