Overall this is a good law. Banning profanity is not really legislating morality this amounts to putting a stop to behavior that is inappropriate or indecent.
Also this law is not unconstitutional. It would be unconstitutional if the law was being imposed by the federal government, but states and local communties have the right to impliment such laws under the 10th amendment police powers. If the law is so unconstitutional then how was it possible for local towns to ban movies and baseball games on Sundays like they did in the past?
Steeb - 12 years ago
Imagine if this was to happen in New Jersey. They would really rake in the cash from those people.
kippyj - 12 years ago
I believe I have the right to say anything I please. Thankfully, I also have the common sense to recognize that it's rarely appropriate.
Mike - 12 years ago
FREDOM OF SPEECH, I don't like to hear foul laguanage, but it's my right to use it if I so desire, less big brother not more.
Kylarin - 12 years ago
In my state assault charges can be filed for abusive language if directed in a hostile manner, you don't need this dog and pony show of trying to stop free speech. People that can't control themselves is the problem, and I feel that the other comments of bad parenting is largely to blame. Also, people need to realize that ANY behavior can be used to make abrasive commentary toward another person, not just certain words that people grew up being told were "forbidden" or plain bad etiquette. I should be able to say whatever I want, as long as I'm not threatening someone's safety, or committing defamation of character of someone. A casual usage of a word not directed or intended (intent is the key here people) to insult an individual should not result in my receiving a citation.
I knew every "curse/swear word" in the book by about five years old, and I knew well not too use them lightly, or ever, for the power they can convey. Also, look at sci-fi: I was using the work "frack" from a certain 70's show long before the re-envisioned version came along and re-popularized it. I got sick of it after a while, as I found I was saying it for everything, though I didn't offend anyone, since unless they also watched the show, they had no idea what I was saying (other than the fact the word starts with the letter "F", and it's obvious what it's intended to replace).
People need self-control, but there's no need for a "special" law just for this. I don't know the local laws there regarding assault, but I'd wager they can handle the situation just fine (or be updated to support this), and I'd be leading the fight for free speech as is provided to me as a U.S. Citizen under the Constitution if I lived there. I didn't bleed for my country to have others judge me by my words, even if their not directed at them. I may not agree with what someone says, but I'd die for their right to say it.
Jyves - 12 years ago
Merci.. Excuse my French!
Claire - 12 years ago
I think that some people, young ones like myself included, tend to forget that there are 3-year-olds walking around with their parents. And, from personal experience (I was a foul-mouthed child too), those kids will repeat anything to see their parents freak out.
If it's up to the police officer's discretion, I think that a warning should be given first, just to remind them of where they are and what the law is. If film studios set out "cuss jars" to regulate our sailor-mouthed actors while around child actors, I think we can watch our mouths a little better around children on the street.
After that, frankly, it's only $20.
goofytigre - 12 years ago
I have the RIGHT to free speech. You do not have the right to NOT be offended.
And who is going to decide what is an offensive word? Is there going to be a list somewhere of the banned words? How about curse words in Spanish? How about British-isms? Words in English can have way different meanings across the pond.
This law will be repealed for its many problems, starting with the First Amendment.
pete - 12 years ago
20 years in the US Navy protecting our rights and we keep losing more and more.
me - 12 years ago
See what i mean....
Tony M - 12 years ago
this is fuckin ridiculous!
me - 12 years ago
It's all about morals. For someone to use words of an offensive nature in their everyday speech, to me it means they have no morals and or respect for themselves or the people within earshot. Why does someone have to use words of that nature is beyond me.
Jen G - 12 years ago
I am annoyed by teenagers swearing around me and in front of my small kids and have no problem saying to them "do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" or "find somewhere else to act like a pig" (instead of the toddler playground)....but this law goes WAY too far and is completely ludicrous (not to mention unconstitutional! Frankly, it will end up being selectively reinforced and will cause problems ranging from racial discrimination, to sexism, to agism. This law creates WAY more problems than it solves.
Lisa - 12 years ago
Okay, I have mixed feelings.
Does the law violate freedom of speech in my opinion? Yes. However, a majority of the town residents voted for it... This is the part I don't understand... if most of the f-bombs are being dropped by kids, presumably minors, then does that mean that their parents get fined? Is that not, in effect, punishing themselves for poor parenting? In a nation in which the child has become the parent, a nation in which kids are home alone a lot of the time and don't have a strong, disciplined parental role to raise and nurture them into good, caring, empathetic, intelligent and law abiding individuals, perhaps more laws like this should be instituted. If the townspeople want to impose this type of law on themselves and avoid the slippery slope back into the caveman days that our nation as a whole has been headed on, who's to stop them? It's not like one person is telling everyone that they can't swear. What, is the Department of Justice going to sue them? Probably.
