Man Arrested Outside Calif. DMV for Reading His Bible Out Loud
- Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:46am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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When Mark Mackey, a member of the local Calvary Chapel, showed up to the DMV office in Hemet, CA on February 2, he had a goal: read the Bible and introduce those waiting in line to the “gospel of Jesus Christ.” And for about 15 minutes he was successful. That is until a California Highway Patrolman took the Bible from his hands, arrested him, and told him he was guilty of preaching to a “captive audience.”
And it was all caught on video:
According to reports, Mackey wasn’t the only one arrested. Pastor Brett Coronado and Edmond Flores, Jr., who were accompanying him, were also taken into custody.
A press release from the group Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which is representing the men in a lawsuit, says the men were arrested for “impeding an open business” under Penal Code Section 602.1(b). But, the group calls the justification under that statue a stretch.
“The charge of ‘impeding an open business’ was enacted in large part to protect businesses against protestors who block the doors of an open business,” the release says. “At the time of the arrest of these men, the DMV was closed, and they were standing at least fifty feet away from the entrance.”
“This is an abuse of power on the part of the CHP,” said Jennifer Monk, associate general counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “The arresting officer could find no appropriate penal code to use when arresting these men. The purpose of the arrests appears to have been to censor them.”
A closer look at the Penal Code Section 602.1(b) may, at first glance, cause even more outrage for those such as Monk who are upset by the case. According to section c-1 of the law, the “preachers” would seem to have been okay if they were from a union:
(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(1) Any person engaged in lawful labor union activities that are
permitted to be carried out on the property by state or federal law.
But according to Lt. Michael Soubirous of the San Gorgonio Pass CHP Station, which oversees the Hemet area, the men were arrested because they didn’t have a permit.
“The whole thing is, when you go to the DMV, you are not allowed to do any other business,” Soubirous told the Banning-Beaumont Patch. He said a permit is required on state property for anything other than the intended business.
“We would have granted them a permit to go out and preach,” Soubirous explained. “There is a mechanism to be allowed to protest…We don‘t inhibit people’s right to free speech–we regulate it.”
Despite the arrests, the district attorney has not pursued criminal charges. Still, Advocates for Faith and Freedom is going through with its lawsuit.
“Whether this was an intentional violation of our clients’ constitutional liberty or whether this was an act of ignorance on the part of the CHP, this lawsuit is important in order to preserve the liberty to read the Bible aloud on public property without fear of criminal prosecution,” said Robert Tyler, General Counsel for Advocates for Faith & Freedom.
You can view the group’s complaint here.
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Comments (555)
tsosumi
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:37amRead the article and the insanity of the arrest comes to bear. The charge was impeding an open business and it states very clearly that the business was closed. What bother me more is the statement that religious speech is regulated.
To allow the absolutely true disturbing the peace union demonstrators commit in the name of union business and restrict someone reading from a religious book at a closed business, well away from the entrance, without affecting anyone’s access to the building, is quite disturbing.
Report Post »JoeyBagaDonuts
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:05amThe cop seemed limp-wristed to me. If 2 guys were kissing each other the cop probably would have done nothing, but somehow reading the Bible offended him.
Report Post »SFYMP
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:06amThey are not going to like it much when America has been “disturbed once too many times” The end is near.
Report Post »JoeyBagaDonuts
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:18amIf somebody was reading the Koran they probably would have brought him a pulpit.
Report Post »GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:12pmplease read 602.1 c(2)
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
That was an illegal arrest under california penal code.
Report Post »Godhelpusin2011
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:04pmYa I think the officer was gay……suprise, suprise. He did seem to be enjoying lording his power over the man of God
Report Post »TAKE_NO_PRISONERS
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:34amPreaching to a captive audience, thats what happens when they advertise products at stadiums,areanas, movie theaters…etc.Its just a different God, thats all.
Report Post »ecurbyy
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:13amRE; Take no prisoners: Good point! Everywhere I turn some company is in my face trying to make me believe in a product that I don‘t want or need that I can’t afford anyway. Regulate that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Little word of God, especially at the DMV would be fine by me.
Report Post »American_Alliance_for_the_Support_of_Sarcasm
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:32amAh yes, probably for racist hate speach right?
Report Post »Societal Misfit
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:32amI too think him being arrested is a load of crap. What he was doing is no more annoying than what protesters do. He had the common courtesy to stand a fair distance away while reading so no he was not impeding a business and in fact at the time he committed the act the DMV was not yet open for business according to the article. I am sorry but I feel that liberties have been infringed in this case and my hope is that they win the lawsuit although I am certain that they will not see any money since the state of California is dead broke, ohhhhhh wait that’s right they will just apply for more federal assistance, you know hardworking taxpayer dollars, to pay any damages because after all why should the state of California worry it’s not their money that will be paid out if the lawsuit is won.
Report Post »freedomrings77
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:29amLooks like it‘s time to start a Preaher’s Union. International Brotherhood of Good News. It has a ring to it!
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:28amLegal or not; the dude did get out some good scripture and maybe some of the folks around played it back in their head and made them think throughout the day. Plant the seed, it may grow.
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:25amif you act a fool, there are consequences.. just saying..
Report Post »Omaof19
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:28amAre you in front of a mirror???
Report Post »thermonator
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:21amPreaching to a captive audience……hmm, that’s a new one on me.
Report Post »I’ll have to remember that at my next family get together.
Omaof19
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:19amOur president gets away with ruining this nation founded on the Word of God, and a man gets arrested for reading the Word of God. “Dear God have mercy on this nation and remember the prayers of our forefathers. Forgive the sins of this nation and bring us back to You. For the risen Saviors sake.
Report Post »john1417
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:18amwere those people that went into the banks and started playing loud music arested?
Report Post »ares338
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:17amAdd your comments
Report Post »Lion420
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:16amLooks like peaceable assembly….isn’t that in the Constitution?
Report Post »ares338
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:15amI have Lived in Mexifornia twice. A mistake both times. I am not religious, but this was pure crap. He was’nt hurting a soul.
Report Post »RED-DAWN
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:15amIt’s called “Collars For Dollars” in the law enforcement community. The more people you arrest, the more you have to go to court and the more overtime you make. Just another way to pat that retirement baseline number for benefits!
Report Post »SpringerRider
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:13amIf they were protesting in gavor of gay marraige, do you think they would have been arrested?
Report Post »teachermitch32
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:33amIs it just me or did that CHIPPER seem just a little effeminate? I could be wrong, and although I have been guilty of stereotyping in the past, I could swear there was a hint of side switching aura around that officer. Watch his hand jestures, and his attitude, and listen to his speech. Could explain his willingness to shut down any and all Gospel reading without really having a clue regarding the law. Afterall, he was definately not willing to cite any infraction to the other two men.
Report Post »Buzz Cat
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:12am“…guilty of preaching to a “captive audience.” Good thing for our politicians this isn’t a federal law…
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:11amI guess the test would be if Muslims got out there and read the Koran. Would they be treated the same way. It looks like the cops were just doing their job. I wouldn’t be too quick to judge at this point.
Let’s see if they can really get a permit to read the Bible. If so, it’s all good.
Report Post »Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:09amI wish they would have let him read it so people can learn how much silliness is in the Bible. I hope the little he did read was from Leviticus, so people got turned off quickly.
Report Post »MrDeadly
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:17amBack under ye bridge!
Report Post »Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:20amNo sir.
I will utilize my right of free speech until this site censors me, which I fully expect it to do at some point.
Report Post »teachermitch32
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:25amLiberal_Atheist_Critical_Non-Thinker,
He was reading from Romans. Guess you commented without watching the video. Typical atheist…..can’t fully evaluate anything and stuck in “park”.
Report Post »Omaof19
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:25amRepent!! You will one day stand before the GREAT JUDGE whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not. Then let’s see how silly The WORD is.
Report Post »rossgolf
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:30amLib I, too, am a critical thinker. But my critical thinking led me to become a Christian. I promise to treat you with respect, and I would hope the same from you.
BTW: To a believer, Leviticus explains (in detail, with much repitition) how the Hebrews would receive sanctification. We appreciate the book because through Christ, all the sacrifices described were satisfied at the cross.
Report Post »Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:37amIf you believe in Biblegod you are not a critical thinker in my and many other’s opinions. You are using faith not rational thought processes.
Unfortunately, this comment board won’t be suitable for a full blown debate. They need to get a real forum here and dump this lame comment system. Or you can go to the link when you mouse over my name.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:07pmI will not mouse on your name.
I would prefer to do something else on your name, but it would ruin my monitor.
Do you THINK that was to CRITICAL of me?
Do you believe in the “green” movement?
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:09pmEdit: too critical
Report Post »king1
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:13pmWell mr atheist you may not belive in hell now but you will when you get there
Report Post »old guy in SC
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:09amThis is a perfect example of why this California native moved away many years ago. The only reason I’m in South Carolina is the Atlantic Ocean stopped me from driving further away.
