Rep. Bill Young stands on principle.
By on Feb 2nd, 2006 at 9:18 am
Rep. Bill Young stands on principle.
Rep. Bill Young (R-FL) believes Capitol police clearly “acted precipitously” by removing his wife from Bush’s SOTU, but according to the Post, “wouldn’t be so mad if it were just [Cindy] Sheehan” because he “totally disagree[s] with everything she stands for.”
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Someone needs to coordinate a campaign to call this man’s office on the Hill. Inform him that the right to free speech applies to all speech, even if he personally doesn’t agree with the speaker. If a country denies free speech to its political opponents, while encouraging it in its supporters, we usually call them totalitarian, not democratic.
This comment made me really, really mad when I was reading my WaPo this morning.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:23 amWhat is the guy’s phone number? Let’s do it.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:29 amHypocrisy, thy name is repuke.
That commie French dude Voltaire (didn’t he invent electricity?) said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” He seemed to have a real understanding of freedom. Today’s repukes can’t grasp the concept.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:34 amSo he feels that if you’re in agreement with him, you shouldn’t be punished. Only dissenters deserve punishment.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:40 amHypocrisy, thy name is Young.
Isn’t that typical of the thugs? Call out the National Guard, call out the army, get out the fire hoses, the Mace, lock ‘em up! No one dares oppose the King!
DC Office:
(202) 225-5961
St. Pete Office
(727) 893-3191
Largo Office
(727) 581-0980
E-mail: Bill.Young@mail.house.gov
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:40 amSorry I didn’t see your comment at #3 — we both had the same quote in mind.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:41 amDo these guys even care when they are ironic, like Bush saying he wants to eliminate tyranny.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:46 amThanks, Corrine, I Emailed him.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:50 amI’m sick to death of neo-cons disrespecting and dishonoring Cindy Sheehan. To hear them talk, she is a terrorist. This woman lost her son. The only difference between her and the family that was mentioned during the SOTU is that she disagrees with the policies of this administration. If she was a supporter of DumbyaCo, then she’d be used as a publicity tool. Since she is vocal about her disdain for their policies, she is maligned and vilified in the coservative press. It’s amazing to me that they could say such hateful things about this woman simply because she has different political views. Differing with the administration does not erase the grief and despair that her family has suffered. Does this mean that the only sacrificed lives that are valued are those of republicans? There is no honor in that and there is no honor in demonizing Cindy Sheehan.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:50 amIOKIYAR. LOL!
Beware the chimeras! They will do the jobs that the illegal mexican immigrants won’t do.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:54 am#7–they’re using “irony” to bullshit the American public. Nice, cuddly soundbites to lull everyone into a false sense of well-being. Sadly, it appears to be working.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:54 amIt is always heartwarming to see a Republican look at an issue with such a clear and unbiased eye. What is bizarre about this, of course, is that Young’s wife was not handcuffed, handled roughly, fingerprinted, and thrown in jail and yet he complains oh so bitterly because his wife was, not ordered, but asked, to leave her seat. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were closed circuit cameras in the hallway filming Bush’s speech so she could have seen it there. Youing gives new meaning to the term crocodile tears.
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:55 amwhat does he have to complain out? she was merely removed, not arrested…
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:57 am#3,
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:57 amVolta invented the battery, he was Italian. Electricity was never invented – it has been around since the big bang (and probably before).
Progressives All,
Google: u.s. house of representatives…
Then look up Congressman Bill Young’s phone # (unless you live in his district you probably won’t be able to e-mail him)…
fax or call his office directly…
It’s time we let these criminal Bushite traitors know that we BACK Cindy Sheehan…
Call your senators and get the number to the Capitol Hill Police Dept tolet them know that an apology from the Chiefisn’t good enough, that we want to see the Policeman who arrested Sheehan should be made to perform a mea culpa on television directly to Sheehan…
…then he should be suspended w/out pay temporarily…
February 2nd, 2006 at 9:58 amEqual oppertunity ,”sit down and shutupism.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:02 amSo does that imply that this representative is HAPPY & PROUD of the 2500 dead GI’s?
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:04 amWe need a new law that forces anyone with a Republican in their family tree to take U.S. Government in 9th grade.
Jesus H. Christ, is the power that corrupting?
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:06 amIrony or strategy?
I prefer to see this as just another example of the republicans pandering to their voters. With just two parties that make a difference today, it is really easy for them. All they have to do is consistently paint the dems as weak and immoral, and themselves as good, using any means necessary ala Rove, and you keep your flock from fleeing over to the dems. Otherwise they’d be in some big trouble!
