Reply #12: to any who think this is an infringement of "freedom of speech"

[frogcycle]

go read the Constitution

I am sick and tired of people on both sides claiming that

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Means that any flaming asshole can jump up anywhere, any time, and shout whatever the hell he/she/it wants.

Establishing rules of decorum for any organized event is totally appropriate. And the organizers are the ones who get to do that.

If a congressperson wants to have a town hall meeting for constituents only, they have that right. If they want it to be for one-legged midgets only, they have that right. If you don't think they have a right to restrict who says what, try disrupting Congress. Ask Code Pink what happens then. Or try going into the Congressperson's office and shouting while he/she is meeting with constituents.

If the teabaggers, birthers, or lifers want to "peaceably ... assemble" and "petition the government for a redress of grievances" they have that right. But they don't have a right to pick someone else's peaceful assembly.