Obama Election Brings Us Offer Of Free Public Hanging
Ken Germana of Bonner County, Idaho, believes he is exercising his free speech rights with the sign on his property that reads “Free Public Hanging”, something he’d like to offer not just to Barack Obama but also to Al Sharpton, Nancy Pelosi and John Kerry. Generous.
Germana said he poses absolutely no threat to Obama, but admits he would not lose any sleep if harm did come the president-elect’s way. He said he made the sign to protest hypocrisy in two high-profile incidents involving effigies of Republican vice president nominee Sarah Palin and Obama.
The Palin effigy was erected in Los Angeles and the Obama effigy was put up at the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. Both incidents made headlines in the run-up to the general election, but Germana maintains they were treated differently by authorities and the press.
In Germana’s view, nothing was done to the creators of the Palin effigy, while those who were involved with the Obama effigy were arrested.
“If other people can make political statements, so can I. Just because I don’t live in California doesn’t mean I don’t have my rights, too,” he said.
But is this First Amendment-protected speech?
The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force said it is outraged by the display.
“Everyone has the right of free speech, unless it advocates the killing or hurting of someone or incites violence, which violates the doctrine of human rights,” Christine Holbert, president of the task force, said in a statement.
Holbert called the sign “hateful” and said its content is not protected under the First Amendment.
Why is it when the liberals do something outrageous it is free speech? When someone who doesn’t conform to the liberal agenda does something it is hateful? Looks like a double standard to me.
November 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Holbert is right. This isn’t protected speech because it presents an offer for clear and present danger to an unnamed individual. For anyone who thinks this is a left-right issue I invite you to post a sign in your yard that says “I’ll kill you all” and see what happens. I think this guy has every right to speak out against Dems but starting a lynching is not speaking out.
Here’s one: “Free bullets to the brain-pan with Republican Party membership”
It’s free speech but it incites violence against a group. Does any crazed wingnut still not understand what defines free speech?
November 15th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
A likeness of Jesus in a jar of urine was defended to the hilt as artistic free speech. That shows hate to the most prominant figure to ever walk the face of the earth. Thought I’d throw that in.
November 15th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
In Germana’s view, nothing was done to the creators of the Palin effigy, while those who were involved with the Obama effigy were arrested.
Wrong. The UK kids turned themselves in, then pleaded “not guilty!”
PS: ERIC is exactly right. There’s no double standard here. This guy is making threats; threats are not protected speech. Comments by WILLY and COMMONSENSE simply show how poorly the wingnuts understand free speech and the 1st Amendment.
November 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Link for reference on the University of Kentucky effigy.
Here’s an article on their “not guilty” pleas.
Oh, and the guy who hung the Palin effigy? He took it down after people complained.
This Germana guy is an idiot.
November 15th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Hate is hate. “Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom of speech or the press;…”
Why is the Palin effigy ok and the Obama effigy a crime? They are both wrong.
November 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
“Why is the Palin effigy ok and the Obama effigy a crime…”
There’s a difference, and you know there’s a difference.
What’s the difference?
There aren’t any groups running around with guns and swastikas and memorials to Adolph Hitler and burning crosses on people’s front lawns and plans to overthrow the US government by force because they don’t like white-skinned hillbilly girls from Alaska.
November 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
“A likeness of Jesus in a jar of urine was defended to the hilt as artistic free speech.”
November 15th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
“A likeness of Jesus in a jar of urine was defended to the hilt as artistic free speech.”
Actually it didn’t look anything like him – his eyes were darker and he was much shorter – and if it was him he would have turned the urine into wine wouldn’t he – or perhaps more appropriately Kool-Aid?
November 15th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Who in the media( fox news) incite those people to make threats?Name two pinheads,one junkyard dog,3- friends and 1-cavut who are responsible.
November 15th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
What is it with libs with all the name calling? If you don’t like Sarah Palin that’s fine, but can’t you at least have a little respect for her and what she has accomplished?
Why do you abhor one hate and on the other hand applaud the other? Hanging anyone in effigy is WRONG!! Plain and simple. It was wrong when the UK students did it and it was wrong when those so called artists did it on the left coast.
History is history, but we need to move forward. We are always going to have the fringe amoung us, on both the left and right. We are never going to change that. It is simply impossible. That doesn’t mean we don’t try, but if it is a crime against one group it should be a crime against all groups. Isn’t justice supposed to be blind?
