One of the foundations of this country is our right to free speech. Now, that doesn't mean that we are free to say just anything. We may not mention our intention to kill the President of the country. We may not instruct each other on the manufacture of some dangerous weapons. But short of certain specific subjects, we are free to speak our minds.
Now, free speech is not completely free. If I speak my mind, you have a right to ignore me. That's a risk that I take, when I write this.
But if I have the guts to speak my mind, you have no right to sue me for doing so. Because I am exercising my right to free speech.
Not so, said the City Of Philadelphia last year, to Joey Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks. Joey, in a mistaken fit of patriotism, had the guts to put signs in his restaurant.
This is AMERICA ... WHEN ORDERING SPEAK ENGLISH.
The City Of Philadelphia filed a discrimination complaint over the signs.
They spent his tax dollars, to tell him that he has no right to exercise his right to free speech. He has to spend his money to defend himself, against people using his tax dollars to attack him.
Anybody who isn't comfortable with the signs is perfectly entitled to shop elsewhere. That's a risk that Joey took. Loss of patronage is a legitimate risk, to a small business owner.
A lawsuit, by the city, using his tax dollars, shouldn't be.
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