Ryan - 12 years ago
It's unconstitutional, simple as that. If someone ever fought it, they would have a case.
Their is no argument to support this law..
If you even for a second think this is okay.. please go read the US Constitution.. and when you are finished read Thomas Paine's Common Sense.. then you can participate in Politics..
Originally, the First Amendment applied only to laws enacted by the Congress. However, starting with Gitlow v. New York, the Supreme Court has applied the First Amendment to each state. This was done through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court has also recognized a series of exceptions to provisions protecting the freedom of speech.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The lack of truth and accountability among you people is pitiful at best..
Drop Ignorance on its FUCKING head.. and start spreading and participating in Liberty.. For this is the political Ideal of this Nation..
With Liberty comes Responsibility.. which is severely lacking in the people of this nation.
Christian - 12 years ago
It's become mainstream to speak like this, and it's too hard to go against the mainstream so why bother?
John - 12 years ago
The F-bomb has it's place in our language and the ironic part is that is has the maximum effect when used by someone whom you would never expect to use it. When over-used it just makes you look like a cretin from the shallow end of the gene pool. If however it's directed at someone in public, that's verbal assault and you should get fined.
hp - 12 years ago
Profanity is the crutch of the inarticulate mother fucker.
Jeremy from San Francisco - 12 years ago
I should be allowed to say whatever the fuck I want whenever the fuck I want. I would move out of a town that makes a law like that...but a law like that should not be allowed to even be conceived. Maybe people need to get their heads out of their asses and realize that words are just words. A "bad" word is considered "bad" because some people decided it was. The reason why you hear kids nowadays dropping f-bombs all the time is because people told them not to say it. Of course kids want to say and do something they were explicitly told not to do! It's the same thrill teenagers get when underage drinking and smoking pot in their backyard while their parents are gone for the day. Stop ruining our freedoms. I can say what I want, whenever the fuck I want. This is America...this isn't a fucking nanny state...
JEM - 12 years ago
Freedom of speech does mean saying what you what when you want but unfortunately that assumes brains and a sense of responsibility on the part of speaker. It assumes we maintain respect for each other and personal dignity. And since many in society today have never learned this or have forgotten it, then maybe a fine is just what they need. Do you think you sound that much more intelliegent or passionate when every other word is a demeaning swear? A previous comment states, "they are just words" , well why not pick some new ones? Your current obscenities just make you sound like more of an idiot than you probably are.
Joe G - 12 years ago
Freedom of Speech
So Fuck them
Jerry - 12 years ago
Here's the problem with this - if you are allowed to specify certain words as "illegal" to say, then any word can be made illegal to say. That flies in the very face of the 1st amendment, which is the 1st amendment because it was the most important of all the original 10 amendments (commonly known as the bill of rights). Local courts may uphold this statute, but if it ever gets to federal court, it is going to be struck down. Yet another example of conservatives trying to legislate their version of morality. Funny how they say they're against restricting freedom, yet have no problem using the law to force people to follow conservative's view of religion and morality.
Chad - 12 years ago
Wow these people are out of control. With all the crime on the streets, they want to enforce curse words. Wow again!!! It is just a bloody word. Lets just string who ever up and hang them for cursing. 20 dollars goes along way when your broke these days. I know this is a joke for most but it is just a start of our rights being ripped away one by one. For the people who live there and voted yes to this, you need to get a life bc it seems yours is way to boring and worthless.
A.T. - 12 years ago
To those who used shouting "fire" in a crowded theater or saying "bomb" on an airplane, let me tell you something - those hold certain exceptions within the laws because they incite fear.
Swearing is protected speech no matter how you look at it. And for those who don't seem to understand this, the Bill of Rights is a part of the US Constitution. As such, those rights are to protect us from the GOVERNMENT. So in that regard, you can limit a persons' speech in your home or place of business if you so please, however the government or its employees cannot limit your free speech.
This law will be thrown out on the basis that it violates the US Constitution. Not only that, but the city will likely have to pay out more to those unlawfully fined than they will be able to take in so this is a loss from the start.
