Do protestors have the right to protest at any volume?

[spinach]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.

[spinach]

Help Stop Obama Care! Sign this!

why are you spamming my thread?
I don't click on links posted by newbie posters anyway
and neither would any sane person

[kat]

I say yes at the TH. Some perspective:

People didn't get loud until they were met with canned jargon and lies. I get loud when people do that to me in everyday life. it's a natural reaction. Nothing "terroristic about it.

[hwyflier]

Protesters can be at any volume as long as they are in their "freedom cages" within the specifically marked free speech zone two blocks away.

[croupier101]

being rude morons isn't against the law. so i say yes, the town hall protesters are not legally obligated to be normal rational human beings.

[spinach]

I say yes at the TH. Some perspective:

People didn't get loud until they were met with canned jargon and lies. I get loud when people do that to me in everyday life. it's a natural reaction. Nothing "terroristic about it.

Well I would agree-
I was more asking if people could just come on in and start shouting right away.
Of course, if some politician is up there blowing smoke, people are gonna go off.

that's "reasonable" being loud.

I think being unreasonably loud, and shutting down Q&A is effective in the short run, but counterproductive over the long run. And it helps a lot if the shouting is actually on the point, and directly challenging what the politicans are saying.

[Manager]

why are you spamming my thread?
I don't click on links posted by newbie posters anyway
and neither would any sane person

He is now number 57 on "ignore"...

[spinach]

oh, and this is not just about "obama care"
this is about protesting in general.

It could be protests against Obamacare, Iraq, afghanistan, the GOP, the DEMs,
Bush, Obama, TARP, bailouts, etc.

[ChaosControl]

The right? Yes.

Will it accomplish anything other than making said protesters look like idiots? No.

[Manager]

I say always, they can protest just like the libs did about all the Bush lies, so have at it, protest whenever you like as loud as you like...

[CaughtInTheMiddle]

the right? Yes.

Will it accomplish anything other than making said protesters look like idiots? No.

+1

[curtis123]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.

If it's the only way not to be ignored by your own so-called representative, they don't have much of a choice but to be as loud as they can be.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.

I absolutely agree that anyone has the right to protest at whatever volume they please.

I also am pretty damn certain that it doesn't help their cause to sound like a screeching idiot.

[TheBurningRed]

People have the right to protest about anything they want, but should be respectful and not hoot and hollar like at the townhall meetings. The people that are being loudmouths are not helping there arguement only hurting it. Also people are more receptive too a more calm tone of voice than someone yelling at them.

[Pastor C]

Yes, I do I have one Volume Loud and I use it too get the point across. Liberal you do not like getting back what you have dished out do you? Answer NO. Too Bad loud loud loud.:surprised

[Blemonds]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.
Where's the option for "Yes, whenever protesting against Republicans"

[yeoldgrump]

Why is it that politicians and bureaucrats are unable to answer a simple "Yes" or "No" answer with the proper single one word response? Instead, they go into a diatribe about how they are trying to correct the problems created by those of a previous administration. Why is it that they can't look in the mirror and see the face of a fool that helped create the mess.

[spinach]

Where's the option for "Yes, whenever protesting against Republicans"

:))

yeah.
liberals are hypocrites with a capital H

[dantes]

I seem to remember a public discussion recently about what constitutes Disturbing the Peace. I wish I could remember what side conservatives took on the whole "yelling in a public space" issue.

[aep1974]

I absolutely agree that anyone has the right to protest at whatever volume they please.

I also am pretty damn certain that it doesn't help their cause to sound like a screeching idiot.

Check and check.

Oh, and I love your sig picture!:lol: Wish I had a button on my computer at work that would process a "damn."

[Values]

I seem to remember a public discussion recently about what constitutes Disturbing the Peace. I wish I could remember what side conservatives took on the whole "yelling in a public space" issue.

Instead of looking at others to point your fingers at, maybe you can come up with your own views on the subject and tell us why you believe them.
That way you get to state you opinion and have some personal responsibility in the discussion.

[spinach]

I seem to remember a public discussion recently about what constitutes Disturbing the Peace. I wish I could remember what side conservatives took on the whole "yelling in a public space" issue.

well if they are conservative, they would agree with public demonstrations, and yelling.
my point is that it has limits like freedom of speech does
you can't use that "loud speech" to endanger other people-

like in airports, on a plane, a police station, a hospital, etc.