November 15th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Pierre,
????????
November 15th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Hey Willy those people are being incited.Don’t you agree?
November 15th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
DOUBLE STANDARD ON THE RIGHTIES
During Halloween, the radical far righties were outraged when a man from california put up a manacan of sarah palin hanging outside his house. Conservatives lashed out against it screaming and yelling and crying like little bitches..
and then this mccain racists supporter puts up this sign of anyone wanting a hanging from obama to any other democrat, THOSE SAME FAR RIGHTIES ARE NOW YELLING ‘oh well that is freedom of speech!’
commonsense and eric, u two racists mccain supporters should be ashamed of yourselves!, just like your family is of you today!
November 15th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Yea Pierre, if they are mind numbed robots. Do you think Alan Colmes incites action with postings that bring up topics like this? Maybe no one would have heard of this guy if it weren’t for people like Alan.
Hmmmmm. What say you Pierre?
November 15th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Willy:
Can you type one post without bringing Jesus into it? I was considering turning to Christianity until you and Trees came along. You’re both so obnoxious.
November 15th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I agree with Willy’s post in quotations below.
The best thing to come out of this is to point out how wrong it is on either side. I’m glad the left coast “Halloween” decorators are now compared to this guy. I’m sure they’re cringing if they know.
“Hanging anyone in effigy is WRONG!! Plain and simple. It was wrong when the UK students did it and it was wrong when those so called artists did it on the left coast.
History is history, but we need to move forward. We are always going to have the fringe amoung us, on both the left and right. We are never going to change that. It is simply impossible. That doesn’t mean we don’t try, but if it is a crime against one group it should be a crime against all groups. Isn’t justice supposed to be blind?”
November 15th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Whoever said it was right?
Every time something outrageous is posted on this LIBERAL blog, a conservative tries to change the subject to deflect and ignore the pertinent topic. How can you not be as outraged? Just because it’s not one of yours?
November 15th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Dear Alan
Situation is very complicated. Contry is bitterly devided. We are middle of two wars, many countries are flexing muscle, economy melt doen,lost of jobs, natural calamitis, safety of our country. Those are real American problems. It is not the time for change. We are helping many multi milion doller companys with tax payers money. We went through Terrorist attack and many natural desaster. California is a constant problem of fire and earth queck.People buy house in those area, they are rich. Obama scared us with “Welth disribution agenda.”
Now Democrats are discussing starting “Farness Doctorin” which is a violation of Freedom of speech. Contry is devided. Abraham lincon started fairness doctorin. We ened up with Civil war. 56 Thousant confedarate, American man died. Ronald Regan is not correct about everything. He was shot too. It was mordern time so he survived.
Fairness doctorine will be a cause for civil war in mordern age. President elect Obama is in a bad situation. He should be carefull. Bush was given chance—-we went into wars and economic melt down.
If I was Obama I will re hire Condi Rice. Obama need Hilary in senet. May be she could be an advisor for FP. Obama should keep Condi Rice. Clintons will not go against Obama. They both love Democratic party too much.
I still think Chelsi Clinton can be next genaration Democratic pary’s rising star. Like Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindel.She is “new blood” and she is well read and well traveled. She grew up with DC politics.2016 she will be 36 years old and can run for Arkansas governer. She can be hired as Condi Rice’s helper.
She have Hillary’s look and Bill’s brain. We have to give chance to young women. She is tough. She helped her mother during primory. Obama need young people around.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
The guy in this picture looks like your typical southern redneck racist who reads his Bible and jugs his Old Milwaukee.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
No, he actually drinks that cheap stuff called “Milwaukee’s Best.” And not rednecks are from the southern U.S. Indiana has had a similar history when it comes to hate.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Oh- I just re-read the article, the guy is from Idaho (not much better).
November 15th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Tell that fool to join Bush for that 400 dollar bottle of wine gathering and see what happens. The sad fact of all of this is,he will most likly do better under OBAMA. However,he rather say to his buddies,f^*k that n&!@#r OBAMA he take our country to hell and f those commie friends of his as well. I was talking with a friend of mine about the GOP. The right wing part of that party has lost touch with this country. They don,t accept the modrate part of the GOP. If modrates don,t take back the GOP,you will end up with a party of racist because all rednecks are not racist and alot of them voted for Obama.
November 16th, 2008 at 12:12 am
How sad a person like this can get publicity. We should bury this story on page 2000. Thanks, Sean and buddies…….your fear mongering is “coming home to roost” in America.