Now, I'm not saying that swearing isn't getting out of hand, but that's something for a parent to teach their child and for the individual to then decide at the appropriate time in their life, NOT something the government should, or can, dictate.
WTF?!? - 12 years ago
I guess that freedom of speech right is only good if you are bashing the Liberals.....
Mom - 12 years ago
Wow, I was so happy to read about a city finally wanting to do something to make people stop cursing in public! Why do you people want to curse all the time? You must get something out of it? Does it bother you to be around anyone that does not curse? You are complaining about your right to say whatever you want to? Well what about those people who DON'T want to hear all those curse words that are being said by you? What are their rights?? They DO have the right to ask you to STOP talking like that. You have a choice to talk without offending anyone around you, but you don't seem to care. Or do you??? Will your world suddenly end if you stop cursing?? I know that you will save money because you won't have to pay the fine.
I hope this law spreads across America, it will be a good change.
liz - 12 years ago
While I don't think we should be legilsating these things, I wonder why the rights of those on the receiving end of the prfanity seem to have not rights -- yes,m you have freedom of speech but that doesn't give you the right to stand up in a crowded theater and shout "Fire". Why do I have to listen to people ranting in profanities? My daughter's boyfriend uses the "F" word quite frequently and I don't like it -- he seems to think that I can't even lay down rules in my own home; he thinks freedom of speech extends to ANYWHERE that he is. There appear to be no limites on anything any more, no class, no guidelines, just a free for All. People should have some respect for each other and their space -- if I don't like it, don't I have rights too?
PU - 12 years ago
Morrano
Betty Dennison - 12 years ago
My husband would put us in the poor house - he can't complete a sentence w/o swearing.
Dave - 12 years ago
Fantastic! now that is some good news. For those that believe in freedom of speech, go on a plane and just use the word "bomb" and see the end result.
I am offended when I am with my family and some potty mouth kid every other word is &#@#. sometimes I believe if we take the profanity out of their sentences they are not saying anything.
It was serve two purposes - 1 refrain others for using profanity and help the city make some money. It also will let those of us feel less disgusted by the potty mouths of society.
good riddance
natalie - 12 years ago
i guess we know what city is lacking money, and needs new resources to make ends meet there..
Meg - 12 years ago
Honestly is saying curse words the WORST thing happening in that town? I mean damn if that's all any city had to worry about we wouldn't be seeing all these murders, rapes, robberies and the like all over the news. Besides isn't this passing into "Freedom of Speech"? Grow some balls people, they're just words.
Phuck - 12 years ago
Fuck that shit.
If anti-abortionists can display pictures of dead fetuses in public I can say whatever the fucking fuck I want. This is ameruca muthafucka do wa we want sonnnn. . .
Overall this is a good law. Banning profanity is not really legislating morality this amounts to putting a stop to behavior that is inappropriate or indecent.
Also this law is not unconstitutional. It would be unconstitutional if the law was being imposed by the federal government, but states and local communties have the right to impliment such laws under the 10th amendment police powers. If the law is so unconstitutional then how was it possible for local towns to ban movies and baseball games on Sundays like they did in the past?
Imagine if this was to happen in New Jersey. They would really rake in the cash from those people.
I believe I have the right to say anything I please. Thankfully, I also have the common sense to recognize that it's rarely appropriate.
FREDOM OF SPEECH, I don't like to hear foul laguanage, but it's my right to use it if I so desire, less big brother not more.
In my state assault charges can be filed for abusive language if directed in a hostile manner, you don't need this dog and pony show of trying to stop free speech. People that can't control themselves is the problem, and I feel that the other comments of bad parenting is largely to blame. Also, people need to realize that ANY behavior can be used to make abrasive commentary toward another person, not just certain words that people grew up being told were "forbidden" or plain bad etiquette. I should be able to say whatever I want, as long as I'm not threatening someone's safety, or committing defamation of character of someone. A casual usage of a word not directed or intended (intent is the key here people) to insult an individual should not result in my receiving a citation.
I knew every "curse/swear word" in the book by about five years old, and I knew well not too use them lightly, or ever, for the power they can convey. Also, look at sci-fi: I was using the work "frack" from a certain 70's show long before the re-envisioned version came along and re-popularized it. I got sick of it after a while, as I found I was saying it for everything, though I didn't offend anyone, since unless they also watched the show, they had no idea what I was saying (other than the fact the word starts with the letter "F", and it's obvious what it's intended to replace).
