Is offensive bumper sticker a fireable offense?

House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, wants a state employee fired for refusing to remove a bumper sticker from her car. Ashley Holm, who works in the Kansas Legislative Research Department, has a sticker on her car that says the four letter "f-word" followed by the word "war." Because she parks in the underground parking garage at the Statehouse, Merrick and others who also park there see the sticker. "I don’t appreciate offensive language being on a bumper sticker in a public garage that’s owned by the people of the state," Merrick told the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Merrick’s concern is understandable; the language is offensive. But should she be fired because of it, given that even bad speech is protected by the First Amendment? Margie Phelps of the funeral-protesting Phelps clan is still a state employee despite her offensive speech. And is this a matter for state leaders? No, says Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka. "We shouldn’t get into the business of censuring what people put on their automobiles," he said.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

UPDATE: Rep. Merrick said he complained about the bumper sticker but never discussed a potential firing, Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Holm shouldn’t lose her job. “I’m a big believer that free speech is alive and well and should be alive and well in and out of the Capitol,” she said.

112 Comments

  1. Wayreth
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    No she should not be fired. The people that are getting so fired up about this must have some miserable lives. Don’t they have anything better to do?

  2. raptor
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:04 pm | Permalink

    If she put that on a state owned car, then I believe they would grounds for disciplinary action. But, I fail to see the word police having authority over what she puts on her own car.

    My opinion only.

  3. GSheridan
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:10 pm | Permalink

    Is this deja vu?

    Or did we just do this, in depth, on the Open Thread?

    Fire her. She was warned, she refused to comply.

  4. Oh geez...
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:15 pm | Permalink

    Don’t we have anything better to do with ourselves? Seriously, do we have nothing better to do with our 8 hours than point fingers and cry about a bumper sticker?!? Go find something to do with yourself! Stop harrassing people for exercising their right to the 5th Amendment. We all have our own opinions, stop chastising!

  5. Patti
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:15 pm | Permalink

    The offensive “W” sticker has been seen less and less here in Texas.

  6. Dennis
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:23 pm | Permalink

    That’s too bad, Patti. Just when we need it the most.

  7. HardTruth
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:26 pm | Permalink

    Why Dennis; target practice? Anyone with one of those “W”s on their car should be fired forthwith.

  8. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:33 pm | Permalink

    I believe there is also visitor parking in that garage. Should a visitor with the same bumper sticker be asked to leave?

  9. Oldsoul
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:36 pm | Permalink

    Amending the First Amendment, hmm? Sad. It is her car, allow her to do as she pleases with it.

  10. BG
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    What if it parks in a School parking lot.. and your kid see’s it everyday.. I bet we would raise heck then wouldn’t we..

  11. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:53 pm | Permalink

    Two issues on this one: First, does (/should) an employer have the right to fire an employee for behavior off the clock that is legally and socially acceptable.

    Second, who determines whether something like a bumper sticker with the F word is obscene, and what can (or should) be done about it?

  12. Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    I think the “Bonghits for Jesus” case will be appearing soon before the Supreme Court. Will be interesting to see what the ‘old’ Judges have to say about it.

  13. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    BG, unfortunately many people would raise heck. (then they would drive off to carry pictures of dead babies at the abortion rally)

    I would rather they explain to their kids about freedom of speech and how if we want it for ourselves, we must allow it for those who may say things we do not like.

  14. jeff
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:08 pm | Permalink

    “Stop harrassing people for exercising their right to the 5th Amendment. We all have our own opinions, stop chastising!”

    Umm … isn’t the 5th amendment the one against self-incrimination?

    Last I checked, the non-partisan research staff are trusted by all the Legislature – Republican and Democrat – because they agree to give up their right to be openly political. This lady is breaking her employment agreement and can and should be fired for it.

  15. Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:08 pm | Permalink

    You did bring up a good point Bryan, although not in the way you meant it to be. :)

    Imagine a couple of school buses traveling to the Topeka Capitol for a day trip. The kids are ages 10-13.

    They walk through the parking lot and one of the Sponsor Mom’s sees the sticker. She tells one of the teachers and they move on the other side of the cars so they won’t see the bumper sticker.

