Tag:

Free Speech

'We Stand With Israel' Banner In Front Of Rockville Synagogue Vandalized 'We Stand With Israel' Banner In Front Of Rockville Synagogue Vandalized
'We Stand With Israel' Banner In Front Of Rockville Synagogue Vandalized A pro-Israel flag was vandalized outside of a Maryland synagogue over the weekend, now police in Montgomery County are attempting to track down those responsible. On Sunday morning, officials from Temple Beth Ami on Travilah Road in Rockville were met by a disconcerting sight, when they arrived for a program and found a sign that has stood for years defaced by red spray paint in an attempt to replace “Israel” with “Palestine.” Officials expressed that they are "grateful to live in a nation which enshrines free speech," but made note that what happened over the weekend is not, by defini…
TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App? TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App?
TikTok Ban Explained: What's The Fate Of Popular Video Sharing App? Another sell-or-be-banned TikTok legislation is working its way up to the Senate. The House passed the sell-or-be-banned bill for the app (360-58) on Saturday, April 20 as part of a larger foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, giving Chinese TikTok owner ByteDance up to a year to sell the app. Otherwise, TikTok will be subject to a nationwide ban. According to Politico, the bill is expected to pass the Senate as it's considered "priority legislation" for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. A previous, standalone bill was passed by the House in March over national security co…
Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say
Occupied West Bank Real Estate Fair At Teaneck Synagogue Can’t Be Stopped, Officials Say 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Officials in Teaneck promised Thursday that they'll maintain order at a controversial Israeli real estate event scheduled for this weekend that's expected to draw a huge police presence.  What they can’t do, they said, is prevent it from happening. ****** 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Two out-of-towners were arrested after they threw liquid on protestors near the end of a controversial Israeli real estate showcase at a Teaneck synagogue, authorities said. SEE: Only Two Arrests Made At Trouble-Free Israeli Real Estate Protest In Teaneck, Police Chief Says ****** Palestinian, Muslim, and Jewi…
Authorities: Street Evangelist Violates Judge's Order, Stalks Englewood Abortion Doc Again Authorities: Street Evangelist Violates Judge's Order, Stalks Englewood Abortion Doc Again
Authorities: Street Evangelist Violates Judge's Order, Stalks Englewood Abortion Doc Again A self-described Christian missionary from Bergenfield who was accused of using a drone to peer into the second-floor office of an Englewood abortion doctor was arrested again Friday morning for violating a restraining order, authorities said. A Superior Court judge in March ordered Daniel Stephen Courney, 37, not to return to Metropolitan Medical Associates on Engle Street as a condition of his release after city police charged him with stalking the doctor. He was back Friday morning -- and recorded it on Facebook. Officers responding to a call of excessive noise by a small group of peop…
'GTFO': Videos Show Upset Philly Residents Chasing Out White Supremacist Marchers 'GTFO': Videos Show Upset Philly Residents Chasing Out White Supremacist Marchers
'GTFO': Videos Show Upset Philly Residents Chasing Out White Supremacist Marchers A group of white supremacists marching through the Philadelphia streets over the Independence Day weekend were ultimately chased out by upset city residents. Nearly 200 members of a Texas-based group described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as white nationalists marched through Center City on Saturday evening carrying shields and flags, and chanting slogans such as "Reclaim America" and "The election was stolen," 6abc reports. In a video shared to Twitter, bystanders can be heard shouting "shame on you," and "get the f*** out of here," at the masked members as they marched through the…
'Israelis Are New Nazis': Paterson Hookah Shop Posts Anti-Israel Sign With Swastika 'Israelis Are New Nazis': Paterson Hookah Shop Posts Anti-Israel Sign With Swastika
'Israelis Are New Nazis': Paterson Hookah Shop Posts Anti-Israel Sign With Swastika A sign outside a Paterson hookah shop calling Israelis "the new Nazis" is stirring controversy. The sign outside of Clifton Hookah on Main Street bears a swastika and a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a Hitler-styled mustache. A photo of the sign was shared on by StopAntisemitism.org on Twitter, which called it a "vile comparison deemed Antisemitic by the [International Holocaust Remembrance Association]." Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said it is "both shocking and saddening to witness such ignorance in a city that celebrates diversity as its greatest strength and at…
Bias Incident: Bergen Man Shouts At Asian Customer That Chinese Caused COVID, Police Say Bias Incident: Bergen Man Shouts At Asian Customer That Chinese Caused COVID, Police Say