[spinach]

Instead of looking at others to point your fingers at, maybe you can come up with your own views on the subject and tell us why you believe them.
That way you get to state you opinion and have some personal responsibility in the discussion.


:lol:

"whack!"

[tom1468]

It is a war of words
It is a battle of ideas
It is a battle for the hearts and minds of the american people
I rather have a battle of ideas by using words, even if it means yelling and screaming


A america that remains silent and just rolls over is a bad thing
Both sides have their war tactics and attempting to shut down one sides voice is nothing more then a war tactic

The war can not be over until their is a clear winner

Let more yelling and screaming happen
A heated debate is a good thing

[LouC]

Everybody has the right to protest.

I also believe everybody has the responsibility to protest right.

[Values]

People have the right to protest about anything they want, but should be respectful and not hoot and hollar like at the townhall meetings. The people that are being loudmouths are not helping there arguement only hurting it. Also people are more receptive too a more calm tone of voice than someone yelling at them.

These people are angry and frightened and their government isn't listening to them. You too, would get your ire up and feel that you need to shout to be heard. Listen to the political two step each question is answered with and ask yourself if they are actually getting any questions answered.
The democrats are showing what they have always shown, only now it is getting the spotlight because too many people are showing them up for what and who they truly are.
Calling little old ladies and angry fathers unAmerican because they are angry and disagree is a stupid thing to do as a politician.

[spinach]

It is a war of words
It is a battle of ideas
It is a battle for the hearts and minds of the american people
I rather have a battle of ideas by using words, even if it means yelling and screaming


A america that remains silent and just rolls over is a bad thing
Both sides have their war tactics and attempting to shut down one sides voice is nothing more then a war tactic

The war can not be over until their is a clear winner

Let more yelling and screaming happen
A heated debate is a good thing

good post, man.
If the stakes are high, then yelling and screaming is definitely an option.
I have to rethink my position now.

[spinach]

These people are angry and frightened and their government isn't listening to them. You too, would get your ire up and feel that you need to shout to be heard. Listen to the political two step each question is answered with and ask yourself if they are actually getting any questions answered.
The democrats are showing what they have always shown, only now it is getting the spotlight because too many people are showing them up for what and who they truly are.
Calling little old ladies and angry fathers unAmerican because they are angry and disagree is a stupid thing to do as a politician.

man another great post.
I didn't think this thread would crank out this level of reply.
keep 'em coming, folks!

[Values]

Everybody has the right to protest.

I also believe everybody has the responsibility to protest right.

Are you saying that protestors should not raise their voices????

[diamond dave]

I think politicians are paid MORE than enough to put up with a little yelling when they get it wrong. If you can't take it don't run for office. I find it hard to believe that the people in the late 1700's never raised their voices.

[dantes]

Instead of looking at others to point your fingers at, maybe you can come up with your own views on the subject and tell us why you believe them.
That way you get to state you opinion and have some personal responsibility in the discussion.

Alright then. If people are preventing the town hall from going forward by screaming every time the representative speaks, then they should be escorted out. They are preventing the town hall from functioning. I watch these videos and listen to the outraged person ask their question while the representative politely waits for them to finish. Then the rep begins their answer and then gets shouted down before they finish. That's preventing the discussion from going forward. Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PeQM8elCDQ&feature=related
The speakers gets one sentence out before being drowned out while he politely waits his turn. That's not a debate. That's disruptive.

[coolidge]

Alright then. If people are preventing the town hall from going forward by screaming every time the representative speaks, then they should be escorted out. They are preventing the town hall from functioning. I watch these videos and listen to the outraged person ask their question while the representative politely waits for them to finish. Then the rep begins their answer and then gets shouted down before they finish. That's preventing the discussion from going forward. Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PeQM8elCDQ&feature=related
The speakers gets one sentence out before being drowned out while he politely waits his turn. That's not a debate. That's disruptive.
The problem with the government, they are so disremoved from the people and their agendas are self promoting. People are very tired of their voices not being heard and when government can put up something that can actually have an effect(in a positive way) on the lives of people, then it will be time to have a debate.

[Terri Ayame]

:think:

I said the middle one bc generally... anything that says always or never isn't right. :mrgreen:

[dantes]

The problem with the government, they are so disremoved from the people and their agendas are self promoting. People are very tired of their voices not being heard and when government can put up something that can actually have an effect(in a positive way) on the lives of people, then it will be time to have a debate.

