General John Bell Hood
Posted on 06/18/2015 7:34:12 AM PDT by GIdget2004
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Texas' refusal to issue a license plate bearing the Confederate battle flag, rejecting a free-speech challenge.
The court said in a 5-4 ruling that Texas can limit the content of license plates because they are state property and not the equivalent of bumper stickers.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans had sought a Texas plate bearing its logo with the battle flag. A state board rejected it over concerns that the license plate would offend many Texans.
Justice Stephen Breyer said the state's decision to reject the group's plate did not violate its free speech rights. Justice Clarence Thomas and the court's other three liberal justices joined Breyer's opinion.
State officials said there are now nearly 450 messages to choose from, from "Choose Life" to the Boy Scouts and hamburger chains.
The Texas division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sued over the state's decision not to authorize its proposed license plate with its logo bearing the battle flag, similar to plates issued by eight other states that were members of the Confederacy and by the state of Maryland.
(Excerpt) Read more at statesman.com ...
I thought the same thing. Thomas does not often vote with Ginsberg, Kagan, and Sotomayer unless it is a relatively "no brainer" unanimous vote.
I'm a bit too apathetic to get worked up about this decision. I really don't see this as a First Amendment issue.
Probably more to the point, I will not rail against any decision in which Clarence Thomas was the deciding vote. Out of principal, if nothing else.
I think you should do a bit more research on this.
General John Bell Hood
Like it or not it's a 10th Amendment issue. Texas can control their license plates how they want. Alito is arguing it was a 1st Amendment issue and I'm not sure I'd agree.
Amen!
Wuh?
Though it should be noted that Governor Sam Houston opposed succession, and was forced from office by the rebels.
However, even a non-Texan should know which side Texas was on. One of the Union's big priorities was to secure enough geography to effectively cut Texas out of the War.
I don't think Lincoln wanted to tangle with that bobcat.
It’s becoming loud and clear that free speech only applies to the political left.
not that it matters much but many "Texans" moved here during Katrina.
State Date of Secession
South Carolina December 20, 1860
Mississippi January 9, 1861
Florida January 10, 1861
Alabama January 11, 1861
Georgia January 19, 1861
Louisiana January 26, 1861
Texas February 1, 1861
Virginia April 17, 1861
Arkansas May 6, 1861
North Carolina May 20, 1861
Tennessee June 8, 1861
I love my state flag.
Methinks you forgot the sarcasm tag. lol
You realize that it was Texas that refused to allow the license plate? And that SCOTUS affirmed Texas's decision?
SCOTUS.
The way I read it is the government just ruled individuals don’t have free speech on something they’re forced by law to purchase because it might offend someone. But they allow people to put filth on the plates all the time. Personally, ALL personalized license plates offend me because narcissists offend me.
Ft. Hood must be offensive to many people. How long before they change the name? I predict within a year.
This should’ve been settled by Texas. Period.Exactly. I think SCOTUS decided this one correctly.
You realize that it was Texas that refused to allow the license plate? And that SCOTUS affirmed Texas's decision?
FReepmail me to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the SCOTUS ping list.
Easily resolved with a bumper sticker.
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