Bong Hits 4 Jesus
One post at Stop the ACLU favors SCOTUS decision
One post at Stop the ACLU opposes SCOTUS decision
There are no legal experts at MoreWhat.com. Readers should know this so as not to misunderstand this post. While browsing news sources this morning, it was impossible to avoid one selection. How can your curiosity prevent clicking on a headline that includes the Supreme Court and the phrase ‘ bong hits 4 Jesus’?
The short version is a high school student in 2002 held up a banner during an Olympic torch ceremony that carried the words ‘bong hits 4 Jesus’. It was reported the kid was testing free speech. Since Morse v. Frederick made it to the Supreme Court and oral arguments were heard on March 19th, it is safe to say he was successful.
You may care to read the transcript of oral arguments for it is a worthwhile use of time. They can be downloaded here. This is where this post again declares there is no attempt here to interpret the legal debate on the case before the court in any manner other than that of ordinary citizen. It appears the main thrust of the argument is how much authority a school’s officials may exercise over students when it comes to freedom of speech. It seems the discussion is limited to educational institutions that are not of the higher education variety, as in post-secondary education. And the oral arguments and responses by Supreme Court Justices appear to center on how broadly or narrowly to interpret previous cases presented by both sides.
Now for an ordinary citizen take from MoreWhat.com. To an ordinary citizen, the oral arguments presented can be viewed as lawyers making their best argument as an appeal to biased jurors. Although entertaining, at times compelling and always underwhelming, it is as if this is purely theater for the the masses. But wait….the masses do not care about issues while being presented in the Supreme Court. Hell, you’re lucky if you can get them to the ballot box on election day.
During long past and recent history, filling vacancies on the bench has all the trappings of a political right of passage to stack the deck rather than a search for objectivity as illusive as it is. But it is the best system on the planet. Is that true or is it a handy excuse for failure to properly address all matters judicial in favor of political expediency? You be the judge, not that it will matter.
So what about Morse v. Frederick and free speech in schools? How about this? Had the school exercised some restraint in managing an otherwise minor infraction, there would be no Morse v. Frederick. At least not until the next time. For a group, children that is, are devoid of any serious rights other than the rights of their parents and what they are told to do. Maybe the real question here is again parenting. If a child is suspended from school, no matter the reason, it may be a good time for parents to perform self-evaluation. How well am I parenting my child? Is what he or she or they did a reflection of my parenting skills and should we find a remedy for this at home?
Using the Supreme Court’s limited access to argue a case for free speech is laudable. Arguing that case based on a student being suspended from school is not. If it is against the law to yell ‘fire’ in a theater and our freedom of speech as adults is regularly diminished based on venue or other circumstances, Morse v. Frederick is just too insignificant for a free speech debate. Especially since it is now being heard and the consequences may be far reaching.
But that is just an ordinary citizens view. We should stop reacting to every single event and take a breath. To comment is one thing, to file suit is another. Save the big battles for big issues. Again, free speech is big, school suspensions pale in comparison. Perhaps more thinking, more parenting, intelligent choices and better decisions would alleviate distractions from the real issues.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Dumb Ox Daily News, The World According to Carl, Pursuing Holiness, Perri Nelson’s Website, The Random Yak, Adam’s Blog, basil’s blog, Rightlinx, third world county, Faultline USA, Right Celebrity, Allie Is Wired, stikNstein… has no mercy, stikNstein… has no mercy, Pirate’s Cove, Planck’s Constant, The Pink Flamingo, Right Voices, and Gone Hollywood, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
March 20th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Maybe the kid should claim he left off part of the sign. It should have said, “Bong Hits 4, Jesus 9.”
March 21st, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Free speech should never be taken to mean one can just say any old thing whenever or wherever. With freedom comes responsibility, and unless the school, and by default the federal government, are willing to endorse marijuana use, this case is a waste of taxpayer money. Furthermore, the parent(s) need to be parents and teach their child responsiblity for one’s actions. At least that’s my opinion.
March 21st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
`You’re opinion is graciously accepted. Right on point. In defense of our gov’t, I will say that at least many of the printed information they supply on related subjects they often use the phrase ‘your rights and responsibilites’. I’m just guessing most people only see the ‘rights’ part.
March 21st, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Pardon my ignorance to commenter The Sarcasticynic, I’m still trying to get the Jesus 9 part. About six ways to read it so far and I still don’t get it. Once I do…..
April 11th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
It was meant to be like a sports score announcement. Like Red Sox 4, Yankees 9. The implication is that if you pit illicit drug usage against the Lord, the Lord will win out every time.
June 25th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
June 25, 2007 update…..
Cool, it appears my lowly opinion agrees with the SCOTUS decision today.