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:07 amDid he call Cheney? No. Did he call Bush or Hastert? No. He called Karl Rove, the real power in D.C.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:07 amThat must be a really happy marriage… His wife invites someone to his office party that he dislikes.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:11 amMr Young is against Sheehan, yet her son went to War to fight for Mr Youngs View of War?
This man isnt a Man. This Man Young is Inhuman.and a Hypocrite to boot. Go Fight in the War Mr Young. The come back and say what you have about Mrs. Sheehans Son.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:13 am##7–they’re using “irony†to bullshit the American public. Nice, cuddly soundbites to lull everyone into a false sense of well-being. Sadly, it appears to be working.
Comment by Preznit_Douchebag — February 2, 2006 @ 9:54 am
SOS sam Euphemisms and Rove Spin. The More that the Neo-cons open their mouths and Speak, the worse they Look, the more corruption we list every day, the worse they Look.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:18 amThe Reports coming out everday of Corruption, OF Security Contractors that comes out everyday, the More Hypocritical they have become.
Perhaps Others didnt Notice, But I could see a Very Pained Look in these peoples eyes. Truth is upon them, and it scares the Hell out of them.
Hillary was right. The Repubs are running the place like a plantation.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:35 amThis guy is a Douchebag of Liberty too, just like freaking Novakula.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:36 amI sent that IDIOT a message as well…I hope the people of Florida are looking at who represents them…
If he will do it to Sheehan, then he will disregard anyone who does not conform to HIS point of view….
Everyone needs to email that JERK!!!
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:37 am#14–thus endeth my attempt at being “funny”.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:40 amIf you go to http://www.house.gov/young you’ll get the good Congressman’s website. Clicking on the “E-mail Congressman Young” link appears to set you up to send an e-mail to Bill,Young@mail.house.gov
Now we can all flood his office with e-mails asking him why his wife’s “protest” more more deserving of respect than Cindy Sheehan’s.
February 2nd, 2006 at 10:54 amPROPOSED NEW PREAMBLE TO THE US CONSTITUTION
We the neocon People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and those who agree with us, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:00 am#14 Since the electromagnetic laws require two separate opposing charged particles exist in a stable atomic environment to work in theory, and the ionised gas that occurred after the big bang did not cool enough to form stable atom pairs until 300,000 years after the big bang, the actual beginning of electricity was 300,000 years after the big bang…..(Since the wingnut religious right states the universe is only around 6,000 years old we might have to wait for a while, but please don’t tell them because they’ll get Bush to outlaw electric lights to hide this glaring hole in their theory on the age of the universe)
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:09 amWayne A., I think your for the message to Rep. Young kind of misses the point. We should not ask him why one protest is “more more deserving of respect” than another. As a free individual in this country he can offer his respect and support to anyone he wants. The point is, why is the opinion he supports protected by the first amendment, while the opinion he does not support is not protected speech?
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:18 am#31 Amyfw,
That’s closer to what I meant, but you put it so much better. I was in a hurry because I do this from work.
You are absolutely correct. The question should be as you phrased it: Why is speech he agrees with protected but not those of dissenters?
Thank you. I mean it.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:31 amJust sent Mr. Young the following e-mail. Hopefully his office will get flooded.
Representative Young,
According to the Washington Post you stated that you would not be so mad about Cindy Sheehan being ejected (and arrested) from the House gallery because you disagree with everything she stands for. Last time I checked the constitution all US citizens have the right to free speech and equal treatment under the law. Please tell me and your constiuents exactly where you stand on this. Free speech is ok as long as it is in line with the policies and desires of the current administration, but arrest those who show dissent in any form even when the form of the dissent is within the law? The latter is how dictators and police states operate. Is that where we are headed Representative Young? If you have any political or moral courage you will publically answer these questions. But moral and political courage is sorely lacking in Washington D.C.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:37 amClif – #30,
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:45 amI’ll have to acquiesce to you as my last Nuclear Physics course was 45 years ago. That was a bit before string theory and Stephen Hawking.
If he disagrees with her so much that he feels an arbitrary suspension of First Amendment rights are appropriate, and he’s well connected enough to just give Karl Rove a jingle, maybe he should phone up Pat Robertson and get Cindy assassinated.
Par for the course, really. The only question is: when do the Dems in office show spine? If ‘never,’ well, maybe it’s time, as has happened in the past, for one confused and disfunctional party to be replaced.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:58 amUS CAPITOL POLICE
The dedication. The pride. The legacy.
