Is a sailing forum classified as a public place?

[flyingwelshman]

Just askin' 'cause:

Michigan City Bans Being Annoying In Public
AP - Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:38:50 -0500 (EST)

Ticking someone off could get you a ticket in one Michigan city. The Brighton City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance allowing police in the Livingston County community to ticket and fine anyone who is annoying in public "by word of mouth, sign or motions."

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports the measure is modeled on a similar ordinance in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak.

A city attorney says there could be situations where the measure would violate freedom of speech, but that those cases will be reviewed by the city.

The ban takes effect Jan. 2.

[xort]

ACLU will love this one. They are familiar with Michigan. Several years ago a guy got ticketed for swearing in public while canoeing. ACLU fought hard for him.

[Capnblu]

Just think, if it works (in Michigan), people may actually go there.

[poopdeckpappy]

Wow this measure should be enacted in San Francisco. They could hand out enough public annoyance tickets to wipe out the National debt in one weekend.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by flyingwelshman

Ticking someone off could get you a ticket in one Michigan city. The Brighton City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance allowing police in the Livingston County community to ticket and fine anyone who is annoying in public "by word of mouth, sign or motions."

I find stupid laws annoying. D'ya suppose I could get the entire Brighton City Council ticketed if I issued a complaint?

Jim

[Headcase]

Well it is very nice when we all look the same, think the same, want the same... But why after all that sameness are there different flavors of ice-cream?

[bubb2]

I been to Michigan. A law to make them be nice to each other is a good idea.(g)

[sailingdog]

The real question is who defines what word of mouth, sign or motions are annoying... one man's annoying is another man's free speech.

Originally Posted by flyingwelshman

Just askin' 'cause:

Michigan City Bans Being Annoying In Public
AP - Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:38:50 -0500 (EST)

Ticking someone off could get you a ticket in one Michigan city. The Brighton City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance allowing police in the Livingston County community to ticket and fine anyone who is annoying in public "by word of mouth, sign or motions."

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports the measure is modeled on a similar ordinance in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak.

A city attorney says there could be situations where the measure would violate freedom of speech, but that those cases will be reviewed by the city.

The ban takes effect Jan. 2.

[hellosailor]

The line between free speech and "Disturbing the peace" aka "disturbing the domestic tranquility" is sometimes so obvious that the courts are not needed to figure it out.

The classic case is shouting "FIRE!" in a crowded theater. You will go to jail. Loud drunken carolling or carousing at 3AM in a residential area will buy you a fast ride to a gray cell, too.

No doubt that city council thinks they've just helped clear up a line.

[xort]

Originally Posted by bubb2

I been to Michigan. A law to make them be nice to each other is a good idea.(g)

Hey, up yers pal!!!!

Our most popular T-shirt is:

"Welcome to Detroit, now leave"

followed by the classic...
"Welcome to Detroit, where the weak are killed and eaten"

'Bite me' is sooo old school!