Video: “This used to be America!” “It ain’t no more, okay?”
posted at 6:52 pm on August 28, 2009 by Allahpundit
Lots of outrageously outraged e-mails flowing in about this, although it’s interesting to me mainly as a First Amendment curio. The footage comes from Jim Moran’s health-care town hall on Tuesday night. The question: Can a congressman bar signs, or certain types of signs, from an event at which he’s speaking? The answer (and the ambiguity) turns, I assume, on whether the event is “public” or “private.” It’s a public school and Moran is very much a public official, but recall that Claire McCaskill evidently got away with imposing a “no signs” policy at her own town hall where the incident with the Rosa Parks poster happened. That makes me think either there’s some sort of public/private wrinkle to these meetings that we’re missing or that banning signs is valid as a “time, place, or manner” restriction on certain forms of speech. But if that’s so, why does the guard here seem to distinguish between signs with images on them and signs that are text-only? Help me, constitutional scholars and law-school grads, you’re my only hope!
The sign itself is actually stupid. And the cutesy little caption about FEMA camps doesn’t inspire confidence either.
Blowback
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Liberals get away with tons. That doesn’t make it legal or constitutional. Someone has to challenge it, in court, and win. Just because nobody challenged it, doesn’t make it constitutional.
Where does this police officer work? He should be fired.
American Elephant on August 28, 2009 at 7:30 PM
This video could be used as a very easy Con Law 1 exam question: Identify all constitutional violations by the state; discuss.
LASue on August 28, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Don’t beleive me? Took all of 2 seconds to come up with these.
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/Chicago.Police.police.2.336027.html
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Chicago.Police.Anthony.2.335957.html
Archimedes on August 28, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Officer Cheeks; You are cordially invited to have a Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull at the White with this white dude.
Your Pal. Barry
JohnBissell on August 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
It is becoming the norm everywhere. I attended a townhall last night, congress critter was a no show, one of the questions to the State Senator that showed up was what could they do about a local city council that told the people they didn’t want their input. They basically told the attendees to STFU and not to come to meetings anymore.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
House, White House
Your Pal Barry
JohnBissell on August 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
According to other posts on the internet, he’s a school security guard.
Wethal on August 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM
So,its a time warp reversal,and its the civil rights
all over again,but in reverse,
welcome to Obama’s 1960′s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on August 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Also, I’m curious as to the kinds of conversations this officer is having with family and friends, and what kind of information and overall context he’s bathing in so that when a protester cries out “This is America” the officer immediately replies with “not anymore”. You just don’t have that statement handy. It doesn’t just roll off your tongue, especially when you had just admitted that you swore to uphold the Constitution that defines the very nation you just denounced as even existing!
Weight of Glory on August 28, 2009 at 7:33 PM
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
What state are you in?
bazil9 on August 28, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Yes, that was my point. A private citizen attending a public event on public property.
Other than safety reasons or perhaps the concern about blocking audience views, et cetera, I can’t see the legal justification for banning this sign. It’d be interesting to see if other signs were allowed in the hall/auditorium.
Sidebar: Schools may also limit the free speech rights of adults who are on school property when it’s in session. It’s not just in loco parentis; it’s a disruption of the school environment by anyone.
SteveMG on August 28, 2009 at 7:33 PM
To Protect and Self Serve.
americaslaststand on August 28, 2009 at 7:34 PM
They were outside, not inside. And the officer only objected because of the Obama/Joker picture. When asked, he said the other signs without pictures were ok.
Wethal on August 28, 2009 at 7:35 PM
I think it is obvious that Officer Cheek was personally offended by the sign. Time for a brush up on whatever training officers receive to separate person feelings from actual laws. He must have appreciated the help of the little sock puppet next to him for reasons to to disallow the sign. It will be interesting to see the what happens after a viral video makes the rounds.
Cindy Munford on August 28, 2009 at 7:35 PM
No, I saw Jesse Jackson in Boston this A.M….you know, there was a camera nearby.
Al, well, I think he resides in NY for his little show that no one listens to.
But, we’ll play your little game, you rogue…
The question, is there a woman in the Limo that might weigh down the vehicle? Did Al bring his protestors on the plane, causing drag, or were they put on a greyhound bus?
HornetSting on August 28, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Not a big fan of black men who refuse to stay on your plantation, eh?
Ah, well. Maybe some more funding for abortion will weed out those “undesirables” you dislike so much.
