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AR15.COM
9/19/2002 6:49:22 PM EDT
California to Treat Banners Equally

.c The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The California Department of Transportation will comply with a judge's order to stop tearing down certain highway banners after being sued because anti-war signs were removed while U.S. flags remained.

Caltrans said Wednesday it would leave up all banners that do not pose a safety hazard.

In January, U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte in San Jose said the agency could not exempt American flags.

Caltrans spokesman Dennis Trujillo said the department's policy has not changed and that it simply decided to comply with the judge's order while it appeals. The appeal was to be heard next month.

Severn Williams, a spokesman for the two plaintiffs, said they were pleased with the decision.

Free-speech advocates Amy Courtney and Cassandra Brown of Santa Cruz sued Caltrans last year. They claimed their anti-war banners were taken down because of their content, while the American flag was left up.

On the Net:

http://www.dot.ca.gov
9/20/2002 4:59:24 AM EDT
[#1]
wtf?
9/20/2002 5:14:13 AM EDT
[#2]
More trivial fuel for the California bashers.
9/20/2002 5:39:05 AM EDT
[#3]
There is nothing normal about Calf.
9/20/2002 5:46:47 AM EDT
[#4]
BULLSHIT!!!

You don't put up banners because no matter how short the phrase may be...the words require reading!  The flag does NOT.  This is not only a "free speech" and patriotism issue, its an issue of safety.  The bagel-eating, shaving, cell-phone-talking, latte-half-caf-sippin', newspaper-reading, California motorheads don't need another damn distraction while driving.

Besides, those ass-clowns ARE a bunch of commie traitors!  Screw them banners...UNLESS they say NUKE BAGHDAD! [;D]
9/20/2002 5:51:15 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
BULLSHIT!!!

You don't put up banners because no matter how short the phrase may be...the words require reading!  The flag does NOT.  This is not only a "free speech" and patriotism issue, its an issue of safety.  The bagel-eating, shaving, cell-phone-talking, latte-half-caf-sippin', newspaper-reading, California motorheads don't need another damn distraction while driving.

Besides, those ass-clowns ARE a bunch of commie traitors!  Screw them banners...UNLESS they say NUKE BAGHDAD! [;D]
View Quote


Guess what: I've never seen an antiwar banner. They don't last long unless your in Santa Cruz or Berkeley.
9/20/2002 6:15:47 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
BULLSHIT!!!

You don't put up banners because no matter how short the phrase may be...the words require reading!  The flag does NOT.  This is not only a "free speech" and patriotism issue, its an issue of safety.  The bagel-eating, shaving, cell-phone-talking, latte-half-caf-sippin', newspaper-reading, California motorheads don't need another damn distraction while driving.

Besides, those ass-clowns ARE a bunch of commie traitors!  Screw them banners...UNLESS they say NUKE BAGHDAD! [;D]
View Quote


Guess what: I've never seen an antiwar banner. They don't last long unless your in Santa Cruz or Berkeley.
View Quote


Well, that's encouraging.  I have significant heartburn that any jurist would consider the National Ensign to be equal before the bar with a political-statement banner.  Sorry...I just don't agree.

Keeping the flags flying is just a symbol of our love of country and our solidarity.  The political banners are there for a very different reason.  I'm all for free speech...in fact, I couldn't care LESS whether or not the "We Hate America" crowd gets to put their banners up or not...other than the fact is that they can be unsafe.  It just shows how whacko some of your fellow Californians and their communities can be.  (I know because I lived there most of my 56 years!)  I DO have a problem with this judge's decision.  Piss poor judgement.  But then...hey it's California isn't it? [;D]

[pissed]
9/20/2002 11:35:49 AM EDT
[#7]
S'ok - Whenever I pull down an antiwar banner I leave a small note that says "Removed by an American citizen acting in private capacity."  This keeps me from getting anyone else in the crosshairs - I'll pay for my own actions, I just don't want anyone else to pay with me.

FFZ - Freelance Monkey-Wrencher

9/20/2002 5:12:47 PM EDT
[#8]
I haven't seen any anti-war banners on the freeway up here. I doubt they would last long.