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Pennsylvania Cop Punished for Refusing to Arrest Christians
Citizen Link ^ | 3-12-09 | Devon Williams

Posted on 03/13/2009 8:02:53 AM PDT by GonzoII

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed a lawsuit Monday against officials of Pennsylvania's Kutztown University and its police chief. The officials punished a police officer who refused to arrest a group of Christians sharing their faith on campus.

Steven Armbruster was ordered by K.U. Police Chief William Mioskie to remove the group of Christians from campus for "disorderly conduct." Armbruster, who said he saw no evidence of disorderly conduct by the Christians, explained to Mioskie that he believed this would violate the group's constitutional rights. Armbruster was placed on administrative leave, suspended without pay for five working days and threatened with termination.

(Excerpt) Read more at citizenlink.org ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; US: Pennsylvania
KEYWORDS: antichristianity; christians; courts; law; lawenforcement; leo
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 Who is like unto God?........ Lk:10:18:
18  And he said to them: I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven.

Well, if they wern't being disorderly, why arrest them?

1 posted on 03/13/2009 8:02:53 AM PDT by GonzoII
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To: Nightshift

gnip...


2 posted on 03/13/2009 8:03:57 AM PDT by tutstar (Baptist Ping list - freepmail me to get on or off.)
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To: GonzoII

Good for the cop.


3 posted on 03/13/2009 8:04:01 AM PDT by F15Eagle (1 John 5:4-5, 4:15, John 11:25, 14:6, 1 Tim 2:5, John 3:17-18, John 20:31, 1 John 5:13, John 6:69)
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To: GonzoII

Its about time a cop shows the courage to do his job instead of what he is told to do. I didn’t buy the “just following orders” thing before and I don’t buy it now.


4 posted on 03/13/2009 8:05:04 AM PDT by Natural Law
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To: GonzoII
"Well, if they wern't being disorderly, why arrest them?"

This:

sharing their faith on campus

might have something to do with it.

5 posted on 03/13/2009 8:05:26 AM PDT by Designer (We are SO scrood!)
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To: GonzoII

Is the police chief also Christian?


6 posted on 03/13/2009 8:06:13 AM PDT by edcoil (Slave owners could justify themselves too. Think about it Arnold.)
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To: GonzoII

So——what were they doing? Seems that more information is needed here.


7 posted on 03/13/2009 8:06:37 AM PDT by basil ( It's time to eliminate all "Gun Free Zones")
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To: Natural Law

The good cops in Germany made good Gestapo when Hitler took over. They did their job as told... even when wrong.


8 posted on 03/13/2009 8:06:50 AM PDT by Radl (rtr)
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To: GonzoII

Because the administration did not like the message so they tried to oust the messengers. Part of the secularists war on Christians. IMHO


9 posted on 03/13/2009 8:06:57 AM PDT by BienHoa69-70 RVN
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To: edcoil

He’s worried about his job.


10 posted on 03/13/2009 8:07:44 AM PDT by RobbyS (ECCE homo)
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To: GonzoII

Mr. Armbruster needs to get a better job;
and hire a good lawyer...


11 posted on 03/13/2009 8:09:06 AM PDT by Redbob (W.W.J.B.D.: "What Would Jack Bauer Do?")
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To: RobbyS

But is he Christian?


12 posted on 03/13/2009 8:09:09 AM PDT by edcoil (Slave owners could justify themselves too. Think about it Arnold.)
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To: Designer

**sharing their faith on campus**

The he should have SHOT THEM ALL right there.


13 posted on 03/13/2009 8:10:29 AM PDT by gwilhelm56 (My 2nd amendment protects my 1st amendment... I carry a GUN because I can't Carry a LAWYER!)
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To: GonzoII

He better get with the thought police program. Big brother is boss now.


14 posted on 03/13/2009 8:10:41 AM PDT by Soothesayer (The United States of America Rest in Peace November 4 2008)
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To: GonzoII

Jesus said if they hated me, they will always hate you...

No one can *Serve* two Masters.....

You are not of this world, so they will hate and persecute you..
But you belong to me, and your treasures are in heaven

Jesus..

Thank you LORD!


15 posted on 03/13/2009 8:10:59 AM PDT by TaraP (The RAPTURE: Separation of Church and State)
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To: GonzoII
Consider the reaction if a policeman was suspended for failing to arrest counter demonstrators against anti-abortionists; for failing to arrest African-Americans were sitting in at a segregated lunch counter; for failing to arrest roving street protesters in San Francisco agitating against proposition eight.