TMK on August 28, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Probably a school cop. The district will just move him to a less obvious posting until this blows over.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:36 PM
JellyToast on August 28, 2009 at 7:37 PM
“Ain’t America no more,” I guess he listened to the Black Panther when he stated that “you are gonna be ruled by the black man, cracker.” What a bunch of sh!t!
This sorry a$$ cops statement should be on a RNC ad and he needs to be criminally charged.
farright on August 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM
A “First Amendment curio,” AP?
Damn, I hope you and others sniping at the message on the sign (and, by extension, dissing “birthers” and others who, whether you agree with them or not, actually believe in following the Constitution) are ready to take up residence in our upcoming totalitarian United States of Obama.
The fact that you tried to be cutesy and civil won’t matter to your new masters in the Obamastaffel…you’ll still be a dissident voice (albeit a weak one) and will merit no mercy.
MrScribbler on August 28, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Hear, hear … on both counts.
progressoverpeace on August 28, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Fled from Kalifornia in 2007 and now reside in Arizona.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Hmm, I thought he was trying to enter the auditorium and the office/guard told he he couldn’t with the sign?
Now that I re-check it, you’re right.
It’s even worse than I imagined.
This guard had zero authority to prevent him from having or showing the sign.
SteveMG on August 28, 2009 at 7:40 PM
I’ll supply the beer…
Battlecruiser-operational on August 28, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Maybe instead of patrolling the school, he should be attending one!
libertylady on August 28, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Frankly, I don’t think he is a cop. He is an ACORN worker given a cop’s uniform , to push back twice as hard at a white mob at this event.
macncheez on August 28, 2009 at 7:40 PM
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:39 PM
ha- fellow Kalifornian as well. Left in 86.
bazil9 on August 28, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Actualy, if Cheeky Boy is a School Guard it explains everything…
He’s had to listen to the Revisionist History taught in School for YEARS… he’s been throughly brainwashed into believing America is no more….
Add in that he is used to dealing with Kids, who essentialy have no RIGHTS in a school…
Romeo13 on August 28, 2009 at 7:42 PM
He probably graduated from that School District which is the true shame of it all.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:42 PM
“Ain’t America no more,” I guess he listened to the Black Panther when he stated that “you are gonna be ruled by the black man, cracker.” What a bunch of sh!t!
This sorry a$$ cops statement should be on a RNC ad and he needs to be criminally charged.
farright on August 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM
farright: Yes to an ad by the RNC,and YES to having said cop
charged!—:)
canopfor on August 28, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Looks like you were smarter than me. But what can I say sometimes I’m a slow learner.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:44 PM
“The sign itself is actually stupid. And the cutesy little caption about FEMA camps doesn’t inspire confidence either.”
Allahpundit has a bit of fascism in himself as well, doesn’t he.
I’m guessing most conservatives think the sign is perfectly on-point and not stupid at all.
Now about the cop…….it’s pretty clear he’s a racist. Doesn’t like his home-boy bein put down, does he?
notagool on August 28, 2009 at 7:45 PM
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:44 PM
I had a smart mother :)
I was 13.
bazil9 on August 28, 2009 at 7:45 PM
:)
What state do you reside in now.
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:46 PM
That’s it. You guys are out of control. I think it’s time to shut down the internet.
LibTired on August 28, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Saying he thought the sign was “stupid” makes him a bit of a fascist?
You’re either a liberal troll or…well..I’m not sure.
The cop a racist? He couldn’t just be a liberal Democrat?
Yeah, I think you’re a troll.
SteveMG on August 28, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Put it in an anti-Dem add NOW.
It is pure gold baby.
Sapwolf on August 28, 2009 at 7:48 PM
As I remember Tinker and Hazlewood, school officials were considered to have responsibility to preserve order in schools — to search lockers and prohibit some kinds of speech — beyond what other government representatives would have been allowed to do in other circumstances when dealing with individuals and other groups. (As a teacher, I don’t allow as much free speech in my classes as some of my students would like.) But those circumstances would not have applied to the building. They would cover school functions, classes and school-day activities, not political meetings in the school after hours.
brambo_42 on August 28, 2009 at 7:48 PM
It’s their meeting. So, my assumption is they can say !!!NO SIGNS!!! at their meeting!
We then have the option of NOT VOTING FOR THEM come the next election.
Ah, democracy. Gotta love it.
Oh, and their campaign should be greatly aided by the photos and videos of people outside with signs, parading around because they were banned from the meeting.
Why do politicians constantly forget that avoiding the heat is, in the end, just dumb, politically (quite aside from the 1st Amendment issue).
