Klan member ordered reinstated in police

[deadparrot]

OMAHA, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- An arbitrator ordered the Nebraska State Patrol to reinstate a trooper who was fired after his membership in the Ku Klux Klan was revealed.

The decision to reinstate Robert Henderson, who was fired after admitting to membership in the KKK and posting on a message board for white supremacist group the White Knights, has sparked controversy among those who disagree with the arbitrator's ruling that the State Patrol failed to demonstrate that Henderson poses a threat to the public or the police, ABC News reported Friday.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning has filed a motion to overturn the decision.

"We don't want this person on the staff (of the Nebraska State Patrol)," he said. "We don't want the agency destroyed by a racist like Bob Henderson.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060901-084627-9924r

[Tom Joad]

1. Belonging to a criminal organization that participates in organized hate

is not a threat to the public?

[davidinalameda]

4. yes but...

they can claim that actions of a few don't reflect the beliefs of the whole or some garbage like that



now if the Klan was named as a terrorist organization like it should be, that would be a different can of worms

[gatlingforme]

75. what other organizations do you think should be labeled terrorists?

I am just wondering ? There seems to be a frenzy with the GOP labeling groups as "terrorists" when in fact they are not. (For the sole purpose of legitamizing (sp) there surveilance of groups which are otherwise protected by first amendment --- freedom to associate.

[eccles12]

79. Well certainly the KKK should be labeled a terrorist group. History of

killing citizens, armed militia, lynchings, bank robberies, arms dealing...they just aren't as big as other terrorists groups named by the US, nor are they foreign.

[stepnw1f]

84. EXACTLY (nt)

[KayLaw]

95. Geezo, man!

I'm right there with you in wondering . . .

[davidinalameda]

104. the Klan has been a terrorist group from day one

as are the other white supremecy groups and some of the other "my race is better than your race" groups out there

[orpupilofnature57]

118. Excuse me ,let me finish your last comment, freedom to associate ,hate...

with hate crimes and organizations Historically Associated with them.

[MADem]

2. It's time for someone to go federal on his ass

You've gotta wonder if he's the only bad apple, too.

Amazing how he's realized his "mistake" after he got caught....

[Charlie Brown]

9. Why? What crime has he committed?

The KKK is a legal organization.

[MADem]

10. Well, if he pulled over and ticketed some black guy or gal

...with less than probable cause, it could be averred that he did so because of his ideological bias.

In which case they'd have an argument for redress.

[Charlie Brown]

11. "if"

As a US citizen, he has the same rights as everybody else. The force cannot assume he is more likely to break the rules anymore than they can assume a liberal or a christian is more likely to harrass or intimidate.

If we start blacklisting people from employment because of what they "might" to, we're opening up an incredibly dangerous can of worms.

[951-Riverside]

17. ....OTOH if he was a member of Al Qaeda, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, etc....

It would be a completely different story right Charlie Brown?

[Charlie Brown]

21. Since Hamas heads a government somewhat recognized by the US

No, it would not be different.

The US is currently "at war" with Al Qaeda, so there are security concerns that would probably prevent members in the US (if they were dumb enought to admit membership) from finding employment.

Islamic Jihad would depend on the group and whether they supported organizations like the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

[951-Riverside]

28. I don't see a difference between the KKK and the other groups I mentioned

They've all committed "acts of terror" and most likely are in the planning stages of committing additional acts, so why is the KKK getting special treatment?

I think its because they are most likely to commit acts of terror and mayhem against non-whites and sadly certain folks "cool" with that so they turn a blind eye.

[w4rma]

46. It doesn't matter whether *you* think these groups are terrorist orgs.

It only matters what the government thinks of those groups.

[951-Riverside]

66. What do *you* mean? n/t

[frylock]

37. how about if he were a member of the crips or bloods, cuz?

[IronLionZion]

61. No, we are at war on "terror"

and there is terror right here at home. The KKK is a terrorist organization. Their history of violence and murder of Americans is well known. The US government has classified them as a terrorist organization since their formation.

[MADem]

18. Excuse the hell out of me, that IF referred to a PAST act, not a future

one. But if you'd read for COMPREHENSION instead of with the motive of forwarding your unusual point of view, you'd have seen that.