    The Sponsor Mom writes a letter to one of the Topeka Representatives complaining about vulgarity in a State owned parking lot.

    Maybe?

    Or did it already happen. ;)

  16. GSheridan
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:08 pm | Permalink

    Okay, what’s the difference between using foul words on a bumper – or saying them to your boss?

    Would this gal have the nerve to do that?

    Because that’s how I see it – she’s throwing it out there and it makes everyone look bad.

  17. LibDave
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:25 pm | Permalink

    “Because that’s how I see it – she’s throwing it out there and it makes everyone look bad.”

    Posted by: GSheridan | March 19, 2007 at 03:08 PM

    Is this bumpersticker any worse than, say, the VicePresident telling a Unitied States Senator to” F… youself”

  18. S. Teel
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:34 pm | Permalink

    I think that a personal automobile titled to an individual is open for free speech expression. Employer titled vehicles are an extension of that employer and should be respected as such, and individual expressions of speech should be prohibited thereon. I do believe that an employee should be given the opportunity to remove the offensive bumper sticker, counseled, and given the opportunity to take a corrective action rather than being fired without due process, however.

  19. J R
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:38 pm | Permalink

    Majority leader Ray Merrick is the one who should be fired.

    The sticker says “fuc* war”Not a thing wrong with that. Oh that is unless you are a Republican and the war is not going well. Petty BS.To Representative Ray Merrick I say fuc* YOU! And I wouldn’t censor it if I didn’t know the blog bot would. In this case the outrage is justified.

    What if it were a bumper sticker that said “Kill ‘em all, let God sort ‘em out!”

    Would THAT be ok?

  20. Posted March 19, 2007 at 3:50 pm | Permalink

    Actually that last one J R is humorous. It is not profane like the other bumper sticker.

    I’m sure you know the policy of the Wichita Eagle on Bumper Stickers?

    Pardon me if I misphrase it. I think there policy is that if have a bumper sticker on a candidate or politicians one way or the other, they have grounds for disciplinary action and employment termination.

    As a newspaper they need to give the appearance of being professionals in the news business .

    Having a parking lot full of cars saying BUSH, CLINTON or whoever would not project the image they are looking for.

    I imagine this is the same light, that cars carrying a profanity in the form of a bumper sticker is not the way the Topeka Capitol wishes to be seen.

  21. Jed
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:06 pm | Permalink

    Hey, it’s a perfectly good word- wasn’t it used recently by our beloved vice-president? As far as worrying about kids seeing it, they use it already. I’d be more worried about the dismembered children they might see on the evening news.

  22. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:08 pm | Permalink

    Republican, what is wrong with vulgarity in a state owned parking lot?Hopefully the Representative would have enough will to respond that while an unfortunate event, everyone using state facilities has a right to express their views within the guidelines of the law.

  23. Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:14 pm | Permalink

    What’s wrong brian is that everyone will be allowed to do it with no restrictions. What’s next? Daycare parking lots? Public Schools?

    Instead of bumper stickers, what if bright neon signs are used next. Then how about vulgar language emanating from car speakers, droning a foul message over and over.

    How about a parking lot full of Bush bumper stickers at the ACLU headquarters. :)

  24. Wayne
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:16 pm | Permalink

    Its is a publicly owned parking lot? Paid for by taxpayer funds, i.e people of the state. Until the taxpayer (i.e people of the state) determine offensive language on a bumper sticker is against the law, the person should not be fired, especially for using her right to freedom of expression and free speech. The representative could be sued for trying to suppress her right to freedom of expression and free speech. I’d sue the representative and ask him this question” have you ever used the word, while an employee of the state?” If so, maybe you should be fired?

  25. Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:19 pm | Permalink

    Be careful what you ask for Wayne.

  26. Duh!
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:21 pm | Permalink

    Well I mean, aren’t all roads also owned by the state (or town, etc.) so if I have a bumper sticker that says what this one says and I work for the state should I also be fired…

    Give me a break

  27. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:28 pm | Permalink

    Seriously, do we want the government to tell us what kind of bumper stickers we can display?