“Oh, yeah, he/she is the one who avoids the heat and stifles anybody who doesn’t agree with them.” Great campaign theme.
[Yes, sarcasm in large doses in all of the above]
IndieDogg on August 28, 2009 at 7:48 PM
+1
+1
You shall have no other Idols before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, Obama, am a jealous fool, visiting the racism of the Founding fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of Leftists who voted for me and keep my commandments.”
Geochelone on August 28, 2009 at 7:51 PM
I do NOT want this to happen, but this administration keeps talking about racists, and they’re just feeding the fire of those inclined to wear “garments” whose sizes are termed twin, full queen & king.
Jeff from WI on August 28, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Not really.
Geochelone on August 28, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Whatever the Constitution says is basically irrelevant. Those are the most chilling words I have ever heard given our current political situation.
rlwo2008 on August 28, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Unless someone can explain to me where it’s written that only signs with pictures are restricted on school grounds, this cop should get run. He broke the law, abused his authority(“I can charge you with whatever I want”), and violated the Constitution.
Yes this may be an isolated incident, but if we condone this sort of behavior by members of law enforcement, then America really is finished as Wesley Cheeks said. What happens next time a union thug attacks some random person at a townhall meeting if the cop who arrives on the scene is sympathetic to the thug’s cause?
Doughboy on August 28, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I won’t speak for most conservatives but I think the sign is counterproductive. I don’t want to deal in personalities but in actions by the federal government. Signs displaying displeasure at legislation that has been passed and those under consideration that are beyond the constitution boundaries and bankrupting the nation are more pertinent. IMHO.
Cindy Munford on August 28, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Lets just pray that thin skinned line of thinking doesn’t permeate all LE agencies.
fourdeucer on August 28, 2009 at 7:55 PM
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Florida.
bazil9 on August 28, 2009 at 7:55 PM
When fascism comes to America it will be not wrapped in a flag but saying, “Yes we can!”
- The Cat
MirCat on August 28, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Now there’s a ringing endorsement. “Not really.”
AP is “not really” a fascist because he said the sign was “stupid.”
Geez
SteveMG on August 28, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Its also slavery in reverse where the African Americans are the first to jump on Uncle Sam’s Plantation and won’t be happy until we all join them.
Bicyea on August 28, 2009 at 8:01 PM
RESPECT MY AUTHORITI!
Fletch54 on August 28, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Since I have my bar review outline handy, allow me to paraphrase:
When public property not normally open to speech (schools) are thrown open for that purpose (school rooms open for after school use by social, civic, or recreational groups) they ar designated or limited public forums.
Speech restrictions here must be content neutral, narrowly tailored to serve significant govt interest and leave open alternative channels.
Discuss…
Dead Hand Control on August 28, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I’m partial to the gollum drawing of him. More in keeping with the Narcissist in Chief meme.
Even though the sign may be counter productive do you support his right to carry it?
chemman on August 28, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Wait till the next elections ( if they happen)
to see club weilding Black Panthers “securing” the voting stations, against Da man
macncheez on August 28, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Dad was a cop for 38 years.
At times like this I am glad now that he wanted cremation. If he had been buried he would spinning like a top right now.
“It ain’t no more”?????????
Jim708 on August 28, 2009 at 8:10 PM
A no signs policy is content neutral, where this application did not appear to be, applying to this sign and not others.
Dead Hand Control on August 28, 2009 at 8:13 PM
There is a good chance I will see this security guard next week when classes start at South Lakes High School.
Does anyone have a cogent message I can pass along?
Without becoming Rodney King? And can’t we just get along?
NaCly dog on August 28, 2009 at 8:20 PM
“It ain’t no more.” That speaks volumes to me. It’s a sad day. My question is this, is America dead or just asleep?
MainelyRight on August 28, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Who ever he works for he knows that he f’ed up… Notice how fast he ran off after saying… “It ain’t no more, okay?”
-
RalphyBoy on August 28, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Okay, I’m confused… was there a pitcher on the sign? Was it a pitcher of beer? Is a pitcher a picture when it is a picture of a pitcher – the school ossifer confused me with his brilliance.
Another fine graduate(?) of the public school system. It’s sad that the identity voters don’t realize Barry and the democrats don’t care one bit about them. He wants them to remain ignorant peasants – a crying shame.
uber-con on August 28, 2009 at 8:21 PM
I’m reading all these comments, and I’ll be honest, I’m crying like a baby. I’m only happy that my parents are dead and can’t see what America has become.
