Reminded me of the events in Paris France 2015, in January of last year. The reason why it did because I think it addresses much of what that magazine Charlie Hebdo was cited for so many times and some tried to censor, their right to offend.
The reason why this sort of reminded me of Charlie Magazine's message of the right to offend was this statement from Smith's speech:
The Court said:
“Our constitution reflects ‘a profound national commitment to the principal that a debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials’.”
Verbal attacks may be warranted. Part of the bargain in laying down arms and creating a civil society is that the people retain the right to verbally attack public officials who may be in the wrong. People retained the right to wound with words in exchange for giving up their right to wound with weapons. The very essence of First Amendment speech protections is to verbally humiliate public officials into complying with the law. --Marolee Smith quoting court ruling during speech.
Readers, I think that Feb. 2nd meeting had enough rudeness to go around, and not just from one or two city council members.
Full text of speech
Editor's Note: She recalls two meetings these violations accord during the two meetings in January:
In the meeting of 1/05/2016, the newly elected Mayor made admonishments to the public that included all of the following:
“the public comment is a democracy, that’s the irony for me, but these discussions we have had today, personal attacks towards a specific member of council, is out of order”
“we need to be a bit more civil a bit more, as a matter of fact.”
“we welcome the public, we allow you to talk, having said that, I hope in the future, in the second public comment tonight, and subsequently you avoid personal attack, out of order, does not further the discussion.”
In the meeting of 1/19/2016, the Mayor repeatedly admonished the citizens with long-winded, chiding lecturing, and threatening (to shut down public comment if the audience doesn’t “behave”). In a five minute lecture, which included finger waving, he said, in part, all of the following:
“I am deeply saddened we are at this point in our lives, we are getting these arguments, we have to stop. We have to stop. We aren’t moving forward with the cloud of bullying, angry voice, intimidation, that’s not how I rock and roll”
“It’s a matter of principal. I am not going to be intimidated. I am not going to be bullied.”
“I am not going to be intimidated in any way into a decision”
“so long as we have this cloud of threatening to turn our town upside down”
“Threatening and angry voices.”
“YOU can do better than this, ladies and gentlemen.”
“If you are going to disrespect ME, you aren’t doing yourself any favors.”
“You’ve taken hours of our time”
“You are disrespecting my right to speak”
She, then quotes MRSC: “Make sure elected members address colleagues and not the audience. Directly addressing the audience can result in loss of control of the meeting.”
“Don't belittle small but vocal sources of opposition. Don't label people.”
Editor's Note: Now, during the February 2nd meeting, another council member labeled the mayor as the "real" mayor, seemingly making the insinuation that the deputy mayor was "fake". Why has he yet to be cited by anyone other than me?
To be fair I emailed Marolee Smith, who ran during the last city council election unsuccessfully in November the follow questions regarding Council member Lee Whetham "real mayor" comments he made during that Feb. 2nd meeting:
Thanks Marolee,
In all fairness, don't you think Lee Whetham also should be held to ethical standards?
I'm sure you were there when he made that swipe at Kidd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKOKjLqhBsM
time index 33:40 and on word.
Any comments?
Her answer: ..well, here is the thing... there was no motion to make Cherie the acting Mayor, and since the Mayor was connected via phone, he was technically "present". That omission was against the rules. So, Lee was making a valid point. The Rules of Order were not observed at that meeting -- and really any business done at that meeting should be struck down and re-done, because things weren't done properly. AND, the meeting was not adjourned properly.
...The whole thing was a mess.
Interesting to watch, but a mess.
I responded: Ill give you that, the meeting wasn't done correctly, and should be deemed illegal and re-done,. if Whetham was so concern following protocol , and Roberts rules of order he should have been the one calling for a redo of that meeting...but he didn't. You heard what he was doing. Being disrespectful in that meeting. And yes, Downie if he was present even by phone he could have chaired that meeting, not hand it off to the deputy mayor. I am pointing out is that if one standard of ethics are not being meant, then it should be applied to all...not just those who on the other side of the fluoride issue.
Her Answer: Fluoride issue isn't the issue here, its a government that doesn't seem to be working correctly. Needs a tune up.
And, I agree, should be applied to all.
I then asked if she cared to make further comments addressing my concerns, here is what she wrote:
Peter,
I have watched city council meetings since I was a teenager -- different cities -- and, never have I witnessed the council trying to chide, "shush" or gavel down citizens voicing their frustration. And, the politeness here is overwhelming (just to watch a contentious matter in Berkeley, CA or any major city). People have been very respectful, even though they are frustrated and upset with the decision of the majority council members.
Cherie's actions, acting a Mayor, improperly (the Mayor was on the phone, and we do have statues that deal with this on the city books) without a board action, with the posting of NO SIGNS which was also never discussed, and certainly, no rule is on the books. And, then, the interruptions, the rudeness, and the pounding of the gavel was just out-of-order.
