Video: LSU crowd throws water balloons at would-be flag burner
posted at 7:23 pm on May 13, 2011 by Allahpundit
He wanted to burn the flag in the name of “due process for students and suspected terrorists alike,” but either he thought better of it or, per the second clip below, he couldn’t get a safety permit from the school. So he came out to make a statement instead — and a huge crowd came out to shout him down. At first it’s simply chants of “USA,” but then it turns more aggressive; before long this guy’s being hit with water balloons, to laughs and cheers from the crowd, and by 2:42 the cops are sufficiently worried about the vibe that they have to pull him out of there for his own safety. You can see the fear in his face, too. It’s really unpleasant to watch. Why this is considered a free-speech triumph by some of the people who sent us the link, I have no idea. It’s the heckler’s veto in action. Had the shoe been on the other foot politically — and it has been, as the boss emeritus can attest from attempts to intimidate her during her public speaking engagements — it would be the blogospheric scandal du jour.
Two clips, one from the protest and the second of LSU’s student body president, who makes a point of saying that he regrets that things were thrown at the protester.
Blowback
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That is a great argument but we should be better and more cognizant about the foundational principles of our nation. Just because they are wrong to react in such a way should not make it ok for us to react in the same way when the tables are turned. Otherwise we have no reason to criticize then for acting so disgracefully and we become hypocrites.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 12:12 AM
I know, right?!?! Some people are acting like they were throwing pitchforks, mouse traps, and poisoned arrows at him.
SouthernGent on May 14, 2011 at 12:14 AM
You bared your a$$ for all the world to see. Quite a large a$$, too.
Any argument you sought to present was just negated by that spectacle. Stupid, stupid, stupid…
Yoop on May 14, 2011 at 12:16 AM
What struck me as I watched the “protest” video is that they ought to charge that piece of excrement for the police protection that his little BS stunt required. He did it to provoke exactly the reaction he got.
His free speech doesn’t trump everyone else’s. He caused what happened. I have no sympathy for him.
JannyMae on May 14, 2011 at 12:20 AM
Why is Allah such a pansy about this? I mean Jeeze Louise – I sure hope our military folk are successful against the terrorists – because if we have to fight them on the streets of America and have to rely on people like Allah to fight them – we’re screwed.
Anyway – let me explain why this is so deliciously awesome!
First, Allah is right when he says we don’t like it when the shoe’s on the other foot. The problem with that though – is that, UNTIL THIS CLIP CAME ALONG – it’s always on the other foot. Conservatives are shouted down and threatened with bodily harm – and ARE harmed bodily – on every College campus in America – save LSU.
Allah seems to prefer a world where WE ARE constantly getting our asses kicked – while we give a pass to the other side.
Yeah Yeah – I know we complain about the other side doing this – and nothing ever comes of our complaints. The Tea Party is racist and violent – that’s what you get from the MSM and Liberals – in spite of the fact that the Tea Party are actually VICTIMS of Racism and Violence.
Pretending that we have Free Speech in this nation – so that only Liberals get it – is stupid. There’s no free speech on the Berkeley and Columbia campuses – save for Liberals.
Don’t blame Conservatives for reacting this way at LSU. When this nation turns it’s back on Free Speech for everyone (and it has) – this is what you get.
People start carving out free speech zones for themselves.
Don’t like it? Then address the issues on the other side. These are just Southern Folk – good and Patriotic – who are sick of Liberals having their way and not being challenged.
If there were due protection in this land – this kind of thing wouldn’t happen. Since there isn’t – people take things into their own hands.
Don’t blame THEM.
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:22 AM
It’s about what is right and what is wrong. You can keep your little political battle.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 12:28 AM
You’re the one constantly comparing Muslim butchery to the students at LSU. The right and wrong of it seems to consistently evade you.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 12:31 AM
It’s pretty simple. The tard picked the wrong hot moment to bring social justice to the unwashed. Taking a dump on one of the few symbolic national victories of late didn’t have the consequences he had hoped for. Tards for social justice make mistakes.