It is a great sadness that will, I hope, not manifest in more divisiveness in America. The great peacemaker presidents in the past are shaking their heads in what they are witnessing.
Not since Lincoln has a president had to face a country more divided by hate, mistrust, and fear.
November 16th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Why is it against the law to express that you hate someone?
November 16th, 2008 at 3:09 am
OH MY GOODNESS!! What part of this conversation are you not getting? ALL apparently. It is NOT against the law to express you hate someone. You cannot expect protection under the First Ammendment if what you say or project advocates killing or hurting another or incites violence. PERIOD. This hate must stop. On all sides, Educate(your mind), Eiminate(the hate), Dmonstrate(restraint), Activate(social responsibility)
November 16th, 2008 at 3:55 am
The sign is protected speech. It would only be illegal if the “threat” were imminiment. I invite all who disagee to identify the applicable statute(s) and/or court decision(s) that indicate such speech is prohibited.
November 16th, 2008 at 4:02 am
YEP! Free speech,but you can ? free speech. I ? GOV. PALIN. If she wants to be the GOP front runner for 2012, say something againist this bull@&$@. However i maybe asking for to much.
November 16th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Posted by Willy:
What is it with libs with all the name calling? If you don’t like Sarah Palin that’s fine, but can’t you at least have a little respect for her and what she has accomplished?
I have an incredible amount of respect for anyone as ill informed as she gaining the position of governor. That doesn’t change any facts that she’s ill informed and ill educated and therefore ill equipped for the job she has. Other criticisms of her from me are in other threads and there they’ll stay so as not to derail this one too far.
Why do you abhor one hate and on the other hand applaud the other? Hanging anyone in effigy is WRONG!! Plain and simple. It was wrong when the UK students did it and it was wrong when those so called artists did it on the left coast.
I absolutely agree with you. I don’t think an effigy of Sarah Palin showed the best side of liberals. It’s troubling, because these people know something like that can get national attention and visuals fairly quickly. I don’t want Palin’s poor children to see something like that. It’s barbaric behavior and the children have had enough stress with their mother’s campaign. Think about who you could hurt (emotionally or otherwise) before you do something asinine. Guy Fawkes effigies I guess don’t hurt anyone, nor do mascot ones, but the act is still questionable.
History is history, but we need to move forward. We are always going to have the fringe amoung us, on both the left and right. We are never going to change that. It is simply impossible. That doesn’t mean we don’t try, but if it is a crime against one group it should be a crime against all groups. Isn’t justice supposed to be blind?
Requoted for truth. We might not agree on most things, but you seem to have a solid head on your shoulders… occasionally.
;]
November 16th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Jeff is correct, however sad it may be.
You are legally allowed to advocate violence in this country.
The ACLU even defends that.
November 16th, 2008 at 10:23 am
It is a disgusting display, but it is protected. the plan advocates death to the top (Death to America I guess is the new republican slogan they can be proud of).
Is it legal? yes…should every country loving republican be telling that man to take it down and stop being disgusting and belittling the partys mindset and conservatism in general? you betcha.
Frankly, if we start banning things like this, then the westboro baptist church is next, then anything else remotely annoying, potentially violent, etc…and it becomes a slippery slope from there. I do not like their opinions and my mind is quickly made up about the person and set in stone immediately for someone like that on both sides of the fense, but its the unpopular viewpoints that need the defending, not the popular ones.
Shame on this man, but I would die defending his right to post that nonsense…but I wouldn’t lose sleep if some wackjob decided to do something to him.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:11 am
This is wrong, just as the manequin that resembled Governor Palin hung in effigy was wrong. It doesn’t matter what color the person is, or where they are from, it is just wrong. Is it illegal? I guess you can argue that either way.
To assume that someone who feels this way is a “southern redneck” is small-minded. There are bigots and hate-mongers in every state, of every color in this country.
November 16th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Open Letter to Sean Hannity
Your shameless display of your hypocrisy leaves me HOOKED to your program every night.Somewhat escapist of me,but somehow makes me feel better seeing a hypocrite like you give more evidence for it each night.
