I am a long-time fan of Pete Seeger. I applauded his environmental efforts to clean up the Hudson River, including the sloop Clearwater that he and his fellow activists used to promote cleaning up that river and fostering environmental awareness.
The Clearwater was in the news again July 4 when it was not allowed to take part in the tall ships procession in New York.
Procession organizers made the right decision.
The tall ships event was intended to be celebratory and non-political. Organizers had made it clear beforehand that the ships were not to include anything that might be political in nature. Despite that requirement, the Clearwater folks decided to include banners with messages.
Now while I agree with the messages on the banners, the rules were clear, and the Clearwater folks were violating them.
They were asked to remove the banners and were told if they did so they could participate in the procession. They refused. So, they were then informed they could not participate.
Note: They chose to violate the rules, and then they chose to refuse a reasonable request. They were "booted" - but more properly and accurately, they by their actions chose not to participate.
When I heard about the flap, I thought of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
Thou art like one of those fellows that when he
enters the confines of a tavern claps me his sword
upon the table and says 'God send me no need of
thee!' and by the operation of the second cup draws
it on the drawer, when indeed there is no need.
By their actions they created a controversy that could have been avoided.
I hope none of their supporters try to play the victim card or start screaming "free speech>" Courts have consistently ruled even protected speech can be limited in time, place, or manner in some circumstances.
As I said, I agree with the messages on the banners. But there is a time and a place for such a display.
This was not that time or place.
Pax et bonum
No comments:
Post a Comment