Pastor Jones resisting shake-down in Dearborn
Terry Jones, Qur'an-burning pastor from Florida, is planning a small demonstration on Friday close to Dearborn, Michigan, at a local Islamic centre, (billed as the largest mosque in North America.) The police and mayor have told Jones to pay protection money if he and his companions want to save themselves from a possible riot and physical violence agianst them. Jones claims the city is demanding $100,000.00, a bond, according to the press, or protection money, as it's called in the neighbourhood where I live. Jones is refusing the shake-down, and now heads to court to have a jury settle the issue of whether Jones et al will be arrested for exercising their rights to free speech in America.
Is Jones causing a likely riot, as the police and mayor of Dearborn argue? Is his demonstration an act of provocation that will lead to violence that he should be held responsible for, and in fact must pay good money to save himself from? Maybe anyone who threatens violence from now on is given free rein to stop anything they dislike the sound of. Why not? Threaten to have a riot if Catholics go to church. Threaten violence in the pots-smokers have another party across the street. Threaten violence against your mother-in-law, and the police will demand she pay for protect-- wait. I didn't mean mother-in-law. You know what I mean.
Where does the extortion and intimidation end? Mulberry and Broome, right? At Umberto's Clam House. Last time I was there, a clot of shark-skin suited toughs hung around the doorway while the place filled up with mafiosi. That's where the extortion and intimidation ends. It's gangster land. It's no better if Muslims do it.
Oralandar Brand-Williams, "Friday trial will decide if pastor can protest at Dearborn mosque," The Detroit News. 21 April 2011
Dearborn— A seven-person jury on Friday will decide whether a Quran-burning pastor can legally carry out plans that day to protest at the Islamic Center of America mosque.
Florida Pastor Terry Jones expressed frustration over the prospect this afternoon, telling 19th District Judge Mark Somers that "it will be a problem" if the trial stretches on so long that he can't carry out the 5 p.m. demonstration against radical Islam.
Somers impaneled the jury of four woman and three men from a pool of 30 this afternoon after ruling that Jones' protest could endanger the public and would have to pay an unspecified peace bond to demonstrate on a small median outside the Ford Road mosque.
Jones refused to pay the bond and opted for the trial, which initially was believed to occur this afternoon.
The ruling puts into question Jones' demonstration, which has sparked arguments about the line between free speech and public safety. Prosecutors have sought the unspecified bond — Jones said it was up to $100,000 — for extra police in fear of a riot.
The hearing comes a day after Dearborn city officials denied Jones a permit to protest on public land near the mosque citing public safety concerns. They say he could face arrest if he carries through the protest. Before the hearing, Jones — who wore a leather jacket and jeans — said he planned to proceed with the demonstration despite the permitting issues or peace bond.
"This will not stop us," Jones said before the hearing that began at 3 p.m.
[....]
If the police figure it's too much trouble to prevent thugs from terrorising the citizens of this nation, then it will be time for the citizens of the nation to defend themselves, which iw what Jones seems to be planning. He's going to pack a gun. Good on him.
Thanks to Jihad Watch and Stand Up For America for the tips here.
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