Truly, a policeman's lot is not a happy one. Not only must the policeman instantly judge whether there is actual disorderly activity going on but he must instantly judge whether that activity is in pursuance of a politically correct goal.


16 posted on 03/13/2009 8:12:37 AM PDT by nathanbedford ("Attack, repeat attack!" Bull Halsey)
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To: Radl

As a matter of fact, the Politzei and the Gestapo were kept pretty separate, the latter opperating more or less like our FBI. The court system also continued to operate the same. The difference was the laws being enforced. Here lies the rub: the law is unjust.


17 posted on 03/13/2009 8:12:49 AM PDT by RobbyS (ECCE homo)
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To: GonzoII

Off campus groups are generally not allowed to come on campus to use it as a forum unless they are invited. College students are a lot less polite than they used to be.

When the Scientologists came on campus and held a “revival” after the Virginia Tech shooting, a near riot broke out.


18 posted on 03/13/2009 8:13:52 AM PDT by AppyPappy (If you aren't part of the solution, there is good money to be made prolonging the problem.)
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To: basil
"So——what were they doing? Seems that more information is needed here."

"sharing their faith on campus."

19 posted on 03/13/2009 8:15:11 AM PDT by GonzoII ("That they may be one...Father")
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To: GonzoII

One set of laws for me, another for thee.


20 posted on 03/13/2009 8:15:46 AM PDT by wastedyears (April 21st, 2009 - International Iron Maiden Day)
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To: Natural Law
Its about time a cop shows the courage to do his job instead of what he is told to do. I didn’t buy the “just following orders” thing before and I don’t buy it now.

The "just following orders" defense is central to suppression and Dictators consolidating power. Someone has to stand up and say "NO", like this police officer.

21 posted on 03/13/2009 8:16:50 AM PDT by The Sons of Liberty (FUBO Kenyan Usurper - "Don't Tread On Me!!!")
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To: nathanbedford
"Not only must the policeman instantly judge whether there is actual disorderly activity going on but he must instantly judge whether that activity is in pursuance of a politically correct goal."

I have full respect for the Law.

I think this Officer is to be commended at any rate for respecting his conscience.

No doubt a policeman's job is not easy.

22 posted on 03/13/2009 8:19:27 AM PDT by GonzoII ("That they may be one...Father")
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To: GonzoII

Kutztown University
Public Safety & Police Services
PO Box 730
Kutztown, PA 19530

Phone: 610-683-4002
FAX: 610-683-1530

Email Address: publicsafety@kutztown.edu

LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!!!!


23 posted on 03/13/2009 8:19:32 AM PDT by Vasilli22
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To: GonzoII

If the group were Muslims, no one would have interfered with them.


24 posted on 03/13/2009 8:21:57 AM PDT by TexasRepublic (I am inconsolate over the death of our country.)
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To: RobbyS
As a matter of fact, the Politzei and the Gestapo were kept pretty separate, the latter opperating more or less like our FBI.

1936 the Polizei and Gestapo were both put under Himmlers control. The equivalent to the FBI would rather have been the Kripo (Criminal Police).

25 posted on 03/13/2009 8:29:27 AM PDT by SolidWood (Palin: "In Alaska we eat therefore we hunt.")
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To: GonzoII

Good for the cop. People are going to realize, which I am sure many already do, that in the oath for Military and Police services you swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America not your “orders.”

I wish there was a way to contact him and tell him to keep up the good work.


26 posted on 03/13/2009 8:30:33 AM PDT by I Hate Obama
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To: GonzoII

What a hero. Im proud of him. Disorderly conduct has a specific legal definition. The truth here is that they did not like the content of the speech. Where can we support him or express displeasure with the Chief.


27 posted on 03/13/2009 8:32:38 AM PDT by DesertRhino (Dogs earn the title of "man's best friend", Muslims hate dogs,,add that up.)
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To: The Sons of Liberty
"Someone has to stand up and say "NO""

Why is it so hard for so many to say "not my will, but thy will" when speaking to God, but find it so easy when speaking to worldly authorities?

28 posted on 03/13/2009 8:34:04 AM PDT by Natural Law
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To: DesertRhino

See post #23.


29 posted on 03/13/2009 8:35:09 AM PDT by GonzoII ("That they may be one...Father")
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To: nathanbedford
Consider the reaction if a policeman was suspended for failing to arrest counter demonstrators against anti-abortionists; for failing to arrest African-Americans were sitting in at a segregated lunch counter; for failing to arrest roving street protesters in San Francisco agitating against proposition eight.

