“ Of all the types of speech guarded by the First Amendment, criticism of government officials is among the most strictly protected…”
Except if you are Donald Trump or one of his supporters. What was celebrated as “civil disobedience” during the Civil Rights marches is now prosecuted as “insurrection.”.
As far as the middle finger goes, it’s called an “obscene” gesture for a reason. I don’t think the First Amendment was originally understood to cover such conduct. Granted, the article cites courts having ruled the opposite way a couple hundred years later. But I think this is modern judicial activism. You know, the police are hired by the public and they represent the law. I am all for free speech criticizing them and there are plenty of ways to do that without recognizing a constitutional right to obscene gestures.
No.
With the sole exception of elected Sheriffs police are hired by The State, they represent The State, and they serve the interests of The State. When The State ceases to serve the public and seeks mastery over the public, police become enemies of the public.