Our mission is to protect and support the Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities.
Wear the badge. Feel the honor.
The moment of transformation. . . when you slip into the uniform . . . put on the badge. . . and join our elite ranks, you’ll feel it. This is the moment you truly become a part of the dedication, the pride, and the legacy that makes the United States Capitol Police a force like no other.
What does it take to join this prestigious team? A deep sense of patriotism, unyielding dedication to protecting the public, and a passion for the American way of life are just the beginning. The desire to make a difference in the lives of many will take care of the rest.
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.html
Accountability
February 1, 2006
The United States Capitol Police will request that the U.S. Attorney’s Office not pursue the charge against Cindy Lee Sheehan who was arrested Tuesday Night before the President’s State of the Union address.
Mrs. Sheehan was charged Tuesday night with Unlawful Conduct after she displayed a T-shirt with an anti-war message while in the House Gallery. Subsequently she was arrested and transported to USCP Headquarters for processing.
As the Department reviewed the incident, it was determined that while officers acted in a manner consistent with the rules of decorum enforced by the Department in the House Gallery for years, neither Mrs. Sheehan’s manner of dress or initial conduct warranted law enforcement intervention [she was dragged out in handcuffs]. The USCP also asked [sic] Mrs. Beverly Young, to leave the gallery because of a T-shirt she was wearing. Mrs. Young did not return to the Gallery [neither did Cindy] so there was no need for further police action. Neither guest should have been confronted about the expressive T-shirts.
“The officers made a good faith [sic], but mistaken effort to enforce an old unwritten interpretation of the prohibitions about demonstrating in the Capitol. The policy and procedures were too vague,” said Chief Terrance W. Gainer. “The failure to adequately prepare the officers is mine.”
Chief Gainer met with Chairman Young and his wife to both apologize and share the Department’s plans for avoiding this in the future. A similar message [sic] has been left with Mrs. Sheehan.
The Department will work with the House Sergeant at Arms to clarify the rules of the House, and ensure that officers clearly understand the rules.
If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to this release please contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/pressreleases/2006/pr_02-01-06.html
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:09 pmBut moral and political courage is sorely lacking in Washington D.C.
Comment by Chris #33
Right on Chris!
We need EVERY Progressive on these boards to do likewise…
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:25 pmAmyfw #1
I included a portion of your post into the email I sent:
While I applaude your outrage at the way your wife was treated for wearing a T-shirt in support of our troops, I am equally dismayed by your cavalier attitude towards even harsher treatment of Cindy Sheehan.
‘Young said he wouldn’t be so mad if it were just Sheehan. “I totally disagree with everything she stands for,” he said. But by removing his wife, Gainer’s officers clearly “acted precipitously,” Young said.’
It appears you support Freedom of Speech only if you agree with the message. A post from ThinkProgress sums it up:
“If a country denies free speech to its political opponents, while encouraging it in its supporters, we usually call [it] totalitarian, not democratic.”
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:26 pmI hope Ms. Sheehan sues their asses for false arrest.
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:28 pmYoung’s staff is pretending that they don’t know what callers are talking about re: Sheehan/1st Amendment
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:34 pm#33 Chris
Cut and pasted your message and sent it to the douchebag
February 2nd, 2006 at 12:43 pmWalt nu-cu-lar physics is sort of a hobby for me
February 2nd, 2006 at 1:01 pmSo let me understand this: he disagrees with Sheehan because she doesn’t want any more American servicemen/women to die in a pointless war? And because she wore a shirt which pointed out the number of American servicemen/women who have died in Iraq, to remind everyone who doesn’t want to worry their little minds about it?
Yes, please Bush Republicans, don’t let facts interfere with your pledge of allegiance to King George. Especially when you and your children will never have to physically help fight this war of imperialistic greed.
February 2nd, 2006 at 1:32 pmhere is mine, just sent it, WE ALL NEED TO DO THIS
February 2nd, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Walt nu-cu-lar physics is sort of a hobby for me
Comment by Clif
I’m pretty sure it’s spelled nuKular. :)
February 2nd, 2006 at 2:21 pmClif #42,
February 2nd, 2006 at 3:17 pmDon’t dabble in it at home, the fallout is horrendous.
ok – update on Beverly Young – turns out she’s an OK gal…
you need to read this:
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/12/19/Worldandnation/Capitol_Hill_wife_who.shtml
now, i could have HER over for some drinks…
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