Protest Permits

A protest permit is permission granted by the state for a demonstration to be held in a particular venue at a particular time. Failing to obtain a permit may lead to charges of parading without a permit.

1931 the Supreme Court developed a doctrine (Near vs Minnesota) that says that “there is a heavy presumption against” the Constitutional validity of prior restraint. This means that governments have to prove the validity of prior restraint in each instance; its validity can never be assumed. Several Constitutional scholars have agreed that requiring permit engage in protest is a classic type of prior restraint,  and permit systems assume the validity of prior restraint: instead of governments always having to prove prior restraint is essential, protesters are burdened with proving unconstitutionality.

Then in 1939 the Supreme Court finally declared (Hague vs. Committee For Industrial Organization) that the use of streets and sidewalks for political assembly and speech was constitutionally protected. And when it made this declaration it immediately qualified it. Public speech and assembly, the Court declared, has always to be “exercised in subordination to the general comfort and convenience, and in consonance with peace and good order” since then, the courts have found “general comfort and convenience, peace and good order” to encompass everything from minimizing the opportunity for violence to not disrupting Saturday afternoon shoppers.  Still, courts have strongly encouraged the development of permit processes, regardless of the decision which found the permit a form of “prior restrain” on political speech.

The Court’s contradiction between its promotion of permit systems and its prior restraint doctrine is unnerving to say the least. The 1941 ruling (Cox v. New Hampshire) said that public political speech could not be licensed but parades could.  Then in 1953 The Vinson Court decided that stationary protests could also be regulated, since unlike parades, they tended to “monopolize” space making it unavailable.  In 14 years time the Supreme court ruled on free speech that Americans enjoyed for 163 years without the need of court involvement, then backpedaled so far as to contradict itself and remove the right almost completely, unless they grant you a permission slip. 


The protest permit system now is the primary means of assuring peace and good order, by regulating free speech.

Prior restraint as a form of government censorship would have disgusted the designers of the Bill of Rights.

Did Martin Luther King Jr. Get a permit?

Did Gandhi get a permit?

Here is a short list of 56 early Americans who also chose not to get a permit for their initial protest. 

John Hancock
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Matthew Thornton
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
George Read
Caesar Rodney
Thomas McKean
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

The SCOTUS sides with Arizona on ICRA

On Thursday Arizona won a  huge victory against the Obama administration when the Supreme Court decided 5-3-1 on the Immigration and Control Reform Act. This will help with its ongoing efforts to do something about the illegal aliens who reside in the state and cost Arizona taxpayers millions each year.  The IRCA makes it illegal to knowingly hire or recruit an alien who is unauthorized to work in the United States.  This of course also disproves the ignorant claims of liberals and those on the left who claim that the conservative justices on the Court are just the shills of corporate America.

The Courts decision  also made clear there is no credence to the claims that employers will err on the side of discriminating against potential employees rather than risk the business death penalty of losing their business license because they hired unauthorized workers. the Chief Justice pointed out, there is no sanction against employers for merely hiring unauthorized workers. The sanctions are only triggered if an employer hires such a worker intentionally, knowing that they are not authorized to be employed.

Now we must wait and see how this decision actually effects the issues in our southern states.

Cheers,

Mike

Disrespectful or not?

Propaganda or not?



You might have already seen this on the inter-webz. I don't know exactly how I feel about this video. On one hand I recognize the fact it was designed by a leftist to project the image of corporate power, greed and control over our system of government but I also realize that the whole concept of the Pledge of allegiance is by it's very definition, indoctrination. I personally believe in American Exceptionalism, so I do not have a problem per say with children reciting the pledge as a oath to the principles our founding fathers espoused. The problem I have is with how the government actually is today. The entitlement society we currently support is only possible because of our over sized federal government, which is the very same government that children are being indoctrinated to support. By default as long

How to handle overwhelming requests for donations

If you're like me you probably get many more requests for political donations than you can possibly ever accommodate. Here's an idea on how to handle those requests. Simply mail them back with a little message informing them where your money is going.

Cheers,

Mike

What does the GOP really think of the TEA Party?

