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If Palin was Black would a 'Hanging Palin' for Halloween be called free speech?
by politisite | October 28, 2008 at 08:15 am
855 views | 69 Recommendations | 36 comments
It has been reported by the AFP and other news outlets that a resident in California is displaying a Governor Sarah Palin hanging by a Noose in from of their home. Folks in the area, especially those supporting Democratic candidate Barack Obama, say the display is protected free speech.
I have seen displays like this at other times in my life of a Black man being hung from a tree. The outrage was clear, Free speech goes only so far and calls that a hanging black man, even during Halloween, is beyond what the founders meant by free speech. Any figure that has a hanging person, is saying that the figure should be dead.
For Black Americans, especially in the south, certinally have an issue with hanging as it was one of the preferred methods to incite terror among southern blacks during the racist south noosing of African-American's. Even though they have a history that brings back memories of a racist environment, isn't in inappropriate for anyone to display a known person hanging?
Free speech has it's limits, Shouting fire in a crowded movie theator is not protected. (See Schenck v. United States) Nor is some student speech (see Bong hits for Jesus) Limits to speech have also been put into law as in campaign finace resorm and University Students finance of elections (See Flint vs. UMT) While there is no case about this specfic situation, there has been public outrage in other noose related events.
Is hanging a noosed Sarah Palin Protected? What if it were Obama?
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A Halloween display showing a figure resembling Republican vice presidential pick Sarah Palin hanging by a noose has caused uproar in the Californian city of West Hollywood, leading to condemnation Monday from the local mayor.
Chad Michael Morrisette has the effigy, wearing Palin's trademark red jacket, glasses, high heels and a wig, hanging from the roof of his house in the city to the west of Los Angeles.
"It should be seen as art and it should be seen within the month of October. It is Halloween. It's time to be scary. It's time to be spooky," he told local television channel KCAL9.
Mayor Jeffrey Prang issued a statement condemning the display, in which a disfigured model of presidential candidate John McCain can also be seen surrounded by flames.
"While these residents have the legal right to the display of Senator McCain and Governor Palin, I strong oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived," he said.
"I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion," he continued.
West Hollywood is one of the main gay areas of the United States. About 500,000 people are expected there Friday for one of the biggest Halloween carnivals in the country.
Halloween is rooted in pagan Celtic and Christian feasts and sees Americans decorate their homes with ghoulish displays of ghosts, witches and other monsters.
October 28, 2008 at 08:15 am by politisite, 855 views, 36 comments
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at 09:34 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. That's disgusting, and should not be allowed! I had to check this, because John McCain seems to be just sitting there, but he's actually supposed to be in flames.
at 10:22 on October 28th, 2008
Thank for your comments
at 09:41 on October 28th, 2008
Politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 10:23 on October 28th, 2008
Thank Karen:
at 09:53 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff in the sense that it merits attention. I am tired of the race baiting and nooses. Any one who displays a hanging figure should be prosecuted for hate crimes to the fullest extent of the law. I do not know if it could ever occur.
at 10:08 on October 28th, 2008
Al, the problem with the hate crimes issue is that it does not include white folk or public figures. For some reason, it is o.k. to hate a white person but not a Gay, black or other people of color. Last time I checked, the woman with the scales of justice was blind... now how could she see what color a person or what status a person has if she was blind.
I am still an advocate of universal legal before universal health care. Why should anyone get the best defense money can buy? Should the lady have no idea of whether someone is rich or poor? This is why I am currently against the death penalty. While a conservative, I am not stupid, in that, I see more poor people on death row, including more Blacks then any other group, on death row then rich folks. Now is our scales of justice really blind?
Some folks think that conservatives are all in lock step... sorry. The bottom line is that all Americans can think for themselves and in the case of a Hanging Palin or a Hanging Black person, the scales would not see the color of the skin.