Not sure how tarring and feathering and castration by rail riding for people who simply disagreed with treason and rebellion was defending anything.
BL@KBIRD on May 14, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Yes, the ballooners crossed the line.
AshleyTKing on May 14, 2011 at 12:35 AM
It’s WAAAAY beyond “right and wrong” bucko – and that’s what people are missing.
Conservatives fear for their lives on 90% of the college campuses out there. This didn’t just happen yesterday – it’s been like this for decades – and NO ONE – has done a damn thing to correct it. We had a GOP President – and a GOP Congress that never once tried to pull funding for Universities that wouldn’t allow military recruiters on their campuses.
Because the “faux” Conservatives we’ve been electing haven’t been working to ensure OUR rights to free speech – we’ve lost them. And because of that many Conservative voices are silenced by pure intimidation.
THIS CLIP SHOWS CONSERVATIVES AND PATRIOTS THAT THEY ARE NOT THE MINORITY. THAT IS WHY THIS EVENT WAS FULL OF WIN!
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Tar and feathering wasn’t unknown to the founding fathers. They fought for and defended certain principles and did so roughly.
sharrukin on May 13, 2011 at 9:26 PM
When things like that happen it isn’t done politely or gently. Thats the point. This idea that the founding fathers were some gentlemanly debating club is nonsense. They killed for what they believed in and they acted against those who sympathized with the British.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 12:36 AM
I’m glad your conscience is clear – but your conscience doesn’t do a damn thing to correct the loss of free speech for Conservatives on college campuses.
Riddle me this MC – if the government STOPPED enforcing laws – would you expect citizens to take the law into their own hands? Who would you blame for that? The government or the citizens?
It’s the same here – because Conservatives have lost so much freedom to express their views without being ridiculed – and because no one’s done a damn thing to correct that situation …
You have this.
I applaud these folks – and the water balloons were pure genius!
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:39 AM
That’s a great example – yes Virginia – the Founders DID USE some unsavory tactics now and again.
Which is another reason that Allah isn’t a reincarnated Founding Father.
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:40 AM
And pelting this one guy with water balloons because you disagree with him does?
Wrong.
MadisonConservative on May 14, 2011 at 12:41 AM
And when thousands of British sympathizers were driven from their homes the army wasn’t called out to put a stop to it.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Louisiana has far bigger problems, especially after they open the spillway in the next few days. This guy will wish it was just a few water balloons.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 12:44 AM
Yes it does – because it shows Conservatives something that a lot of them didn’t know …
That they are NOT the minority. That it’s these flag burning communists who are the minority. That is going to get more vocal voices speaking on our side. Which is more than your “conscience protest” is ever going to do in a millennia.
This is also AN ESCALATION and a warning to LIberals that they aren’t the majority – at least in some parts of this great Nation they aren’t the minority.
I’ll tell you what – I’m more proud to live in Louisiana – with students stepping to the plate on their own to demonstrate for the Flag.
A lot more proud than you are to live in WI – where they beat down Conservatives.
Would I rather live in a state where all voice can be heard? Yeah sure – but there is no such thing. Until it comes along – I’ll settle for a state where we do the beat downs.
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:46 AM
Katy, it was just a pie when they threw it at Michelle malkin and ann coulter. I suppose that was a/ok with you then? Afterall, it was just a pie.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 12:49 AM
you know the kid that does the laugh on The Simpsons….ahhh…haaa
G. on May 14, 2011 at 12:51 AM
I actually enjoyed the one thrown at Coulter – because she came out looking ACE in that one. Check the YouTube – she looks cool and athletic dodging that pie. I mean – sometimes it takes adversity to really see the soul of someone – but in that instant you can see that Coulter is a damn pioneer woman – and that pie shot alone is enough to make me want to marry her.
Did I like it when she got the pie thrown at her? No – I actually wanted to slug the guy who threw it but …
This protest at LSU isn’t going to make her any more safe from pies. NOT holding this protest at LSU wasn’t going to make her any more safe from pies.
It’s freakin’ water baloons ya sissys!