    I imagine we are split on this issue along the same line we would be split for vulgarity and nudity on TV. The split being turn the channel if you don’t like it vs. make them stop broadcasting it because I don’t like it.

  28. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:29 pm | Permalink

    What if that bumper sticker had a photo that depicted that F act? Is that still covered by the 1st?

  29. Ed Friedemann
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:30 pm | Permalink

    Maybe we all ought to get one.

  30. Ed Friedemann
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:32 pm | Permalink

    Until the lawmakers get the message.

  31. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:35 pm | Permalink

    Brian, the diff with your TV logic is that I cannot block or switch roads instantly.

    Also, cable tv is a psy-extra service, and, most people don’t realize this, is not really subject to FCC restictions. They can show anything they want.

  32. Kev
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:47 pm | Permalink

    It is not any bosses damn business what an employee puts on his or her car. This is why we need more UNIONS. Bosses are prying into the personal and political lives of employees more and more and it has to stop somewhere. I am deeply offended when I see a “Bush” sticker on a car. Same with a Confederate Battle Flag. I feel that both are symbols of totalitarianism, racism and nazi thinking. However I don’t have the right to demand that somebody remove the offending sticker to please me. The employee should tell this boss to go to Hell!

  33. Kev
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:52 pm | Permalink

    “Instead of bumper stickers, what if bright neon signs are used next. Then how about vulgar language emanating from car speakers, droning a foul message over and over.”

    Have you been in a public school parking lot lately? That is all you hear in RAP music!

  34. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 4:53 pm | Permalink

    Kev, what if I mount a dvd player in my back window and run a porno movie everywhere I go. Is that acceptable?

  35. Kev
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 5:36 pm | Permalink

    “Kev, what if I mount a dvd player in my back window and run a porno movie everywhere I go. Is that acceptable?”

    It is not in good taste but I personally think you have the right to be an asshole if you so desire. If the movie has been found to be obscene however that is a different animal. And yes, I have seen it a few times here. You don’t have the right not to be “offended” in public.

  36. Cheri
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 5:50 pm | Permalink

    It is her first admendment right to have her bumper sticker. While it may offend many people, it does not tout one party or another. There are people from all parties that are anti-war, so it does not promote or put down any particular party.

    As for it being legal, I do believe the f word has passed the legal obscenity test.

    As for porn on DVD in cars, I have been at stop lights and seen porn movies on DVD players. Depending on the video, this could be legal or illegal. But I think most would agree, it’s in bad taste.

  37. Posted March 19, 2007 at 5:53 pm | Permalink

    Yeah Kev, I hear it every day with the speakers which can be heard three blocks away easily. It’s really annoying.

  38. Joe Williams
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:21 pm | Permalink

    Ridculous! Who cares about a bumber sticker.

    People are such tight butts. The bad thing is that we elect them to office.

  39. GSheridan
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:24 pm | Permalink

    Cheri – if the ‘f’ word has passed the obscenity test – why didn’t you type it out?

    Why just write the ‘f’ word?

    In fact, everyone here is using the abbreviation, even those who claim it’s fine to use in public.

    What’s up with that?

  40. Joe Williams
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:27 pm | Permalink

    Because some people have parental blocks on their computers, which will not load sites that have certian profanity.

    So basically typing out Phuck with a F will lock some people out. Unless they turn of their parental control software.

  41. GSheridan
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:35 pm | Permalink

    Joe – are you saying we are being overrun by children posters posing as adults?

    IF so – we really BETTER watch our language.

    Here, AND on our bumper stickers.

    :)

  42. Steve Meirowsky
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:42 pm | Permalink

    I don’t agree with the “F” word being displayed in public, but the last thing I want is anyone (including my employer) sensoring me and my right of free speech!

    If we start with the “F” word, then which one next? It would get out of control…thus we can’t let it start!!!

  43. GSheridan
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 6:57 pm | Permalink

    But Steve, the First Amendment only protects us so far.

    Do we have the right to yell “fire” in a crowded building anytime we choose?

    Do you know that Police Departments require their officers to behave a certain way even OFF duty? No public drinking?