At the same time, I see that Black folks are effected by a noosed person more then a white person, in that, blacks were hung in the south as a means of terrorism.
at 10:03 on October 28th, 2008
This kind of display shows the degree of pent-up rage in the body politic of the USA. It's an unfortunate, and yet maybe necessary release valve.
at 10:12 on October 28th, 2008
Thanks for your viewpoint on this story.
at 11:12 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, interesting question. I agree with moonwolf in that I think it does display a certain amount of rage among US voters. Having said that, I don't think it's acceptable for any candidate to be portrayed in this way.
at 11:23 on October 28th, 2008
So, what I am hearing you say is that it is ok to hang the black guy next door (his dummy) because I don't appreciate his playing music at 3:00 am? I am enraged by it... but I do think that there is a better way to display my anger...
at 12:03 on October 28th, 2008
No - I didn't say it was acceptable at all - and I don't think it is acceptable to hang effigies of anyone as a way of venting one's anger, regardless of the circumstances.
at 07:40 on October 30th, 2008
I agree with you on that. It is a bit beyond what is right. I do understand why it would effect black Americans more if it were Obama... at the same time.. we might want to look at our hearts.
After looking at the folks who posted the hanging Palin, I may have a better understanding of why they did this.
at 11:56 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff. I saw the video of this on the morning news. This behavior is hateful. It certainly could be taken as a warning against "uppity wimmen".
at 12:45 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff.
This is not only a case of discrimination, but of stupidity! Anyone attempting to defend these actions by claiming their rights of free speech is in violation has raised ignorance to a higher level. Somehow we’ve got to get beyond this racism issue in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />America. They preach tolerance, but those who practice tolerance are they not suppressing their true feelings? If so, then tolerance isn’t the answer… we’ve got to get beyond that barrier as well. How bout'... "Live and let live."
at 12:42 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, wow - this is crazy! I think any symbol of a person hanging, regardless of who they are, should not be allowed. That's just crossing a line.
Good story though.
at 12:46 on October 28th, 2008
Thank Amy, I am glad that even the Left understands how wrong this act is no matter who the hangee is. I am not saying you are left Amy.. but on my blog I am seeing both sides. I am glad there is a line for both sides. This is very bad no matter who.
at 12:47 on October 28th, 2008
Thanks to those who added footage to this story.
at 12:53 on October 28th, 2008
No of course it isn't right. It's totally unacceptable. The representation of anyone hanging is clearly objectionable as is any form of violence or hatred towards another individual, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality or sexuality.
That said, your headline contains a moot point. Sarah Palin is obviously not a black woman, and I'm sure I speak for many here when I say that she represents to those looking at America from the outside, much of what is wrong with the country.
Her views on gun laws, abortion and complete ignorance of a great deal of what's happening in the rest of the world are despicable and shameful for a person seeking such high office.
But to return to the subject of your post, free speech has no limits surely - otherwise it would no longer be free speech. That's at the core of democracy - the right and the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation - exactly as I'm doing now.
If it contravenes the laws of a country then it can be followed through accordingly. If it offends sensibilities, then perhaps it's expressing something underlying that's essentially wrong with society and needs to be addressed.
And equally there exists the right to protest against what one might perceive as unjust. That's also a fundamental human right and vital element of free speech that is sadly seldom respected globally.
Of course I find the idea of hanging an effigy of Sarah Palin objectionable. But that's what free speech allows - wrongly or rightly.
A good and thought-provoking post. Thank you.
at 13:09 on October 28th, 2008
Thanks for your comment. Free Speech? Like I stated in the article there are limits to free speech... if you say your going to kill someone... or make a statement to that effect is against the law. Like I said, if it were a black Palin... would it be still displayed? Is inciting a violent act protected? Our the American scales of justice blind or not? If I hung an Obama because I think he wants to violate our constitution which does not use taxes t redistribute income.. taxes are used to provide services. Lets look at what the reasoning why taxes were instituted.. where does it say that it was for transferring wealth? Where does the constitution allow for this? The answer no where! So if I hang an Obama in rejection of his views.. what will happen to me? I would be called a racist, bigiot etc. Is it a bigot who hangs a Palin, a woman, who may be in power...?