I am sorry if I am not sufficiently "liberal" for you, but allowing cops, who protect and serve the public, to be members of the KKK is a bit off my meter.

I'll stand with the "conservative" Negroes, Catholics, Jews and other assorted "unwhite and unpure" types who are targeted by that organization, and who deserve police protection by someone who does not wish them ill.

[Charlie Brown]

23. I read the link, and see nothing about past violence or citations

did I miss something?

There's no need to be rude.

[MADem]

27. Link, shmink,--that has nothing to do with your gripe about my IF

You were whining like a child about my "IF." You dismissively featured it in your subject line and prattled on about speculation as to future acts. My "IF" in my previous post referenced a past act which would enable an aggrieved party to mount a federal complaint against the cop that their civil rights had been abrogated. It was a speculation about a methodology to achieve redress against this cretin.

But you are so busy trying to defend a frigging Klansman that you glossed over that point.

[Charlie Brown]

31. well, peace, friend

I do not think I was "whining like a child" but if I offended you, I apologize.

[Kixel]

126. I understand what you are saying...

It's not illegal to be prejudice in this country. As the KKK is a legal organization, he shouldn't loose his job. He should, however, be monitored for signs that his private life does not interfere with properly preforming his job duties.

It is sick and wrong that someone would choose to be a member of that kind of an organization. It is not, however, grounds for termination if he does his job correctly. Those first amendment freedoms and all...to be able to be sure that we can speak our minds, we must also allow those who we disagree with to speak theirs.

[classysassy]

103. Black gal?

why do you refer to black women as gals,you're as bad as the trooper,wake up america,it's morning in america and most of the bigots are up and doing their damn best to screw us all.

[LostinVA]

105. Oi -- I know

[geek tragedy]

16. Manifestly unfit for service in the police.

This decision is simply INSANE.

[Bandit]

67. Police have to abide by a higher standard than just legal.

You can not belong to an organization that's whole purpose is to disinfranchise blacks and be non partial. Police have to be completely non partial and not just by appearance..If he is allowed to remain a policeman it would destroy the entire credibility of that Police Force...They would no longer be considered non partial...

[LostinVA]

73. Also, on the practical side, I was thinking lawsuits lawsuits lawsuits

The City Attorney is probably having nervous breakdown. Because, if someone accuses this guy of treating them badly at a traffic stop, etc., and that someone is gay, Jewish, black, etc..... oh boy.

[classysassy]

102. Legal org

my ass,the NAZI party was legal.

[bluestateguy]

3. Hmm

He has the legal right to be Klan, but being a police officer is not a constitutional right.

[sendero]

76. Exactly..

... jobs have qualifications. Employers are free to establish those qualifications and conditions in any way they see fit in most states, so long as the rules do not violate any Federal strictures on race, gender, age or other forms of discrimination.

I'm a strong believer in civil liberties. But having a job as a policemen when you have DEMONSTRATED POOR JUDGEMENT IN A WAY THAT DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE FUNCTION OF YOUR JOB is grounds for dismissal.

The city should find a way to appeal this. They need an overt racist on the force like they need a hole in the head.

[LostinVA]

81. Right -- good way to put it

[Freedom_from_Chains]

5. Sorry, but what I do on my time is my business,

not my employers.

[LostinVA]

12. Not if you're certain types of public servants

Like law enforcement, teachers, mayors, etc.

That's not just an opinion, it's often the law -- and is written into an employment contract and/or employee guidelines you have to sign.

When I worked for th municipal government of a large NC city in the 1990's, ANY City employee could be fired for being convicted of certain offense, including DUIs (although an alcohol/drug rehab plan could waive this). Why? Because we were servants of the people, for the people. We knew it when we were hired. We signed documents that said that.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

40. No, it is because those things you site are called crimes.

I am aware of no law, and I research much law, that states that affiliation is a crime and I challenge you to find me such a statute or case precedent which says such.


FFC

[LostinVA]

44. Again, you're mistaken, as other posters have told you

You just don't want to listen. They are local laws that do state this, as well as employee contracts. Cops, teachers, etc. can NOT do what they want on their own time. A teacher can be fired for working as a stripper, a cop for marching in a KKK parade. People in the military can't belong to white supremacists groups -- even legal ones like the Klan.Those things aren't illegal. Feel better now since I gave you legal activities?