Do Congressmen and women have their own first amendment right to make their case? Is that right being preserved at town halls?

[animalnut]

I didn't vote. It is obviously not a productive meeting if there is no discussion. However, when a rep calls a town hall meeting, and spews lies about a bill he/she hasn't read, I understand how the volume escalates. The people have read the bill. They know the reps are clueless. How frustrating!

I got a kick out of hearing that they have now asked the SEIU to OUTSHOUT the protesters!!! They whine about the protesters shouting, and then want them to outshout them. Too funny.

These people - I won't call them conservatives, because there are also Democrats and Independents at the meetings - are being called unAmerican. I heard a clip of Pelosi at a far left meeting encouraging people to be heard and to be RELENTLESS in trying to pull the country in the direction they want it to go it.

I think Pelosi may be in need of counseling. She is psychotic.

[animalnut]

Do Congressmen and women have their own first amendment right to make their case? Is that right being preserved at town halls?

The people pretty much know where their reps stand, based on their reps vote on this monstrosity. Where else do you suggest they make their voices heard? The people are fed up. They do not want to hear the talking points Pelosi passed out to each of them before the summer break. They want to know why their rep is selling them down the river. It is their way of putting them on notice that there may not be many more town hall meetings for that rep - they are putting them on notice that they will vote them out.

[dantes]

The people pretty much know where their reps stand, based on their reps vote on this monstrosity. Where else do you suggest they make their voices heard? The people are fed up. They do not want to hear the talking points Pelosi passed out to each of them before the summer break. They want to know why their rep is selling them down the river. It is their way of putting them on notice that there may not be many more town hall meetings for that rep - they are putting them on notice that they will vote them out.

I don't hear anyone interrupting or shouting down the people asking questions. I think the people make their voices heard just fine. I don't think anyone is depriving them of their First Amendment rights. The reps, however, have a right to explain their position.

It's about taking turns. You know, first grade stuff.

[Morgan]

I thought we decided that protesting too loudly in public constitutes Disorderly Conduct and is grounds for arrest. Is that not the case this week?

[bitterclinger84]

Alright then. If people are preventing the town hall from going forward by screaming every time the representative speaks, then they should be escorted out. They are preventing the town hall from functioning. I watch these videos and listen to the outraged person ask their question while the representative politely waits for them to finish. Then the rep begins their answer and then gets shouted down before they finish. That's preventing the discussion from going forward. Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PeQM8elCDQ&feature=related
The speakers gets one sentence out before being drowned out while he politely waits his turn. That's not a debate. That's disruptive.

As someone mentioned before, they're generally not disruptive until said representative starts spouting off lies.

So would you rather sit and listen to someone talk in untruthful circles and then go "Oh, time's up!" when you start to question their answer OR would you rather cut them off at the pass?

[darknessesedge]

let them hoot/holler all that they want...
its called freedom of speech..until obama takes that away.

[jwil59]

I said no simply bacause there is nothing to be won by shouting. Nobody listens to people that are screaming, so in reality when the protestors are screaming they are not being heard at all.

It defeats the purpose of the protest, and sonner or later things will get ugly. I think our side should be above that

[dantes]

As someone mentioned before, they're generally not disruptive until said representative starts spouting off lies.

So would you rather sit and listen to someone talk in untruthful circles and then go "Oh, time's up!" when you start to question their answer OR would you rather cut them off at the pass?

So if you decide someone it "spouting off lies", that gives you the right to be disruptive and deprive the rep of their freedom of speech?

I believe the protesters are spouting off lies, but I wouldn't shout them down.

[bitterclinger84]

I thought we decided that protesting too loudly in public constitutes Disorderly Conduct and is grounds for arrest. Is that not the case this week?

Ranting at a cop even after the cop has left your house and you're asked to calm down is DC. If these protestors are warned to quiet down and then don't, arrest them. But getting loud for a minute or so in response to (at the very least) perceived BS? Not a problem, IMO.

[bitterclinger84]

So if you decide someone it "spouting off lies", that gives you the right to be disruptive and deprive the rep of their freedom of speech?

I believe the protesters are spouting off lies, but I wouldn't shout them down.

Yes. And you didn't answer my questions.

Look, these congressmen aren't stupid! They know what they're doing. Give me a straight answer and you can speak.