None of those groups should be automatically arrested, if they are not breaking any laws. Counter-demonstrators can be civil (although they commonly aren't). The same goes for all of the other groups, except for the segregated lunch-counter sit in (where their presence broke an unjust law).

The officer didn't see any disorderly conduct. If there wasn't disorderly conduct, then an arrest under this charge breaks off into harassment.

30 posted on 03/13/2009 8:35:12 AM PDT by MortMan (Power without responsibility-the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages. - Rudyard Kipling)
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To: Vasilli22

I should send him an application for my dept..


31 posted on 03/13/2009 8:35:29 AM PDT by TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig (There once was a dream called, "Hippy Beat Down." The mere whisper of if caused cops to cry.")
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To: GonzoII

Thanks sir


32 posted on 03/13/2009 8:35:45 AM PDT by DesertRhino (Dogs earn the title of "man's best friend", Muslims hate dogs,,add that up.)
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To: GonzoII
Line in the sand time!!!!

33 posted on 03/13/2009 8:36:37 AM PDT by Ramcat (Thank You American Veterans)
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To: basil
So——what were they doing? Seems that more information is needed here.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a4_5kutztown.6810995mar11,0,6012153.story

Armbruster, a corporal with the university police department, was temporarily suspended after the April 18, 2007, protest organized by RepentAmerica, according to his attorney, Randall Luke Wenger of Harrisburg.

Students and university officials said at the time that the evangelistic group showed up unexpectedly in Schaeffer Quad to rail against gays, Jews, Catholics and abortion.

Hundreds of angry students confronted the demonstrators. Police officers kicked the group off the campus and charged three people with disorderly conduct.

According to the lawsuit:

Armbruster told university Police Chief William F. Mioskie that pushing the demonstrators off campus was unconstitutional. Armbruster believes he was disciplined for speaking out and for failing to follow Mioskie's order to remove a disorderly demonstrator, whom Armbruster did not think was acting disorderly.

Armbruster was suspended for five days without pay for failing to carry out a direct order, and lost about $600 in wages. He has a disciplinary letter on file........

Still rather vague what exactly entailed the disorderly conduct, but this group does appear to have been looking for trouble, so I would wait for more information before making this guy into some kind of martyr.

34 posted on 03/13/2009 8:37:33 AM PDT by qam1 (There's been a huge party. All plates and the bottles are empty, all that's left is the bill to pay)
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To: GonzoII

I would need more information to make an intelligent judgment. My daughters attend a university in Oklahoma, and they have a policy that requires groups/individuals to get a permit to do things like this. On the surface, stories like these gripe me, but as a parent of 2 daughters in college, I do want the University officials to take prudent steps to protect the students. My questions would be did the group/individual follow protocol? Were they discriminated against because of their beliefs? The same questions would apply to the officer.—JM


35 posted on 03/13/2009 8:37:57 AM PDT by Jubal Madison (Sic Semper Tyrannis)
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To: RobbyS

I believe when the Gestapo was formed they got most of their people from the police force of the various sections of Germany. I might be wrong on that. If so let me know as I enjoy reading about anything regarding WW2. Once formed then the two groups were separate as you mentioned.


36 posted on 03/13/2009 8:40:45 AM PDT by Radl (rtr)
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To: GonzoII
I would imagine, the police chief, was not so much concerned about the Christians but more concerned at the muslim back lash.

A "preventative" measure.....

Thankfully, the officer on the scene did the right thing.

37 posted on 03/13/2009 8:45:06 AM PDT by Kakaze (Exterminate Islamofacism and apologize for nothing.....except not doing it sooner!)
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To: SolidWood

You are correct. Kripo actually remained a more or less a nonparty organization. IAC. the average citizen would have noticed very little difference. For him Nazism was a soft tyranny. All he had to do was keep quiet and leave the business of politics of the Party. That is after the rough patch of 1933-34 when heads were rolling.


38 posted on 03/13/2009 8:46:38 AM PDT by RobbyS (ECCE homo)
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To: qam1
Yes--I'd wait a bit, too.

Did they have a permit? Is this appropriate for a college campus?

Seems to me that it's a bit dicey, but maybe more info will be forthcoming.

39 posted on 03/13/2009 8:49:25 AM PDT by basil ( It's time to eliminate all "Gun Free Zones")
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To: Jubal Madison
"On April 18, 2007, approximately 15 members of a Christian group peacefully shared their faith on the KU campus, including speaking about moral issues such as abortion and homosexual behavior. As the members shared their message, about 300 protesters from several organizations and clubs appeared on the scene and loudly opposed the message, causing KU President F. Javier Cevallos and the chief of the KU Police Dept., William Mioskie, to insist the Christian group leave campus.