People need self-control, but there's no need for a "special" law just for this. I don't know the local laws there regarding assault, but I'd wager they can handle the situation just fine (or be updated to support this), and I'd be leading the fight for free speech as is provided to me as a U.S. Citizen under the Constitution if I lived there. I didn't bleed for my country to have others judge me by my words, even if their not directed at them. I may not agree with what someone says, but I'd die for their right to say it.
Merci.. Excuse my French!
I think that some people, young ones like myself included, tend to forget that there are 3-year-olds walking around with their parents. And, from personal experience (I was a foul-mouthed child too), those kids will repeat anything to see their parents freak out.
If it's up to the police officer's discretion, I think that a warning should be given first, just to remind them of where they are and what the law is. If film studios set out "cuss jars" to regulate our sailor-mouthed actors while around child actors, I think we can watch our mouths a little better around children on the street.
After that, frankly, it's only $20.
I have the RIGHT to free speech. You do not have the right to NOT be offended.
And who is going to decide what is an offensive word? Is there going to be a list somewhere of the banned words? How about curse words in Spanish? How about British-isms? Words in English can have way different meanings across the pond.
This law will be repealed for its many problems, starting with the First Amendment.
20 years in the US Navy protecting our rights and we keep losing more and more.
See what i mean....
this is fuckin ridiculous!
It's all about morals. For someone to use words of an offensive nature in their everyday speech, to me it means they have no morals and or respect for themselves or the people within earshot. Why does someone have to use words of that nature is beyond me.
I am annoyed by teenagers swearing around me and in front of my small kids and have no problem saying to them "do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" or "find somewhere else to act like a pig" (instead of the toddler playground)....but this law goes WAY too far and is completely ludicrous (not to mention unconstitutional! Frankly, it will end up being selectively reinforced and will cause problems ranging from racial discrimination, to sexism, to agism. This law creates WAY more problems than it solves.
Okay, I have mixed feelings.
Does the law violate freedom of speech in my opinion? Yes. However, a majority of the town residents voted for it... This is the part I don't understand... if most of the f-bombs are being dropped by kids, presumably minors, then does that mean that their parents get fined? Is that not, in effect, punishing themselves for poor parenting? In a nation in which the child has become the parent, a nation in which kids are home alone a lot of the time and don't have a strong, disciplined parental role to raise and nurture them into good, caring, empathetic, intelligent and law abiding individuals, perhaps more laws like this should be instituted. If the townspeople want to impose this type of law on themselves and avoid the slippery slope back into the caveman days that our nation as a whole has been headed on, who's to stop them? It's not like one person is telling everyone that they can't swear. What, is the Department of Justice going to sue them? Probably.
It's unconstitutional, simple as that. If someone ever fought it, they would have a case.
Their is no argument to support this law..
If you even for a second think this is okay.. please go read the US Constitution.. and when you are finished read Thomas Paine's Common Sense.. then you can participate in Politics..
Originally, the First Amendment applied only to laws enacted by the Congress. However, starting with Gitlow v. New York, the Supreme Court has applied the First Amendment to each state. This was done through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court has also recognized a series of exceptions to provisions protecting the freedom of speech.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The lack of truth and accountability among you people is pitiful at best..
Drop Ignorance on its FUCKING head.. and start spreading and participating in Liberty.. For this is the political Ideal of this Nation..
With Liberty comes Responsibility.. which is severely lacking in the people of this nation.
It's become mainstream to speak like this, and it's too hard to go against the mainstream so why bother?
The F-bomb has it's place in our language and the ironic part is that is has the maximum effect when used by someone whom you would never expect to use it. When over-used it just makes you look like a cretin from the shallow end of the gene pool. If however it's directed at someone in public, that's verbal assault and you should get fined.
Profanity is the crutch of the inarticulate mother fucker.
I should be allowed to say whatever the fuck I want whenever the fuck I want. I would move out of a town that makes a law like that...but a law like that should not be allowed to even be conceived. Maybe people need to get their heads out of their asses and realize that words are just words. A "bad" word is considered "bad" because some people decided it was. The reason why you hear kids nowadays dropping f-bombs all the time is because people told them not to say it. Of course kids want to say and do something they were explicitly told not to do! It's the same thrill teenagers get when underage drinking and smoking pot in their backyard while their parents are gone for the day. Stop ruining our freedoms. I can say what I want, whenever the fuck I want. This is America...this isn't a fucking nanny state...