Bias Incident: Bergen Man Shouts At Asian Customer That Chinese Caused COVID, Police Say A 70-year-old Glen Rock man straddled the line between free speech and harassment, police said, when he stood behind an Asian-American woman at a CVS checkout counter and shouted that the Chinese Communist Party "caused COVID." "That’s why we’re wearing these masks,” the man reportedly yelled, bringing police to the Rock Road store. He yelled this several times, said the woman, who “felt threatened [because] she was the only Asian individual in the immediate area,” Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. A witness corroborated her account, he added. Interviewed by police, the man said that he …
Security Tightened, Roads Closed Near State Capitol As Inauguration Day Nears Security Tightened, Roads Closed Near State Capitol As Inauguration Day Nears
Security Tightened, Roads Closed Near State Capitol As Inauguration Day Nears Though “no specific threat” has been identified, security around the New York State Capitol in Albany has been beefed up in the wake of the deadly pro-Trump Capitol Hill riots in Washington D.C. and in advance of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Additional law enforcement patrols began increasing security on Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Capitol, with some nearby roads closed down as a precaution as the state prepares for any potential threats. In advance of the inauguration, State Police troopers have also ramped up security at the state Capitol, some entrances w…
City Councilor's Sexual Harassment Comment Has City Pondering Election Recall City Councilor's Sexual Harassment Comment Has City Pondering Election Recall
City Councilor's Sexual Harassment Comment Has City Pondering Election Recall A Western Massachusetts city may establish a way to recall elected officials after a city councilor made controversial comments on whether girls are ever responsible for being sexually harassed. The city has been embroiled in a debate on sexual harassment, free speech, and the responsibilities of elected officials since a comment by Ward 3 City Councilor Lucjan Galecki set off a firestorm. On Facebook, in response to a question about whether it is a girl’s fault if she is sexually harassed while wearing “provocative” clothing, Galecki responded that it “depends” on the situation. “Com…
KKK-Hooded Beer Should Not Have Gotten Bartender Fired, Says Lawsuit KKK-Hooded Beer Should Not Have Gotten Bartender Fired, Says Lawsuit
Kkk-hooded Beer Should Not Have Gotten Bartender Fired, Says Lawsuit A fired bartender is seeking more than $15,000 in damages and lost wages after attempting to serve a beer in a white KKK-type hood to two patrons. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Nathan Thaller, of South Windsor, filed a lawsuit in Hartford Superior Court against World of Beer in West Hartford (WOB, LLC) claiming that the firing was a violation of his free speech. Thaller was fired in July. The incident began when two customers asked to try Omnipollo Brewery’s “Yellow Belly” beer, according to the lawsuit, which was filed on Thaller’s behalf by attorney Michael J. Reilly of Cicchiello & Cicchiello,…
New Paltz Police Officer Reinstated After Posting Controversial Rap Video Online New Paltz Police Officer Reinstated After Posting Controversial Rap Video Online
New Paltz Police Officer Reinstated After Posting Controversial Rap Video Online A New Paltz police officer will be reinstated after he was placed on administrative leave for posting a rap video, which contained lyrics asserting that there are only two genders and calling for the hanging of Hilary Clinton, on YouTube in June. Per a settlement reached by the Town of New Paltz and the Police Benevolence Association, Officer Robert Sisco will reassume his position but will be on probation for the next four years.  The settlement was signed by town Supervisor Neil Bettez at a Thursday, Oct.15 town board meeting. It stipulates that Sisco be given a 120-day dis…
1,000 MA National Guard Troops Activated Ahead Of Protests 1,000 MA National Guard Troops Activated Ahead Of Protests
1,000 MA National Guard Troops Activated Ahead Of Protests Gov. Charlie Baker has activated up to 1,000 National Guards in preparation to address social unrest. On Thursday, Sept. 24, Baker signed an order activating the troops and the Kentucky justice system cleared the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s killing of all but one reckless endangerment charge. Baker activated the National Guard a month ago in response to protests in support of Taylor, too. The Guard will be deployed to maintain people’s rights to free speech and to assemble peacefully. The troops will only be deployed in communities that seek their assistance, a spokesperson for …
Free Speech Or Racism? Rural General Store Becomes Flashpoint In Culture War Free Speech Or Racism? Rural General Store Becomes Flashpoint In Culture War
Free Speech Or Racism? Rural General Store Becomes Flashpoint In Culture War A small town is being torn apart since the Main Street general store began posting controversial opinions about COVID-19 online. The Huntington Country Store at the heart of town has been a hot topic in rural Huntington where people seem divided on how to react to the owners and the protests that have sprung up around them. Is this about freedom of speech? Is this about racism? Is this a tempest in a teapot? In late August a protest was held outside of the store organized by “No Hate Huntington.” A counter-protest popped up for “Free Speech.” The event was peaceful but heated. Many pro-T…