If you don't want to adhere to certain employment standards, then don't take certain jobs.

Re: this particular dude: he joined the K;an because his wife left him "for a minority." How do you think he'd treat an interracial couple he pulls over? This isn't "thought crimes," because he has taken action to put his hate and discrimination into action -- in an organization that hates Jews, blacks, Hispanics, gays, etc.... quite a large part of the community whom he's supposed to be serving. He can't handle that? Then get a job as a frigging rent-a-cop.

He has taken AN OATH.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

50. No, I am afraid that you are the one who misses the point.

For starters, your first cite, contract law, is a whole different ballgame in employment than general employment law. And for your further edification, although I am aware most people don't understand this, just because something is in a contract doesn't mean it can be enforced, it just means that people tend to believe what they read.

Your second cite, a teacher stripper, could come under a moral turpitude clause of an employment contract, but even that can and has been litigated. Your third cite, a cop marching in a KKK parade, if he were to do such in uniform or present himself as law enforcement, could be a dischargeable offense, however, as a private citizen,you are going to run into big problems, called litigation, with that argument, which I believe it what has happened in this case. Your next cite, I loosing count now, people in the military are under the jurisdiction of a whole different set of laws, called the UCMJ, but in essence you loose many of your civil rights when one joins the military, so your reference is irrelevant in the current context which comes under civil law.

So before you start trying to teach about law I might suggest you learn something about law.

[wickerwoman]

71. A boss who sleeps with his secretary could be fired

but last time I checked, sleeping with someone was legal. Even if he didn't sign a contract specifically stating that he wouldn't have interoffice affairs, he could still be fired for creating a hostile work environment that hurts the reputation of the company. I'm betting even if he didn't sleep with her but just sent around e-mails speculating on what it would be like, he could still be fired.

There may or may not be legal precedent (I don't pretend to be an expert on it) but I'm betting that's how they could go after this guy- creating a hostile work environment. They'd just need one or two other cops to come forward with some off-color jokes or anything that he said on duty.

[wickerwoman]

107. Better examples:

There are certain jobs where a public perception of your absolute impartiality is an essential component of your ability to do your job.

1.) A teacher literally cannot walk into a classroom where he or she is sleeping with some students and not with others and be expected to perform their job adequately. Not only is there the possibility that they will treat some students differently than others, they is also the strong possibility that other students will find out about it and lose all respect for the teacher. Teachers can and should be fired for having sexual relations with students. I know two of them who have.

2.) A referee who gambles, even if it's not on the match that he is reffing and even if you can't point to any one decision that shows partiality has lost the facade of impartiality that allows him to perform his job in the first place. Referees can and have been fired for gambling (even in states where it is legal.)

By extention, a policeman relies on the trust and respect of the community to perform his or her job. Someone who loses that respect because their partiality is exposed is not capable of performing his or her job without increased risk both to themselves and to their co-workers.

I don't think he should be fired because of his opinions, I think he should be fired because he has acted on his partiality (posting on a message board is acting) in a way that exposes it to the general public.

[greccogirl]

109. But this man

hasn't been convicted of any "offense". I don't see how we can say "you can or cannot" belong to one or the other organization. As disgusting as it is, being a Klan member isn't illegal.

[Richard Steele]

14. Not if you're a cop, it isn't. See post 13 below.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

41. I saw post #13 and the Constitutional right of affiliation when come

under that statement.

[Richard Steele]

51. That's fine- but there is_NO_ Constitutional right to be a Police Officer.

I support his right to be a pig-stupid racist sack of monkeyshit,
to join the KKKlan or whatever other idiotic 'Ignorance Support Group'
he chooses.

He has _NO_ right to be a cop. Such a 'right' does not exist.

There are STANDARDS for any job, both physical and mental.
And in the case of police officers, there are also MORAL
and IDEOLOGICAL standards.

He DOES _NOT_ MEET those standards.

If this guy is opposed to the idea that all Citizens are EQUAL,
then he cannot be fit for the job of 'police officer'.
To imagine otherwise is to be hopelessly naivé, at best.

