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Man Defends His Right To Flip Off the Police

Posted by samzenpus on from the if-you-can't-hear-this-let-me-turn-it-up-for-you dept.

46-year-old Robert J. Ekas has filed a federal lawsuit to defend his First Amendment right to express himself by flipping off police officers. The trouble started in July 2007 when Ekas opened his sunroof and extended a middle finger to a deputy. The deputy turned on his flashing lights and pulled Ekas over. He was cited for an illegal lane change and improper display of license plates. He was acquitted of the charges. “I did it because I have the right to do it. We all have that right, and we all need to test it. Otherwise we’ll lose it," Ekas said. He claims the police have been harassing him ever since.

5 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. The golden rule by Locke2005 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Just because somebody else is being a dick, it doesn't make it ok for you to be a dick too! This rule applies to both sides in this dispute, as it does to both sides in the majority of disputes.

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
    1. Re:The golden rule by Nutria · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Exactly. Just like any machine, society needs lubricant in the form of good manners.

      Letting it all hang out and "expressing yourself" (to dredge up a couple of hippy/Me Generation terms) in any way you want any time you want (like flipping off the cops) are sand in the gears.

      --
      "I don't know, therefore Aliens" Wafflebox1
    2. Re:The golden rule by Entropy98 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Exactly. Just like any machine, society needs lubricant in the form of good manners.

      Letting it all hang out and "expressing yourself" (to dredge up a couple of hippy/Me Generation terms) in any way you want any time you want (like flipping off the cops) are sand in the gears.

      Maybe so, but it still should be legal.

      Unless you think the government should legislate "good manners"?

  2. Re:that's so white of you by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 2, Insightful

    In Oregon, they'll shoot you if you are white too.

  3. No one is upset by this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm a bit disturbed by the reaction of slashdot posters on this one. Don't you find it the least bit disturbing that police officers are willing and able to use their power (as granted to them by the American people) for purposes besides enforcing the law? That they can and do use their power to inflict personal vengeance on someone for not showing the "proper respect"?

    Sure, it's probably a bad idea to go around flipping off people in a position of authority, as someone is bound to abuse their authority for retribution eventually. However the poster is correct that he has a constitutional right to speak his mind, be it verbally or with hand gestures. What's next? People who speak out against the government being locked up on trumped up charges, perhaps? I know that happens too, but it isn't right, it isn't legal, and it certainly is against what we as a country stand for.

    Come on, slashdotters... We speak out against other countries for Internet censorship, and for locking up journalists for political reasons. This is no different. Please, stand up for your rights.