School Board President Calls For Member To Resign After Facebook Post On George Floyd, Protests School Board President Calls For Member To Resign After Facebook Post On George Floyd, Protests
School Board President Calls For Member To Resign After Facebook Post On George Floyd, Protests Click here for an updated story - School Board Member Resigns Over Facebook Posts On George Floyd, Protests While recognizing free speech rights, Brewster School Board President Sonia Mesika is calling for a trustee to resign after she made inflammatory social media posts after the death of George Floyd. Earlier story - School Board Won't Remove Member For Facebook Post On George Floyd, Protests On Sunday, May 31, a post on Trustee Krista Berardi's Facebook account said: “Read This Now!!! Was the George Floyd Incident Staged?” in all capital letters. Later, on Wednesday, June 3…
Trump Asked To Intercede After Secret Police Seize Bergen County Activist In Nigerian Courtroom Trump Asked To Intercede After Secret Police Seize Bergen County Activist In Nigerian Courtroom
Trump Asked To Intercede After Secret Police Seize Bergen County Activist In Nigerian Courtroom The sudden re-arrest Friday in a Nigerian courtroom of an activist and journalist from Bergen County just hours after he’d been freed on bail prompted Sen. Bob Menendez to threaten that country’s government with reprisals, while supporters implored President Trump to intercede. Twitter posts captured the chaotic federal courtroom scene in the capital of city Abuja (see video below). "New Jersey is watching, the United States is watching, and the world is watching," Menendez said Saturday morning, after Omoyele Sowore, of Haworth, was seized by members of Nigeria's Department of State Secur…
DV Plus - Fairfield
Law Students Question UConn President's Stance On Free Speech Law Students Question UConn President's Stance On Free Speech
Law Students Question UConn President's Stance On Free Speech Some University of Connecticut Law students have requested a public apology from UConn President Susan Herbst, who they claim raised questions about a Hartford speech on Islamophobia by Palestinian-American feminist activist Linda Sarsour. Herbst, who plans to retire this summer, let the April event go ahead as planned after organizers added a panelist on anti-Semitism, according to a university spokeswoman.  The law students insist Herbst’s office was wrong to intervene after the event was reviewed and pre-approved by UConn police officers and the university’s communications office. …
Lawsuit Threatened Against LI Rep. Peter King For Blocking Own Constituents On Facebook Lawsuit Threatened Against LI Rep. Peter King For Blocking Own Constituents On Facebook
Lawsuit Threatened Against LI Rep. Peter King For Blocking Own Constituents On Facebook A Facebook feud between U.S. Congressman Peter King of Long Island and the ACLU is heating up, with the organization threatening to sue for allegedly blocking constituents on Facebook. The Republican congressman has reportedly blocked dozens of people from his official Facebook page, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union, which has argued that the bans infringe on posters’ First Amendment rights. In response, attorneys for the New York affiliate of the ACLU are preparing a lawsuit that they plan to move forward with if the posters are not unblocked. “Like ejecting them from that…
Trump Tweets Support For Jeanine Pirro As Fox Pulls Her From Show After Islamophobic Comments Trump Tweets Support For Jeanine Pirro As Fox Pulls Her From Show After Islamophobic Comments
Trump Tweets Support For Jeanine Pirro As Fox Pulls Her From Show After Islamophobic Comments President Donald Trump is going to bat for former Westchester County District Attorney and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro after she was reportedly suspended for making disparaging comments about Muslim Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Pirro made headlines on her Saturday, March 9 show when she commented that Omar is “not getting this anti-Israel sentiment doctrine from the Democrat Party. So if it’s not rooted in the party, where is she getting it from?”  “Think about it. Omar wears a hijab, which according to the Quran 33:59 tells women to cover so they won’t get molested. Is her adherence to t…
Thank Bergen County Strip Club For Exposing 'Unconstitutional' BYOB Ad Ban Thank Bergen County Strip Club For Exposing 'Unconstitutional' BYOB Ad Ban
Thank Bergen County Strip Club For Exposing 'Unconstitutional' BYOB Ad Ban BYOB advertising ban in New Jersey was recently ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge after a strip club with a Bergen County location challenged free speech grounds, NJ.com reports. While New Jersey law allows customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages, such restaurants that advertised it were subject to prosecution as a disorderly persons's offense and other penalties. Stiletto -- with one location on Paterson Plank Road in Carlstadt -- didn't think that was fair.  The club last year filed a lawsuit saying it wanted to encourage customers to bring their own drinks, bu…