MainelyRight on August 28, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Back of the bus, Honkey!
Hening on August 28, 2009 at 8:26 PM
So it’s official then? It’s now Obamastan, for real?
Maquis on August 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Absolutely. I am a huge anti-shut up person, that includes people who protest things that I don’t agree with. For the most part I have been really impressed with the signs the citizenry have come up with for the tea parties and town halls. They are direct, inventive and best of all funny.
Cindy Munford on August 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM
MainelyRight on August 28, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Don’t cry. You have to stand strong for the kids.
tessa on August 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Expand please.
Cindy Munford on August 28, 2009 at 8:31 PM
I’ll bet the ACLU is getting ready to jump all over this, too.
What’s that, only criminals and minorities get protection from overreaching police?
Dead Hand Control on August 28, 2009 at 8:32 PM
This aint America no mo?! So I suppose giant Joker puppets in Washington on the 12th are verboten too then.
13blackcats on August 28, 2009 at 8:38 PM
DRUDGE REPORT…..BILL WOULD GIVE OBAMA ‘EMERGENCY’ CONTROL OF INTERNET!
Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.
It appears, boy king is trying to do just that.
try again later on August 28, 2009 at 8:38 PM
MainelyRight on August 28, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Really? I would think that you’d be glad your parents are dead and can’t see you ACTING like a baby. If you are all broken up inside because of what a bunch of bucktoothed hillbillies are saying, you’ve got much bigger problems. For christ’s sake, grow up!
Good4Onan on August 28, 2009 at 8:38 PM
So Mr. Prez, was this officer acting stupidly or were his words not caliberated correctly?
macncheez on August 28, 2009 at 8:40 PM
As mentioned above, politicians can ban signs from being brought into a building or, if the event itself is outside, from bringing signs around the stage. However they cannot disallow signs on a the public sidewalk that’s far removed from the speaker. It was neither disrupting the speaker nor causing anyone in the building from seeing anything.
And it really doesn’t matter what the sign said, FEMA camps or no. If I heard a policeman say that, even to twoofer, I would remind them the First Amendment applies to everyone.
MobsterinVA on August 28, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Yeah. I didn’t buy his “My work made me do it” excuse either.
csdeven on August 28, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Get used to it, it will get worse from here.
Viper1 on August 28, 2009 at 8:46 PM
I concur.
progressoverpeace on August 28, 2009 at 8:50 PM
I think Officer Cheeks needs some mandatory diversity training.
Rational Thought on August 28, 2009 at 8:51 PM
I don’t either. It seems to be what this regime is pushing for though. Intentionally trying to destroy this country. The inmates are in charge of the asylum.
Sam_I_Am on August 28, 2009 at 8:53 PM
At this point I am pretty sure his “work” is hoping that it slips by unnoticed so they aren’t forced to address it. Too bad because I am really looking forward to the picture/non picture sign explanation.
Cindy Munford on August 28, 2009 at 8:54 PM
I don’t give a damn what was on that sign, this ignorant cop should be fired immediately, and perhaps even prosecuted.
Dave R. on August 28, 2009 at 8:55 PM
“…it’s interesting to me mainly as a First Amendment curio. ”
Aw, isn’t that cute. It’s only a ‘curio’.
Maybe you can put it on your shelf next to your Sarah Palin Voodoo doll.
ppaint on August 28, 2009 at 8:57 PM
The ACLU would be like white on rice (can I say that? I mean OK it’s white so any thing can be said.) if this were an anti- war, la raza, GLBT, black panther (can I say that?), or nay special victim class.
However,….
jukin on August 28, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Select? You fool. I work for the State, and it is filled with stupid fat lazy people who are aware of their entitlements and nothing else. And damn the union for betraying every man who every earned a living.
GTR640 on August 28, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Sorry I wasn’t more clear. Here let me spell it our for you:
ALLAH IS NOT A FASCIST, OK. That is what I meant.
I think you humor detector is broken.
Geochelone on August 28, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Always and I mean ALWAYS obey the big guy with the gun especially if it’s a cop.
I respect the guy for challenging him and saying ,”This used to be America,” and causing the cop to say, “Not any more.” But ,even thought the cop was wrong,the guy already had him on tape violating his rights. That was all he needed.
AnthonyK on August 28, 2009 at 9:07 PM
That cop needs to lose his job. Is there ANY doubt that if that cop had been white and the situation had been reversed that the entire leftist apparatus in this country wouldn’t be digging up his attendance record in fourth grade by now?