Report Post »epmonroe
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:07am“…guilty of preaching to a “captive audience.”” I’d have to agree with that. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in line and have some self-righteous jackass reading to me either. Beat it! I guess he doesn’t have enough people sitting in his pews.
Report Post »teachermitch32
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:22amHey! You were the one in line laughing and that complained to the rent-a-cop, were’nt you? Yea! That’s what it was…..it was you.
Report Post »rossgolf
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:22amSelf righteous? Because someone wants to read out loud from scripture he’s self righteous? And everyone who goes to church is a hypocrite too, right? Every church attendee I know attends because they recognize their weaknesses / frailties, not because they’re better than anyone else.
Give the guy a break.
Report Post »Patriot Momma
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 4:31amHe wasn’t in line, he was more than 50 feet away and the DMV was CLOSED. Read the article before commenting it makes you appear less ignorant.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:03amIt doesn’t seem logical that they were in any way impeding any business unless the mere noise of the preaching does that. The police would also have to arrest any musicians that might play there or any other preformance. Relative silence must be required if the law is to be fair and not a violation of free speach.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:03amIf anyone is guilty of “guilty of preaching to a captive audience”, it’s Obama. Arrest the man.
Report Post »smak
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:30amYoung man, adults are talking here.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:30am@GONZO~~~ Yes, sir!!! Right now!
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:23amAmen Gonzo!
To the troll – smak – you need to get a life, and read the Constitution, Gonzo has the right to speak his mind, and you don’t have any right to shut him down, you are free to leave the site at any time you want.
Report Post »smak
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:51amWhat does Obama have to do with this topic?
Report Post »Issachar Crust
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:15pmLOL, if you don’t know, there is no hope for you!
Report Post »smak
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:58pm@ LOL, if you don’t know, there is no hope for you!
Report Post »~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOL. What kind of guy writes LOL?
jedi.kep
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:58amDisturbing the peace? He’s reading a book! I’d bet everything I own, that if he was reading any other book, no one would have done a thing.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:11amI’m trying to put myself in the place of people standing in line and this guy was reading out lous from some Jackie Collins book. That would be annoying, I guess, and I suppose the law has the right to keep people from annoying others on government business. But my business wouldn’t really be impeded. I could handle the minor annoyance and would see the neeed to call the cops unless the guy was preaching in my face.
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:22amHere’s the thing. The man was simply reading the passage. He wasn‘t screaming in people’s faces. He was exercising his freedom of speech. He didn’t even make it personal. He was simply reading the Bible. Would he have been arrested for reading the newspaper? No. Reading Lord of the Rings? Nope. Sports statistics for the local team? No.
I don’t even recognize my country anymore.
Report Post »Joelswork
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:49amWhile open air preaching is not my thing, spreading the word of God is…as a Christian that’s what I am called to do. I do appreciate the attempt they are making to introduce these people to Jesus and they were peaceful and did respect the police officer with just and simple questions. Overall, I would have to think that God was pleased. Legally, I don’t see any laws that were broken, you can‘t impede an open business if it isn’t opened and a captive audience is one that is forced to be there (they can leave if they want) and if this isn’t what they want to hear…there are plenty of people shouting things that couldn’t be put on the nightly news (yet they aren’t being cuffed and stuffed). Oh how the word of God offends those who don’t know Him…so convicting. I hope the officer got to hear some of those sweet words from God on the way to the station.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:17amthey the office wasn’t open the people there were in line waiting for it to open. You all know what it is like waiting in line at the DMV. Those peopel had to stay in line if they were to get necessary business done. So, yes, they were a “captive audience” and the pastor was taking advantage of that situation. More importantly, he was taking advantage of THEM. I’ve been a missionary and an evangelist. I was trained to know that you have to EARN the right to be heard. Otherwise you risk making the Gospel offensive by the manner of your medium rather than the message and closing their ears to hearing it in the future. I know of people who were turned off listening to the Gospel for years because of some obnoxious preacher.
A lot of people here are saying this was fine because it was the Gospel, but the law can’t be written that priveleges what we believe is the truth. It must be neutral to that. Some may see this as a sign of the nation’s intolerance of Gosple truth, but when I was growing up preachers did not think to stage confrontations on DMVs.
Report Post »Dale
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:36amIf I viewed the video correctly, the preacher avoided ‘government’ property – he was on the sidewalk, which is ‘public’. I could be wrong. Additionally, if I run into a client while renewing a license (I’ll do it by mail from now on) and discuss what is happening am I subject to arrest – because it was not government business?
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:51pm“Good morning everyone. I’d like to read to you…while we wait for the courthouse to open…”
Polite. Not shouting in people’s faces. People could tune him out if they wanted.
replace … with:
The Word of God
Ghandi
the Script from the Princess Bride
Keith Olberman
Jaberwocky
the sports scores from last night
the news paper
my favorite short story
the lyrics from Van Halen
etc.
Only one item on that list would cause someone to arrest them. I would like to see them try it. Go 30 days reading from random items and see if they get arrested for it. I would bet any amount of money that no one would say a word or utter a peep of complaint, until they read the Bible. Anyone ever wonder why that may be?
Report Post »KimH211
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:52pm@Jedi.Kep: “Only one item on that list would cause someone to arrest them. I would like to see them try it. Go 30 days reading from random items and see if they get arrested for it. I would bet any amount of money that no one would say a word or utter a peep of complaint, until they read the Bible. Anyone ever wonder why that may be?”
Because the prince of this world (Satan, for those of you who don’t read the Bible) has his clutches deep into the hearts of people. They can’t stand to be around Godly people, much less hear God’s word. Satan knows his time is short and is fighting us with all he’s got to take as many of the lost with him as he can. He can‘t take the chance that they’ll hear something that might cause them to turn to God.
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:55amThe state of California is far removed from reality. With the highest deficit of any state it’s only makes me laugh at the illegals sanctuary policies. Next time speak Spanish and nothing will happen.
Report Post »Magen_daveed7
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:02amYeah I wonder how long before it falls into the ocean? I hope not to much longer.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:05amTrue enough there, or as mentioned above, read the Koran. But Nancy Pelosi’s favorite word is “The Word”, I wonder if she will come to their defense (I doubt it).
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:40amTry living in the next state from CA, and having to deal with these tourists coming over the border in the winter; often I hear the complaints of the snowbirds about the weather and uncivility of those of us who live here most of our lives.
Report Post »cause420
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:12pmThis California Patrolman is a perfect example of a ‘Open Society.’ This preacher was protected under the 1st and 2nd Admendment of the U.S. Constitution. Or do they even teach Civil Liberties in CA? Hypocrites
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:50amThere is a law of disturbing the peace in California. I guess the Blaze doesn’t know that..
Can’t wait to see the comments on this one.. All backwards I presume..
Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:52amWould this have happened if he was reading a Koran?
Report Post »conversationcanwork
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:58amIt doesn’t matter… because he wasn’t.
Report Post »MrDeadly
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:01amThere may be a law that would apply here but did the man really need to be handcuffed? Couldn’t he have been asked to leave or stop reading the Bible?
Report Post »Magen_daveed7
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:01amYeah that is just a pick and choose law I guess? If that is disturbing the peace then you socialist and communist wackos should be put under the jail.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:06amIn fairness, MrDeadly, he WAS asked to stop reading and to leave.
Report Post »Nobamazone
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:06amaccording to the article they were not arrested for disturbing the peace, guess the police should know their own laws and arrest them for the right one then
Report Post »Ironmaan
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:10amIf the authorities would like to be respected, they should stop with the incredibly stupidity. They are beginning to look very very foolish. Their constant overstepping undermines their credibility as well.
Report Post »http://guerillatics.com
Jim
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:10amSo you’re saying that if anyone speaks out publicly they are disturbing the peace? Then there are a lot of union members in a lot of places that should have been arrested just for speaking out where they were. Also, any union members that picket a place of business (doing something other than the intended business) should be arrested. Also, protestors that do not get a permit should be arrested (Greenpeace, Black panthers, several other groups come to mind). The double standard goes way too deep.
The policies that were used to arrest him are not used across the board – that is my problem with it. If nothing else he highlighted a hypocrisy that needs to be addressed. Show me the story where someone was arrested just for showing up at a government building and saying that unions are not properly represented. They don’t even get arrested when they break into government buildings without permits.
Dudester
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:12am“There is a law of disturbing the peace in California. I guess the Blaze doesn’t know that.”
Uh, so what if there is? He was not arrested for that. I’m sure that there is a law against kicking small dogs, but he wasn’t arrested for that either. He was reportedly arrested for ‘“impeding an open business” under Penal Code Section 602.1(b).’
Preaching a a captive audience would make him a jerk, but it would not violate the statute as written.
