Judge Drops Harassment Case Against Activist Who Read The 1st Amendment In Public

[Ian David]

Posted: Thursday, 15 November 2007 6:59AM
Judge Drops Harassment Case Against Activist

NEW YORK (AP) -- A judge has dropped a harassment case against a performance artist arrested while reciting the First Amendment through a megaphone at a Manhattan cyclists'-rights demonstration.

Judge Tanya Kennedy dismissed the charge Wednesday after prosecutors didn't meet a deadline to file papers explaining the justification for the arrest of Bill Talen. He crusades against consumerism as "Reverend Billy.''

One of Talen's lawyers, Earl Ward, said prosecutors let the deadline pass in order to end the case. The Manhattan District Attorney's office did not immediately return a telephone message.

<snip>

Police said Talen hassled officers by following them while shouting through a bullhorn. Talen said he was speaking up for the riders by reciting the constitutional amendment that enshrines Americans' right to free speech and free assembly.

More:
http://www.1010wins.com/Judge-Drops-Harassment-Case-Against-Activist/1214264

[rasputin1952]

1. There is more than the mere taste of irony in this story...

How can a person be arrested for reciting the First Amendment?

The very Amendment that gives Americans Free Speech, is used against an individual that is using Free Speech...:eyes:

The very idea that this would have made it to court in the first place is incredible. Does anyone else find it somewhat incredible that this guy was arrested, but Nazi's, KKK members and Fred Phelps can spew hatred, but this poor guy can't educate people as to the very rights others are given a due free ticket on?

[CT_Progressive]

2. If a guy was shouting obscenities thru a bullhorn, he could be arrested for disturbing the peace

Its the bullhorn, not what is being said, that was at issue.

I know in my town, in order to use a bullhorn/loudspeaker, you have to get a permit, which details when and where it will be used. The "where" can be something mobile, like a parade or caravan, but it does have to be listed, and you do have to get the permit.

[rasputin1952]

3. Shouting obscenities and shouting the First Amendment are two

different things.

He may have erred in not getting his "bullhorn permit", but the mere thought that an individual can be arrested for reciting the First Amendment smacks of insanity. It shows me that "authority" is gettng too far down the road to becoming authoritarian.

It is one more piece of evidnce that we, as a nation, have lost our way. I do however give credit to prosecutors office, in just letting this one slide...:)