Middleboro Approves $20 Fine For Swearing
MIDDLEBORO (CBS/AP) — The townspeople of Middleboro have passed a ban on cursing. At a town meeting Monday, they voted 183-50 to approve the proposal from the town’s police chief to impose a $20 fine on public profanity.
Supporters say the ban isn’t meant to censor casual or private conversations, but instead crack down on loud profanity heard in downtown areas and public parks.Right. Because nothing says "prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech" like getting hit with a fine. I mean, I suppose the Middleboro selectmen don't qualify as Congress, so they're abiding by the intent of the First Amendment. But it's hard to imagine that this doesn't set a precedent that *would* reverberate before Congress, as they start getting the notion that, hey, we don't have to *outlaw* that pesky speech we don't like, we can just start fining people for it!
$10,000 fine for writing something unflattering about Obama? No problem! It's not a law passed, right? Your First Amendment rights are intact, because it's not outlawed. I've got a better idea. How about if, rather than fining folks for writing things we don't like - because, you know, words can hurt - we require all writers to have a Writer's License. They can pass a test showing that they know what speech is allowed; can only use Approved Writing Devices from a state-sponsored Roster; and won't have any high-capacity ink cartridges.
Sounds pretty silly, doesn't it? Yeah. We gunowners thought so. You place undue burdens on one right at the expense of all others. Massachusetts has treated the Second Amendment like the redheaded stepchild for so long that it's second nature; it's only fitting that the mindset that takes a big steaming crap all over the Constitution with regards to the Second Amendment should then set its sights on other Amendments.
As for Middleboro, I heartily invite them to go fuck themselves.
That is all.
8 comments:
Just kinda flashed on "Demolition Man" with Stalone swearing up a storm to get some "TP" instead of using the clam shells.
Hope and change sir, hope and change . . . . .
If you don't pay the fine, will they send the SWAT team to shoot your dog?
F$ck Middleboro!
Gerry
Does anyone think they have a specific list of words, terms, and phrases that constitute profanity? Or is this something that will be selectively and arbitrarily enforced based on assumed intent?
I think we all know the answers to both questions.
"As for Middleboro, I heartily invite them to go fuck themselves."
Say it loudly,
Say it proudly,
In the public square.
Everybody, sing!
I'm going to go all RATM here and say "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me"!
In these modern times of high-powered rapid communication, it only makes sense that the First Amendment must be subject to reasonable regulation for the protection of the public, especially the children. Even though I find myself taking notes from the childrens' speech. Pending legally durable definitions of "reasonable" and "sense".
God, I wish I were at that meeting. I think after it passed I'd have stood up and shouted FUCK YOU! at the top of my lungs.
Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksuker, Motherfucker and Tits!
Said loudly. Very.
Did I pass my audition, Mr. Carlin?
Oh, and Hi, Middleboro! (waving middle finger in greeting!)
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
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