    Do you know over 6,000 American companies have adopted rules to fire employees if they smoke at HOME?

    Certain careers demand adherence to certain reputational standards. I’m guessing this gal crossed that line.

  44. Jed
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 8:40 pm | Permalink

    Steve,”If we start with the “F” word, then which one next? It would get out of control…thus we can’t let it start!!!”

    Just out of curiosity, which words do you consider worse?

  45. Nicki
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 8:43 pm | Permalink

    This is freakin’ ridiculous. It’s like we don’t even live in the United States anymore. It’s a damn bumper sticker….put on your big girl panties and deal with it. This woman is well within her rights as a citizen of this (supposedly) free and great nation. We hear all the time how those of us that are against the war don’t support the troops who are dying to protect our freedoms. What freedom? It’s all a big damn joke now. They can spy on you, they can detain you, they can track and spy on people engaged in peaceful protest, people are arrested for daring to speak something undesirable to the President, and now….you can’t even have a bumper sticker. All I can say is I hope someone is willing to take the lawsuit, when this woman sues the crap out of the state.

  46. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:07 pm | Permalink

    “people are arrested for daring to speak something undesirable to the President, Nicki | March 19, 2007 at 08:43 PM”

    Hmmm …………. Nicki, I must have missed that in the news.Or, perhaps, what you posted is unfounded, and from the ‘Dictionary of Overstatement’.

    If you have verifiable examples, let it rain.Verifiable, is the operative word.

  47. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:15 pm | Permalink

    “Ridculous! Who cares about a bumber sticker.Posted by: Joe Williams | March 19, 2007 at 06:21 PM ”

    “Because some people have parental blocks on their computers, which will not load sites that have certian profanity.

    Joe ~~ so … typing out the F word F will lock some people out. Unless they turn of their parental control software.Posted by: Joe Williams | March 19, 2007 at 06:27 PM

    Joe~ it’s ok to put ‘F///’ on a bumper sticker, but, it’s not ok to type ‘F///’ into a Blog, because of parental concerns and blocks ??

    Huh?? Somebody help me with this (il)logic.

  48. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

    One thing I find funny about this is who supports it. The conservatives on here seem all for allowing government and business to intrude on the personal freedoms of people. That seems to be a pretty non-conservative stance.

  49. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:24 pm | Permalink

    Brian~ Whom are you refering to as “the conservatives?”

  50. Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:25 pm | Permalink

    Perhaps responsible adults brian view obscene language to be intrusive on their personal freedoms.

  51. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:25 pm | Permalink

    Have I posted something that says I am Conservative’?

  52. Joe Williams
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:27 pm | Permalink

    Hey Sanford! Let me show you some logic. Do you understand the order of succession?

    Here is the post I was responding to. If you look at the order of succession, you will see that I responding just after this post:

    “Cheri – if the ‘f’ word has passed the obscenity test – why didn’t you type it out?

    Why just write the ‘f’ word?

    In fact, everyone here is using the abbreviation, even those who claim it’s fine to use in public.

    What’s up with that?

    Posted by: GSheridan | March 19, 2007 at 06:24 PM

    —————————

    Do you get it now? Or am I the only posts you see on this thread?

  53. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:33 pm | Permalink

    “Do you get it now? Or am I the only posts you see on this thread?Posted by: Joe Williams | March 19, 2007 at 09:27 PM ”

    I apologize, Joe. I didn’t mean to be stupid. Sorry if I don’t ‘get it now’. And, I will try to see other posts.

    Really, Joe, what do you expect from one who is so less intellingent, and in need of chastizing.

  54. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:44 pm | Permalink

    Sanford, I do not know your politics and was not referring to you. Specifically to GSheridan and Republican.

    A good and true conservative would view additional rules and regulations as something to fight against.

  55. GMC70
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:46 pm | Permalink

    Won’t comment as to whether the sticker violates a term or condition of employment. I don’t know the details of said employee’s employment, nor am I a labor lawyer.

    That said – since when did basic good sense become so out-of-place? The word is not appropriate in civilized company, nor on a bumper sticker. While the 1st amendment may protect the expression, basic civilized behavior would not. There was a time, not so long ago, that society would not tolerate such an expression. That, unfortunately, has been lost. And are we better off for it?