[LostinVA]

55. Exactly -- professional standards of conduct

Often actual laws, employment contracts, etc. -- guidelines you must follow to keep your job.

No different than a pharmacist refusing a woman medication on so-called religious grounds.

[Richard Steele]

58. No different than if he tried to become a Rabbi, or get a job w/ the NAACP

To argue that he would perform his duties as a cop
in a fair and unprejudiced fashion is simply
preposterous.

He swore an oath that says he WON'T: his KLAN
membership oath.

[LostinVA]

59. Bingo

[MADem]

24. That isn't true with public servants, or even private businesses

The military, police and others can and do regulate how long your hair is, how big your moustache, how much you may weigh, how fast you must be able to run, how many sit ups and push ups you must do in two minutes, and what you may or may not ingest in order to alter your mind.

And if you don't meet their standards, you are out on your ass, if they aren't short handed.

You don't see any NY Yankees with long hair. It's in their contract that they must meet an "appearance standard." The basketball players are likewise prohibited from dressing like idiotic teenagers nowadays. Work at Home Depot? As an Air Traffic Controller? A GS employee? Get drug tested. Don't like it? Refuse? You're fired.

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MADem]

49. I beg your pardon? Have you taken leave of your senses?

I provide you with basic facts, and you sneer and insult in response.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

32. Absolutely.

Why, there's nothing in the constitution that says NAMBLA members can't be boyscout leaders.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

43. Apparently you haven't been paying attention as those kind of

issues are currently being litigated. But on the same par as your post, there is nothing in the Constitution that says one has the right to be a homosexual.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

47. Now you're comparing the KKK to homosexuals?

I can think of plenty of reasons why KKK members shouldn't be police officers. What's the reason homosexuals shouldn't be police officers?

[Freedom_from_Chains]

52. What you don't know, you really haven't been paying attention

All of the truly moral people in America, i.e. Republicans, clearly understand as a matter of fact that homosexuals are deviate people who are a threat to your children. Apparently, some here see other groups as being deviate and a threat to children so they therefore should not have the same rights as the rest of us.

And I thought it was only rightwingnuts who couldn't give their rights away fast enough. Looks like I was wrong, there are plenty here on the Democrat side also.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

54. Ah, but they're full of shit.

KKK, on the other hand, really are a threat to children.



Oh, those poor KKK members being discriminated against. Boo hoo hoo.

:nopity:

[Freedom_from_Chains]

56. LOL As are you my friend. n/t

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

57. Oh really?

So the homosexuals really are dangerous and the KKK really aren't?

Hmm.

[stepnw1f]

86. Just Admit You are Wrong

You'll be a better person for it....

[Freedom_from_Chains]

92. And if I was I would

But it seems that even some here at DU like to persecute those who are different than them. Sad really. These will be the same people who buy the hype about Warren Jeffs and will want to see him hang and the same people who could not grasp what Ward Churchill was saying about America.

[KayLaw]

96. OMG!

What the hell is that picture?

[Toots]

72. So being a cop is a Right?

The US Military says you can not be in the Military and be a homosexual. So they have already gone over your ground. If you believe it is okay for the Army to discriminate on a matter that is not illegal why the reluctance to to agree the police have the same ability. On this particular instance though I believe the Army is wrong and the police are correct. Being a homosexual does not tend to disenfranchise anyone while that is the entire stated purpose of the KKK. The police must be above that...If they are not the entire society could break down, which I am sure woud suit the GOP just fine..They have always been a very lawless bunch..

[LostinVA]

74. The Army also states you can't be in the Klan or any other

white supremacist or hate group. So... major precedent there, already.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

94. Same in my post #93 applies to you also. n/t

[Freedom_from_Chains]

93. Please don't respond to my posts unless you at least understand

the basics of the argument.

[Toots]

112. I understand completely

You are wrong.. It is very easy to understand or don't you understand? There is a huge difference between being a cop and a janitor. Your argument might hold water if it were a janitor we were discussing but we are not and your argument is totally without merit.