Shortly after one member of the group was arrested, Armbruster became concerned when Mioskie ordered the officers to "push" others in the group off campus for "disorderly conduct." Armbruster understood that this would involve arresting or threatening to arrest the rest of the group upon whom the protesters had descended, though he saw no evidence of disorderly conduct among the members of the Christian group."

snip..

After hearing the evidence, the court dismissed the charges against members of the Christian group who were arrested.

Source: Source: ADF

40 posted on 03/13/2009 8:50:05 AM PDT by GonzoII ("That they may be one...Father")
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To: Radl

It think they were a counter to the more thiggish SA headed by Roehm. By some accounts, they were not nearly as brutal as Hollywood would have one believe. Even Jews were treated with some consideration.


41 posted on 03/13/2009 8:54:50 AM PDT by RobbyS (ECCE homo)
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To: Radl
See my post above. They were not "really" separate. Originally the Gestapo was the secret police of Prussian Minister of the Interior Goering. 1936 the separate state polices were merged into one federal Reichs police and together with the Kripo and Gestapo put under Himmlers command. These were the government agencies. Apart from them (but also under Himmlers command) were the party organisations SD (Intelligence) and the various SS departments.

Personally it was mixed. There were SD members who were at the same time Kripo or Gestapo. And Policemen were often also part of the SS. These units weren't personally that separate.

The background of Gestapo and SD members was overproportionally young lawyers and jurists.

42 posted on 03/13/2009 8:55:14 AM PDT by SolidWood (Palin: "In Alaska we eat therefore we hunt.")
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To: GonzoII

Thanks - That sheds more light on the subject. While academia and PC police depts. earn our scorn, rightfully in many instances, I do like to be fair. Good University and law-enforcement people have a tough job, and a fine line to walk. Seem as though in this case our anger is well placed. Thanks for the link.—JM


43 posted on 03/13/2009 8:59:35 AM PDT by Jubal Madison (Sic Semper Tyrannis)
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To: GonzoII

Pennsylvania. Of course.


44 posted on 03/13/2009 9:07:13 AM PDT by darkangel82 (I don't have a superiority complex, I'm just better than you.)
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To: GonzoII

The fascist leftwing communists of the democrat party, like their forerunners the nazi brownshirts, are continuing there cruel attack on Christians and Conservatives in their foolishness and hatred of all who love God, Family, and country.
God will bring them into subjection in His time by Jesus Christ our Lord and they will bow the knee and confess to Lord Jesus that He is Lord indeed.
Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Unfortunately, this will be at the White Throne Judgment when the unjust and unforgiven dead will be judged for their sins and cast into the lake of fire for not believing how Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day for our justification.
The children of pride will receive the due reward of their cruel hatred of God and His Christ.


45 posted on 03/13/2009 9:10:31 AM PDT by kindred (Conservatives have 4 years to start a new conservative party or lose more elections.)
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To: SolidWood

Thanks. I have been watching a program on Hitlers bodyguards that was on a few weeks ago Very interesting!


46 posted on 03/13/2009 9:19:04 AM PDT by Radl (rtr)
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To: GonzoII

“...was ordered by K.U. Police Chief William Mioskie to remove the group of Christians from campus for “disorderly conduct.”

-They were BREATHING on PUBLIC property!!! Those nasty, ugly, CHRISTIANS!!!


47 posted on 03/13/2009 9:20:32 AM PDT by J40000
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To: TexasRepublic

DING!


48 posted on 03/13/2009 9:21:33 AM PDT by devistate one four (Impatiently waiting for the next tea party! Tet '68)
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To: qam1

Yeah, it was the THREE people loudly saying something unpopular. The disorder was certainly not the crowd of thug college students. And it was the students who say they said the Christians were there to “rail” at gays etc.

Reverse it,, three gays or muslims show up there to start promoting their garbage to passersby, and are confronted by a large angry group from the student christian organization. Please don’t be dishonest and say the gays or muslims would have been arrested for causing the christians to become enraged.


49 posted on 03/13/2009 9:23:09 AM PDT by DesertRhino (Dogs earn the title of "man's best friend", Muslims hate dogs,,add that up.)
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To: Jubal Madison

Permits, to hand out literature, or make a speech,,in the common area, of a public property. I missed that in the first amendment. Free speech zones have been shot down in court. The whole campus is a free speech zone.


50 posted on 03/13/2009 9:26:30 AM PDT by DesertRhino (Dogs earn the title of "man's best friend", Muslims hate dogs,,add that up.)
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