Although the statute says that you cannot interfere with “those persons there to transact business with the public agency”. It also says that the agency must be “open to the public”.
Additionally, the statute specifically excludes “Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
Report Post »protected by the California Constitution or the United States Constitution”. Exercising religious freedom by reading a holy book aloud would seem to be covered by this exclusion.
.
Patriot1
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:12amWake up, everyday are FREEDOMS are being taken away!! Also, what is fair that a union member can do this but not a individual.
Report Post »(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(1) Any person engaged in lawful labor union activities that are
permitted to be carried out on the property by state or federal law.
MrDeadly
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:14am@ISLESFORDIAN
I did not see that in the article, I assume that was in the video that I did not watch and if so then I stand corrected.
On another note since when is the DMV a business? It is a public service. There is probably a law on the books for impeding the DMV from operating but at least arrest them for violating the correct law.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:17amThis is not the same thing as speaking out publicly. The goverment does have the right to designate the rules for behavior in certain areas. No one here would be surprised if the guy was arrested for doing this in a court room, I suppose. I thought the police overreacted, but we are only seeing the edited video presented by those arrested. If I was a police officer asking them to stop disturbing the peace on goverment propoerty and they constantly refused to obey, I might be a little annoyed with them. The more I think about this the more I side with the police.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:20amUnbelievable! Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Just watched the video this time and all I can say is, this is the stuff of revolution folks. The arresting officer (hesitate to even call him that) should be flogged! How can anyone have respect for the so-called law when you have cops that act like that complete jerk?
These kind of actions by the ignorant police contribute to the breakdown of society instead of the order of society. A DMV office is public property because it is owned by the state and he wasn’t “impeding an open business” because he wasn’t even in the path of those going into the office.
What a DISGRACE!
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:23amHe was asked to leave from a public sidewalk? Of course it’s a violation of his constitutional rights. Fewer and fewer people seem to care about constitutional rights though.
Report Post »TRILO
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:26amThe men said they were arrested for ” impeding an open business” under Penal Code Section 602.1(b). The CHP said they were arrested for not having a permit. Which is it? Did not read anything about disturbing the peace. I would also ask how you “impede an open business, when the office is closed? As they were not acting in a violent or disruptive manner I think it would have been more appropriate to ask them to leave the area first, rather than pull out the handcuffs.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:29amAnd there’s something called the first amendment that supercedes any law as it is an inalienable right. Apparently everywhere except in socialist cali. where inalienable right don’t exist outside of the secular speech. If so why doesn’t the same law apply to people who are protesting businesses,and in the streets as their audiences are “captured as well”’ So tell mr. slaptheleft why is having a captive audience excepted in one case and not the other. could it be the work of well i don’t know satan
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:29am“Additionally, the statute specifically excludes “Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities protected by the California Constitution or the United States Constitution”. Exercising religious freedom by reading a holy book aloud would seem to be covered by this exclusion.”
I’m not sure about that interpretation Dudester. But if I were a policeman there I would have cautiously entertained the possibility you were right. But what if someone in line complained? What if a guy was reading from the Koran and a Jewish guy was in line and din’t like having to listen to his people being badmouthed while he was waiting to get into the DMV? What if there was a gay guy there? That pastor was reading from the first chapter of Romans which speaks out specifically against homosexuality. I believe tha the bible is true, and sinners ought to be told they are sinning, but we shouldn’t FORCE them to listen, even by the soft force of taking advantage of their need to be stuck someplace.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:29amSo the DMV is an “open business?“ Now can we just arrest those union hecklers who come to ”impede the open business” of lawmaking?
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:35amLucifer is in control of our country, WE THE PEOPLE have turned our backs on God, and His wrath will be like no other you have experienced.
Unions can protest, shout, curse, put up signes, anywhere they please, but a MAN of GOD cannot simply read his Bible.
The cop was doing his duty, I cannot fault him, however, I fault the communist legislators, Governer of the states that put up these statutes, and I don’t care what party they are from, we have a two party, one headed BEAST – ruled by Progressives. Progressive liberals are the scourge of our country, the God haters, the Lucifer lovers of everything worldly, the pannits, the tree huggers, the baby killers, the drug abusers, the wife abusers, the child abusers. THIS is what you Gov’t loves — AND I HATE what WE have become as a nation.
The heathen will be gnashing their teeth and wailing and crying in the end, for the sword of life and death shall come upon them like a thief in the night and He is called Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Lord, my sheppard. He conquored death for all to see, yet yee are blind that have no faith in Him. Be prepared for Him, every day, every hour, every minute. Amen.
God bless you all, and God bless America.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:35am“The arresting officer (hesitate to even call him that) should be flogged! ”
Gold Coin, calm down and take a breath. I had the exact same reaction as you. Really (maybe even a little worse).
But then I thought about it a little more and looked at it from the point of view of the police trying to maintain the neutral and peaceful venue of a government location so people, all people, can freely and peaceably do their business. And I started to think the pastor was a bit of a jerk, forcing his religion on others. I AGREE with his faith, but I am sensitive to how people don’t liked to be preached at, and they weren’t exactly free to leave.
Report Post »Creestof
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:37amHe should have been told to leave, but not arrested…unless he refused the order. Pretty simple…the people going to the DMV are a captive audience. If he wants to read it aloud to people, then do it in a park.
Kind of an “all or nothing” rule…if some twit was spouting from the Koran while I was trying to take care of something at the DMV I’d have called the cops myself.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:37amOkay, I have to let the courts decide on this one; the law does exist, as there is one in most, or I could guess all states about disturbances of the public peace in some shape or form. In this one part though about with the unions, it does seem though that if the pastors were indeed part of a union then the activities would be legitimate expressions.
I hope an honest and impartial judge can settle the matter without the evil head of polititcs coming to the forefront.
We are still a nation of laws and procedures, not a country of anarchists and unlawful people. Those who do break the laws of the land, and especially those of the Almighty will be held to an accounting by the people at the courts or ballot boxes in 2012.
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:42am@SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:50am
There is a law of disturbing the peace in California. I guess the Blaze doesn’t know that..
Can’t wait to see the comments on this one.. All backwards I presume..
———————-
But your unions of Lucifer would be perfectly legal to stand and protest there, shout their slogans and hold up signs. You are a blind man with eyes, a deaf man without ears, and intelligent man without a brain. No the left cannot think critically, they throw names at you and smear you, they have no argument, yet they triumph, why is that my friends? Lucifer can tell you, but God and Jesus Christ will tell you better – believe, repent and turn your back on the evil one. I pity the people who have no faith, they are lost and grope to find their way, but they only see darkness. How do you like thoes comments friend?
God Bless America, we NEED you now more than ever dear Lord, come for us now, take us away from this vile and evil place where Lucifer reigns. The un-Godly hoard are gaining in numbers and we are shrinking, it is a sad sad day in America.
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:43amFor all of you out there who wonder what my name means – read the Bible, and you may just find out.
Report Post »2bluestarmom
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:45amResponse to “SLAPTHELEFT” #1 Your avitar is disgusting #2 You are a Troll who’s only purpose for being on the blaze is antagonistic #3 if this was a Muslim, Mainstream Media, HuffPuff, The Potus, etc would be all over this, Protecting Islamists’. You see Islamic Muslims shutting down streets in major cities in America and Worldwide for their Prayers in the streets. Christians have been under attack for decades by the progressive socialist here who have become even more aggressive & evil toward Christians and Jews. I will keep reporting your post until someone at the blaze bans you.
Report Post »GoodWill2
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:46amThis guy should have been arrested. What he did was obnoxious, grand-standing and inconsiderate. To show up at a government office where people are standing in line to receive services and force them to listen to his sermon or leave is simply wrong.
Was the building on fire? Were any in imminent danger? This man’s imposition of his religious views was as coercive and potentially offensive as forcing others to breath cigarette smoke, listen to (c)rap music, or breath waste fumes.
What if he were sweetly playing his violin? Or advertising his business? Inasmuch as someone (in authority, no less) kindly asked him to stop, he should have done the descent thing…and stop. Holding a captive audience — however “noble” one’s purposes might be — is simply unAmerican (regardless of one’s religious leanings). These people didn’t come to see a parade, buy a time share, or attend a church service. They came to get their license plates and drivers licenses!
This man is full of himself. And not inspired of God.
Report Post »Blackjacx1
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:49amHe’ll lose the suit. But, I think they should unionize and then they could use intimidation too:
Report Post »602.1 (b) Any person who intentionally interferes with any lawful
business carried on by the employees of a public agency open to the
public, by obstructing or intimidating those attempting to carry on
business, or those persons there to transact business with the public
agency, and who refuses to leave the premises of the public agency
after being requested to leave by the office manager or a supervisor
of the public agency, or by a peace officer acting at the request of
the office manager or a supervisor of the public agency
Penal code 602.1(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
SEC. 4. Free exercise and enjoyment of religion without
discrimination or preference are guaranteed. This liberty of
conscience does not excuse acts that are licentious(public sex or vulgar sexuality) or inconsistent
with the PEACE or safety of the State. The Legislature shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion.