Please rationalize to me how:
1.You are so upset by people snooping in on Joe the plumber,violating his RIGHT to privacy, and then without pause for breath glowingly GLOAT about how you TRACKED down Ayers,Khalidi(people you had already DAMNED before talking to them),without obtaining their consent,knowing that given the way you painted them,they wouldnt want to talk to you,and KNOWING that you ANYWAY intend to paint them even more negatively after this “confrontation”.I guess right to privacy for a person exists as long as the person is on your side huh Sean?BLOODY HYPOCRITE You Are
2.I will have the following mock question session with you:
a.Me:Are you(Sean) proud to be an American?
Sean:YES I AM(reasonable answer?)
Me:America killed THOUSANDS of people in Vietnam,innocent civilians.America hasnt shown ANY sign of being sorry for that.America hasnt apologized to the people of Vietnam
Sean:(You can fill in ANY explanation you want here)
Me: Okay,America killed 1000s and 1000s,America didnt show any sign of being sorry for what they did in Vietnam(Or Iraq)…tell me this:If you believe you could be proud of America,proud of being American,without America apologizing for the above,and yet you believe Ayers needs to feel sorry for killing policemen in the 1960s-70s:you know what word iam leading to?You got it…BLOODY HYPOCRITE
3.The soldiers fighting in Iraq for the USA are brave:They are taking the ultimate risk(of their own individual lives):In return,they’re being told:This is for the safety of your countrymen,for freedom.
How do you respond?Everytime someone wants to talk about withdrawal from Iraq,you make fun of them with this “white flag of surrender” childish taunt. A TRULY brave man will be a WATCHDOG on the commander-in-chief,and ensure in his limited abilities that the commander-in-chief doesnt send OR leave these brave men and women in harm’s way WITHOUT sufficient cause.A truly brave man will OPPOSE the commander in chief with his fullest ability when the commander in chief abuses his power to send them in harm’s way without sufficient cause.A COWARD like you will HIDE behind THEIR bravery and like to pretend that THEIR bravery oozes on to you by your “white flag of surrender” talk. And worse, when someone actually has the COURAGE to oppose their commander-in-chief for sending the brave men and women of the armed forces into harm’s way without cause, AS AYERS ACTUALLY DID,you have the colossal nerve to call HIM a Coward On Air!!!Guess what Sean,that once again leaves you a HYPOCRITE
keep the venom coming,Sean Hannity fans absolutely love it!
Karthik
November 16th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Does this mean the Obama honeymoon is over? Well, it has been two weeks after all.
November 17th, 2008 at 4:32 am
No way, the goal of the “Hannitys” is to put Obama on try for everything: the recession ,failure to capture Bin Laden, guilty by association ect…..Just like they destroyed Bill Clinton ’s presidency.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:59 am
What kind of complete numbskull moron puts up a sign like that? You can bet he has the protection of the KKK if he ever needs it.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
“He who hates his brother has committed murder in his heart…”. Try reading “The First Epistal Of John”, it does not differintiate between race,color,or creed,it simply says what it says.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
The 1 you just described LIBBY. HELL !!! he is most likly in the klan.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
how else should we do it Alan, Californians take a vote on prop 8 and the vote comes up against gay marriage..
how else should the laws be made?.. only to give the minority want they want even if the majority decides against it.. and call it a rights issues and be damned the majority.
society would break down if this approach is used…sorry
November 18th, 2008 at 3:29 am
Alan, how else should we do it Alan, Californians take a vote on prop 8 and the vote comes up against gay marriage..
how else should the laws be made?.. only to give the minority want they want even if the majority decides against it.. and call it a rights issues and be damned the majority.
society would break down if this approach is used…sorry
November 18th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Ray Amos:
Wonderful quote from the scriptures.
I am not a Christian,but this was a wonderful quote that I have in my own muddling ways learnt to imbibe over my lifetime.Never managed to put with so much conviction,and clarity,as you just did
November 18th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Ray Amos- The quote reads; “Whoever hateth his brother, is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” To hate is a very strong emotion, but to be called a murderer is a little over the top. Many people say “I hate this, or that” not by any means murderous intentions.
People who hate in this fashion, wanting harm to come to others are pathetic. Most have shortcomings of their own and instead of facing them, spew their hatred on to others. The least we can do is not give them the affirmation they desire (media attention) and let them dig their own little hole of mediocrity and fall into obscurity.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Well Faith,I dont really care what the scripture really says,as I’ve said,I havent read it,and Ray put it as it IS.He did not call a hater a murderer.He said he commits murder in his HEART.I agree with that 100%
November 21st, 2008 at 7:15 pm