Political Speech

The mother of a twelve year old girl arrested for protesting at Senator Harkin's office, has been charged with "contributing to the delinquency of a minor."

I can't imagine that any judge wouldn't look at this, and decide it is protected political speech, but the police who charged the mother won't ever face reprimand.

Even if it is dismissed in court (which I'm pretty confident it will be) this semi-child abuse charge stays on her record when applying for a job, renting an apartment, and pretty much everything else she decides to do with her life. There's often an assumption of guilt even when the case is dismissed in court. Wouldn't you think twice before hiring someone that was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Sounds pretty horrible, no?

I mean, gee whiz-they ought to be giving her a good parenting award for bringing up a child that can think beyond her own life and comforts. I don't think many twelve year olds are that socially aware, and brave enough to occupy a senator's office. I don't know many adults that are.

So uh, enjoy your protected rights to political speech-just don't try using them.