The KKK is coming to Erath County, ostensibly for an immigration march, but you know they wouldn't be coming to Stephenville if it weren't for the MLK flap with Tarleton students. I care nothing about them but have been following the story of 2 women,Magan Carrasco and Jennifer Gelski, who organized Stephenville Citizens for Peace, who want to hold a counter-rally at the same time near where the KKK is.. and have been denied. The status of what has happened up to now is in the link above.

What I read in the Stephenville paper today is that ladies will NOT be allowed to counter-protest in the same vicinity as the KKK. In fact, city officials have issued a press release asking local people to stay away from the rally. So, in effect, the KKK have permission to hold their rally downtown at the courthouse but anyone else who might want to express free speech opinions about their actions will have to do it from AT LEAST 2 blocks away and will be able to do it at the ampitheatre or somewhere FAR away from the KKK.

Here's the issue. Free Speech and Right to Assemble VERSUS Public Safety. Does or even SHOULD cities have the right to abridge free speech? Seems to me that it is every citizen's right to speak out where he or she disagrees and not have to do it from 2 blocks away. I saw the same thing happen at the Democratic Party Convention a couple of years ago, where they actually had *Free Speech Cages* to make sure those who were protesting the events inside were safely AWAY from being heard or seen. Does it really serve the public and uphold the constitution for those who wish to express themselves to have to be out of sight, out of mind? Also, that presupposes that there *would* be violence in this situation- couldn't that *reason* be given to stop ANYONE from freedom of speech... because something bad MIGHT happen?

The ladies caved in to the city officials and, while I understand why, I don't think it serves the larger purpose of upholding our democratic principles to do so.

“After discussing the issue with the police chief both Jennifer and I understand why he has made the decision to block off a two-block radius at the courthouse,” Carrasco said. “We felt that by taking the leadership role for an opposition group, it would discourage those who felt hate and wanted to spread it in a threatening manner. We want to encourage those who want to take a stand against the KKK to do so with a picket sign and a calm heart. We wanted to set the example for a peaceful rally.”

Right. And they would have been. Essentially, blocking off the courthouse and forcing any who wish to participate who have an opposing view to go away is CENSORSHIP.

Fear of serious injury cannot alone justify suppression of free speech and assembly. Men feared witches and burned women. It is the function of speech to free men from the bondage of irrational fears-Justice Louis Brandeis; Whitney vs California 1927.

It's not only undemocratic but unpatriotic, and especially ironic when the rights of the KKK to assemble and exercise THEIR free speech is given carte blanche and citizens who LIVE in Stephenville who want to peaceably assemble are driven off.

Were it me, I'd fight this in court. Seems to me that this type of action is an erosion of free speech and assembly rights.