Comments on: Cop Investigated for threatening rainbow flag carriers

By: Gerry Fisher

Gerry Fisher — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:44:51 +0000

>Those of us who live in Arizona are amazed that this could happen in our state.

Being the coolest state in the country would not prevent a few yahoos from doing something stupid once in a while.

Not that we’re “the greatest state,” but Massachusetts is very good in regard to the acceptability of gay people. Remember the guy who took out a hatchet in a gay bar, got chased down south, and was shot and killed by police? He started his rampage in good ole Massachusetts. Alas, he was one of *our* yahoos. Doesn’t make our state less cool.

By: Fed Up

Fed Up — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:08:01 +0000

@ Jonathan

Amazed? I live in AZ too, yesterday I saw a bumper sticker that read “I will sick with Guns and Bibles, You can have Obama”

I am not amazed about how low the police will go in the effing red state….

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:31:20 +0000

Amazed huh?!? LMAO at John’s NAIVEITAY!!!

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:03:21 +0000

Those of us who live in Arizona are amazed that this could happen in our state. Despite the negative press in last year’s anti-gay marriage proposition, the state has a large number of supporters of equal rights. However, we do constantly have to be vigilent that we make our concerns known to the powers-that-be, and make sure that the establishment does not feel correct in limiting our right to free speech.

By: censoredagain

censoredagain — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:48:08 +0000

Given the numerous ordinances in regard to signage it is very possible that the police officer was confused in what was allowable.

By: Corey

Corey — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:24:56 +0000

I certainly hope that this isn’t happening in Joe Arpaio’s county. Any gay person who gets sentenced to “Ten City” is pretty much finished due to the fact that they allow skinheads free, unmonitored run of the place. It can easily happen and would make this situation even more severe and deserving of national attention.

By: Christopher Hall

Christopher Hall — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:29:25 +0000

This is Christopher Hall, I am the event organizer who had put this rally together. I just want to remind people to help support us on Monday, as we meet with the Casa Grande Police Department at 10a.m. We must not be bullied, as I am afraid we might be because we are so small. We need help with numbers outside the station or calls from people letting the Casa Grande Police Department that we are not alone and have support from all over the globe. Please call the PD and let them know what they did was wrong in this case. 520 421 8700. Ask for Huddleson.
Always, Chris

By: KaninZ

KaninZ — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:18:35 +0000

Back in the days of denim and protests this guy would have rated a “fascist pig!!” comment.

Whatever happened to righteous indignation and the will to take it to the streets?

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:44:54 +0000

“The police officer was apparently called by a driver complaining that the 8 foot by 5 foot flag had obstructed his view of traffic.”

Traffic in Casa Grande? How absurd! Remember your civil rights when confronted by rogue cops — in many states you do NOT have to show identification to police IF you are a pedestrian in public, at a demonstration or elsewhere. It is on a state-by-state basis, unfortunately, so maybe Arizona allows it. Best to check with the ACLU.

Also good to know: if stopped by police in your car, ask why you are being stopped. Don’t offer opinions about why (example: “I guess I was speeding) and keep your windows mostly rolled up. If ordered out of your car, lock all the doors or the cop will attempt a search. Do not consent to voluntary police searches — and block their sneaky bypasses of 4th, 5th, 6th Amendment rights. Know your rights to protect yourselves.

By: desert bat

desert bat — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:34:13 +0000

Casa Grande. Asked and answered.