at 07:42 on October 30th, 2008
The headline was more about provoking free speech in the discussion section.. like you have done here
at 13:12 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 13:34 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. The image of America in general is total down after 8 years Bush war - oil politics. He grounded the American fellow as the world economy. I can understand that Americans have credible fear to be confronted with any follow up of this lie. Better to finish it before it restarts, the message is hard but this is america today.
at 14:44 on October 28th, 2008
I totally agree with your points but I think it is only fair to point out that Obama has been hung in effigy as a "Hallowe'en display" as well, prior to the Palin display.
From October 17
Source: feministe.us
From October 22
Source: daytondailynews.com
A local report on the same story (above) that more clearly illustrates the racist intent of Lunsford's display.
Source: local12.com
I don't think either one is OK.
at 17:15 on October 28th, 2008
The George Fox University incident happened in September - too far away from Halloween to use the holiday as an 'excuse' for those actions, in my opinion...
Oregon Students Confess to Hanging Obama Cutout From Tree
at 07:44 on October 30th, 2008
I heard about this after the fact. had I seen that I would have covered it as well If you will allow me, I would like to add part of the documentation to the story to round it out.
at 15:12 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff. Just so wrong
at 16:07 on October 28th, 2008
As someone who does their best to "Stand Up To Racism," my opinion is that it needs to be taken down. Lynching is no joke. Among the 3,000 or so blacks who were lynched in the last hundred years or so... there were women. Many if not most of the men lynched were accused of sexual crimes against women. But why were the women lynched... we will never know... since they were not given a trial.
Take it down... and apologize. It creates an aura of fear... and that can breed violence AND retaliation.
at 07:47 on October 30th, 2008
That was a very bad time in America history. Everything that was done to the Black folk was unconstitutional. no trial, not able to face accusers, vigilante justice. I hope we never return to anything like that.
at 09:28 on October 29th, 2008
politisite, I appreciate this story. It's shocking stuff.
politsite, i appreciate your feelings on this- i have "liberal" attitudes on a lot of things, but i never would do this, and i pretty much agree w/ the mayor- he's made his point, it might be better to make a documentary at this point- take it down, and put it on youtube with commentary.
""While these residents have the legal right to the display of Senator McCain and Governor Palin, I strong oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived," he said.
"I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion," he continued."
However, from what i heard, the artist claims it's not about wishing or advocating violence and death; it's intended to be a halloween-oriented protected political speech. Imho, it's intentionally shockingly bad taste (doesn't help PC Dems like Obama) and it is thought-provoking.
To be sure, the playing field is not level; Obama lynched in effigy sends an entirely different message and is socially unacceptable these days- though it was once considered normal; the US has a history of human beings (inalienable rights) being lynched just for being black- and discriminated against still, in the courts, economy, employment, etc.
However, it seems that to lynch Obama in effigy would not be the equivalent; minorities have protected status cuz minorities, thruout history and all societies, get abused by majorities- so we protect their rights. White people are not a minority, although we will be by mid-century, and sooner in CA.
Anyway, considering the inability to compare Apples with Oranges, it seems the only fitting response a Republican could make to the McCain coming from Hell and Hanging Palin would be to put Obama in the White House; either in effigy in a big white doll house on their front lawn, like one of those now socially-unacceptable except in some neighborhoods "negro" lawn jockeys- or actually endorse and vote for him, like many Republicans.
Just messing w/ ya, politsite- but seriously- and thanks for posting
at 20:42 on October 28th, 2008
politisite, I like this story. It's good stuff. I saw those two West Hollywood homosexuals who hung Palin in effigy bragging on Fox News. It's ok to do things like that if your a a member of the immoral minority, or a democrat, but if a conservative or a Christian it is now hateful.
The liberals are the biggest hypocrates ever.