    Some here complained that they feel they must engage in self-censorship. Absolutely. It’s called discretion. It’s called acting like an adult. Using such language demonstrates nothing, as a previous poster put it, other than a lack of vocabulary.

    The “bumper poster” is entitled to her opinion, of course. And she may well have the right to spout it as she sees fit. But others will take her for the boor she is, and treat her with the disdain deserved – not for the point of view, but for the extremely ignorant way of “expressing” herself.

    And THAT reflects badly on her employer.

  56. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:51 pm | Permalink

    GMC~ Thanks for another on target summation.It’s less about pushing the envelope and more about discretion, depth of vocabulary, tact and taste.Ooops, I forgot respect. Respect for those around you.

  57. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 9:58 pm | Permalink

    “A good and true conservative would view additional rules and regulations as something to fight against.

    Posted by: brian | March 19, 2007 at 09:44 PM ”

    brian~ very interesting post.I am not sure that cons resist all rules/regs. Actually, I think the current crop of cons embrace too mant rules/regs.

  58. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:00 pm | Permalink

    In fact, some (many) think that cons embrace every single restriction that comes along.

  59. brian
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:02 pm | Permalink

    It is kind of funny that so many so-called Conservatives and Republican party loyalists are supporting so many non-conservative ideas. The ideals behind what is conservative and Republican have definitely did a 180 from what they used to be.

  60. Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:07 pm | Permalink

    brian,

    Pardon my observation, but I think you might have what a Conservative actually is as compared to other types of ideologies.

    Conservatives are mainly rule of law folks, strict ethical standards and stay close to home on their views.

  61. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:10 pm | Permalink

    Hmmm ………….. Repub~~~ I got some problems with that.

  62. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:13 pm | Permalink

    I’m as Conservative as the day is long. But, as a Conservative, I think we need less of that “rule of law” and more of Jeffersonian/Franklin~osian (a new word).Freedom requires accountability, I think we have lost that.

  63. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:14 pm | Permalink

    Brian — “The ideals behind what is conservative and Republican have definitely did a 180 from what they used to be.”

    Please expand.

  64. Meelsoh
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:15 pm | Permalink

    Hmm F!@# this? Is he a saint?? Is he saying he’s never sworn in public?? Or exercised his freedom of speech??? I don’t know about u boys and girls but i smell a hipocrite??!!=)

  65. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:18 pm | Permalink

    “F!@# this? Is he a saint?? Is he saying he’s never sworn in public?? ”

    Huh? who/what/where?

  66. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:22 pm | Permalink

    Sorry, Meelsoh …. I see what you’re referring to.

    Is he, or anyone else, allowed to say “f/// you’ over a loudspeaker?

  67. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:24 pm | Permalink

    Can I replace my “ooooo, oogha” old time car horn with one that screams “F/// YOU” ?Is that ok? Just like cussing in public, both are public expressions.

  68. Meelosh
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 10:42 pm | Permalink

    Hey, there is a difference a bumper stricker and a horn. If you see a bumper sticker with profanity on it dont be a baby and complain JUST DONT READ IT AGAIN a horn come on that is kinda hard to ignore. I can see where ur coming from.My fault for not making my point clear.I apologize.=)

  69. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    Meelosh~~1) “If you see a bumper sticker with profanity on it dont be a baby and complain JUST DONT READ IT AGAIN”

    Ok, What if I spray paint that same F word all over the sides/top/hood of my car. Is “just don’t read it again’ still adequate?

    What if I wear a T-shirt (bumper sticker analogy) that you might deem offensive, such as “IWANT TO F YOUR DAUGHTER”. Is this still “don’t be a baby and complain” territory?

    I’m not judging, just asking.

  70. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 11:12 pm | Permalink

    And ……………. you say, don’t look at that bumper sticker, and say don’t listen to that horn.

    Different?

  71. Sanford
    Posted March 19, 2007 at 11:13 pm | Permalink

    Left out a word ~~~(and I say don’t listen) ………

  72. GSheridan
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:27 am | Permalink

    Brian wrote:

    “A good and true conservative would view additional rules and regulations as something to fight against.”

