Thread: ACLU sues Pittsburgh, police in obscene gesture

Seems to me the ACLU looks aggressively for cases. I was brought up to respect the police but 'respect' is a word I don't hear much nowadays.
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http://www.centredaily.com/129/story/10088.html

Posted on Thu, Feb. 08, 2007reprint or license print email ACLU sues Pittsburgh, police in obscene gesture
A man who made an obscene gesture to a police officer had his civil rights violated when he was cited for disorderly conduct, the American Civil Liberties Union claims in a lawsuit filed against the city and the officer.

David Hackbart, of Pittsburgh, made an obscene gesture to a driver who blocked him from backing into a parking spot on April 10, 2006. After hearing someone yelling at him, he made the gesture again, only to realize he directed it at a police officer.

Sgt. Brian Elledge cited Hackbart for using an obscene gesture, according to the ACLU, which filed suit Thursday in federal court. The charge was ultimately dismissed, but Hackbart and the ACLU said police can't cite people for engaging in protected speech.

"The law is clear that using one's middle finger to express discontent or frustration is expressive conduct that is protected by the First Amendment," said Sara Rose, an ACLU attorney. "The city has an obligation to train its officers to respect citizens' free-speech rights."

Hackbart said he wanted to ensure police would not violate the rights of others.

Pittsburgh police and city officials said they had no comment. The suit seeks unspecified damages.

Classic case of things getting out of hand. Although giving someone a single finger salute isn't nice, I think that the cop was a little too sensitive. Who knows, though, there could be more to the story. But then it only gets worse with a lawsuit from the "doesn't have A-CLU". Since the lawsuit is so ridiculous, I hope the cops win this one.