Man Arrested for Exercising Free Speech in Front of Liberty Bell

reply to post by DaleGribble


No actually. They refused him permits based on content. That's how it's been working. I know of a particular case out on the West coast where the same sort of thing happens. The city won't issue a permit to street preachers or they want to charge $500 per night. Yet they allow pro drug rally's without any permits whatsoever. Thus they discriminate on content, which is what this policeman was doing.

It seems to me the preacher was being very calm about it. I"ve seen far worse behavior by radical leftists tolerated by the authorities.

reply to post by SevenThunders


listen to what the cop said:

cop, "you need a permit"

idiot, "i dont have one."

cop, "well im giving you a verbal permit."

idiot, "i dont want it."

end of story. the guy is a moron. im a christian, and i dont think God likes us breaking the laws of the land. there is a bible vurse to that affect.

reply to post by DaleGribble


Free speech rights are inalienable, you shouldn't need a permit. However the permits granted by the state here were only for a separate free speech zone, far away from any foot traffic. In other words, unwanted 'free' speech needs to be confined to an area where it doesn't bother anyone.

If you read the description and followed the conversation closely you'll see that the park ranger wanted to 'relocate' Marcavage. I quote from the description:

On October 6, 2007, Michael Marcavage, director of Repent America (RA), was arrested for street preaching on a public sidewalk near the entrance of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- the birthplace of American freedom -- by National Park Service Rangers. As Michael preached to those waiting in line to see the Liberty Bell, Ranger Alan Saperstein, on a number of occassions interrupted the preaching and ordered him and the other members of the ministry team to relocate to a "free speech zone" nowhere near the area.

[edit on 8-7-2008 by SevenThunders]

YES, a true American!!! keep fighting back man!!!

whats the whole point of free speech if you have to ask
permission for it?

I believe the very thoughtful founding fathers allready took care of
the permit for all of us, its in the constitution.

reply to post by josephine


let me put this into prespective. the man was on government property not public the same laws donot apply

much like if you came to my house. you are free to say what ever you want until you piss me off, then its my descretion to shut your mouth. call ing the police would be a blessing...

the man had every right in the world to talk he is the one whom did not use his rights properly.

Originally posted by elevatedone
They were told they needed a permit and they wouldn't get one...

The officer explained it nicelyand they continued "preaching" and wouldn't listen to the officer.

Case Closed.

That is absolutely weak.

I do not need a permit.
I do not need a license.
I do not need permission to speak my mind in a public place.

If you don't want to listen you can walk away and come back when I have quieted down.

I don't give a damn if you are the Queen Mum.


“[Our] decisions have fashioned the principle that the constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.”

Brandenburg v. Ohio

Sri Oracle

Originally posted by DaleGribble
let me put this into prespective.

i dont take perspectives from someone who rolls over
so easily to let the government stick it to them.

the man was on government property not public the same laws donot apply

the man was on a public sidewalk. the bill of rights apply.

Originally posted by DaleGribble
end of story. the guy is a moron. im a christian, and i dont think God likes us breaking the laws of the land. there is a bible vurse to that affect.

When I submit to the will of heaven, I am the law of the land.

Let the prophet's word be spoken.

Sri Oracle

reply to post by GorehoundLarry


Sad to say...some people still think that anytime some thug cop opens his mouth it equals a lawful order...and it does NOT!! There are only TWO types of ' orders' a cop can give legally: Safety or custody. No more. Cops are always lying and giving illegal orders because the stupid public assumes that they can...how sad. Since most drones do not know the law or the rules that the pigs must follow, and so they fall for the crap.

I never believe anything a cop says. I will obey orders for custody or safety but no others; if they askm " Where are you going tonight?", I just say " It is none of your busioness where I am going, or where I have been or what I had for lunch...any other personal business of mine you want to violate my rights over?"

You have to throw the law right back in thgeir ugly mugs and it is a great feeling to watch some skin headed redfaced humiliated thug of a pig slink away with his head held low in shame as his treacheries and lies get discovered and exposed...it glorious to see a cop fall apart and be seen for what they are....worth anything.,