[951-Riverside]

38. Freedom_from_Chains I assume that is a slave reference

Anyway I'm sure you wouldnt mind a cop who is an alcoholic, does hard drugs or happens to be a rapist, serial killer, member of an muslim extremist group, drug smuggler, mob henchman or a child molester ...off the job. ;)

[Freedom_from_Chains]

39. And if he is convicted of those things then no that would not be

O.K. However, affiliation is not a crime, in fact it is protected under the Constitution. Keep in mind that we are living in an era where being a Democrat could some day become a reason to loose your job. I am just appalled at how many of the responses to my post think it is okey dokey to discriminate against people they don't like, but it is not ok to discriminate against people they do like.

Talk about double standard.

[LostinVA]

45. Again, different standards, laws, and statutes for cops

and teachers. That's the way it is.

No one is being discriminated against... they choose to take on the job knowing what the job is. It's NO DIFFERENT than a pharmacist refusing to give out BC pills because of their so-called religious values. The pharmacist should be made to do so. See? It's called professional standards of conduct.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

53. Ok, you don't get it. Go crack a law book sometime. n/t

[eccles12]

82. So if a person belongs to Al-qaeda in their off time....? nt

[ecstatic]

98. So does that also apply to Bush and Cheney's side interests as well

Their ties to big oil, energy companies, and the like?

I can't believe you would sit there and say that a member of a hate group should be allowed to walk the streets in a position of power WITH A LOADED GUN!:wtf: You CAN'T be serious!

[Charlie Brown]

100. ah, but what is a "hate group"

If red communities believe that liberals support terrorism, or that support for abortion-rights is "murder," they will not hesitate to exclude liberals and Democrats from employment, on the same "hate" grounds that you are supporting here.

And any fundie can become a cop, "WITH A LOADED GUN!" so I don't feel any less safe than normal.

[Lars39]

101. As of right now, the Southern Poverty Law Center identifies

hate groups and keeps quite a few police forces up-to-date on those hate groups.
www.splcenter.com

[kestrel91316]

111. Funny, that's not how it works in MY world. I can't associate with anyone

who smokes pot and i can't smoke or possess it myself, even though the laws against it are generally not enforced or enforceable in So Cal. But I have to avoid all risk of suspicion about it due to my work in a medical profession.

It should be nobody's business if I were to smoke a j once in a while in private, after work, at home, but the government MAKES it their business.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. A Klan policeman. Their idea of criminal justice is similar to

George Bush's foreign policy. If they're dark, they're capable of joining Al Qaeda so shoot them pre-emptively.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

7. Who the fuck is that arbitrator?

I say ignore him. Public safety comes first.

[MADem]

29. Probably the local grand goddamn wizard!!!! NT

[Solo_in_MD]

63. NYC Attorney IIRC

[MADem]

64. Well, I was being ironic...not serious. NT

[Charlie Brown]

8. Good

Any group could be called a violent, dangerous, or "terrorist" organization by certain people. The Constitution guarantees freedom of associatin and equal protection under the law, as does the Nebraska Constitution and that includes Klansmen.

The force was obligated to treat him the same way they would have treated anyone else, as long as he obeyed the law and kept his beliefs out of his work.

He'll probably make an ass of himself in some way on the force, and then be justifiably fired.

[geek tragedy]

19. So, you have no problem with the state handing a Klansman

a gun and the ability to arrest any black person he sees?

[MADem]

20. Yeah, let him do off-duty security detail at the Gay Pride parade, too!

That would be a real winner...not.

[Charlie Brown]

25. no more than any fundie being a cop

and, believe me, there are plenthy of them in uniform as well.

[951-Riverside]

33. Well Thank Goodness the KKK is completely free of those darn fundies

:sarcasm:

[Charlie Brown]

34. My point is that any fundie can become a cop

and I don't see a KKK-member as any different than most fundies, especially in their view of gays and lesbians.

[951-Riverside]

36. Why do you you continue to separate fundie-ism from the KKK

We're not talking about oil and water here.

[w4rma]

48. He is combining them, not separating them. (nt)

[LostinVA]

87. I know -- pretty scary, huh?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

22. The problem is...

a KKK as a law enforcement officer is a direct contradiction of "equal protection under the law."

"He'll probably make an ass of himself in some way on the force, and then be justifiably fired."

Umm, that already happened.

[951-Riverside]

35. I read somewhere this loser's Wife left him for a man of another race

I don't know if its just a rumour but I recall reading that somewhere.

