My sincere apologies if this was offensive to anyone, but I was quite certain that the poster who made the comparison between hot dogs and protected speech in the context of a discussion of constitutional rights was actually making a joke. In fact, I'm still quite sure that this was just a joke that the List Manager may have missed reading hastily in his solemn pursuit of duty. I can't imagine anyone was really offended.
I know the Rehnquist court has been assiduous in its application of the "equal protections" clause, but did anyone seriously think any of us were urging that the First Amendment meant the Farmers' Market had to admit every popcorn wagon and hot dog vendor who could push a cart? I don't think so. Guy Western still laughing on the West Side > [Original Message] > From: List Manager <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: St. Paul Issues Forum <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: 7/9/04 2:38:34 PM > Subject: RE: [StPaul] Farmers Market & free speech > > Comments From The List Manager: > ------------------------------- > > >Isn't that what you're asking? Because comparing hot dogs and viewpoints is > >only relevant insofar as it is humorous. > > I agree that pushing political ideas and hot dogs are different > issues and not so easily compared. But, as much as I disagree with > the comparison, I don't find it either outlandish nor humorous. > > I think that the reality is, that citizens in our society view the > right to Free Speech in very different ways. There is a whole > spectrum of ideas about how just much latitude that we should have > in this regard and how much and how often, that government can put > restrictions on our right to free speech. > > In my opinion, a healthy discussion about free speech is one in which > everyone can present their point of view on the issue without having > it dismissed or scoffed at. > > I don't see anything irrational about citizens that are fed up with > politics asking that politics be kept out of the farmers market. I > also understand the potential dangers that come with this position. > Can we please, keep this discussion open to differing opinions and > ways of thinking? > > Best wishes, > > > -- > Tim Erickson > List Manager > St. Paul Issues Forum > http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ > Hamline Midway Resident > 651-643-0722 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > St. Paul Links - http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/links.html > > "The St. Paul Issues Forum is a interactive e-mail discussion on > important issues about St. Paul public policy. Participation is free > and open to anyone. We currently have about 350 concerned citizens > and community leaders subscribed to our discussion." > _____________________________________________ > To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion > Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > _____________________________________________ > NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul > > Archive Address: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/ _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