A person is not incompetent to be a witness or juror because of
his or her opinions on religious beliefs.(This is news to most liberals in California.) lol
smithclar3nc3
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:53amWhat’s really effed and a call to arms for the people who believe in the Constitution is the police arrested a man practicing free speech and freedom of religion because they were told to. They are miondless robots of the government who would strip away inalienable rights at the call of the beaurocrats inspite of what the constitution says. This is proof the government and it’s gestapo forces need a wake up call ASAP
Report Post »Creestof
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:54am@Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:43am
For all of you out there who wonder what my name means – read the Bible, and you may just find out.
———————————————————————————————————————————————-
Report Post »I don’t think anyone was.
John 3:16
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:54amIsn’t there something in the first ammendment to the USA CONSTITUTION that addresses this issue???? Doesn‘t CHP have more pressing business or is it their business to suppress the people’s right to FREE speach?
Report Post »THOR6471
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:56amSomeone with their car stereo so loud it shakes everything within a hundred yards is disturbing the peace. This is not.
Report Post »chiefparker
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:59amThey were reading the word of the Prince of Peace.
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:02am@GoodWill2
Report Post »Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:46am
This guy should have been arrested. What he did was obnoxious, grand-standing and inconsiderate. To show up at a government office where people are standing in line to receive services and force them to listen to his sermon or leave is simply wrong.
—————————-
You sir have not thought process, you simply tow the company line of the progressive. Where was the gun to the head of the patrons to listen to the Man of God? They can chose to listen or tune him out could they now? I bet if it were a union member being taken in cuffs, you be all over it, you are just a swill of the progressive.
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:07amHow wasn’t mobbing the capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin not “impeding business” or “disturbing the peace” I wonder?
I don’t question the validity of what was done here specifically, if he was asked to step aside and give way and didn’t, he got what he had coming. What bothers me is the lack of consistency here. If a man reads a Bible in front of a government office, off to the klink. If union thugs swarm a statehouse and violate all kinds of fire codes, stop work from going on, etc, well, that’s just democracy in action!
Like I‘ve been saying since I’ve been here, we’re not a nation of laws any longer, we’re a nation of men (figuratively speaking).
Report Post »LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:08amGold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:52am
Would this have happened if he was reading a Koran?
___________________________________________________
YES …. that’s the whole point …if you let one Religion do this then you have to let all others do the same… and who wants that ? I know i don’t
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:15am@Creestof
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:54am
@Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:43am
For all of you out there who wonder what my name means – read the Bible, and you may just find out.
———————————————————————————————————————————————-
I don’t think anyone was.
———————–
Report Post »And you obviously speak for every man, woman and child who post here I guess, LOL, your head swells with pride that you slap me down for my words – good for you, I bow to your superior intellect and manners. You are the beginning, the middle and the end of all, aren’t ya? There is nothing you don’t know, or would opine about, without real knowledge. Carry on my wayward son! Peace be with you, enjoy life. God Bless you.
Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:22am“your head swells with pride that you slap me down for my words”
Issachar, does the wrod “transference” have any meaning for you? It’s really relevant, and rather amusing.
Report Post »Buck Bagaw
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:30amViolent offenders like this must be dealt with severly. It could have ben worse though, this monster could have been reading the Constitution.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:32amIt doesn’t matter about any law…he had he nerve to actually read a Bible in public. Must not have said the name Jesus or he may have been shot on the spot.
Report Post »DTOM_Jericho (leaving PA)
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:33amPigs.
Report Post »Veritas vos liberabit
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:33am@Goodwill – I am a Christian but have to agree with your comments. I wish the officer could have been a little kinder with his response, but we don’t pay our officers to be soft and fuzzy. If I was standing at the DMV and someone began reading the Koran, I would have wanted him to stop or be stopped.
Report Post »DSTSS2010
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:36amIrrelevent! They were not charged with disturbing the peace.
Report Post »ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:44amTROUBLEMAKERS and INSTIGATORS! Throw them all in jail. These Jesus Freaks are mentally unbalanced. I am an AMERICAN, and I have rights! (I earned my rights in Desert Storm, by the way.)
I don’t need to hear this crap while I am standing in a government line. PUT ‘EM ALL UNDER THE JAIL!
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:45am“forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:49am@Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:22am
“your head swells with pride that you slap me down for my words”
Issachar, does the wrod “transference” have any meaning for you? It’s really relevant, and rather amusing.
Report Post »————————-
Transference is a phenomenon in psychoanalysis characterized by unconscious redirection of feelings from one person to another. One definition of transference is “the inappropriate repetition in the present of a relationship that was important in a person’s childhood.”[1] Another definition is “the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object.”[2] Still another definition is “a reproduction of emotions relating to repressed experiences, esp[ecially] of childhood, and the substitution of another person … for the original object of the repressed impulses.”[3] Transference was first described by Sigmund Freud, who acknowledged its importance for psychoanalysis for better understanding of the patient’s feelings.
——————————–
I am so happy to be here for your amusement, and since ‘psycho’ analysis is your thing, please consult Sigmund Freud or Carl Jung for more help in understanding what I am saying, oh, wait they are dead, sorry. I am speaking my mind, and my childhood has no bearing here, I am not unconscious and have no repressions – I merley speak my free will, and I have no animosity to anyone, I am just speaking the truth as I know it, you can take it or leave it at your bemusement! Please go analyse yourself before you analyse others. If you believe me to wrong, just say so, you don’t have to put labels on me, you don’t need Jung or Freud to do that for you do you? I am speaking from what the Bible teaches, pure and simple, and I happen to believe it – sue me!
@leftfighter
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:58amSLAPTHELEFT wrote “There is a law of disturbing the peace in California. I guess the Blaze doesn’t know that…”
Then why is this not what he was arrested for? Asking because the code he was arrested under definitely didn’t fit.
Only asking because if something fit, surely the D.A. would have charged them with something else rather than dropping the charges, right?
For example, Aggrivated Assault with a Deadly Weapon changes to Murder in courtrooms across the nation after a victim of gun violence dies, all the time. Conversely, charges are dropped when an officer abuses his power to arrest a citizen for a non-crime, too.
Where is the ACLU on this? It’s evident that this is a violation of the First Amendment.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXCERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, or of the press; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Funny part? The court they’re going to sue the CHP in will likely be the same one they preach outside of other days of the week.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:00am@Jim
Here, you’re wrong. Comtinue reading the article. If you’re a union member, the law doesn’t apply.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:06am@GoodWill2
Stupid question: How is it unAmerican to excercise ones’ Constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech, specifically taking advantage of government’s inability to prohibit the free practice thereof?
And to conflate forcing someone to smoke with someone reading a bible? If you don’t like hearing it, ignore it!
Report Post »KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:11amLet a man read a book aloud in California, you are arrested and thrown in handcuffs.
Report Post »Let millions of illegal foreigners invade the State and rob the taxpayer blind, that’s ok.
The hippy lunatics are at it again in California!
ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:14amThat thin blue line of protection, Thank God we are all so safe and these law enforcement officers are so willing to defend the constitution of the USA. SARCASM warning:) This idiot can’t even read the first amendment.
Sinista MACE is not looking so far off base now is he???
Report Post »Dale
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:18am“We don‘t inhibit people’s right to free speech–we regulate it.”
Report Post »————————————
Can anyone explain the difference.
freeus
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:25amThis is BS. I live in SoCal and there is a black man that stands on the street and loudly “preaches” in our small “captive” village. To my knowledge he has never been arrested, and I am not personally offended by what he has to say. I think it is freedom of speech.
Report Post »EXLIB
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:25amWelcome to the Police State!
Report Post »Cerealface
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:49amHe was asked to leave. He didn’t leave. If they would have let him continue to read…TOTAL ANARCHY! OMG Thank God someone was there to stop him. Think of the repercussions.
Report Post »SFYMP
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:51amIt’s absolutely amazing how much the troll ratio increases with a subject such as this. They are consistent with their stupidity of course. Remember “ Never underestimate the power of stupidity in large numbers” They are why we have a major problem in America. Liberals.
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:51am@ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:14am
That thin blue line of protection, Thank God we are all so safe and these law enforcement officers are so willing to defend the constitution of the USA. SARCASM warning:) This idiot can’t even read the first amendment.
Sinista MACE is not looking so far off base now is he???
Report Post »—————–
Sinista Mace is a racist, anti-law kinda guy and will never be right in my mind. The cop was doing his job for pay, and when is job goes bye bye, just like all of us will say bye bye to our jobs real soon, he will most likely be a LOT more Constitutional than you think! The ignorance of the left is rubbing off on a lot of supposed conservatives – BEWARE!