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:53 AM
In fact – LSU may have started a trend …
WATER BALLOONS FOR ANYONE WHO PROTESTS AT A MILITARY FUNERAL!
If a family can’t bury their dead in peace – then let the wet rubber fly!
HondaV65 on May 14, 2011 at 12:55 AM
HondaV65, I know what it is to be one of the lone conservatives on a very liberal campus. I always defended free speech and all that it means to be a defender of our nations foundational principles. Well, the only time I wavered was when I was trying to bring home a hot commie chick, but aside from those very few moments of weakness I always defended freedom of speech. Always.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 12:58 AM
You seem to believe that if we act with the proper restraint that the leftists will suddenly see the light and stop being nasty? Do you think they will return the favor? This has been going on for 50 years or more. When is this winning tactic going to kick in?
Do you think it sets a standard for society, because that isn’t working either.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 12:58 AM
I don’t expect a moment of pure triumph. I do want to be on the side that is right though. I’ll never become one of them simply because I feel our side is losing though. How bout you?
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:04 AM
Geaux to Hell, yankees. They are talking about the Great Crevasse down there right now. IIRC, 1927, when the water was over the telephone poles. They’re going to flood the basin to save Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but hey get your concern troll on over this nothingburger. Yeah, he’s lame, and yeah they shouldn’t have quenched his patriotic flame with balloons. Whatever.
I just wish they could divert all that water and hurt onto you and yours instead. Scratch that. Bless your little, little hearts.
/
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 1:06 AM
No I have no intention of becoming a leftist and I don’t think fighting back has anything to do with that.
The rules you talk about can only exist between a group of people who have a mutual respect for them. The leftists don’t respect those rules, or any other. You want to continue to abide by those rules of conduct to the point of self destruction.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 1:09 AM
Oh, don’t be such a drama queen. What have we got here? The banality of a flag-burning 60′s throwback and a bunch of college kids 90 percent of whom probably couldn’t give a cogent account of the issues involved. There’s even a 2011 version of “America: Love It or Leave It.” Forgive me if all I can muster is a yawn.
And what exactly is it that we’re losing?
SukieTawdry on May 14, 2011 at 1:11 AM
Louisiana 1927
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 1:13 AM
Self destruction will only come if you stop defending freedom of speech, no matter how offensive it may be. Do not give in to the dark side.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:13 AM
A perfect example of why I miss the the days dueling was considered both legal and honorable. I would gladly slap Mr. Ben Haas with my glove and move on to the field.
LCL4 on May 14, 2011 at 1:15 AM
I’ve never expected the left to act civilized. I had personal experiences with them trying to silence pro-capitalist speakers when I went to university. We ought to act civilized because it’s right. People will see the difference and that is to the advantage of the right. It’s why, for example, Margaret Thatcher prevailed over the Marxist coal miner strike in the middle 80s.
AshleyTKing on May 14, 2011 at 1:16 AM
Precisely. Our raaaaaaaage gives them power. Their is nothing to fear. Let the hippy has been do what he wants. Debate him on freedom and we cannot lose. Remember, he doesn’t want freedom, he wants collectivism which requires the absence of individual liberty. His greatest fear is true freedom of thought. He cannot win so long as we are true to our principles. Game set match if we play him right. This LSU example is textbook for how not to win against those who do not understand the real power of freedom.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:21 AM
So we have them on the run do we? The left controls the media, the bureaucracy, the educational establishment, they are dictating policy to the military, they frame the political debates and what we may or may not say. From that you think a sterling example of conduct will somehow reverse all that?
I will quote…
“Ever actually try to fight a clean fight against an actual dirty fighter? Don’t work so good.
But hey, while the Doc is surgically re-attaching your nutsack and the nurses are swabbing the bite marks on your neck, you can get a tear in your remaining eye, thinking of how very freaking noble you are.”
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 1:22 AM
Have you been keeping up on current events? Like for the past 50 to 80 years?
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Exactly. We are not really trying to convince them so much as those who are watching from the sidelines. Many people will see this film and sympathize wrongly with the stupid hippie simply because of the behavior of the crowd surrounding him. We have to be smarter to win then over.