The following was posted briefly on www.chicagoGOP.com Kinda makes you wonder what the GOP really thinks about the TEA Party movement.

by Peter Bella


The Kool Aid PARTY

Maybe they should form their own real political party. Instead of being just another Internet marketing sensation and pretend political party.

The TPers are furious at House Speaker John Boehner’s realistic assertions that it may take 20 years, or longer, to balance the federal budget and that the debt limit has to be raised.

This is reality. Reality is not pretty. It is not agreeable. It is what it is. There are some things you just cannot change, or worse, change too fast. The politics of policy is negotiation and compromise. It is not always palatable.

The TPers believe they can wave a magic wand, recite some Constitutional voodoo, throw an Alinksy charm, and America’s problems will be solved. Problems that were seventy years in the making.

The TPers are true believers. They are fanatics. Like other true believer movements of the past, they only seek people who think alike. As Patton said, “If everyone is thinking alike, no one is thinking”.

The TPers live a a delusional world of abstract theory and philosophical Utopia. They should change their name to the Kool Aid Party. They are sounding more and more like they are drinking deep draughts. Draughts laced with cheap wine and LSD.

Governance and policy creation require compromise and negotiation. Good governance is not forged through abusive power politics. The kind of politics TPers were against before they were for.

It will take one or two decades to get our house in order. This is the reality. Shutting down the government or welshing on our debts will make the situation worse than nuclear. TPers want their strict narrow pure agenda pushed through. No compromise. No negotiation. “Our way or the highway. We won. They lost. Live with it.”

Sound familiar? Sound like Obama, Reid, Pelosi? The TPers are advocating same tyrannical and despotic power they criticized.

Gain some ground. Get some media. Get a rush on the power. Abuse it. Isn’t that what power is for?

They are practicing the politics of hypocrisy. They are the new hypocrites. They are no better than the Democratic party, their leadership, and the Administration. They are now preaching tyranny and despotism.

Bad policy, like the health care bill, comes from abuse of power. Bad policy is created by people like Pelosi, Obama, and Reid. Behind closed doors in the dead of night.

Governance is not an all or nothing proposition. Boehner, Cantor, and the rest know this. They want a win-win situation. Abuse of power is a losing proposition all the way around.

The TPers may be good at publicity stunts. They are amateurs in the world of real politics and policy. Just like most true believers.



"The Republican establishment suffers from a weird belief that somehow the Tea Party will fall in line because it is an adjunct of the Republican Party," he said. "But the Tea Party is not and never will be an arm of the Republican Party."

-Ned Ryun American Majority

Beware of fake patriot groups

I noticed recently that leftists have begun to take a fancy to the idea they themselves can be patriots much like the founders of our country. These people will take on historical names but their beliefs differ wildly from those who came first. One such group, the "Rockford Sons of Liberty", named after the Group who was responsible for the Boston Tea Party, has begun to muster it's forces in a self proclaimed Anti-TEA Party movement. Why they choose to take the name is beyond me as this group has nothing in common with the original group at all.

They believe the U.S. Constitution was written to endorse a Large Government and anyone who believes in small limited government has penis envy. (Their leader actually posted this) It saddens me that such a group exists but they do. All I can do is help spread the warning.

Here is a brief history of the Actual Sons of Liberty.

In 1766 a group of working class folks called "The Loyal Nine", began preparing for agitation against the Stamp Act. It came to be known as the "Sons of Liberty". The group was formed to protect the rights of the colonists from the usurpations by the British government. This group led the Boston Tea Party which led to a counter-mobilization by the Patriots due to the Intolerable Acts directly before the American Revolution in 1775.

You can read more here.

Now in contrast, The Rockford group actually endorses big government. They emphasize the modern definition of Democracy over the historical definition insisting that the U.S. is a Democracy rather than a Constitutional Republic. I'm not saying their not entitled to their opinion but to use a historical name with such deep meaning is really unsettling.

Below is an announcement they posted looking to expand their ranks,

"If you live outside of northern Illinois, and like what you see, here, you can still participate in our discussions - but we'd REALLY like to see you start your own, local, chapter of anti-corporation/anti-Tea Party Sons of Liberty."

This is another one of their self proclaimed announcements

We recite the Pledge, and sing, "America, the Beautiful".

We even, occasionally, say rude things.