Alydia
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:54amWhat is not against the law in California?? Oh yeah, illegals, pot, rank theft and muslims laying all over the streets praising allah….yeah, we can see why Cali is in such “good shape!”
Report Post »Cheekymnky2
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:56amWhat bothers me is the Lieutenant’s comment …
“We don‘t inhibit people’s right to free speech–we regulate it.”
Report Post »freeus
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:02am@GOLD COIN & ECONOMIC NEWS
Report Post »Or of any other race?
BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:07am@JIM
The article itself states that unions are exempt.
According to section c-1 of the law, the “preachers” would seem to have been okay if they were from a union:
(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
Report Post »(1) Any person engaged in lawful labor union activities that are
permitted to be carried out on the property by state or federal law.
freeus
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:11am@CONVERSATIONCANWORK
Report Post »I think that GOLD COIN & ECONOMIC NEWS posed an important and thought provoking question:
Would this have happened if he was reading a Koran?
BOMUSTGO
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:12amISSACHAR: I knew what your name meant the first time I saw it…Are you of that tribe, or are you into understanding the times and the seasons? Nostradamus was of that tribe.
Report Post »MASTER YODA
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:14amPay illegal mexicans to preach on sidewalks, maybe the pastor should. Then the police leave them alone, not only will, given a home, will they be, food, medical, drivers license, education. Or form a pastors union, can they. Then only be protected but encouraged to speak at public buildings they will not. Yes, hmmm.
Report Post »DonoRomantico
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:16amToo bad this guy wasn’t Mexican and reading in Espanol.
Report Post »ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:22am@Issachar
When your job is at odds with the constitution (here free speech) or with TSA (unreasonable search) what protection is there from the people that are suppose to protect our rights? This man went to jail and was sent there by a man that should have been protecting his right to speech? What is a civil recourse to this? call the cops? Or fight it after being arrested while the system is ageist you and burden of proving your constitutional rights are on you? How is that freedom? sorry about my spelling but hope my questions are clear. At what point are we slaves to government and how close to the point are we now? At what point are the police watching the people not watching out for the people???
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:26am@ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:44am
TROUBLEMAKERS and INSTIGATORS! Throw them all in jail. These Jesus Freaks are mentally unbalanced. I am an AMERICAN, and I have rights! (I earned my rights in Desert Storm, by the way.)
I don’t need to hear this crap while I am standing in a government line. PUT ‘EM ALL UNDER THE JAIL!
Report Post »—————————————————————
I will pray for you to come back from the DARK side Brother, you are in deep.
Melvin Spittle
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:27amThe way to get around this is to get on your cell phone and call someone that wants to hear the message and just preach “loudly” to them. There is no law against rude cell phone habits.
Report Post »YUP YUP
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:27amIt looks to me that the officer was more than happy to arrest him. I think, but I could be wrong, because the officer could be a little light in the loafers. Thats my opinion. Just saying. What do you think?
Report Post »BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:28amI have always found that just reading the bible in public (to myself of course) is a great testimony. I don’t read it in public for that purpose. I just love reading it. But, if someone comments or asks a question I am happy to respond.
Christians must remember that God says that we have to abide by man’s laws- no matter how stupid they may seem. But, also recall that the Bible also says that before Jesus returns there will be the great falling away. We should not be surprised that Christians are being arrested and persecuted. We should be comforted that God’s Word is always true.
On the other hand, if I were standing in a public venue and someone was reading aloud from the Bible, Torah, Koran, or the Book of Satan, I would just tune out what I didn’t want to hear, or challenge them on their beliefs. Why we have to be so sensitive I am sure I will never know.
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:28am@BOMUSTGO
Report Post »Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:12am
ISSACHAR: I knew what your name meant the first time I saw it…Are you of that tribe, or are you into understanding the times and the seasons? Nostradamus was of that tribe.
—————————–
You are a learned person, and I applaud you for your knowledge. I am understanding the times and the seasons, sir/madam. I am a believer in God and Jesus Christ and I am an analyst by trade, and I do understand the times we live in. God Bless ya.
Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:42am@ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:22am
@Issachar
When your job is at odds with the constitution (here free speech) or with TSA (unreasonable search) what protection is there from the people that are suppose to protect our rights? This man went to jail and was sent there by a man that should have been protecting his right to speech? What is a civil recourse to this? call the cops? Or fight it after being arrested while the system is ageist you and burden of proving your constitutional rights are on you? How is that freedom? sorry about my spelling but hope my questions are clear. At what point are we slaves to government and how close to the point are we now? At what point are the police watching the people not watching out for the people???
—————————
You pose very good questions. The cop was doing what he was TOLD to do, it is not up to him to also be a judge. I would not take a job that MADE me break the Constitution first. The preacher will have the right to sue or not in court, but the activist judges will toss it, for you see, they ‘interpret’ the Constitution, not follow it. Our freedoms are being taken away every day, a nudge here and a nudge there, so one day we will have NO FREEDOMS…and then the America we knew will be gone. The enemy is PROGRESSIVIM (read COMMUNISM), and LIBERALISM, whoo seek to control us for the ‘collective’ good. They can a jam it as far as I’m concerned, and they are backing a TIGER into a corner, which is a dangerous proposition indeed, is it not? We are SLAVES RIGHT NOW, in a country that should be FREE. What most people do not realize is the fact Progressives/Liberals, use emotion, not fact, to further their cause for CONTROL, and the lemmings follow blindly to the slaughter.
God Bless America.
Report Post »enduro
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:51amGodless Cali will pay the price soon. Hope you guys can swim.
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:55amThis is why the Second Amendment was written – to force officers of the law to stay withing their Constitutional authority.
Report Post »Conservative Hippy
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:58amfreedom of speach shall not be infringed… people have the freedom to ignore if they do not like what the person is saying… the cops should not be involved.
Report Post »GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:05pmto all you blazers,
I don’t post much but did anyone bother clicking the link to the Penal Code? C (2) is much more important than c (1)
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
Sounds like they have a case to me. For you regulars who missed it, shame on you.
Report Post »king1
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:09pmMatthew 5:11
Report Post »Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake
king1
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:11pmAlright DUDESTER slapem with the truth :)
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:13pmThat law need to be applied at every protest in California that takes place near schools,businesses,churches,Hospitals and public offices anywhere that someone might need to visit
Report Post »Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:23pm@GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:05pm
to all you blazers,
I don’t post much but did anyone bother clicking the link to the Penal Code? C (2) is much more important than c (1)
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
Sounds like they have a case to me. For you regulars who missed it, shame on you.
Report Post »——————————
LOL, you had to look that up? It is right there in the article, shame on you! Also, just because a law is on the books, written by liberal progressives or rino’s does not make it a law in my books – I look to the Constitution. I do not break the law, so I don’t have to even recognize it, if I happen to get pulled over by the cops and have a broken light, I use courtesy and logic, and usually avoid the ticket, then I fix my light, but I do not recognize it as LAW. I also obey the laws to stay out of jail, seems you can sneeze in the wrong place and get locked up anymore? How much longer are we going to put up with the encroachment on our freedoms gang?
Issachar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:32pmAmerica, conservatives, libertarians, people of freedom, why do we sit on our hands, what are we waiting for? We are losing our country and we sit at the keyboard and type away, watch the idiot box and do drugs? Are we the sheep Mr. Washington was speaking to?
Report Post »Czar Casm
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:34pm@ Zombie
I was born with my rights. And you had to go all the way over to the Middle East to earn yours? Man were you duped.
Report Post »Issachar Crust
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:35pmAh the rain is here, good, I love the rain! Let it rain all across America friends, countrymen, can you smell the goodness of the rain?
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:42pm@Islesfordian,
“This is not the same thing as speaking out publicly. The goverment does have the right to designate the rules for behavior in certain areas.”
Speaking is not behavior, it’s speech. And no the government does not have the right to designate what speech they will accept from the citizens – in any area.
US Bill of Rights, First Amendment
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
“No one here would be surprised if the guy was arrested for doing this in a court room, I suppose.”
No one would be surprised if a guy was arrested in court for standing up and just shouting incoherent or irrelevant things – but that’s not speech.
Speech is a message that you want to convey, and is coherent and directed; not necessarily innocuous (in fact, not likely to be innocuous), but coherent and directed, nonetheless.
For example, a courtroom would be a good place to speak up if the judge is violating the Constitution, but not if you just want to stand up and talk about Jesus during a trial – it has to be relevant.
These men were not prohibiting business, and the restriction on prohibiting speech is placed on government so the “captive audience” argument doesn’t fly.
And SINCE the restriction on prohibiting speech is on government, then speech is ESPECIALLY restricted from being prohibited on government property. That’s WHERE you would go to speak for or against the government.
“I thought the police overreacted, but we are only seeing the edited video presented by those arrested.”
True enough.
