Attention
all you California parents –
Back
in 2013 [this is only two years ago, folks], if your child's sidewalk chalk drawings included negative
opinions, s/he could have been branded a criminal, with the possibility of 10 years in prison.
The San Diego City Attorney brought charges against a man for vandalism because he wrote “Shame on Bank of America” and "No thanks, big banks" in chalk on the sidewalk outside a Bank of America branch.
This
case actually went to trial.
Now,
no one asked ME, but my gut reaction is that this is an expression of
this man's opinion, and probably even political speech, which is the
highest form of constitutionally protected speech. Not to mention, we're not talking about spray paint here. It's sidewalk chalk!
Fortunately, the good citizens of San Diego, not willing to allow the government to run roughshod over their free speech rights without a fight, staged a protest outside the Hall of Justice [a courthouse I have been to on several occasions], which involved LOTS of sidewalk chalk.
In
2013, Mom and Dad had to keep a watchful eye on their kids, especially if they went outside with a box of weapons sidewalk chalk.
“I
hate broccoli” - criminal prosecution
“My
sister is a dweeb” - criminal prosecution
“Can't
we all just get along?” - depending on whether any sarcasm is
detected – criminal prosecution.
Fortunately,
the good citizens of San Diego county who were NOT able to get out of
jury duty, were smarter than the City Attorney and found the man NOT GUILTY.
Your child's freedom to complain about his siblings on the sidewalk is secure.
Your child's freedom to complain about his siblings on the sidewalk is secure.
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