Judge OKs 'Fire Rumsfeld' Banner in Taos

TAOS— The town of Taos might not approve of a banner emblazoned with the words "Fire Rumsfeld," but it can't keep a community group from hanging it prominently over the town's main drag, a state district judge ruled Monday.

The town had sought to keep the words— referring to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who lives in Taos part time— off a banner advertising a peace rally slated for March 19. That prompted Action Coalition of Taos to go to court seeking a temporary restraining order against the town.

At Monday's hearing, District Judge Peggy Nelson said the words are not insulting or libelous, and the speech deals with a common debate taking place.

"I think what the town is trying to do is place limits on the First Amendment," Nelson said before granting the restraining order.

Rally organizers said they planned to hang the banner this morning across Paseo del Pueblo Norte in front of Kit Carson Park. The space is set aside by the town to advertise events in the community. The peace rally will mark the second anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The banner says, "Act Against Empire; A.C.T. Now for Peace; Fire Rumsfeld! Peace Rally Plaza Sat. 3/19, 4:00."

"My concern is for the general welfare of the community," said assistant town attorney Renee Barela-Gutierrez after the hearing. "Hopefully this will be a peaceful rally."

During the hearing, Barela-Gutierrez argued that the town was merely applying the rules and regulations it applies to everyone else. She said the U.S. Supreme Court has found that not all speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Fighting words and speech that is lewd, obscene, profane and libelous aren't covered, Barela-Gutierrez said.

A banner similar to the one that A.C.T. wants to hang was displayed in October 2003, and it "caused a breach of the peace," upsetting many members of the public, she added.

But Jeffrey Haas, a civil rights attorney in Taos, countered that the words on the banner are not incendiary.

"We're saying he should no longer be working in the position of secretary (of defense)," Haas said.

He said the group believes the town doesn't want the banner up because it doesn't agree with the message. Haas argued that the town has allowed banners that say "support our troops" and one that said something like, "The town of Taos Welcomes Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld."

"You can't put up one side and not the other," Haas said, adding that the banner is not a personal attack against anyone.

Among the plaintiffs who sought the temporary restraining order was Cliff Bain, a Taos general contractor and sometimes political candidate.

"I think the law is clear, but it's a good day for the Constitution," Bain said after Nelson granted the restraining order.

"not insulting"

Why not! It sure is insulting to me. And if I lived there .. I'd be getting a sign made which says something to counter the Rumsfeld sign.

I wonder how long it would take for "their" sign to come down after putting up something to counter it. Or several somethings to counter it.

Find somebody who has the book "Rumsfeld's War" and therein you will find some great statements about Rumsfeld.

Like this on the back inside cover: "Scarborough [the author] concludes that history will surely judge Rumsfeld as 'one of America's most important defense leaders.' Rumsfeld's War reveals why -- and how much of the bold new military strategy and vision that we are implementing now in the war on terror we owe to ONE BRILLIANT, BRAVE AND TENACIOUS MAN: Donald Rumsfeld."

Sean Hannity: "... how Donald Rumsfeld planned the counter-attack on al Qaeda and took control of the Clinton-run Pentagon". [and that's why they're whining about Rumsfeld]

Jed Babbin: "... transforming our forces to FIGHT AND WIN against a new kind of enemy."

Lt. Gen. Buster Glosson: "... where this DYNAMO DEFENSE SECRETARY made decision after decision. ... winning wars with minimum loss of life."

In fact, several signs all over town would be good. It's time to make these people realize we are in their face and we are not going away.

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