“If I was a police officer asking them to stop disturbing the peace on goverment propoerty and they constantly refused to obey, I might be a little annoyed with them. The more I think about this the more I side with the police.”
Speech doesn’t qualify as disturbing the peace – especially since the First Amendment was designed to allow the people to disturb the peace of government.
What you’re failing to understand is that the CONTEXT of the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence is an understanding that government can become destructive of the ends to which it was established by the people – the protection of inalienable rights – and so when the government does violate those ends, speech is NECESSARILY going to disturb government.
If I was a police officer, I would not ask them to stop their speech. See here.
Declaration Of Orders We Will Not Obey
Report Post »http://oathkeepers.org/oath/2009/03/03/declaration-of-orders-we-will-not-obey/
meeknotweak
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:01pmCan you tell me,how does this distrub the peace? I dont live in california, I am a relatively new citizen Paid for at hig$ Cost legally) I came here because of the peace that the founding fathers and their generation fought for and wished to hold onto dearly. Please tell me if this is another peace, or how it is that reading a BIBLE out loud, disturbs the peace. You can shout on your cellphone, you can honk your horn, you can scream at your neighbour, HOW IS IT THAT THIS DISTURBS THE PEACE.
Report Post »JustTheFactsPlease
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:02pmEqual justice under the law. he was on public property.. DMV is owned by him, and me, and everyone else. It’s government property. He wasn’t disturbing anyone really, you can choose to listen, or not too.
Report Post »royaloakmary
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:03pmI just want to say this…………..I wonder if the guys reading from the BIBLE would have gotten arrested if they would have acted like they were yelling into a head set cell phone at the TOP of their voice…..I guess not …… We need to prove points as cleverly as the Left wing nuts .I have to listen to soooooooo much worse GARBAGE out there from people without any regard for others around them. Next scripture readings , pretend your on your cell phone to someone and let FREEDOM RAIN. OK ?
Report Post »Jlance707
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:10pmMaybe he was praying for his number to be called…have you ever waited in line at the DMV? Didnt they do this in China over Easter?
Report Post »PureDrumFury
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:21pmSlaptheleft, at what point is this video was he “disturbing the peace?” And why did the officer refuse to answer when the others asked him what law was broken? This is only the beginning of the persecution of Christians in this country. It’s coming. If you figure this against that fact that thousands of Muslims are allowed to gather in the streets and rally and no one does anything about that – I think it‘s obvious what’s happening here. I’m sickedned by this.
Report Post »Mee the People
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:29pmthis makes me so mad i could burn my koran
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:30pm@Slaptheleft
Contrary to your inflaming introduction, I agree with this guy being arressted! Of course he was not there alone but with a group and he was asked to stop and leave. It took guts on his part because my not so Christain nature is alive and well when I am going through the “trials” set forth by the DMV…
Report Post »RedPillPatriot
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:38pmAnyone else notice the California cop has a lisp! hahahahaha, could it get any better. Are you sure this wasn’t in San Fran Sicko! We haven’t seen a free country since I have been alive. And that was since the 60′s. Tisk Tisk, no preaching, heavens to betsy, do you want to go to jail, I’ll have to strip search you (said in my best lisp)
Report Post »JediKnight
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:40pmI don’t know the specifics of the “disturbing the peace” law, but it’s usually only enforced after 10pm, which is also the curfew time for anyone under 18. So you’re actually pretty free to be as loud as you want until 10pm.
Report Post »RedPillPatriot
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:43pmIf I was the preacher I would have said, you all in California are going to hell I’m going to Texas. But thank god I’m already here. California you are “as they say” now reaping what you sow. Hope you like it. Stay the hell out of my state!
Report Post »Czar Casm
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:51pm@ Red Pill
Love the Crockett reference. You’ve taken the red pill, then you get it brother (or sister). Red, White and Dude, Go Beer Party!
Report Post »Issachar Crust
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:52pmLet it rain, let it rain, all over the land!
Report Post »Godhelpusin2011
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:01pmReally that is disturbing the peace…wow very misguided. I guess that only works in the favor of the left
Report Post »maumau
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:15pm@ slap the left
these comments wont be backwards
i would like to see the people talking too loud on their cells arrested then. people cussing infront of line of me when im with my children then.
i also find it funny the cop asking do you want to come too? ha the cops arent suppose to ask that but then again they are not suppose to arrest people for nothing what an abuse of power. sorry i love cops for the sacrifice they make everyday to keep us safe but am overcome with such rage at the amount of police that abuse their power and take advantage of their authority
blugh unions and welfare have ruined everything
Report Post »GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:23pm@Issachar, LOL where is that in the Article? Maybe you can magic it in there but i have a suspicion you didnt read my post carefully.
Once Again,
California Penal Code, 602.1 Paragraph C, Section 2:
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
And Section C in Full
(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(1) Any person engaged in lawful labor union activities that are
permitted to be carried out on the property by state or federal law.
(2) Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States
Constitution.
I hope that you will notice that (C) section 2 has not only not been brought up by other commentors, it is also missing from the article.
Report Post »thinkinghuman
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:25pmAll I can think of is what the Bill of Rights says: “…Religion … shall not be infringed” even if it is on DMV property. What? Are we now unable to open our mouths on DMV property? We need a permit to speak on DMV property? Cops need to THINK.
Report Post »ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:34pm@Mee the People
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:29pm
this makes me so mad i could burn my koran
best comment of the day! about sums it up and being full of questions today wonder if there would have been an arrest if he was reading the koran? I would be surprised.
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:47pmReading scriptures needs to be done more….but please, people, don’t be freaks about it. Increase your faith, understand God’s Word, love your neighbor. But seriously, you wouldn’t like it if you were standing in line somewhere and some guy (or gal) wanted to force reading of the Communist Manifesto on you. Or what about reading pornography out loud….or Satanic chants? We go to church to hear sermons, not to the DMV to hear them. Read to yourself.
Report Post »Issachar Crust
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:58pm@GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Man Arrested Outside Calif. DMV for Reading His Bible Out Loud
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:46am by Jonathon M. Seidl Print » Email »
…
And it was all caught on video:
According to reports, Mackey wasn’t the only one arrested. Pastor Brett Coronado and Edmond Flores, Jr., who were accompanying him, were also taken into custody.
A press release from the group Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which is representing the men in a lawsuit, says the men were arrested for “impeding an open business” under Penal Code Section 602.1(b). But, the group calls the justification under that statue a stretch.
“The charge of ‘impeding an open business’ was enacted in large part to protect businesses against protestors who block the doors of an open business,” the release says. “At the time of the arrest of these men, the DMV was closed, and they were standing at least fifty feet away from the entrance.”
“This is an abuse of power on the part of the CHP,” said Jennifer Monk, associate general counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “The arresting officer could find no appropriate penal code to use when arresting these men. The purpose of the arrests appears to have been to censor them.”
A closer look at the Penal Code Section 602.1(b) may, at first glance, cause even more outrage for those such as Monk who are upset by the case. According to section c-1 of the law, the “preachers” would seem to have been okay if they were from a union:
(c) This section shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(1) Any person engaged in lawful labor union activities that are
permitted to be carried out on the property by state or federal law.
————————–——————————————————————
You have eyes, yet you are blind, you have a mind yet you are dumb, you have ears yet you cannot hear, I feel sorry for you.
The rain is coming!
Report Post »GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:00pm@Letusreason, What you percieve has sound advice for social standards in public places is just that, until someone feels it necessary to arrest someone for not following what you thought to be “sound”.
That of course is the core of the issue, whether it be a christian reading the bible out loud in a public place or a muslim reading the koran, we have no right in a truly free society to stop them on any grounds.
Report Post »Even the California state penal law states that the misdemeanor they intend to charge these men with (602.1 B) states in the same section that an exception to the law is any right protected under constitution of the US.
ME
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:05pm@LetUsReason
So freedom is about if you like it or not?? Dose it infringe on your life or liberty?? Sorry but I though freedom was more then just being able to do what others liked and where ok with?? Dumb old me for some reason I thought freedom was about my expression as long is it did not interfere with your liberty??
Report Post »BB Sailor
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:15pmLuckily they didn’t have a dog with them or the cop woulda shot it…..
Report Post »letseat
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:21pm@ SLAPTHELEFT, there’s also that little thing called freedom of speech.
Report Post »Well-Armed-Lamb
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:00pmWell this is where we are right now:
Matthew 24: 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Christians take heed.
Report Post »Issachar Crust
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:01pm@Professional Infidel
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:45am
“forgive them, for they know not what they do”
———————
Or is it,
“Father, forgive them NOT, for they know what they do”
Let it rain, let it rain all over the land, a good rain will water the tree of Liberty once again!
Report Post »marybethelizabeth
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:06pmCan I Tell You Something?
Report Post »The Christian thing to do when asked to leave is to leave.
Read about the god Calvary Chapel has created for themselves.
