Why does Bush hate free speech? Isn't that incredibly unAmerican, especially of a president?

Question

A lawsuit uncovered a manual from the Bush Administration detailing its tactics for suppressing protests at presidential appearances. They have obtained a copy of the "Presidential Advance Manual," which details tactics "to stop a demonstrator from getting into the event."

A section titled "Preventing Demonstrators" advises event organizers to recruit local Republicans into "Rally Squads" whose "task is to use their signs and banners as shields between the demonstrators and the main press platform. If the demonstrators are yelling, rally squads can begin and lead supportive chants to drown out the protestors [sic] (USA! USA! USA!) As a last resort, security should remove the protestors from the event site."

http://www.aclu.org/pdfs/freespeech/presidential_advance_manual.pdf

Answer 1

I remember hearing a phrase quite often as a boy many years ago in the US .... "The truth hurts, doesn't it." George the lesser is afraid of being hurt.

Answer 2

Good heavens, Lil! And you imagine that the democrats don't carry a similar manual? Wer're talking political appearances and speeches here -not gagging the press. And all we're saying is that if one side starts chanting, then the other side starts chanting and everyone jockeys for position. That's called freedom of speech for EVERYONE, including the supporters. And calling security is a "last resort." You've got a problem with that?

The other point here is, who's party (occasion) is it, anyway? If YOU as a candidate for town council are a controversial figure and are asked by the union to speak before the municipal workers, it is fair to assume that they want to hear what YOU have to say -not the ranting of some ethusiastic members of the opposition who are trying to use your venue to project their ideas. So everyone resorts to the time-honored American tradition of shouting at each other.

That's about the only interesting thing there is in politics, anymore. Please don't take it away!

Having been deeply involved in the process of political activism myself, I can promise you that those memos and manuals have been around for a long time -and I've seen the ones that specify when to slash the tires and when to use the dynamite -and I'm not kidding.

And so if Rove and company are suggesting that supporters carry signs, shout and stand in front of the opposition, it sounds like fair play to me. I would expect the same (and have observed the same) when members of the opposition are in the spotlight; their supporters are patrolling, too.

This is what makes the country such a cool place to be. Laugh and enjoy the nonsense -then go VOTE, Lil -that's the important thing.

Answer 3

Oh GOSH! The ACLU has spoken again! It must be God's word!!! Is it just me or has anyone else realized that the ACLU has gone completely out in left field with their claims these days? FYI, the idea is not to stop free speech...it is to progress the ideas of the administration, ANY administration. If you do your research and delve into history a little bit more (as evidently you haven't), you will find that this is a common occurrence with ALL administrations. It is a political tool and one not unique to Bush. It has NOTHING to do with free speech. It has to do with opposing ideas. That's all. Think about it. Whether or not you like it or agree with it, he doesn't agree with you so he doesn't want to listen to you.

And another thing...this whole claim of free speech is great and everything and I'm all for it of course, but I think that we're missing the huge point that no one can seem to do anything as far as protesting or holding demonstrations these days and still show some respect and decency. All people want to do is yell and scream and call Bush a terrorist. If I were Bush, I'd drown out these idiots too because all they are doing is adding to the stupidity factor that the world holds against us.

Henry M...you are perhaps one of the most ignorant people that I have read a comment from recently...a Totalitarian state, hmmm...and I suppose that is why you are able to get in your car and drive to your choice of a job and sit there and type your opinion whenever you feel like it. READ A BOOK! Better yet, READ A DICTIONARY and learn what words mean before you use them. That stupidity factor that I was speaking of, well, that one's for you :)

Answer 4

The very fact that you would acknowledge this statement from the ACLU demonstrates how easy you are to influence. The ACLU is simply is never silenced by the government. Free speech does not mean you can yell out fire in a movie theater, or disrupt the speech of a majority elected government official. Before you say what is your right to do, realize that others have rights as well. Such as the right to speak to a crowd of constituents without being interrupted by a few extremist sheep.

Answer 5

If you organize an event, then you have the right to prevent people from disrupting the event.

Have you seen how these idiot liberal protestors act?

They are free to assemble a few blocks away or wherever they can get a permit to have their own demonstration.

Democrats do the same thing.

Do Democrats believe in free speech? Why are they trying to re-enact the Fairness Doctrine and apply it only to talk radio? Shouldn't a Fairness Doctrine be applied to all media?

Answer 6

Do you know what is equally disturbing as the President of the United States squelching our Constitutional right of free assembly?

The American citizens responding to this question with contempt, and defending the indefensible.

This country is OVER.
We are now living in a TOTALITARIAN STATE.

And for the brainwashed mushbrains bleating out about "extremists" at protests, that is NONSENSE.

This is old news.

bush has squelched dissent in his ranks from the day he was sworn in, and everybody knows it.

He has screened people attending his events, he REQUIRED you sign a LOYALTY oath to even get into the function.


IS THAT AMERICAN?

Answer 7

Those who disagree with Bush are just as organized in their tactics to disrupt him.

Being a "demonstrator" during the Vietnam War, I can attest that we were instructed on tactics to make sure we got heard and to neutralize opponents.

Answer 8

nice! way to expose the scum. you are a patriot with a lot courage. thanks for helping defend liberty. he hates free speech because it allows the true voice and the opinion of the people to be heard. in addition , it allows you to do just what you have done , expose the criminals , the real drug dealers , the real people behind 9/11.

Answer 9

He is a man that called the constitution a "God Dmmed piece of paper." Now if he feels like that, how do you expect him to relay respect for your rights? That is the same document that he swore to uphold at his inauguration and the same one that our military swears to uphold and defend. These rights given to us by that same piece of paper are those that many have died to protect. It is the document that ensures democracy. Is it not ironic that we are in Iraq spreading freedom and democracy they don't even want and here at home, he is trying to limit it. Maybe he does believe in freedom of speech as long as the speaker is saying things that are in his favor.

Answer 10

Bush doesn't hate free speech, the DEMOCRATS DO. If you do not sound like them, like talk radio, you are a threat to them. They use the emotional uneducated, and the pseudo elites to support their stance while hypocritically calling for a change...to what? SOCIALISM? Now there is REAL FREE SPEECH? Do your homework and ask a better question.