Court weighs speech rights of public workers (CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

Prosecutor alleges retaliation for whistle-blowing

By Bill Mears
CNN

Monday, March 20, 2006; Posted: 5:03 p.m. EST (22:03 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Richard Ceballos says he was only doing his job, and was punished by his superiors as a result.

As a prosecutor in the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, Ceballos aggressively pursued allegations that a law enforcement officer had lied to obtain a search warrant.
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Claims that public employees who face retaliation for whistle-blowing deserve free speech protection will get another hearing before the justices Tuesday. The case earlier appeared to deeply divide the court.
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The Bush administration supports local officials, who say internal complaints, even those involving normal work assignments, do not have sweeping First Amendment protection.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/20/scotus.worker/index.html

[rkc3]

1. So when these guys lose their rights to free speech, who's next?

Isn't that the classic argument put forth by the gun-toting right? If we can't have armor-piercing rounds or .50 cal sniper rifles, what will they take next? If guns are outlawed only the outlaws will have guns.

Seriously, wouldn't you think the NRA would throw their considerable weight behind an argument like this?