Here's how: where I live, there is a culture in the halls of the Whatcom County Courthouse; a mindset that says, "if it isn't permitted, it isn't permitted" -- meaning that if you don't have a permit to do something, then you're not permitted to do it. That same culture is evidently in force in parts of Arizona,
Phoenix City Prosecutor Vicki Hill said in a statement: “It came down to zoning and proper permitting. Anytime you are holding a gathering of people continuously as he does, we have concerns about people being able to exit the facility properly in case there is a fire, and that’s really all this comes down to.” (Read more...)If it isn't permitted, it isn't permitted. Oh sure, they have their reasons. It's for our own good, of course. Nevermind the first amendment (any part -- freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of religion). If it isn't permitted, it isn't permitted. It's a $12,000 fine, or jail time. Pay up, sucka! I wonder if the ACLU will have anything to say about this.
In America, freedom used to be the default. Subject to common sense, responsibility and decency, we could do pretty much what we wanted, except in special cases where there were laws against it. No more. If it isn't permitted, it isn't permitted!
I have three friends living in Arizona - and am forwarding your article to them.m
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that this pastor might be annoying his neighbors with constant gatherings at his house. Improperly parked cars, blocked driveways, and so on. Neighbors may have complained to their local government, or the homeowner's association (the /other/ conformity police). I can see that. But planning and zoning makes it all too easy to impose over-arching agendas that are not related to the zoning code's ostensible purpose. It is almost always true: the government that governs least, governs best.
ReplyDeleteDear Karl,
ReplyDeleteYou and the other Tea Partiers must continue to fight this tooth and nail. The USA is becoming such a sick, sick society. Where is the common sense? Who decided that thse excessive fines are reasonable? (HINT: start with the lawyers) Patriotic Americans must fight back.
Anonymous, I appreciate your confidence in the other tea partiers and me, but this is up to all of us. The problems we face are due to unprincipled citizens electing unprincipled leaders -- the blind leading the blind. Unprincipled doesn't mean unscrupulous, although the unprincipled are easy prey for the unscrupulous (e.g., Barack Hussein Obama -- if that is his real name).
DeleteRather, unprincipled means someone who doesn't know, or someone who rejects the principles of our constitutional republic. It's up to you and me, the tea party, and anyone else who values our American heritage, to teach our fellow citizens -- especially the younger generations -- an appreciation for the founding principles, the brilliant design of The American Form of Government, the Enlightenment, and Western Civilization in general.
wonder when they will start permitting the guy that has all his friends over every sunday for NFL Football? every week... maybe Mon Nite NFL... lots of people do that 'religiously'... hmmmm?
ReplyDelete