[struggle4progress]

90. Trooper Fired For KKK Connection Fired From Another Job

POSTED: 10:08 am CDT September 1, 2006
UPDATED: 10:18 am CDT September 1, 2006

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A former Nebraska State Patrol trooper who was fired for his membership in a white supremacist group has been fired from another job.

Robert Henderson was fired this week from the Nebraska Safety Council, where he had taught traffic diversion classes since 1997, according to Laurie Klosterboer, the safety council's executive director. Klosterboer would not comment on why Henderson was fired ...

http://www.ketv.com/news/9775862/detail.html

Anybody who joins the KKK's "Knight's Party" -- with all the associated We're a love group not a hate group jabber -- will indeed "probably make an ass of himself in some .. and then be justifiably fired."

[Richard Steele]

13. Klan Membership is an automatic "unfit to perform his duties" IMHO.

Klan membership clearly CANNOT be reconciled with THIS:

Nebraska State Patrol Value Statement:

"The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to professional public service
reflecting recognition of the inherent value of each individual in our society.

Our officers strive to earn and maintain trust, respect, and confidence
by exemplifying the belief that the freedoms, rights, and dignity
of all citizens must be protected and preserved.

To this end we pledge ourselves to the highest standards of morality,
fairness, honesty, dedication, professionalism, and courage."

http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/findfile.asp?id2=27

[Solo_in_MD]

62. How about other groups that preach racial hatred

such as the Black Muslims? Do they get a pass because they are a religion?

[FredScuttle]

65. "preach racial hatred"?

Let me guess...your only reference for this is Farrakhan? By your logic, I can say that all Christians want fags to burn in hell, just like the good Reverend Phelps says.

[Solo_in_MD]

68. I said Black Muslims, not all Muslims

and Farrakhan does indeed lead and speak for the Black Muslims. His message of hate is a much more smooth than that of Christian Identity, but if you do the substitions, its no less hateful.

I am also aware the Black Muslims != black muslims and what Farrakhan teaches != Islam.

Farrahkan is no less a racist than Tom Metzger and others, so should should Black Muslims (or other racist organizations) get a free pass when it comes to hate?

[FredScuttle]

70. So, the KKK and Black Muslims are birds of a feather?

Good luck with that.

[951-Riverside]

69. Black muslims preach hatred?

Thats a new one, dixiecrat. :eyes:

[The Deacon]

15. OMG

At least half the people in this thread support the policeman's right to make a jackass out of himself (Jefferson never said freedom to associate should be restricted to those who would make the "right" choice.)
There is hope for Democracy returning to America! (Somebody once said: "Your committment to civil rights is not tested by defending those you agree with, but by defending those who would, perversely, deny those selfsame rights to you.")

[Jed Dilligan]

26. They should have found this in a background check,

and never hired him to begin with. What's up with that? Or did he join the Klan after becoming a cop?

[StrictlyRockers]

30. Disgraceful. There will be some strong backlash from this!

[IronLionZion]

60. The KKK is a terrorist organization

who has a history of intimidation, violence, and murder against Americans. There are motherfucking terrorists right here in this country. What good is a war on terror if we only fight them "over there" and do nothing to the ones right here at home.

How would they feel if a law enforcement officer turned out to be a member in good standing of Al Qaeda? I expect he wouldn't last long on the street let alone on the state police force.

[Master of Disaster]

77. As bad as it is, the precedent has been set in the US Senate.

[Sparkly]

80. There's a KKK member who posts on a White Knights message board

serving in the US Senate??

[Name removed]

116. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LostinVA]

119. And, when was in the Klan? For how long? Hmmmm?

Has he been a member of the Klan since he's been sitting in the SEnate? No, and you know that. Having fun playing?