What, then, is the difference between us and the Tea Party?

We're not a bunch of conservative, right-wing, xenophobic and racist, dumb-asses.

And we're not waiting for society to change - we ARE the change..


Sound familiar?

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

BARACK OBAMA, speech, Feb. 5, 2008

Do what you will with the information, I'm the simply the messenger.

Cheers,

Mike

Thoughts on Ron Paul

I'm a Ron Paul person myself and frankly I'm worried that the TEA party is going to tear itself apart over Whether Ron Paul is the Thomas Jefferson of the 21st century or A douche bag. I understand many people don't understand him and would rather support some vanilla flavored central planner over him but that's not a reason to be rude with one another when we all just want to save our country. Many however do not share this point of view.

I understand Ron Paul did not start the movement that we generally think about when someone says the "TEA Party movement" but technically he did start it. He started the concept back in 2007 when most of the TEA Party people were still asleep. They dumped tea into the Boston harbor via a blimp and called it the new TEA Party. Two years later it caught on when that dude made a speech at the Chicago Board of trade and people started doing small flash rallies, the rest is history.

Some say the TEA Party values are not libertarian. Again, I must disagree. Less Taxes, Limited Government, and Fiscal Responsibility. Those are all pillars of libertarian philosophy. Add to that a deep respect for the U.S.Constitution and your half way to being a libertarian. No, being a libertarian is not a prerequisite but the movement appeals to people who believe in self responsibility. Nanny Staters need not apply. Folks who approve of socialism, even a little, do not generally participate in TEA Party activities. These are yet more traits you're likely to have in common with he likes of Ron Paul.

Sometimes it's hard to reconcile true libertarian philosophy with ones own conservative philosophy when one has spent so much time in their life being for or against something, like drug use or the war on terrorism. Liberty is Liberty, when you come to the realization that freedom is not just a piece of paper kept behind glass in DC, it's a whole concept one must embrace. The Government either has power over us or it does not, there are no half way paths to liberty. We are free or we are not. We can smoke a cigarette but not a joint, we can use Vicodin but not heroine, who gets to decide?

Is Ron Paul the leader of the TEA Party movement? Of course not, but he's been TEA Party before many of us ever thought we would be devoting our free time to saving this country. Do you want to vote for a man with a real record of integrity or someone who's been around for 5 minutes and flips every time the wind changes? A man married to his wife and devoted to his family, or someone who cheats and has affairs? Do you want someone who actually reads and understands the U.S. Constitution, who has actually fought to uphold it against the forces or both major parties, his own and the Democrat Party.

Sure I can understand why some might feel a little confused when he says that killing Osama wasn't necessary. but think about it, what did it get us? Gas is still above $4, TSA agents are still groping women and children, Obamacare is still here, inflation is still rampant, unemployment is still about 10%. Killing Osama gave us a great warm feeling for about 5 minutes but then what? Was it necessary? In the grand scheme of things probably not.

Cheers,

Mike

The White House has some wack ass Niggas

But don't take my word for it take the word of rapper Common who recently performed at the poetry night as an invite by Michelle Obama. I'm sure there are at least a few people who would agree with me that this is not the kind of role model we need but John Stewart tried to defend him by pointing out that this man is friends with Elmo on Sesame Street. I don't think hanging with Elmo cleans his reputation, I think it begs to ask, What is Elmo doing hanging with such a wack ass Nigga?

This also begs to ask, why did Common even go to the White House? I thought he didn't like being around wack ass Niggas in Shirts and Ties.... Wierd...

Yeah
Yo...let me, let me, let me, let me tell you why - why
This nigga...why we dedicated this song to this kind of nigga
Cuz number one, duke is drivin' in the motherfuckin' projects
With a - with a Sebring, and with - with a rag off
Y'na'mean? Y-you not ballin' like that play-boy
Straight up, then the bitch you got playin' shotgun
Like, I used to serve that bitch, c'mon
Really really good, I mean and you gotta shirt and tie
You wack ass nigga..