Imagine if a soldier walked up to him, told everybody to be quiet, and said “my friends died for his right to be an a-hole. My friends died to preserve a land of freedom of thought and expression. Now let him publicly show what civilized people in america do when offensive speech is displayed.” — at that point everybody walks away and laeves him alone to burn his flag. He would be demoralized.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:30 AM
Crowd infringes on Freedom of Speech? Hogwash and BS! Freedom of speech is as written to protect he individual from the government infringement. It does not protect from cause and effect. If a man wants to stand in front of a crowd and degrade a nation that provides this protection than he can’t very well be protected from those consequences from other individuals. Water balloons? Are we serious here?
When the crowd starts throwing Palestinian rocks or Sharia stones or Black Block Molotov cocktails, then there might be a problem. I feel no sympathy for a protester who chooses to publicly denigrate a symbol in a public demonstration no more than tho God Hates Fags douche bags getting pelted with water balloons at a funeral of a soldier or Marine.
He choose his stance, he walked away a little wetter.
Egfrow on May 14, 2011 at 1:30 AM
Well yes, I have. And for somebody who understands alinsky like you I hope you considered this kids intentions when he advertised on Facebook that he was going to burn the flag
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:34 AM
Damn brainwashed, hippie, Liberal punks…they all oughta be locked up…oh wait, I just read the article…never mind.
Dr. ZhivBlago on May 14, 2011 at 1:39 AM
No, why should the uninvited Christian have the right to preach to a group gathered in an open field? They should be allowed to shout the Christian down if they want.
I don’t understand why you think this guy has a greater right to speak than those in the crowd that decided to exercise THEIR right to free speech.
Don’t confuse this with a university sponsored event. This guy wasn’t sponsored by anyone. Ann Coulter was paid by a group within the university, and that group had the right to hear Ann speak.
So the pie throwers were actually disrupting an event and committing assault. The balloon throwers were merely committing assault so their punishment should be half what the universities usually give the pie throwers.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 1:41 AM
Care to address the point that your ‘noble example’ tactic hasn’t worked at all in 80 years and running?
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 1:41 AM
I have to add that I 100% support this guy’s right to stand there and attempt to speak. In fact, I would be 100% against the police if they had attempted to arrest him for not obeying their commands regarding removing him for his own safety.
This guy was NOT inciting this crowd. He was legally provoking them. Provoking is allowed.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 1:43 AM
Morganza Spillway Expected to Open Today (Bloomberg)
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 1:44 AM
I would never argue that anybody didn’t have a right to speak. Or speak equally. I did take umbrage to throwing things at him though. And I am arguing about tact and effectiveness in these situations. If we behave this way we lose. We can be better and we are better. That’s what makes us who we are and that’s why we defend freedom always, not just when it’s our side being targeted. The same reason I’m agaist throwing pies at Michelle malkin is the same reason I’m agaist throwing water balloons at this hippie. It’s the same reason I’m against the fairness doctrine. The same reason I supported “everybody draw Muhammad day.”
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:50 AM
What, the whole civil rights movement a la MLK didn’t work wonders? I think it did.
An old lion of liberty name Cassius Clay tried to speak to his countrymen in Kentucky about the evils of southern slavery. Some attacked him with deadly force. He would not be silenced and purchased a canon for self-defense, although he had to retreat across the Ohio eventually as local police would not protect his right to speech.
Are you advocating that Clay should have taken his canon to a pro-slavery meeting and just shot a few volleys because, damn it, they had done the same to silence him? Right is might.
AshleyTKing on May 14, 2011 at 1:52 AM
Care to explain to me why submitting to mob rule and squelching free speech has ever benefited anybody?
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 1:52 AM
They were just acclimating the fool for the deluge to come, now that the spillway is being opened.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 2:00 AM
What the he11 does it mean to “speak equally”?
That’s fine, but your argument here hardly seems limited to that.
You certainly seem to be crowing on about more than just the water balloon assault.
Fess up. Would you still have had a problem with this video even if no balloons had been thrown?
