The Limits of Free Speech: You Can't Threaten the President of the United States

Yesterday while I was hosting our live radio show on WPNN--a discussion of free speech led to an interesting series of text(s) from a listener.

The discussion was in response to Bruce Springsteen's recent derogatory comments about President Donald Trump while the American singer was performing in Europe.

My take is simple.  The fact that Americans can voice their opinions, even about the president's performance, is what separates us from most (if not all) other countries.  Of course we can choose to disagree or for that matter not support celebrities, athletes, actors, or others -- by not purchasing or listening to or watching their work product(s).

Some will choose that route.  Some will try to get some celebrities "Canceled" for certain actions, statements, or conduct by these famous public figures. 

Newsflash:  Free speech means people can say and do things that turn your stomach.  Hate speech is free speech.

But free speech has its limits, naturally.  You cannot yell "FIRE" in a crowded theater.

You cannot yell "BOMB" in the TSA line at the airport.

And....you cannot threaten the President of the United States.

During our show Friday morning on WPNN at texter sent me a mural that someone had painted on Pensacola's iconic "Graffiti Bridge."  This listener took great umbrage to the mural, below

The texter to the show next pulled over and covered the offensive call to action, leaving the mural this way:

The texter to the show said of his handiwork: "Someone wrote 'Kill Trump' on the Graffiti Bridge...I guess it's freedom of Speech but I pulled over and painted over it"

To which I responded "Thank you for doing that!!"

No--that's not free speech.

Welcome Back to the Office!

 President Trump has signed last week a series of sweeping executive orders directing many of the more than 1 Million Federal Employees who are currently authorized to work remotely ----to report back to their offices----as he revoked their previous authority to work remotely.

A listener to my Wake up Call radio program on WPNN sent me the below screenshot showing how one Federal Agency is beginning the process to obey the executive order.

There will be labor unions fighting this, gnashing of teeth, and all kinds of consternation.  Too bad.

Welcome back to in-person work in the office, just like the rest of us contractors who worked in the office throughout the pandemic and had to show up and were never given the opportunity to work remotely!  Just like the vast majority of private sector workers and taxpayers who pay your salary and have never been able to work from home--during the pandemic or after it. Welcome Back to reality!

Thursday Wake Up Call: Political "Earthquake" as Matt Gaetz Resigns ahead of AG Appointment

Today on the Wake Up Call with Jeff Bergosh--we will talk with key influencer and local small business owner Collier Merrill about Matt Gaetz's resignation from congress, who will fill his office and the other offices that will vacated once other current office holders must resign to run as specified under Florida law?

Great conversation--check it out here once it is published or listen live at 7:00.

Great, Energetic, and Positive Prayer Vigil Monday Evening at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church

Our Country would have been thrown into massive chaos if President Trump had not simply turned his head, at precisely the right time, Saturday afternoon in Pennsylvania.

All weekend after the attempted assasination of Former President Trump--I kept thinking this.  I was so thankful he was not killed.  It could have very well happened....had he not simply turned his head right before the shot was fired at him.  How fortunate was that head turn?  Folks will look at that video and the pictures from here on out and always wonder--how was it he turned at just the exact moment he needed to in order to save his own life?  How?

It was borderline miraculous.  

It could have been a different story had this assasain's bullet hit it's intended target.

I believe it was Divine intervention.  

And a lot of other folks believe that as well.

Because love Trump or Hate him-------nobody deserved what he has been reciving.  NOBODY.  They tried to imprison him, they have prosecuted him, they are trying to bankrupt him, and now with the TOXIC rhetoric oozing out of certain media and certain special interests---they have tried to kill him.

So Saturday, Sunday, and Monday many of us were angry, upset, and then, eventually,  thankful.  I prayed to God and thanked him for sparing the former President.  I also prayed for the victims that were killed and seriously injured.  It was a horrible day in American History.  And many were processing what had happened and many turned to prayer.

And that is precisely what Congressman Gaetz facilitated Monday evening at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola, as about 600 citizens joined he and Pastor Gordon Godfrey for a prayer rally for President Trump and our Nation.

It was moving, it was energetic, and it was positive.

I was thankful to be there and hear from the Pastor and to pray together with my fellow citizens.  Thank GOD we live in a free country where we can do this.  Thank GOD.

And thank you to the folks at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church for facilitating this vigil.