Say what you want on your blog, just don’t encourage your readers to do bad things. That’s the message sent today when a political blogger was charged and arrested for encouraging his blog’s visitors to “to take up arms” against two Connecticut politicos.
The right-wing blogger, Harold “Hal” Turner, turned himself in to Capitol police earlier today.
His court date is set for Monday, June 22 and at stake is an interpretation of First-Amendment rights that could have huge implications for bloggers.
The controversial Turner is no stranger to drama. What else would you expect from a guy who supports anti-Semitism and has had several previous run-ins with the law.
A previous posting from Turner:
“We may have to ASSASSINATE some of the people you elect on Nov. 7! This could be your LAST ELECTION CHANCE, to save this Republic… Sorry to have to be so blunt, but the country is in mortal danger from our present government and our liberty is already near dead because of this government. If you are too stupid to turn things around with your vote, there are people out here like me who are willing to turn things around with guns, force and violence. We hope our method does not become necessary.”
Inciting others to violence is a felony in America. It will be interesting to see what the courts decide. We’ll keep you posted.