Freedom of speech does mean saying what you what when you want but unfortunately that assumes brains and a sense of responsibility on the part of speaker. It assumes we maintain respect for each other and personal dignity. And since many in society today have never learned this or have forgotten it, then maybe a fine is just what they need. Do you think you sound that much more intelliegent or passionate when every other word is a demeaning swear? A previous comment states, "they are just words" , well why not pick some new ones? Your current obscenities just make you sound like more of an idiot than you probably are.
Freedom of Speech
So Fuck them
Here's the problem with this - if you are allowed to specify certain words as "illegal" to say, then any word can be made illegal to say. That flies in the very face of the 1st amendment, which is the 1st amendment because it was the most important of all the original 10 amendments (commonly known as the bill of rights). Local courts may uphold this statute, but if it ever gets to federal court, it is going to be struck down. Yet another example of conservatives trying to legislate their version of morality. Funny how they say they're against restricting freedom, yet have no problem using the law to force people to follow conservative's view of religion and morality.
Wow these people are out of control. With all the crime on the streets, they want to enforce curse words. Wow again!!! It is just a bloody word. Lets just string who ever up and hang them for cursing. 20 dollars goes along way when your broke these days. I know this is a joke for most but it is just a start of our rights being ripped away one by one. For the people who live there and voted yes to this, you need to get a life bc it seems yours is way to boring and worthless.
To those who used shouting "fire" in a crowded theater or saying "bomb" on an airplane, let me tell you something - those hold certain exceptions within the laws because they incite fear.
Swearing is protected speech no matter how you look at it. And for those who don't seem to understand this, the Bill of Rights is a part of the US Constitution. As such, those rights are to protect us from the GOVERNMENT. So in that regard, you can limit a persons' speech in your home or place of business if you so please, however the government or its employees cannot limit your free speech.
This law will be thrown out on the basis that it violates the US Constitution. Not only that, but the city will likely have to pay out more to those unlawfully fined than they will be able to take in so this is a loss from the start.
Now, I'm not saying that swearing isn't getting out of hand, but that's something for a parent to teach their child and for the individual to then decide at the appropriate time in their life, NOT something the government should, or can, dictate.
I guess that freedom of speech right is only good if you are bashing the Liberals.....
Wow, I was so happy to read about a city finally wanting to do something to make people stop cursing in public! Why do you people want to curse all the time? You must get something out of it? Does it bother you to be around anyone that does not curse? You are complaining about your right to say whatever you want to? Well what about those people who DON'T want to hear all those curse words that are being said by you? What are their rights?? They DO have the right to ask you to STOP talking like that. You have a choice to talk without offending anyone around you, but you don't seem to care. Or do you??? Will your world suddenly end if you stop cursing?? I know that you will save money because you won't have to pay the fine.
I hope this law spreads across America, it will be a good change.
While I don't think we should be legilsating these things, I wonder why the rights of those on the receiving end of the prfanity seem to have not rights -- yes,m you have freedom of speech but that doesn't give you the right to stand up in a crowded theater and shout "Fire". Why do I have to listen to people ranting in profanities? My daughter's boyfriend uses the "F" word quite frequently and I don't like it -- he seems to think that I can't even lay down rules in my own home; he thinks freedom of speech extends to ANYWHERE that he is. There appear to be no limites on anything any more, no class, no guidelines, just a free for All. People should have some respect for each other and their space -- if I don't like it, don't I have rights too?
Morrano
My husband would put us in the poor house - he can't complete a sentence w/o swearing.
Fantastic! now that is some good news. For those that believe in freedom of speech, go on a plane and just use the word "bomb" and see the end result.
I am offended when I am with my family and some potty mouth kid every other word is &#@#. sometimes I believe if we take the profanity out of their sentences they are not saying anything.
It was serve two purposes - 1 refrain others for using profanity and help the city make some money. It also will let those of us feel less disgusted by the potty mouths of society.
good riddance
i guess we know what city is lacking money, and needs new resources to make ends meet there..
Honestly is saying curse words the WORST thing happening in that town? I mean damn if that's all any city had to worry about we wouldn't be seeing all these murders, rapes, robberies and the like all over the news. Besides isn't this passing into "Freedom of Speech"? Grow some balls people, they're just words.
Fuck that shit.
If anti-abortionists can display pictures of dead fetuses in public I can say whatever the fucking fuck I want. This is ameruca muthafucka do wa we want sonnnn. . .
Grow a sack or use some ear muffs.
And the American Ghost Town is....
more people voted on this pole than in that town.