Observations and inanities by a second-shift assistant supervisor in the Puppy-Grinding division of the Evil Atheist Conspiracy® (our motto: "Sure it's cruel, but think of the jobs!"), your host, Brent Rasmussen.
Um, there's more than one part to the First Amendment.
DENVER - Carrying a family Bible, a state representative-elect (Douglas Bruce) kicked a photographer who took a picture of him during a statehouse prayer — then was sworn into office.
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When Rocky Mountain News photographer Javier Manzano took his photo during the traditional morning prayer, Bruce, who was standing, brought the sole of his shoe down hard on the photographer's bent knee.
Don't do that again," Bruce told him.
Later, Bruce refused to apologize.
"I think that's the most offensive thing I've seen a photographer do in 21 years," he said. "If people are going to cause a disruption during a public prayer, they should be called for it. He owes an apology to the House and the public."
Oy. Hey, Representative Bruce, you know that there is more than one part to the US Constitution's First Amendment, right? Just in case you've happened to forget, here's the full text:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I bolded the important bit, just to be on the safe side. I know that it is an annoyance to you to have to put up with those pesky photographers who want to steal your soul and all that, but if you're going to be a politician, even at the statehouse level, you really need to learn a little tolerance.
Sheesh.
Jim Downey
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Just out of curiosity, did
Just out of curiosity, did the scripted pledge at the swearing in ceremony mention anything about defending the US Constitution and or the Colorado State Constitution? Just asking.
Douglas Bruce
Bruce is a longtime conservative who has made Colorado's fiscal life hell for many years. He was responsible for several tax-reduction measures long before he was appointed to his present position. Unfortunately Colorado is mostly Republican and his pet projects were able to pass (before the Dems took control of the Legislature).
I completely agree that the photog should charge assault.
There are plenty of witnesses, too, and no way for him to deny that he did it.
Did you see that Rep. Bruce had deliberately delayed his own swearing-in so that he could serve another eight years, not just six? And that he had to be threatened before he agreed to be sworn in on Monday?
I wonder how many of the people who appointed him - and who were the ones ordering him to be sworn in on Monday and not when he felt like it - are rethinking their choice? Too bad they didn't think before the election.
first amend... what?
Glad I'm not the only person who got a laugh outta this. My favorite part is that this all occurred before he was even sworn in. Or that he had the balls to then say the photographer owes him an apology. He obviously lives by the mantra, all publicity is good publicity.
Would being charged with assault be good publicity?
'cuz I'd totally charge him with assault. He kicked a guy for taking a picture. Constitutional issues aside, I'm pretty sure that's simple assault. You can't just go hitting people who annoy you.
(Although it has occurred to me how great it would be to punch Joel Osteen in the face)
More's the pity . . .
*Sigh* I know I shouldn't feel this way, but there are times when I think that the purported "Texas Defense" for murder ("He really needed killin'!") has a lot to say for it.
Jim Downey
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