    I gotta tell ya, Brian – that’s whacked. I mean that in a good way, of course. :)

    But seriously, Conservatives (Social Conservatives) BELIEVE in following a stringent set of rules, and that word doesn’t fit in anywhere.

    I have to let you in on a secret, here. I’m not a Social Conservative. I’m a Fiscal Conservative. But I’m not a Social Liberal, either.

  73. Sanford
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:45 am | Permalink

    Morn GS ~~”But seriously, Conservatives (Social Conservatives) BELIEVE in following a stringent set of rules, and that word doesn’t fit in anywhere.”

  74. Sanford
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:46 am | Permalink

    So, is it a ‘big tent’ or a small tent (stringent)

  75. Sanford
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:49 am | Permalink

    ….. Social ….. Fiscal ….. Popular designations, but, don’t they really go hand in hand?

  76. Wayreth
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 7:00 am | Permalink

    Gsheridan and everyone else who is so offended by colorful language. Get over yourselves. It is just a word. No more no less. Yes it is on a bumper sticker in a parking garage. Yet is it anymore offensive than the abortion van that gets driven around town? I find that those on the conservative side tend to be fine with showing dead fetuses but get outraged when someone decides to drop a cuss word every now and then.

  77. Roscoe
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 8:34 am | Permalink

    Do you think Target, Koch or any local car dealer would allow the b.s. on an employees car, parked in a prominent place? Of course not–it reflects poorly on them. How about an elementary school?

    Would it be equally okay to substitute HENSLEY or SEBELIUS or KANSAS or THE WICHITA EAGLE for “war”?

    Too bad the State workforce has become a cesspool of classless employees and cowardly administrators.

  78. Posted March 20, 2007 at 8:50 am | Permalink

    Yo Roscoe….

    Welcome back… Glad to see you are spouting useless crap this morning…

    All I have to say is 1st Amendment…

    You may find those words offensive, but I don’t. Its my constitutional right to say what I please…

  79. Old Manor Road
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 8:59 am | Permalink

    Some of you are getting pretty ridicles with the “What If’s”! I wonder what would the ‘good’ state rep. say if I were to object to someone having a confederate flag plastered on a bumper and I wanted that sticker to be removed because I founde it offensive? Of course, he would just roll his eyes and walk away. All this talk about the “kids” seeing a sticker such as the one Merrick wants removed is rubbish. If a kid is harmed by such a sticker then it’s up to Mom and Dad to explain why some have such a sticker on their vehicles. Removing everything offensive only makes for a make believed ’sanitized’ world. Our legislative body has much more important things to debate than a so-called offensive bumper sticker! Leave it alone!!!

  80. driabyor
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 9:11 am | Permalink

    maybe some upstanding citizen will f**k up the car

    I would much rather see a ” f**k the illegals immigrant” bumper sticker…

  81. ksgran
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 9:33 am | Permalink

    As usual, tackiness wins the day. If people choose to behave totally without class in public, it’s still protected (unfortunately). Wondering if our forefathers could ever have anticipated the level to which public behavior would sink in our day…

  82. Chy
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 9:48 am | Permalink

    Personally, I think what we need are more people yelling they are offended by something or other. Hey, why not. We had immigrants come over to the US and they found our religion offensive so now, my son can’t pray in school. I find illegal immigrants and their demands offensive, but since I’m American, I can’t say anything about that because it would be ‘racist’. So, we are reduced to talking about bumper stickers instead of anything that matters so that we do not offend anyone.

    Oh, and America is still free, just not for Americans. It’s free for all the immigrants. They have freedom of speech, to demonstrate, to protest and freedom of religion. We have freedom to discuss bumper stickers.

  83. Shannon
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 10:06 am | Permalink

    Haha!

    Reader = illegal immigrant

  84. Posted March 20, 2007 at 10:23 am | Permalink

    “We had immigrants come over to the US and they found our religion offensive so now, my son can’t pray in school.”

    Umm… I’m no immigrant and i am offended by praying in school… I would be fine if there was “pray time” but there isnt.