[Common]
Wack niggas...I don't even like to be around 'em
Give 'em dap or pound 'em
See 'em out they houndin' dawg
Singin' they got tracks for me to get down on
Singin' they hot when that shit don't even sound warm
Nigga I'm nasty, my style is sound porn
The graphic exposin' wack asses
I emcee as free as 'Ol Dirty Bastard
You think you Catholic tryin' to appeal to the masses
The Cassius Clay of rap today
Rock a beard like Castaway
You couldn't be dope for even half a day
We keep it hot like its after May
Smoke a nigga then I pass to K

Ron Paul keeps winning last Thursday's debate

Fox News is running multiple polls now trying to get one that does not show Dr. Ron Paul winning the Thursday debate. Ron Paul is winning or has won all 4 polls by between 20 and 70 points. Fox News does not want Ron Paul to be the favorite. You decide.

(Update 5-8-2011)
Fox has added a 5th poll. This goes out to the folks at Fox. When will you be satisfied that Ron Paul is the favorite from last Thursdays Debate???

(Update 5-9-2011)
Bill O'Reilly also had a poll postged on his site. His poll shows Ron Paul and Cain tied, hhmmmm? Since this one was kinda hidden and would only really be found by his hard core fans, those that go to his actual website, I guess this really only speaks about those folks who watch his TV show on a regular basis.

First Poll

Second Poll

Third Poll

Fourth Poll

Fifth poll

6th Poll

I really used to believe Frank Luntz was a good honest man. But after seeing his shame of a panel on Fox News immediately following the debate, I don't know what to think.

Cheers,

Mike

Hope and Change Sticky note campaign

The Hope and Change Sticky note campaign is off to a great start.

All you need to do is write messages on sticky notes kinda like being on your own private soap box. Stick them on the gas pump or at the grocery store.

Here are some of my ideas on notes to post in strategic locations.

"Gas on inauguration day, $1.86 Price today $4.xx"

"USDA National average for Butter in 2008 $2.08 lb
Price today between $3-5"

"UPS got a bailout, did you?"

"Next time vote Libertarian"

What is inflation?
1907---1 oz of silver was $0.55 and purchased 9.2 gallons of gasoline
2011---1 oz silver was $37.00 and purchased 9.2 gallons of gasoline.

Do you remember? "He's ready why wait Obama 08" "Nobama 2012"

Oil Company makes .07 per Gallon
Government takes .51 per Gallon

"This gas price is brought you by President Obama"


If you would like to use the notes below, please contact me.

Why Hermain Cain DOES NOT put a thrill up my leg!!!

Herman Cain endorsed the TARP bailout. He called it the "recovery plan" on his radio show. Cain wrote that nationalizing banks “is not a bad thing.” He even criticized opponents of the bailout, calling us all “free market purists” while claiming that no valid criticism had been brought forward of the extraordinary intervention in the economy.

Does this sound like a man who will really shake up the system Obama has put into place?

Here is Hermain Cain (Previously a FED Reserve Bank Chairman) on Auditing the FED.

The Federal Reserve already has so many audits, it’s ridiculous. I don’t know why people think we’re gonna learn this great amount of information by auditing the Federal Reserve. Now, I no longer serve on the board of the Federal Reserve. I’m not being defensive of the Federal Reserve; in fact, some of the policies and some of the actions of the Federal Reserve, I don’t agree with because the attitude and the non-politization in the 90’s when I served is totally different than what’s going on today. But that’s another matter.

But people who say, “we outta audit the Federal Reserve because we don’t know enough about it.” Well, here’s the advice I’ve given to people who ared worried about an audit of the Federal Reserve; call ‘em up, and ask ‘em if you can stop by and have one of their PR people or one of their Public Relations people explain to you how the Federal Reserve operates.

I think a lot people are calling for this audit fo the Federal Reserve because they don’t know enough about it. There’s no secrets going on in the Federal Reserve, to my knowledge. And I tell people, we’ve got 12 Federal Reserve banks, find out which district you’re in, call ‘em up and go from there.

We don’t need to waste money with another commission, or an audit that’s not necessary, because, folks, we’ve gotta lot of other problems we need to worry about.

Of course Mr. Cain then flipped on this when he decided to run for POTUS. He then gave credit to Ron Paul for his fight against the FED.

Which Hermain Cain do we believe? The pre-presidential running Cain or the Post-presidential running Cain?

Cheers,

Mike