[Morgan]

Ranting at a cop even after the cop has left your house and you're asked to calm down is DC. If these protestors are warned to quiet down and then don't, arrest them. But getting loud for a minute or so in response to (at the very least) perceived BS? Not a problem, IMO.

You don't think they were asked to quiet down? You really think they were being loud for just a minute or so? If anyone had been arrested at these town halls you people would apoplectic about the totalitarian police state Obama is creating and you know it.

[upsetmom]

I love it when the people who propogated the thousands of anti Bush hatred and vitriol are suddenly concerned with rudeness.

the same people who were concerned with money spent on a war are now ready willing and insistent of spending TRILLIONS on a failure of a health care idea.

the people who argued that divulging secrets to our enemies was the highest form of political discourse now say behavior of health care overhaul opponents is "simply un-American." (nancy and harry uttered THAT gem)

My belief? Spiritied discussion with facts is VERY American. Necessary, in fact, to the health of our country. Otherwise we elect some untried puppet with crazy socialist ideas who is hell bent on "remaking" this nation into his idea of perfect.

[nobamayomama]

Obama, still in campaign mode, was yelling at us today telling us to "GET OUT OF THE WAY"... he seems pretty unruly in his "SHUT THE HELL UP" speeches.

[dantes]

Yes. And you didn't answer my questions.

Look, these congressmen aren't stupid! They know what they're doing. Give me a straight answer and you can speak.

I would let them answer the question, then I'd try and ask a followup to point out what I believe is false. That's how a debate works.

You believe it's okay to shout them down if you feel their lying? Who made you arbiter of the truth? What if you're wrong?

[nobamayomama]

It's pretty bad when the Dems were instructed to NOT hold town halls. The leaders are condescending and people don't take condescension lightly, especially by people who are paid by them.

[dantes]

It's pretty bad when the Dems were instructed to NOT hold town halls. The leaders are condescending and people don't take condescension lightly, especially by people who are paid by them.

My Republican Representative isn't holding any town halls. I was looking forward to making my voice heard. What is he afraid of?

[bitterclinger84]

I would let them answer the question, then I'd try and ask a followup to point out what I believe is false. That's how a debate works.

You believe it's okay to shout them down if you feel their lying? Who made you arbiter of the truth? What if you're wrong?

Way to completely ignore the question. I specifically mentioned that their tactic is to talk in circles and never really answer the question and/or outright lie until your "time" is up and they move on to the next person. Is that really how a debate works?

If I were given unlimited time for my Q&A, I would have no problem letting them speak. But time constraints necessitate cutting through the BS.

[bitterclinger84]

You don't think they were asked to quiet down? You really think they were being loud for just a minute or so? If anyone had been arrested at these town halls you people would apoplectic about the totalitarian police state Obama is creating and you know it.

You don't know me. Don't you dare to presume how I would react in a given situation.

[Sinister Rouge]

I absolutely agree that anyone has the right to protest at whatever volume they please.

I also am pretty damn certain that it doesn't help their cause to sound like a screeching idiot.


Case in Point: Westboro Baptist Church.

[conphu1]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.

I don't think there are any rules about db levels for public gatherings unless the events are near nursing homes or schools and the such. So I'll say public settings.

[LouC]

Are you saying that protestors should not raise their voices????

Sorry, something came up and I had to run off before I could explain myself.

Keeping with the current issue.

If your random shouting is inside a Town Hall and it drowns out and disrupts the speaker and prevents the audience from being able to hear the speaker or them to interact with the speaker then, personally, no I don't believe you should raise your voice as allowing as many as possible to also have their voice is the responsible thing to do.

[dantes]

Way to completely ignore the question. I specifically mentioned that their tactic is to talk in circles and never really answer the question and/or outright lie until your "time" is up and they move on to the next person. Is that really how a debate works?

If I were given unlimited time for my Q&A, I would have no problem letting them speak. But time constraints necessitate cutting through the BS.

If I were at a Town Hall meeting and someone starts to bring up "Death Panels"? Am I allowed to interrupt, scream and holler at that person because I believe they are lying?

[KeithBlubberman]

I try to imagine what the rallies and protests were like preceding the Revolutionary and Civil war. Heck, you don't have to go back that far really - think about the protests and rallies at the (was it the DNC convention in Chicago?) and the anti-war movement during the 60s and 70s.