[Biernuts]

88. Hasn't Senator Byrd renounced the KKK principals, even if

he hasn't produced an official discharge certificate? Does the KKK even have former discharges or does once a "Grand Kleagle, always a Grand Kleagle" rule the day? If so, I'd doubt that it is enforcable. Still, he occasionally regresses, like using the term "white nigger" a few years ago. But let's give him a pass. I say that if the Democrats retake the Senate, we make him President Pro Tempore, 3rd in line of succession for the Presidency.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Byrd>

[Master of Disaster]

115. Like you say, "he occasionally regresses". That is the problem.

[Blue_Tires]

78. this ruling makes me wonder if

that arbitrator is sympathetic to the KKK's 'cause'....there is no way this decision does not get overturned...

and those in this thread that think klan affiliations are on the same harmless plane as an arts and crafts circle, i don't know what else to say....

[LostinVA]

83. All you have to do is look at the Greensboro Massacre

to see what they're capable of. Going into a housing development in a good-sized city and slaughtering people who disagreed with the, who stood up to them. And not serving one frigging day in prison for the murders.

Let alone their vile, violent racist, anti-Catholic, anti-semitic, homophobic speech AND cations.

And people think a sworn peace officer, armed and with an incredible amount of power should be allowed to be a member???

"Freedom of association" does NOT apply to certain situations...

on edit: for those who don't know: the Greensboro Massacre happened in 1979... not 1907. And, the Greensboro cops allowed it to happen. I lived in Greensboro for some of the trials, including the Federal one. The local Klan was PISSED that local union activists, Communists, and blacks actually stood up to them and humiliated their bully selves on local television.

Links:

http://www.gjf.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensboro_massacre

[LostinVA]

85. Let me reply to my own post: the wikipedia article is wrong

The CWP did NOT attack the Klan and Nazis first. I have seen the entire video footage that a cameraman filmed of the WHOLE massacre. The klan shot down the protesters/marchers like animals... right in the middle of a predominately black AA neighborhood. There is no ambiguity at all. This was also ruled such in all the trials.

[libnnc]

120. here's the raw footage of that too

I was 9 years old and I remember seeing it on the evening news. Scared the hell out of me. It still does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhd_3CLRQHs&mode=related&search=

[LostinVA]

121. It's scarier than hell -- especially of you've ever been through that

neighborhood -- very urban.

It's even scarier knowing that it appears that the cops acted very suspiciously that day. Hell, let the good old boys rough up the Commies and blacks... who cares. I worked at the City of Greensboro, and knew some of those same cops involved... it doesn't surprise me, believe me.

The wiki article says the Klan weren't from the area -- of yes they were -- most from Liberty, which is right outside of GReensboro.

The History Channel did a decent episode about this Massacre.

[libnnc]

122. here's another clip from a french documentary

with more footage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhUwizH-so4&NR

We should never forget.

[LostinVA]

123. Thanks for showing me this -- did you see the disgusting comments?

[libnnc]

124. Yep. There are some evil fucks out there.

Pure evil.

[shadowknows69]

89. "Some of those who work forces"

"Are the same who burn crosses"
-"Killing in the name of", Rage against the machine

[951-Riverside]

91. Music Video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vo3e4EnSigs

:bounce: :headbang: :yourock: :banghead:

[shadowknows69]

106. Awesome, never seen that before thanks

n/t

[mac56]

97. What the hell is wrong here?!

I can't believe some of the posters on this thread.

I can't believe anyone on DU is capable of defending a public servant's membership in the Klan.

It's like Bizarro World.

[LostinVA]

99. Tell me about it

[agincourt]

125. Must be the freepers on rimjobs payroll,

who make a living turning this board to nonsense. They know how to stay under the mods radar and come up with anal-retentive stupid stuff that dilutes the quality of this board. Stuff like like Clinton killed 20 million Iraqi children, Hilary is as big of a fascist as Bush, blah, blah, etc etc.

[greccogirl]

108. As much as I hate the Klan,

this was the correct action. Where do we draw the line on what groups are allowed and not allowed?

[951-Riverside]

110. Re: "Where do we draw the line...."

When members of the black panthers or nation of islam are patrolling mostly white suburban areas? ;)

[Lars39]

113. The KKK is a known hate group.

That officer cannot be trusted to act professionally towards any black or mixed race person.
www.splcenter.com

[ShortnFiery]

114. Being part of a racist organization does NOT "serve and protect"

the public. His job does not allow for blatant racism even in his "off time." :thumbsdown:

[orpupilofnature57]

117. And it's a clear and present danger to anyone working with him , Let's

Tar and Feather him.