I already explained that these cases aren’t exactly the same. Nobody invited this guy to speak at an official university function.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 2:01 AM
Care to explain to me why a single individual should be allowed to enforce his will on a mob? Care to explain to me why you think this individual has constitutional authority to silence a mob? Care to explain to me why you think this individual had the right to be heard over and above another person that decided to exercise their 1st amendment right to chant USA USA?
Again, this was not a university sponsored event. The 1st amendment does NOT grant anyone the right to be heard.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 2:06 AM
As I have said we need to accept the fact that the belief in free speech needs to be a shared one to work. It isn’t shared by the left, or Islam. When only one side abides by the rules of society and those who do refuse to act, you have a situation where those who do not observe such rules have carte blanche to achieve anything they desire.
We have seen this in the way the Obama administration simply ignores whatever court orders it cannot sway to its side. We have seen fabricated news article, forgeries, slanders and more from the sycophant media.
We see men like McCain and Bush try to operate within the rules you speak of and are demonized for their efforts. Again and again Republicans play this naive game of being the better, more noble player and repeatedly we see them lose. This has become almost ingrained in many of them that they must operate by the leftist rulebook, which is constantly changing as they switch direction.
We have seen demonstrations like this before and as long as they are leftists doing the shout-down, its all good. Hardly worthy of mention in most cases.
It only becomes alarming and heart-breaking when it is the right who are the ones tossing water balloons. Then the tears must flow and the soul searching should begin.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 2:09 AM
Well said, Cody Wells! They sure drowned him out, alright. Good choice of words.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 2:13 AM
Plus, it wasn’t the “crowd” throwing things, as the bullsh!t headline tries to lie. It was just an irresponsible individual or two.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 2:17 AM
Speak equally means that all individuals have the same right to express themselves. I’m typing on an iPhone so cutting words. Should’ve been more clear.
I think you are right that I would’ve had a problem here from a strategy perspective had their been no balloon throwing. I think their are more effective forms of protest than shouting somebody down. Quite honestly, this kid wanted a crowd. He wanted a riot. He got what he wanted even without the water balloons. No crowd, no video, no news story. Ignore the washed up 60′s hippie repeat and his harm is negated. He’s expressing himself in a way that nobody but his liberal professors find admirable. Let him and his cause die alone. The school did, in fact, approve his “event.” make them feel as small in comparison to the pro America event this large group of students could easily hold the next day.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 2:19 AM
VikingGoneWild on May 14, 2011 at 2:21 AM
Well they didn’t seem to much mind his getting soaked and I can’t say I have a lot of sympathy either.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 2:22 AM
So are you suggesting we abandon our principles and remove their right to free speech as a result of the way they treat us?
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 2:23 AM
As hot and dry as it is down there right now, it was rather merciful.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 2:25 AM
I’m a little late but I’ll weigh in anyway.
I’m from the BR area and had been keeping up with this story since the day after moron #1 stole and burned the flag from the LSU war memorial.
That riled people up in general, let alone that it came hours after the death of OBL was revealed.
Moron #2 announced on Tuesday that he was going to burn a flag because he mistakenly thought his buddy was being held only because he burned a flag when, instead, he’s being held for vandalism, theft of state property, destruction of state property, and possession of drug paraphernalia, amongst other things. Moron #2 also dared people to stop him because he claimed he would have cops set a ring of 15 feet around him and would arrest anyone who tried to interfere.
People may have been riled about the flag alone, but his poorly thought out argument for why didn’t help.
On the day of the protest, a ton of counter protesters showed up with water balloons to douse the fire from a distance. There also no announcement from the school that he had not obtained a fire permit until minutes before the protest was scheduled to begin, by which point there were a ton of pissed off people out there.
When he showed up after the event had been called off, people were not thrilled to see him and weren’t in a mood to listen to his prepared statement, which was a “crawfish” from his announced position the night before. Balloons and bottles were thrown and he was removed from the area under police escort.
I didn’t like him getting pelted with stuff, especially the bottles, but he threatened a provocative action and dared people to stop him. They did.
