"They can offer whatever opinions they want to, but they can't apply the laws in a biased manner."Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
Pols like these mayors cross trhe line when they threaten to block business's licenses etc because of the political beliefs of their owners. They can offer whatever opinions they want to, but they can't apply the laws in a biased manner.
Of course, for corrupt democrats, this is such standard procedure they probably don't see anything wrong with it.
Quote from stu:
"They can offer whatever opinions they want to, but they can't apply the laws in a biased manner."
So how is that in conflict with everyone from a mayor to a business owner having free speech?
You guys are so hung up on "leftists" and "liberals", missing the whole point is what you do even when you make it yourself.
Quote from stu:
His statement was that CF A's business values were not those of Chicago. So he should be denied free speech to say as much?
You're advocating limiting free speech!? Politicians should not be free to speak their mind when in office? Are you serious?
Of course Romney should be free to air his personal prejudices should he so wish, and then anyone should be free to speak in vilification or support of what he says. The consequences follow.Quote from CaptainObvious:
The "opinion" of a public official has a hell of a lot more weight than that of a private citizen. What he said was, I don't like your politics, therefore your business is not welcome in this city. The mayor is in a position to destroy a business venture. The politics of said businessman should be of no concern to any elected official. This is a clear cut case of abusing one's authority given to him as Mayor. It's the old, vote for me or else Chicago style politics, and we can certainly be confident that those type of politics have traveled all the way to Capital Hill.
I guess you'd be OK with Romney saying that gay marriage does not refelct the values of America. Hey, it's just his opinion. No doubt you and Mr. tingle up my leg Matthews wouldn't even consider that a newsworthy statement.
BTW, Romney would have plenty of evidence to back up such a statement considering gay marriage has been voted down in every single state where it was put to the vote.
Quote from CaptainObvious:
The "opinion" of a public official has a hell of a lot more weight than that of a private citizen. What he said was, I don't like your politics, therefore your business is not welcome in this city. The mayor is in a position to destroy a business venture. The politics of said businessman should be of no concern to any elected official. This is a clear cut case of abusing one's authority given to him as Mayor. It's the old, vote for me or else Chicago style politics, and we can certainly be confident that those type of politics have traveled all the way to Capital Hill.
I guess you'd be OK with Romney saying that gay marriage does not refelct the values of America. Hey, it's just his opinion. No doubt you and Mr. tingle up my leg Matthews wouldn't even consider that a newsworthy statement.
BTW, Romney would have plenty of evidence to back up such a statement considering gay marriage has been voted down in every single state where it was put to the vote.
That's not going to last. I've been looking at the surveys this morning, and the real story of same sex marriage (SSM) is rapidly growing public acceptance of it. Not going to say a lot about it, you can dig too if you want, but I did find this tidbit:Quote from CaptainObvious:
...
BTW, Romney would have plenty of evidence to back up such a statement considering gay marriage has been voted down in every single state where it was put to the vote.