As an an organization run by a handful of volunteers, its always very welcome whenever someone lends a hand or pitches in to help with some of our advocacy efforts, present our message at an event, or contribute a story or content for our website.
This weekend, we received a member submission and posted it in it’s entirety. The original version went out to our members who signed up for email notification of new articles, but a redacted version of the post remains on our site. While the overall message was something many of us can all relate to (the frustration of an individual incarcerated after being lured into an online sting, who now feels he has no voice) and his story compelling, there were some parts of it that, in retrospect, we should have edited out before posting.
The post evoked some strong feedback from individuals who didn’t share the same political point of view. It also went into an out of context discussion about immigration policy and gave very specific details about his personal legal case. For the benefit of those who saw or received the un-edited version of the post, a follow-up “member submission” was posted, reminding us to not engage in the political partisanship that has divided this country and to remain on track with our unified goal of reforming (or abolishing) the registry.
That follow-up post then evoked some strong feedback from individuals who objected to the editing and suggested we are, ourselves, infringing on the First Amendment. For the benefit of those who are confused about our policy, allow us to explain.
Our forum (this website) is a vehicle through which we inform our members and the public of issues relevant to people required to register. We treat posts and comments on this forum, much the same way as we moderate discussion on our monthly member calls; participants are required to stay on topic, treat each other with respect, dignity, honesty and fairness and not advocate messages that conflict with the mission or goals of FAC.
Our forum is moderated. If you post a comment and notice that it doesn’t appear for a while, that is because individuals within our organization approve them before they publicly appear. That is not intended to censor. It’s because we get a lot of forum spam (ie: links to buy louis vuitton pocket books or other commercial solicitations), we get posts from vigilantes or a comment might violate our member code of conduct or be otherwise inappropriate.
Occasionally, we will not post a comment that superficially may not seem abusive, but it diverts the topic away from the subject of the original post, it contains a strong personal opinion on a sensitive topic (generally religion or politics) that will incite or offend those who do not share the same point of view, or it states information that is blatantly wrong (ie: a misinterpretation of law) which if someone were to rely on they could expose themselves to violation.
The First Amendment to the Constitution, contrary to popular belief, does not allow for unbridled “free speech”. There are many types of speech that are not protected. For example; speech that is likely to incite (Brandenburg v. Ohio), obscenity (Miller v. California), or false statements (Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.). Entities can also control the content of their own publication if it does not align with their pedagogical concerns (Hazelwood School District et al. v. Kuhlmeier).
We moderate member submissions and comments so that our site will remain relevant, accurate and a welcome place for our population to congregate. If a post concerns a specific topic, we try to keep the comments on topic so users will find it a useful resource. We don’t post any individual’s specific case information to protect the anonymity of our members (you never know who reads this) and to avoid anyone offering specific advise or opinions (we are not a law firm and every case is different). And, naturally, we don’t want to offend or alienate anyone from our community.
I could certainly understand the man’s frustration and his point about others who are not part of this country having more rights and support for their rights than someone like him who should.
I can certainly also understand the other side, no need to attack anybody to make your point. I did, however, find that to be a very good point. If we are going to fight that hard to protect the rights of illegal immigrants, we should certainly be fighting as hard or harder to protect the rights of the citizens of this country.
What the government is doing to individuals like this is wrong, an injustice, malicious, corruption, and everything else that goes along with that. It is really sad to see that these individuals who have been victimized by our government don’t receive the same support as those who come here seeking the benefits of this country. I come from an immigrant family. I know very well why people come here.
Convictions relinquish rights. Ask Florida Felons why they do not vote. How about gun ownership? Not.
Immigrants who commit crime here get worse. They are deported. As of today, ICE is now deporting Italians who fit that bill as well.
IF an immigrant is simply illegal, well we all were. Ask the indigenous people. They certainly will never bear the stigma that “rapist” & “Child molester” bear. Nor should they. To say otherwise is an entitled attitude that lacks accountability to your offence(s), in my opinion.
We may get a fair shake in a courtroom here or there. We may even get a SCOTUS decision, but in this information age, we will never get the public opinion or the anonymity we had prior to the registries. Even if the government registries are struck down, there is nothing stopping private entities from continuing to compile and post public information on convictions
Get used to it.
Well thought out and worded. Let us please unite over what we all share in common. A desire to dispel myths and championing for common sense laws. All else is secondary. Every word, every ounce of energy spent on other issues is lost. It could so better spent writing to lawmakers and or media on the issues we face.
FAC’s slogan ” With Unity Comes Change” was thought about before being adopted. Unity being the key word. Without it change is even harder. So let us put aside all other issues and get to work on what really matters. I encourage all you readers to volunteer to assist FAC, to go speak out as concerned citizens in the many venues available now in this upcoming voting cycle. United we CAN make a difference!
I agree with FAC. For now we need to stick to the subject of restoring justice once a debt is paid. Once that justice is restored we can flap our jaws all we want. For now RSO’s need to stay focused. Once justice and voting rights are returned it will be time to plunge into the politics of this nation. Heaven knows they need a lot of work.
Agreement here Capt.
I agree Shipper. Our efforts should be focused on our civil liberties which have unlawfully taken from us.
Sady, we have come to a point where we can’t intelligently determine what is or not our very own rights. I speak highly of FAC, who else step in to advocate for the offender’s rights. Job well done FAC! Thank you.
Thank you, FAC. And we need to stop viewing this as a first amendment issue. It has nothing to do with the first amendment.
We have a tendency on this forum to invoke “constitutional rights” that we would not otherwise have the guts to invoke in, say, a court filing. Here, the first amendment protects you because the government will NOT do anything to suppress your statements on this forum. But that does not mean that FAC OWES any of us a platform on this forum. FAC is in no position to harm our first amendment rights. Rest assured that it cannot and will not do so.
Well done FAC