They believe in holding themselves apart from other churches.
Calvary Chapel is more of a cult than a Church of God.
Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:27pm@A doctors labor
“Speaking is not behavior, it’s speech.”
Speech is still a form of behavior. And the governent does have the authority to regulate speeking on goverment property. I can’t go into a courtroom and start making a speech. I can’t do that in a police station or in a public school.
The people who were gathered there in line were on government businesss. Behavior, including speaking, regardless of content, can be regulated if it in any way interferes with that government business. However, if the police showed partiality toward some speech and not others then we might have a case of 1st ammendment violation.
Report Post »Lex et Libertas
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:31pm@ISLESFORDIAN
Maybe you should think about it just a little more…
The reverend was not forcing his religion on anyone. He was reading words. He was exercising his GOD given right to practice his religion and freedom of speech.
Report Post »You ask what if it were someone reading the Quran or if a homosexual were present. So what! Nobody has the right to not be offended or made uncomfortable by anothers speech.
I suppose you are in total agreement with this statement: “There is a mechanism to be allowed to protest…We don‘t inhibit people’s right to free speech–we regulate it.” What a joke! A distiction without a difference.
The right to free speech is for the free exchange of ideas. Not to hide in a closet and mumur to oneself!
wedgeii
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:34pmsO THE HIRED Mexicans i SEE THAT THE UNIONS HIRE standing on the street corners yelling how bad a corporation is. I guess that’s not disturbing the peace? Cause they never get arrested… BUT DISTURB MY PEACE!!!!! OR HOW ABOUT THE DRUM TOTTING PROTESTERS!! SHUTTING DOWN THE THE STREETS??? They disturb my peace. Maybe he should have been protesting something.. PLEASE!!??
Report Post »GROVERCLEVELANDRLZ
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 5:23pm@Issachar, You may need glasses buddy. Nothing you have posted includes a reference to California state Penal Law code 602.1 Paragraph C part2 which states “This section shall not apply to any of the following persons”…”Any person on the premises who is engaging in activities
protected by the California Constitution or the United States Constitution.”
Paragraph C of the Penal code 602.1 used to arrest these men clearly states in practicing their freedom of speech, they have committed no crime under any law, federal or state.
The point I made is that Paragraph C section 2 is not listed in the blazes article anywhere nor did you or any blaze user post about it. I am done trying to point it out at this point and if you still wish to argue, whatever, its the internet.
Report Post »jbl8199
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 5:42pmBoth parties were wrong in this case. While the guy did have his rights violated, he should have been more considerate about preaching. God never “forced” his word on anyone. This guy should have been a little more respectful.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 5:45pmLex et libertas,
Report Post »The right to freedom of speech does not mean the right to speak wherever you want. Again, I will raise the example of a courtroom. Do you think you have a right to speak there any time you want? Do you think you have the right to make a speech on the floor of Congress? No, you don’t. If this pastor was on government property he had a duty to abide by the rules the government has set up for that property. If it is not designated as public space it is not a free speech zone. The officer was clear. They had the right to preach in a public thuroughfare but not on DMV property.
hologram5
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:38pmOK there brain surgeon, how were they disrupting the peace? Can you with your INFINITE wisdom explain that? And also:
Report Post »We don‘t inhibit people’s right to free speech–we regulate it.”
This is a violation of the first amendment. To regulate speech is to inhibit it. It’s black and white here.
Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:17pmThe supreme court has been clear for centuries that the 1st ammendment is not an absolute right to unrestricted speech wherever we want. You don‘t have freedom of speech in someone else’s house and you don’t have it on government property, as opposed to public property. Public proprty is property for use by the public as it sees fit and not to perform governmnet business. Where government business is done are not free speech zones. You don’t have it in a courtroom, in City Hall or in government offices. Neither do you have it at the DMV. Speech can be regulated in all those locations. This is nothing new. It has been this way since the founding of the Republic. And those authorities whose duty it is to guard those locations have the duty and authority to determine in the peace is being disturbed.
Report Post »jazzsamlee
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:48pmI have been to the Hemet DMV…I got there before they opened and there was no parking. I had to park down the street. The line for the DMV was completely wrapped around the building. I had to get a car registered and the first available appointment was not for 2 months so I had no choice.. The idea of someone reading the bible to us in line would have been actually a refreshing change to the boredom of waiting for an hour and a half outside. I am agnostic and do not have the hatred that some have for Christians. It would have been better than having to listen to the person in front of me talking on their cell phone for an hour. Talk about disturbing my peace!!!!!!!! I would also like to say the staff at the Hemet DMV are very nice.
Report Post »LittleLordFauntleroy
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:52pmPeace in California? You can‘t disturb something that doesn’t exist.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:57pmUnion Thugs go to people’s homes make threats and scream and yell and nothing is done .. a man is READING and they arrest him … amazing!
Report Post »mikem1969
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:38pmnumber 1, the DMV is not a business, it is a public service. number 2, the audience was not captive, they could have left any time they wanted to. Also, all they had to do was ask him to leave and then escort him out. But we are dealing with a liberal progressive anti-christian government, so of course the strike out at christians.
@Gold Coin & Economic News. If he were reading the Koran, the commiefornia government would have locked the door and forced all to listen as captives.
Report Post »hifi74
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:42pmWhile I can appreciate the fact that the officer was doing his job he acted very unproffesional in the execution of his duties. He first should have politely asked him to step off to the side, possibly over by the squad car. Second he should of then politely asked him to stop and vacate the premises. Third after deciding to arrest him (if he refused to vacate) he should not of threatened to arrest the other men with him for beign there with him. Fourth when asked what law was broken he should have been able to answer, he doesn’t have to site exact statutes, but if it was say “disturbing the peace” that is all he would have to cite instead of pulling the Anthony Weiner routine.
Report Post »MiketheTrucker
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:19pmAs soon as I saw the headline I knew it had to have happened in either NY or Kalifornia. (miss spell intentional)
Report Post »Rumrunner3
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:28pmTHis was a good arrest, It brought out the fact that only the business at hand can be conducted on state property. So that means that DMV workers can no longer talk on thier cell phones, watch TV, stand at the water cooler and BS. Or just generally screw off. Yeahhhhh so now work can get done. Thanks Preacher men.
Report Post »mhannah.vera
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:28pmWho’s peace was he disturbing? All those people were awake and in line, not in there homes, he was bare even loud enough to probably be heard. He was on public property, of which we pay taxes for. He has freedom of speech anywhere he goes in these United States. What we have let happen in this Country is that we have called bad, good and good, bad, Wrong, right and right, wrong. In New Jersey they can close down streets for Moslems to pray but this man cannot read the bible out loud. Shame on us if we see nothing wrong with this picture.
Report Post »gdog1111111
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:53pmThen why say it fool!
Report Post »Bigfatlies
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 1:19amWhen Palosi and Obama
Report Post »open their mouth it disrupts my PEACE !
TexasGuy
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 1:30amI was a Police Officer in California for six years (about 20 minutes from where this happen). Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace) would not apply in this case, because there has to be a victim of the crime, who is willing to sign a citizens arrest complaint (No, the Police Officer cannot be the Victim). Additionally, this incident would not hold water under PC 415, as it lacks several key components of the crime. This is why the CHP officer did not book the Pastor under PC 415.
This individual was in a Public place, peacefully excercising his Rights to free speach (not assembling a protest, as Lt. Soubirous inferred, which would have required a permit). This is law suit is a slam dunk and the California Highway Patrol is gonna lose in court.
Report Post »Patriot Momma
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 4:29amThey weren’t disturbing the peace, that is not what they were charged with, did you even READ the article? They were charged with “impeding an open business”, meant to keep protesters from blocking the front door to businesses, but that is NOT what they were doing. The DMV wasn’t open, it was closed. They were more than 50 ft from the door. How can they be impeding an open business when the business isn’t open?!? The law does allow unions to block businesses, which is absurd. More special rules for special people.
Report Post »doodad
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 5:06amUm, did you actually read the article? They were arrested for impeding a business and not having a permit, not disturbing the peace.
Report Post »Jeffrey777
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 7:09amIf I am at the DMV I am usual pissed off.. I would probably take the bible from him and beat him on the head with it. Is that wrong?? No really I go to church on most sundays. I believe in mission but not of fan of this type of behavior. Glad is regulated.
Report Post »whybother
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 8:27am@conversationcanwork, go back to your HuffPo and blog there, cause trolls are such an ugly, unwelcome sight….and take your misguided view of the world with you.
Report Post »whybother
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 8:31amand I didnt see anyone mention the fact that captive means; someone taken prisoner or confined. These people could have just walked away. and people wonder why Trump is dropping F bombs? Its the sheer stupidity of the people running things makes me want to scream from the rooftops.
Report Post »Rice Water
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:20amOh, where to begin?