    I dont believe in the same religion as you, therefor that there should be an option for me to opt out, pray to my own god or what ever.

    Oh, and dont forget, Christians are the first illegal immrigrants in this country. Remember? They came here and killed the Native’s because they wouldnt conform/assimlate.

  85. Cheri
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 10:30 am | Permalink

    GSheridan the reason I don’t type out the F word is because I very very rarely ever use that word. I feel using strong curse words needs to be reserved to show extreme emotion or feeling. If I use them, I want that person to be shocked and understand how very upset I am if I use the F word.

    I feel that any word that you use frequently loses it’s impact.

    The 6th grade bus stop is right across from my home. The language those children use clearly shows they have had exposure to many, many cuss words including the F-word.

    I grew up in a Republican home. I grew thinking the Republican party meant the party of least government. It was financially conservative and advocated the least interference in people’s personal lives as possible.

    It seems to me that the current crop of conservative Republicans are turning that upside down.

  86. Chas.
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 10:59 am | Permalink

    Oh wow… Conservatives dont want the government telling us what to do with our lives?? Come on, now… Let’s see…..

    Conservatives are ANTI-abortion rights… Conservatives are ANTI-gay rights/gay marriage… Conservatives are against Anti-war protestors(mostly)…

    I used to laugh every time Reagan would wsay he wanted to get government off the backs of the American people, cause I knew he was going to come back with some comment about abortion, or some other private life issue he was AGAINST….

    And oh, Conservatives are mostly against medical use of Pot, too… and that is supposed to actually HELP people in pain…

    So, where is it that Conservatives are against government intrusion into Private Life??? PLEASE!!! PFUC* OFF

  87. Bill
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 11:05 am | Permalink

    Well, “F” Ray Merrick

  88. HardTruth
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 11:12 am | Permalink

    I have NEVER seen a child prevented from praying in school or anywhere else. The only thing being restricted is forcing others to participate.

    Jesus told us to pray in private; He called those who prayed on the street-corners hypocrites.

  89. you got it
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:00 pm | Permalink

    Okay, you free speechers. How about if I wanted a bumper that said Fuc@ N@@@ers! Still gonna suppprt me? or bring me up on hate speech? Can’t have it both ways

  90. J R
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:09 pm | Permalink

    Well “you got it” I ENCOURAGE you to place such a sticker on your bumper if that is your sentiment! Better be paid up on your auto insurance though. Spring for comprehensive coverage with a low deductible. You’ll be needing it.

  91. you got it
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:09 pm | Permalink

    Just so you know, I support her right to put whatever she wants on her bumpersticker. I am a Republican, I am a christian, but the constitution takes precedence over either one. I do not support hate crimes legislation of any kind. If I kill you, it doesn’t matter if I did it because you had a quarter in your pocket that I wanted, that you were gay, or black or brown or muslim. You deserve the death penalty or life in prison. Motive doesn’t play a factor. While hate speech is by definition hateful, the constitution makes no reference to motive when it gives the right of free speech.

  92. you got it
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:11 pm | Permalink

    jr–That is not my point of view.My point is free speech is free speech. Whether it pains me as a member of any group. Christian, or African American

  93. Cheri
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:20 pm | Permalink

    The thing with free speech is it applies to everyone and not just sentiments you agree with.

  94. you got it
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:22 pm | Permalink

    Cheri-

    My point exactly!

  95. Dingus
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    So some dumbass legislature want to fire someone for having a bumber sticker yet many of the vile PHelps family have high payin state jobs yet none of their jobs seem to be in jeopardy?

  96. GSheridan
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:46 pm | Permalink

    I would fire the Phelps family (the nasty ones) if I could, also.

    I’d even hogtie ‘em, rub honey on their faces and let my dog lick it off.

    Dang Democrats, anyway.

  97. Chy
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:53 pm | Permalink

    Note for Hard Truth: Just because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.

    Tony, I have to straddle the fence on that one, I’m half Shawnee and half Caucasian, and my husband is half Chilian. Regardless of your race and who was the first this or that, it’s all ancient history and the answer to overpopulation is not “Well we were illegal immigrants once” because that’s an untrue statement. There were no laws then about immigration, therefore, it wasn’t really ‘illegal’.

