Why is this allowed?

Question

In public?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7ksTzfnw7c

I agree that free-speech should be protected but why are they allowed to do that outside a public building? There are other videos of that rally (which I think was in Winsconsin) and they have full police protection while they preach their BS.

*Wisconsin

Answer 1

Our constitution, specifically, the 1st amendment allows free speech even if it is hate speech.

I do not agree with his views and I think this is vile speech but it is protected and for the sake of all of us and freedom, it must be.

Answer 2

They are permitted to make the speech in front of the public building because it is a public building, meaning there is public access. Like a public sidewalk or a public park, any person has access to the property. The government can't restrict access to public spaces unless there is a good reason to restrict it (or due process). Here, there is no good reason to restrict access. Disagreeing with the content of their speech is not a good reason for the gov't to restrict access since their speech is protected by the first amendment.
Also, the police are protecting the speakers because the job of the police is to protect people and property (enforce the law), regardless of their personal beliefs. If the police only protected those people who agreed with their opinions, then no one would get any protection. Also, you can argue that the police are ALSO protecting the press who took the video, spectators and even disinterested people walking in and out of the public building.

Answer 3

In Wisconsin thanks to our wonderful govenor who the Cheeseheads decided to vote in a second time (sarcatisic) anything goes! Anything! You should see the stuff that is being allowed at our University! And he will allow this to in the name of free speech or some slipped bucks under the table! No, it should never be allowed anywheres at anytime! And we don't need a hate law to say this is wrong, it's common sense. I can't get out of this state fast enough!

Answer 4

The First Amendment protects all sorts of vile speech.

It was designed to protect unpopular speech, since no one will try too hard to censor speech that everyone agrees with.

Answer 5

As disgusting as this is--it is allowed. The police protection, however, is there not merely to protect the scum making their racist noises.

They are constrained not to act to provoke a riot, or to make threats. And one thing the police are there to do is to make sure they don't--and that they adhere to any ordinances regarding where they can and cannot go, etc.

And--yes this should be allowed. Silencing these trash publically just drives them underground where they can fester and spread their mental disease. Allowing them inot the light of day simply insures they will discredit themselves.

Answer 6

I'm surprised they could tie the black ties they wear without thumbs

all the world is shouting revolution , but in Wisconsin they are shouting evolution ,

they want their thumbs

and why is it allowed ,

Freedom of speech ,

i defiantly don't support them, but i support there right to free speech ( as stupid and ignorant and wrong as it is)

Answer 7

The First Amendment.

Guess which group in the 20th Century was most effective at banning free speech.
The Nazi's, kinda ironic don't you think?

Answer 8

Thats one of the things that can suck sometimes about rights and liberties. They're bound to protect something you find repugnant at some point.

Answer 9

are they or are they not inciting a cowd ?

seems to me some things are in fact illegal. or SHOULD BE.