That cop betrayed his oath and the public trust when he let his convictions cloud his professionalism.
Khorum on August 28, 2009 at 9:10 PM
CAN’T SEE THE TREES FOR THE FOREST.
Wasn’t ANYONE else “here” at HotAir at the event than me?!
YES, the officer was a mor*n, but…
…you want to obsess about one poster, GO RIGHT AHEAD.
While you’re at it, determine how many angels fit on the head of a pin.
MY GOD.
The whole event was proof of Obama’s machine trying to “muscle in” over Americans.
How about keeping a little perspective on THAT?
Need another “shiny penny” to be distracted with?! Here:
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/08/flyers-depicting-teabaggers-as-kkk.html
Look, *I* got this on *my* car, too. Such is life.
THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES.
Lockstein13 on August 28, 2009 at 9:11 PM
This officer behaved stupidly and should be fired.
TN Mom on August 28, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Or put the sign back up in the air and let him arrest you. It’s not like he’s going to shoot you. Plus, that’s often the only way to get standing to file a claim. That’s not a solution for everyone, and I don’t begrudge this guy for not doing it, but there’s no reason to fear the police.
Dead Hand Control on August 28, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Another racist that just happens to be black
bluegrass on August 28, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Yep.
It’s not looking good.
justltl on August 28, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Ahh. A problem from this year’s new math workbook. I am pretty sure the answer is…
D. I don’t have to answer that because, if I get it wrong it will hurt my feelings.
cobrakai99 on August 28, 2009 at 9:21 PM
At least the maggot-in-chief’s boy is truthful. It ain’t Amarica no more.
Griz on August 28, 2009 at 9:25 PM
We got to this point faster than I thought under Obama. The one button Internet silencer idea is scarier than anything I envisioned, straight from Chavez Central.
The only encouraging signs from my vantage point is the good people are recognizing the surfacing dangers and the groundswell is palpable.
We ain’t done yet!!
FireBlogger on August 28, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Lockstein, I understand your frustration, but it’s hard to capture a scope that big on one guy’s amateur video. No one is saying this is all that happened. We’re just using this simple, two-minute video as proof of Obama’s machine. We have to break this down into bite size pieces for those who don’t understand yet.
MobsterinVA on August 28, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Here is a preview of Obamastan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEPod-hxD7g
macncheez on August 28, 2009 at 9:32 PM
I’d have just put up the sign and said ‘arrest me’.
Except I would’ve used MUCH stronger language.
Chaz706 on August 28, 2009 at 9:34 PM
ANSWER TO:
MobsterinVA on August 28, 2009 at 9:31 PM
In hipster-speak: Groovy. I dig ya.
In you-’n'-me-speak: Yes, this [insert appropriate number of offensive invectives and expletives deleted times ten HERE] officer needs to be fired.
But, for the benefit of others, here’s my take on the evening:
My wife and I got there at 3pm (“doors open at 6pm, event at 7pm”) to be sure to get a seat. Well, too eager…we were the first.
But by 4pm, the O-bots (Organizing for America in the lead) all started showing up, mostly with pre-printed signs but also some faux-wannabe-an-individual signs. They’d gotten notice…and permission…to show up early to get in line to get good (i.e. for the cameras) seats.
Local union guys were in abundance, and in employ of the event (?!) but relatively well behaved. They really tried to pack the place early…but even with the astroturf headstart, by the time everyone was seated, it was roughly 50%/50%.
So much for a “heavily “blue” district: it IS the Peoples’ Republic of Arlington, but THAT’S how P!§§ED OFF Americans ARE at this socialist legislation.
The pre-townhall event surrounded a man with a leg cast carrying a sign “CRIPPLES AGAINST OBAMACARE”. (How un-PC…I’m shocked, SHOCKED!) Most folks LOVED it.
From the beginning, Moran was TERRIFIED. heh. Deer In The Headlights. Brought Howard Dean to do all the heavy lifting – i.e. actually ANSWER/evade questions, as Moran obviously hadn’t a clue.
Randall Terry made a scene (chanting something like “we won’t pay to kill babies!”) and was dutifully ejected.
But the townhall never took off…as hard as the O-bots tried to create a made-for-media-Obama-lovefest, there was always a visible and/or vocal push-back from the anti-Obamacare crowd.
Sadly, NONE of the questions (there was a pro/neutral/undecided box from which Moran would pick a question…carefully avoiding the opposed box as often as possible) had much substance.
Lockstein13 on August 28, 2009 at 9:44 PM
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