    As for the Natives and them not conforming, well, that’s very true. But, we saw where it got them also, didn’t we?

    Regardless, none of that was my point. Point is, Americans have no rights, they are all being taken away, so why not the right to have a bumper sticker as well? Even now there are plenty on this blog who think that would just be fine. But, for all of you that think that way, just keep in mind that it all starts somewhere. It might be the ‘f’ word today, but who knows what it will be tomorrow if we start to allow that sort of censorship.

  98. HardTruth
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    Chy – and just because you claim it has happened doesn’t mean it actually has. I have seen many children pray before eating lunch and at other times. I have never seen them stopped.

  99. Jed
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 1:19 pm | Permalink

    Chy,If you think there isn’t prayer in schools, you certainly haven’t been there during finals!

  100. Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    Many people work at places where they can’t put bumper stickers of a political nature on their cars or signs in their yards. So to say my heart bleeds for her would be facetious.

    This bumper sticker is not only offensive but political as well. I however appreciate this as it points out that the driver is a cretinous, loathsome coward. There is nothing I appreciate more than truth in advertising.

  101. Chy
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:09 pm | Permalink

    Jed, good point… hahaha!

    Tony, your some sort of paranoid. Do you usually just patrol blogs in hopes of finding something you may/may not like so you can start calling people liars?

    Maybe you can get this into your tiny little paranoid brain… I’m not from here, and I haven’t always lived in the ‘bible belt’. Not all places are the same, and my best friend’s son got sent home for taking a bible to school because it wasn’t allowed. No, that’s not the same as praying, but it’s the same principle.

    Your obviously trying hard to focus on the religious comment I made instead of the point I was making, which is about censorship. Maybe you should start reading the news outside of just your area, maybe then you can get a broader view of what does and does not happen.

    Going back and reading my original post, I find it amusing that all you could focus on is my one comment about praying in school, and not anything else. Hmmmmmmm…. Did I touch a nerve? Still standing in line for a green card, are we?

  102. Chy
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:10 pm | Permalink

    Oops, meant Hard Truth there, not Tony in previous post.

  103. ShoeFits
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:22 pm | Permalink

    She’s definitely a slut.

  104. HardTruth
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:22 pm | Permalink

    “Still standing in line for a green card, are we?”

    I don’t know, are you? I have no reason to need a green card; my US-issued Passport suffices when I travel abroad from this country, in which I was born.

    You seem to be the one who is paranoid with your delusions that somehow your son is prevented from praying to his God.

  105. fleettwood
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:32 pm | Permalink

    “House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, wants a state employee fired…”

    “UPDATE: Rep. Merrick said he complained about the bumper sticker but never discussed a potential firing,…”

    So, which is it? Did the Capitol-Urinal get it wrong?That’s the story.I’m sure somebody will get right on it.

  106. aircraft
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 2:33 pm | Permalink

    Merrick was for firing before he was against firing

  107. I are one
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 5:28 pm | Permalink

    Welp, what she needs to realize is that free speech sometimes also has consequences. The 1st amendment isn’t going to protect you from idiots who would take it upon themselves to censor you illegally. I’m all for freedom of speech, but if you come to me and say ‘I want to f*** your daughter’, I will likely elbow smash you in the phucking throat.

  108. Enlightenment
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 8:01 pm | Permalink

    The First Amendment prohibits the federal legislature from making laws that establish a state religion or prefer a certain religion, prohibit free exercise of religion, infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to assemble peaceably, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

  109. 1st Amendment Right
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 8:05 pm | Permalink

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  110. Grayfox
    Posted March 20, 2007 at 9:03 pm | Permalink

    When I am GOD, RIGHT WINGERS ARE THE FIRST TO GO.

  111. Jed
    Posted March 21, 2007 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    Was it Carl Sagan who asked what it says about our society that the worst two-word insult you can use is to wish someone an act of surpassing physical pleasure?

  112. cash fast loan
    Posted January 10, 2008 at 4:23 am | Permalink

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