I’d have had more sympathy for him if he had used a more coherent argument instead of “I’m burning this flag because my buddy doesn’t deserve to go to jail for crimes he committed”. Burning it over Libya, Afghanistan, or Iraq would have been almost as stupid, but at least understandable.
To answer the people who complained about the response, I’d rather have a bunch of students standing up for what they believe in than be cowed into letting moron #2 slime the entire student body by burning a second flag on the school’s campus within a short time frame.
teke184 on May 14, 2011 at 2:31 AM
I am saying we need to fight back. We need to stop pretending they are fellow travelers taking a slightly different road to the same shining city on the hill. For too long we have acted as if they are our friends when they are nothing of the sort. They do not have good intentions and they are not good citizens who just see things somewhat differently.
Free speech and every other right we enjoy are being used as weapons to destroy us and the nation. That destruction is intentional and will continue until we, for all intents and purposes surrender, or we push back.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 2:33 AM
Ok, now I would’ve considered throwing a water balloon at him.
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 2:38 AM
Nah, the cameras were already there. The students showed America that there are plenty of people willing to push back and not be lectured by flag burning idiots.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 2:40 AM
Thanks for the update. I hope you and yours stay safe during the flooding. What’s the word on the Prairieville area? I’m hearing folks down there are talking 1927 and the Great Crevasse, and it sounds bad.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 2:42 AM
I get what you’re saying. I can’t fully endorse youre pov but, believe me, I agree with you on more than I disagree and I’m sure that will reveal itself more with further discussion. I think we are on the same basic team though. Have a good night sharrukin
Zetterson on May 14, 2011 at 2:45 AM
You too.
sharrukin on May 14, 2011 at 2:47 AM
If he burned a rainbow “pride” flag, would it be a hate crime?
crosspatch on May 14, 2011 at 3:15 AM
Thank you, Sharrukin. Well said.
Some people have an almost mystical belief in the First Amendment, or some other absolutist belief in another part of the Constitution.
What was it Lincoln said? More scoundrels than honest men have hidden behind the writ of habeas corpus? The same concept can apply to the absolutists who blindly worship at the altar of the First Amendment.
Responsible free speech is the heart of democracy. Unbridled, irresponsible free speech often causes much more harm than good.
Captain Kirock on May 14, 2011 at 3:48 AM
100 bucks says Allahpundit looks just like this guy.
The Notorious G.O.P on May 14, 2011 at 3:59 AM
HondaV65
You are right about everything. Glad there is someone out there who isn’t dumb enough to fall for the old “we don’t like it when they do it” argument.
By the way, are you new to Hot Air? I am just wondering because it is well known that Allahpundit is a RINO so that should answer your question. He is a few thoughts away from writing for the Daily Kos.
The Notorious G.O.P on May 14, 2011 at 4:10 AM
Your Hypocracy is snowing down south MadCon!
In the Winter you defend and celebrate a gang of
student thugs “pelting” DC Drivers and Cops with ice balls!
Now come Spring, and your howling the RINO whine because some students toss a few low-yield water baloons at a provocateur trying to ignite Old Glory and incite riot–
Please forgive me for NOT accepting any of your confused
holier than thou flip-floppery!
“Let’s Roll”
On Watch on May 14, 2011 at 6:08 AM
The punk had been taunting the public for days over this.
How can it be that burning flags is protected speech, but washing off dirty hippies is not?
Adjoran on May 14, 2011 at 6:28 AM
I’m tired of people who don’t pay taxes but think they have a right to redistribute my small bit of America, who believe that the Constitution gives them the right to push me around and burn MY flag, and who call their bullsh!t a freedom of speech, while attempting to squash my freedoms.
I believe I just might start to roll over them, and not stop until they are pushed into the sea.
Yoop on May 14, 2011 at 6:40 AM
As a Crimson Tide fan (since birth) I can’t believe I’m saying this – GO LSU!
Squiggy on May 14, 2011 at 6:47 AM
Agreed, but let’s back up a tick. I’d be awfully careful ascribing any particular set of beliefs to a group of rowdy college students. Louisiana is not exactly a bastion of conservatism, so statistics tell me that there were more Democrats than Republicans in that crowd. Might these young people just be exuberant patriots looking for an excuse to throw water balloons?