First off, if they were reading from The Koran, the tone of this story would’ve been completely different: “HERO CHP OFFICER IN HOT WATER BY ARRESTING RADICAL MUSLIM ACTIVISTS!” Second, they were obviously bothering the people in line waiting for the DMV to open. I’m all for free speech, but I’m also for laws that prevent people from being dicks. Third, they toted a camera along with them because they EXPECTED this outcome. This whole incident amounts to little more than a community theater production…the “God Hates ****” people make these guys look like amateurs.
Report Post »SgtBarrett
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:49am@Veritas vos liberabit
(If I was standing at the DMV and someone began reading the Koran, I would have wanted him to stop or be stopped.)
———————————————————-
Well there is a constitutional protection of his rights even if you disagree with him. So if you opt to have him silenced by the government, on public property, then whats to stop the government from silencing you when you think you have something important to say that someone else disagrees with?
So either you stand for the free speech rights of all men, even those you disagree with, or you don’t stand for free speech at all. There is no middle ground here.
So even though you disagree with his tact or message, stand for his rights, because those are your rights too. Not standing for his rights means not standing for your own.
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:16pm@Islesfordian,
“Speech is still a form of behavior. And the governent does have the authority to regulate speeking on goverment property.”
The government does not have the authority to regulate speech. Read the Constitution.
“I can’t go into a courtroom and start making a speech. I can’t do that in a police station or in a public school.”
Making noise with one‘s mouth isn’t speech. Learn to parse sentences, and learn to consider context.
The context of the Bill of Rights is the knowledge that government can become destructive of inalienable rights. Therefore, government is not permitted to restrict the ability of the people to criticize government or practice their religion (which includes preaching).”
“The people who were gathered there in line were on government businesss.”
The men were not disturbing business of any kind since even if the DMV were open, people could just walk inside or choose to not acknowledge them.
“Behavior, including speaking, regardless of content, can be regulated if it in any way interferes with that government business.”
Even when I grant you that speech is to be relevant and directed in order to be called speech, the mere occurence of interference with government service (it’s not a business) in any way does not allow speech to be regulated. In fact, the Constitution is clear on this: Government is not allowed to make laws which abridge the freedom of speech.
“However, if the police showed partiality toward some speech and not others then we might have a case of 1st ammendment violation.”
This is not the case. Again, the Constitution is clear. Were government to restrict all speech equally, there would be no partiality, as in your scenario, and yet it would not be Constitutional because, again, government may not make laws abridging the freedom of speech.
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:39pm@Islesfordian,
“The supreme court has been clear for centuries that the 1st ammendment is not an absolute right to unrestricted speech wherever we want.”
Appeals to Supreme Court rulings are only as good as the Supreme Court’s adherence to their oath to the Constitution. The Supreme Court never trumps or re-interprets the Constitution. The amendment process is for amending the Constitution, and that is the only process by which our Constitution, and therefore the supreme law of the land, may be altered.
“You don‘t have freedom of speech in someone else’s house and you don’t have it on government property, as opposed to public property.”
You always have freedom of speech everywhere. And if a homeowner doesn’t like your speech, they have the right to kick you out – this is not the restriction of speech.
You especially have the freedom of speech on government property, because that’s what the First Amendment is for, primarily: to disturb a perceived corrupt government with facts.
“Public proprty is property for use by the public as it sees fit and not to perform governmnet business. Where government business is done are not free speech zones.”
There are no such things as free speech zones. The Constitution is clear that government may make no laws abridging the freedom of speech.
“You don’t have it in a courtroom, in City Hall or in government offices. Neither do you have it at the DMV.”
You do have free speech in a courtroom, but again, simply making noise with one‘s mouth isn’t speech. If you catch the judge violating his oath to the Constitution, as a citizen you have the right to stand up in court and say so.
“Speech can be regulated in all those locations. This is nothing new. It has been this way since the founding of the Republic.”
Speech can not be regulated anywhere, because, again, government may not make laws abridging the freedom of speech. Pretended laws to the contrary are new, as such have always violated the Constitution since the founding of our Republic.
“And those authorities whose duty it is to guard those locations have the duty and authority to determine in the peace is being disturbed.”
Those authorities whose duty it is to guard those locations have never had the Constitutional authority to “determine” if the peace is being disturbed. Their oath is to the Constitution, and if they violate their oath as they did in this video, then they are guilty of treason and need to be charged as such.
For more on our government’s duty to adhere to the Constitution, see here.
Declaration Of Orders We Will Not Obey
Report Post »http://oathkeepers.org/oath/2009/03/03/declaration-of-orders-we-will-not-obey/
KimH211
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:41pm@SgtBarrett: “So either you stand for the free speech rights of all men, even those you disagree with, or you don’t stand for free speech at all. There is no middle ground here.”
Exactly! Very well said. Thank you!
Report Post »thinkinghuman
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:41pmDisturbing the peace? Yeah, AFTER 10 PM. Get real.
Report Post »Seamus236
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 3:55pmSpeaking as one who has suffered mightily while waiting for my “appointment” at several different California DMV offices, hearing someone read from the Bible or Koran would be a welcome change to the snippy, rude, arrogant and inefficient California State DMV employees. Working “fast” is something that is completely foreign to California DMV employees, as is being courteous, using a smile, or having a viable work ethic. It’s “just not done” at any California DMV office anywhere in California. I’ve prayed many times while waiting for hours past my appointment time, to no avail. Even the Almighty has to “wait” until the bureaurats at the DMV condescend to wait on the great unwashed taxpayers-who DO pay their inflated and unearned salaries.
Report Post »UPSETVET
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 5:21pm” We don’t inhibit the right of free spech, we regulate it ” was a statement given by a CHP spokeman. Hummmmm…I don’t recall that particular frase being in the US Constitution. The CHP deprived the men from exercising their right of free speech and practice of their religion as guaranteed in the US Constitution. Hopefully they will begin legal action and stand up for their and our Constitutional rights.
Report Post »ibanrfknm
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 8:40pmSLAPTHELEFT
Report Post »There is a law that over rides that, It’s call the first amendment.
Robotics_Geek
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:06pmIf you would like to read the law for yourself and reassess your Troll status – http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/602.1.html – AKA – California penal code does not trump the Constitution. The Pastor in the Video was exercising his 1st amendment rights of speech and practice of religion in the parking lot of a DMV. He was NOT in the DMV or blocking anyone’s access or exit. He was not disrupting the operation of the business of the DMV or any business. The Highway patrol man was EAGER to arrest him and said he was arrested for not leaving when told and “Preaching to a captive audience.” The Pastor was targeted for arrest specifically because of his faith.
Report Post »frodis
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:30amToo bad there’s no law saying DMV workers need to be nice and efficient while at work.
Report Post »RichTx
Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:59pmThere would be no need for laws at all if people respected each other in all places. But there are people that feel they are empowered for various reasons to disrespect others. I feel “the leader of the church” is responsible and/or irresponsible for leading his people to disrespect others in the name of God. Jesus went to locations and people “came” to him where he was and he taught them. He did not force his presence or words or thoughts unto people as captives. He provided and created the basis for Free Will. It is sad when churches, leaders of churches, people, feel that if others don’t believe exactly as they do, then they are sinners and are going to hell or will not be saved. People “followed” Jesus. He never chased or cornered them to hear him.
Report Post »He NEVER told people that if they didn’t listen to him they were going to hell or would not be saved.
He had a heart of Love and Love is what he tried to teach.
This example was not based in Love nor Respect of others.
No “Law” should be needed. The “Leader of the Church” failed here.
“He” should not have permitted anyone from his congregation to go out and basically chase down, have cornered, people who had no alternative BUT to listen to the reading. Just as most church’s such as Baptists, have different spin off Baptist churches because of slightly differing beliefs, everyone in this line have their right to have their own belief system “within” themselves and not have someone elses crambed in to their heads while they wait.
The man was asked to leave by a security officer who acted within the parameters of his job.
The reader chose to be confrontational and refused to respect the rights of others and continue reading aloud.
This was not an act of Love nor Respect.
It was an act of defiance.
It was not Jesus like at all.
The biggest problems I see in religion today are the failures of and the misguidance of the “Leaders” of churches (plural).
It is bad enough that leaders misguide their flocks within the confines of teir own buildings/churches, but to then send misguided people out to disrespect others and the “word”? Shame on them.
As the officer stated and he was correct (with or without) a “Law”.
The reader could have performed their reading on/from any street corner.
People then have the freedom to walk away if they do not desire to listen to what is being read aloud.
There are many forms of boundaries. Boundaries in relationships, personal boundaries, religious boundaries. Boundaries that just provide the basis of respecting others.
I would hope that the “leader” of this church instead of using this event out of context, “Takes personal responsibility” for himself and his congregation.
It is NOT about “Rights” deprevity of his or his readers. It is about respecting others and boundaries.
How sad how twisted people are and can be lead to be…in the name of God.