"Bong Hits 4 Jesus'' Redux
It turns out that some conservative groups are actually supporting the ACLU in its defense of the kid who unfurled the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus'' banner in Alaska a few years ago. It has occurred to them that once you censor a nonsequitur like that, the next thing to go may be banners that read "Gays Are Going 2 Burn in Hell'' or "Save the Fetus'' and then where will we be?
Politics can make strange bedfellows, but as long as disparate groups agree that off school property the government can't abridge free speech, then the First Amendment is still alive and kicking in America. Unless the Suprme Court futzes around with it....
Politics can make strange bedfellows, but as long as disparate groups agree that off school property the government can't abridge free speech, then the First Amendment is still alive and kicking in America. Unless the Suprme Court futzes around with it....
posted by Michael Riley at 10:01 AM
4 Comments:
Maybe the kid should claim he left off part of the sign. It should have said, "Bong Hits 4, Jesus 9."
(1) Although the incident occurred "off school property," it took place during a school-sponsored field trip. The banner could thus be interpreted as a statement on behalf of (or endorsed by) the school. (2)School discipline should extend to field trips. If students can't do it in school, they can't do it on a field trip. (3) Parents rely upon school authorities to support the law, and to prohibit conduct in derogation of the law. It is inappropriate to expose other students to the advocacy of illegal drug use. (4) Many students and others would regard the banner as "hate speech," directed against a religious group.
What the offending students may say or do on their own time is their business. If they wish to advocate illegal activity -- or blaspheme, in my opinion -- is up to them (and, I hope, their parents.) What they do while they are in school -- whether in the classroom or on a field trip -- is everyone's concern.
I believe offense is in intent. It's ridiculous to be offended by such ridiculousness.
I'm surprised any of the students or teachers could read the sign.Half of them are too doped up and the other half can't read.And the rest are doped up non-readers.
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