The only thing worse than a Tide fan is an LSU fan. Won’t – can’t – cheer LSU.
misterpeasea on May 14, 2011 at 7:04 AM
You would lose that bet. lol
J/K Allah! hahaha
csdeven on May 14, 2011 at 7:40 AM
If Hass really had any balls he woulda done this stunt wearin’ a ‘Bama cap, and a “I Heart Nick Saban” t-shirt.
soundingboard on May 14, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Heh…forgot somethin’.
soundingboard on May 14, 2011 at 7:48 AM
I’ve actually done that. hehehe
soundingboard on May 14, 2011 at 7:53 AM
You’d never know that by watchin’ the video.
soundingboard on May 14, 2011 at 8:05 AM
He’s lucky to be doing this in this century and not right after US of A was formed.
Imagine that instead of water balloons, muskets. Yep he’s lucky he didn’t get SHOT.
I caught Beck a bit late yesterday but I wish I watched the whole thing; precisely, all the audience were college students voicing on teevee how they have been opressed by professors and higher-ups because of freedom of speech.
I guess conservative college kids are getting pretty tired of being bullied and are becoming bullies. That and I am sick and tired of YOUR American Flag (my star’s not sewn in it but it’s still over MY flag) being burned all over the world.
Remember Pelosi’s gavel “united front” walk, that’s another example of sticking it up to us.
ProudPalinFan on May 14, 2011 at 8:51 AM
I find it very positive that so many young people came out to ridicule this POS. I see nothing wrong in this mob retaliation with water balloons at all. We need more mobs, more voices in protest against what we deem is wrong, because sitting on the sidelines wringing our hands in desperation is not really working to our advantage.
nwpammy on May 14, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Nothing should have been thrown at him, but what is one saying when one burns the flag? Free speech is guaranteed, being heard? Not so much.
Liberty Card on May 14, 2011 at 9:20 AM
It was not right to hit him with anything.
scotash on May 13, 2011 at 8:07 PM
*Channeling Larry, The Cable Guy*
“Now there’s some Compassionate Conservative right then and there.”
ProudPalinFan on May 14, 2011 at 9:21 AM
Thanks, Christien. A nice little half-time show, Now, back to the bickering . . .
BigAlSouth on May 14, 2011 at 9:29 AM
He a permit from the school, but forgot to get a burn permit from the city.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/11/lsu-student-surrounded-thousands-protesters-attempting-burn-american-flag/
Haas publicized the event on Facebook and obtained a permit for peaceful protest from the university, according to LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard. But when he found out he also needed a burn permit from the city to set fire to a flag, he decided to read a statement instead
JeffinSac on May 14, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Katfish on May 14, 2011 at 9:44 AM
Um. . . it’s the last week of school.
It’s 95 degrees plus on campus.
Water balloons are a common occurrence on campus, you can get them thrown at you for all manner of reasons.
Stand on your soapbox and start yelling, and you’re going to get pelted. No matter the subject.
Jason Coleman on May 14, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Of course, and I support the rights of Muslims to publicly rebuke his actions, but I don’t support getting violent in response. It’s about free speech , not actions that inflict pain. As I said in my original post, I’m just glad nobody brought a gun (vis-a-vis Gabby Giffords).
College Prof on May 14, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Free Speech comes with responsibility. This person put himself in the position he found himself. Perhaps he wasn’t looking for support, perhaps he was looking for just what he found – a way to make himself into the victim. He was repudiated. Louisiana isn’t California or say Tuscon, Arizona. I always question motivation especially on College campuses where manipulation is constantly in play.
Dr Evil on May 14, 2011 at 10:20 AM
This may already have been stated but to my mind, free speech protections exist for the people against the tyranny of the government. It shouldn’t exist for the people who choose to buck societal norms vs. the rest of society who disapprove or are offended.