Meanwhile, Mr. Downie trying to "reason" with the constituents in the audience (January meetings) was just crazy. Don't scold people. That is not the way that the council should act. He was ignoring the other Council members. Collins twice asked to speak, and then actually spoke to the City Manager, who replied (completely out of control council meeting) without Mr. Downie even aware. (Collins asked if Council could get training, soon, I believe referring to the MSRC training). Council member Whetham tried, unsuccessfully to speak, several times, but Mayor Downie just kept lecturing.
Calling an audience "bullies" "rude" "intimidating" is nothing that I have ever seen in a council meeting -- anywhere -- and compared to some meetings I've seen (with people marching around the chambers performing the Bellamy Salute, shouting down council, and assorted other shenanigans) our meetings are extremely "polite".
Democracy, even a Representational Democracy, is MESSY. It has always been messy. (Dictatorships are polite, by comparison, because everyone is afraid for their lives.) When we laid down our weapons, the weapon of choice became words. We don't do coups, we voice our opinions. If the opinion is fluoride, then so be it. However, that is NOT THE ISSUE.
In the Journals of the Continental Congress[1] Chauncey Ford Worthington cited: “...oppressive officers are shamed or intimidated, into more honourable and just modes of conducting affairs.”
I am angered and outraged for the insults to our Constitution. This isn't about fluoride. This isn't about not winning a city council race (which was fine, and we have a wonderful new Council member). The issue is that I care about the rights of ALL CITIZENS of Port Angeles. If we can't fix our local government, then what hope do we have of fixing anything in our country?
Marolee
Related Stories:
Ethics complaint filed against Port Angeles mayor amid fluoridation debate
Editorial Note: The report focused mainly those who spoke on the Fluoride matter during the two public comment sessions. There were two who didn't speak on that subject. One person spoke how he was concerned over the divisive atmosphere which the fluoride issue as caused, and how it had effected decisions on other matters that the city is facing, such as the landfill project, the harbor clean up, and the CSO projects. He was correct in saying that both the council, and audience should tune down the divisive rhetoric that had been going on.
I also spoke during the second public comment session. For a change, I didn't speak about my opinions regarding fluoridation. Instead, I talked about my little mishap Sunday involving my wheelchair, and rain poncho, I wanted to give thanks to the police, and EMT's who assisted me out of a bad jam. Earlier in the day during the County Commission meeting, I spoke there as well wanting to thank the Sheriff deputies who also was there on Sunday in giving me aid.
During the City Council meeting Tuesday Police Chief, Terry Gallagher had a retirement send off. I wanted to make sure during the public comment session which I was able to speak to not only say thanks to the police and EMTs for assisting me, but honor Gallagher who I count as a friend by directing the audience attending to give another round of applause.
I also thanked the mayor Pat Downie, for sending that note of good will, I told him though we didn't agree over a policy decision made regarding fluoride, I did appreciate the nice gesture on his part.
Latest Ethics Complaint against Mayor Pat Downie--PORT O CALL
PA City Recceives Fourth Complaint---KONP RADIO
Editorial note: Smith mentioned about how people don't like being lectured too by their elected officials. Well I been lectured to many times in my life, and still am, not because of policy differences, or the lack of knowledge on a subject. Some in society still are under the impression that anyone that don't fit in their little world as being "normal" are somehow inferior, to them simply because they have two good legs. Often treat disabled folks as children. So, I know the feeling of being treated as a child by those who think themselves as superior.
College professors, gives lectures every day, Church Ministers gives sermons in Church, and yes politicians gives lectures too countless times. But, how are those lectures are being presented, that's the issue I think is the point here. When you strip someone of their dignity, and talk down to them like they are children, that would cause anyone to lose their cool. I should know, I am often treated like a child because I happen to have a disability. Just something to ponder readers, before you go talking down on someone who is different that you are, how does it feel when it is done on you.
On another point in this, granted we do have the right to offend, but does it mean we should use it?
News From our Congressional Delegation:
Cantwell: Americans are frustrated ‘because we bailed out the Big Banks and everyone’s 401K and pension took it on the chin’
Cantwell, Murray Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Facilitate Travel and Commerce with Canada, Increase National Security
With Boost from Cantwell’s Women’s Small Business Procurement Parity Act, Federal Contracting Reaches Five Percent Goal for Women-Owned Small Businesses for the First Time in History
Murray Responds to Oversight Report on Education Department’s Student Loan Servicers’ Compliance Review
WHOLE WOMAN’S HEALTH: Murray Rallies for Women’s Constitutionally Protected Health Care Rights
Founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus Introduce Bill to Help Stop the Spread of Toxic Stormwater Runoff
Quoting from the press release: " GSI uses natural and engineered systems to promote the uptake and filtration of stormwater at its source to protect habitats and reduce flood risks. Currently, when stormwater runoff moves through the drainage systems of larger municipalities it collects a wide range of toxic substances – from motor oil to septic waste – and carries it straight into the local watershed. The Seattle Times recently reported that GSI can play a critical role in removing these pollutants, which a joint National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Washington State University study found can kill coho salmon within a matter of hours. " ---Congressman Kilmer
Editor's Note: They should include fluoride as a toxic waste, not just motor oil.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