I doubt they stood there and mumbled their disagreement with the powers that were in place at the time.

Does it accomplish much? Sadly, in our time, no. Congress forgot that they represent the majority view of their constituents - not just what THEY think is right. That's the purpose of the town halls and polls, etc. So they can get a feel for how their constituents want them to vote. Not what is in THEIR (the representative's) best interest. I haven't checked a poll lately, but the last I checked, it seemed that a majority of people do not want a government ran health care plan.

But, the Dems will vote it in regardless of that.

There in lies the frustration with people and why they are shouting. Congress hasn't listened in a LONG time and isn't listening - so people feel they have to shout and bang their heads against the wall.

[Sinister Rouge]

I believe you have every right to voice your opinions at public forums. And especially at Town Hall meetings.
But if the only reason you go to a TH meeting is to yell at people you don't like, you're doing a disservice to everyone there. The other people have just as much right to listen to the speaker and ask their own questions.
There's a difference between exercising your first amendment rights and disrupting a public forum. Take Code Pink, for example.

[tom1468]

I try to imagine what the rallies and protests were like preceding the Revolutionary and Civil war. Heck, you don't have to go back that far really - think about the protests and rallies at the (was it the DNC convention in Chicago?) and the anti-war movement during the 60s and 70s.

I doubt they stood there and mumbled their disagreement with the powers that were in place at the time..

Burning Bra's is a silent protest

[KeithBlubberman]

Burning Bra's is a silent protest

I'm okay with them burning their bras and blouses - if they are hot.

But, from movie clips I've ever seen, and to be fair it isn't a lot of them, you always had people at these things that were yelling, using bullhorns, etc.

Maybe people should just go to the TH meetings and burn some jockstraps.

[Philabuster]

take the poll.
I'd say yes- except where it may endanger someone-
like in a hospital, or airport, or police station, or courtroom.

In town hall settings, or any 'generally public' arena, I'd say yes.
But I'd also say that being overly loud is counterproductive- and makes you look more like an ass, than a really concerned person.


also, if anyone votes yes or no, a comment would be nice, as well as to why you think that.

Yes, I agree.

[pdmike]

Isn't it amusing how, when the protestors are from the Right, protesting about something a Democratic president is proposing, they should be allowed to be as loud as they want to be (so long as it is not detrimental to others in nearby hospitals, etc.) and yet, when the protestors are from the Left, they are simply kooks who need to be put away somewhere.

[tom1468]

I'm okay with them burning their bras and blouses - if they are hot.

But, from movie clips I've ever seen, and to be fair it isn't a lot of them, you always had people at these things that were yelling, using bullhorns, etc.

Maybe people should just go to the TH meetings and burn some jockstraps.

:)):)):)):))
Alright, I have to draw a line in the sand
I can support bra burnings
But when the dudes start taking off the jock straps, Your on your own their pal

[spinach]

Isn't it amusing how, when the protestors are from the Right, protesting about something a Democratic president is proposing, they should be allowed to be as loud as they want to be (so long as it is not detrimental to others in nearby hospitals, etc.) and yet, when the protestors are from the Left, they are simply kooks who need to be put away somewhere.


this thread isn't about specifics.
read the OP and read this:
http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=59142331&postcount=8

it's a very general statement about protesting.

[Justus]

.

Keep it legal and I'm okay with it. Don't vandalize or get violent with the opposing side.

[johnrocks]

I 100% support civil disobedience, it is one of the strengths of this Republic that isn't used nearly often enough,imho.

[penner01]

People have the right to protest about anything they want, but should be respectful and not hoot and hollar like at the townhall meetings. The people that are being loudmouths are not helping there arguement only hurting it. Also people are more receptive too a more calm tone of voice than someone yelling at them. And a good politician should recognize the underlying cause and handle their consituents accordingly - the emotion. A lot of people feel like citizens are being pushed off a cliff - when you falling, and nobody heard you say "help", sometimes you scream help the next time.

[bitterclinger84]

If I were at a Town Hall meeting and someone starts to bring up "Death Panels"? Am I allowed to interrupt, scream and holler at that person because I believe they are lying?

Did you even read my posts???

There is a difference between interrupting people and cutting your rep off when you believe he's being untruthful. If you break into someone else's question, you're cutting into their time. If you interrupt your rep, you're only affecting your own given time.

[tobybear]

Libs get to use Bullhorns to amplify their voices!