Open Letter to Elk Grove City Council on Free Speech

This letter was provided to EGN by Jason Daniels of Capital Elector in response to a request for the Elk Grove City Council to consider a citizens code of ethics.




As you know, I've been out of Elk Grove politics for a while, but I thought that I would send you all a friendly e-mail concerning the recent article in the Elk Grove Citizen about the proposed code of ethic on citizens who speak at council meetings.

A word of wisdom;

It would be a violation of free speech to institute any type of code that would monitor words and thoughts. This is “thought policing” and restriction of free speak is starkly illegal. The activist who brought this up (according to the EG Citizen) is well versed in thought policing and such and you all know it. It does not surprise me one bit at all that she would attempt to move you all to banning political speech that she does not agree in.

This kind of Gestapo-like tactic is wrong and foolish and is in the same vain of political activity which has in the past brought a reputation of buffoonery to our body politic.

I personally worked hard to champion free speech in Elk Grove when I though it was in jeopardy at a time some years ago.

Now, it looks like free speech is being threatened yet again. So that is why I am writing.

People cursing at you is wrong of course, but to consider revoking free speech rights over one person because of one loud mouth activist’s suggestion? Your kidding me, right? I have personally witnessed that very same activist and her friends say much worse and spew vile accusations and slander at the council from the podium.

Its funny how now free speech in EG now only applies to the loudest mouth In the room?

I'm sure it would be a decision that you would all rude due to the constitutional fire storm that would ensue.

This council has become extremely powerful in the last 2 years, but that should have never been the point.

I also admonish the city attorney and city manager to advise the council with aplomb and urgency on this matter. The last time this council went unchecked, these position were held accountable directly.

Its governing for the people, not in spite of them.

Take care, I wish you all well and stand strong as you cut spending and focus on the economy of Elk Grove.


Jason Daniel
Editor & Founder
www.capitalelector.com