Whatever happened to a 'Free Press'

In this juicy article we have a story that serves as a useful reminder of the cost of freedom.

Seems out in Phoenix, there is a guy who does not like the Police. Apparently he felt mis-treated by the department. So, as seems reasonable, he started a blog called BadPhoenixCops.

At this blog he regularly criticizes, mocks, and exposes what he believes to be 'deficiencies' in the department. He counts on 'leaks' and internal memos forwarded to him by Phoenix Officers who support his efforts. His most dis-favored detective has earned the name 'Mr. Potato Head'.

Why do we care about this? Well, seems like the Phoenix police got pissed. Someone swore out some affadavits against this guy for 'felony computer tampering and misdemeanor property theft'. They seized his computers, electronic storage devices, etc.

He claims it is basically an attempt to shut him up. Well, for the Phoenix PDs sake - I hope to hell they have some REAL evidence of a REAL crime. If this IS an attempt to shut this guy up - This will end badly for the City.

On a broader scale. This is the kind of thing you expect of governments that are 'going bad'. Attempt to shut up the opposition. Now, this case is pretty much 'in your face'. But, there are more subtle ways. Speech codes at Universities, for instance. Trying to impose the so-called Fairness Doctrine is another. In Canada and Brittian, they have passed various laws about speaking against or criticizing various religions or other 'groups'. These laws are then used to silence people criticizing Muslin Extremism and Terrorism, Gay Marriage, or abortion rights - among others.

This kind of thing happens from time to time. City and/or government officials can do a very bone-headed thing. It is just good for us to take notice - and to realize how toxic this kind of official mis-conduct can be. Sometimes people say things with which you disagree or which you find offensive - deal with it. There is no constitutional right not to be offended.