During the early days of this nation and really only until the mid-20th century, people behaved in ways that conformed to what was acceptable to society at large. People who behaved differently were dealt with by society, (shunned, tared and feathered, etc.). What we see here is someone who wants to buck societal norms and the people (i.e. society) telling him to STFU! I have no issues with that at all.
glennbo on May 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
It is Free Speech.
He has the right to start the fire, they have the right to put it out, but being youthful, they shot the water a little too soon.
I am an LSU grad. I have listened and ignored idiots who SPOKE at Free Speech Alley. If all he wanted to do was talk, then he would have been ignored.
What hasn’t been mentioned much, is that this guy was protesting the arrest of his buddy that cut down the huge American Flag at the War Memorial and burned it. The ROTC brought their Brigade flag, temporarily ran it up the pole and then posted a 24 hour watch. It is not your average size flag, pole or cable. A special cable had to be ordered, a special 100 plus foot bucket truck had to be brought in to wire the cable and of course a new large American Flag.
The students were not pleased that some creep dishonored their fallen relatives who the memorial recognizes. And then this twerp was trying to honor that creep.
barnone on May 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
The two videos made me swell with pride to know we still have young people in this country who feel as most of us do…I was rooting for them during the first video, and the student body president was marvelous….I hope he gets into politics some day….I can see him as a staunch conservative with convictions…
theaddora on May 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
This is probably the most ridiculous comment of the thread. What in God’s good name is even a remote similarity between the two events? I mean, other than people were meeting in public.
hawkdriver on May 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
It is important to remember the leftists would have been throwing rocks.
Slowburn on May 14, 2011 at 10:24 AM
It will have FAR greater problems if it the spillway is not opened. In fact the economy of the entire nation will be hit harder MUCH harder. AND Morgan City will be wiped off the face of the earth should the Old River Control Structure be compromised. Just think about the ramifications of the Mississippi changing its course, after wiping out New Orleans with 40 feet of water.
Kermit on May 14, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Allahpundit has to be an inside the beltway wuss.
Kermit on May 14, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I know. Thanks for putting things in context for those who don’t.
Christien on May 14, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I disagree with this. Societal “norms” are quickly becoming more PC, and conservative ideas are starting to be considered hate speech. Liberals are continuing to ignorantly claim (and they actually believe) that they are so morally superior that violent responses to conservative speech are reasonable reactions. Examples of this are incredibly dangerous for conservatives, and this needs to be bucked!
After the 2008 election a guy in Philadelphia was walking home wearing a McCain t-shirt. His path was taking him in the direction of a impromptu Obama rally in a rough part of Philadelphia. The police that were monitoring the rally stopped him and told him that, for his own safety, he had to walk around the area in order to avoid the rally. He refused and continued on his way. He was arrested.
He was arrested for attempting to “buck societal norms” in that area lest it provoke a crowd to violence. Arresting him reinforces the idea that violence is a reasonable response to conservative speech.
A few years ago a group of Christians were walking through a certain neighborhood in the San Fran area. A crowd started to follow and taunt them. The police forced them to leave the area. The crowd cheered at their victory.
They were forced to leave because they were bucking “societal norms” in that area. Forcing them to leave reinforces the idea that violence is a reasonable response to conservative speech.
This is wrong. I believe that the 1st Amendment specifically gives us the right to provoke a crowd. Ordering people to be removed under the threat of arrest is no different than squelching their free speech. The more this happens the more mobs believe that they have the right to respond to unappealing speech with violence. (Note: Neither the speech in this video nor the speech in my examples constitutes “fighting words” exlusions of free speech.)
This is why I said earlier that I believe that this guy had the right to refuse to leave even after he was told to do so by the police. I also believe that the police should have at least tried to order the crowd to cease all assaults. The fact that they didn’t chastise the crowd and the fact that they removed this guy reinforces the idea that violence is a reasonable response to free speech.
With the direction things are moving in this country, this harms conservatives much more than liberals.
blink on May 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM
As usual, the USA is represented by attractive girls and the flag burner extremist liberals are represented by an unattractive girl.
jediwebdude on May 14, 2011 at 11:02 AM
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