Florida Legislator wants to Pass a Law to Make Bloggers Register

Some chucklehead needs to read the Constitution. A Florida State Senator, Jason Brodeur, wants bloggers who write about Florida officials, and he includes himself and the legislature under this umbrella, to register with the state or potentially face fines. This is patently unconstitutional.

The First Amendment prohibits any law that would abridge the freedom of speech, or of the press. This law is so offensive to the freedoms granted, I can’t believe the idea made it far enough for the bill to be filed. The registration requirements, and potential penalties, create what’s called a “chilling effect” that would run afoul of our right to free expression.

This country was founded on the principle of being permitted to critique the government. I do have a personal interest as a blogger, albeit occasionally, who sometimes writes about the government. But this bill is offensive to the First Amendment regardless of which side you are on. If we had a “woke” government that he disagreed with, would we not be allowed to criticize it? Of course we would, and it’s preposterous to try to restrict comment on the government.

The Florida Constitution also provides that no law shall be passed that restrains or abridges the liberty of speech or of the press. So this law would violate the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution. It’s a double-unconstitutional law — Jason Brodeur would restrict our rights under both Constitutions. I hope the citizens of Lake Mary found out what he is trying to do and find someone to primary him.

This is supposed to be the Free State of Florida. If this pinhead Jason Brodeur doesn’t respect the Constitutional rights of Floridians, he does not deserve to to represent us in the legislature. It will obviously get laughed out of court when it gets challenged, but it should never get passed into law. Brodeur should talk to a lawyer, a law student, even, and withdraw this clearly unconstitutional bill. It’s appalling that a lawmaker would try to impede our Constitutional rights.

No Charges Likely in Zimmerman Domestic Dispute

Police were called to a home in Lake Mary yesterday by George Zimmerman’s wife Shellie, in regards to a domestic dispute of some sort. Mrs. Zimmerman, who recently filed for divorce, made numerous allegations including violence by Mr. Zimmerman toward her father, and allegations that he was threatening both of them with a gun. She can be heard on the 911 call saying that he was putting his hand on the gun. Authorities responded, as did the lawyers, and after conducting an investigation, that included a temporary detention of Mr. Zimmerman, police declined to file any charges.

More details have emerged today. According to police, they did not recover a firearm. Apparently, Mrs. Zimmerman then backed off of that statement and changed her story about what happened. Mr. Zimmerman claimed that she and her father started the fight. Due to the conflict in evidence, law enforcement was unable to determine that a crime occurred. I am reluctantly including the USA Today link today for the updates, because the 911 recording posted there is defamatory to Mr. Zimmerman. Keep in mind that Mrs. Zimmerman is a convicted perjurer.

I encouraged people yesterday not to jump to conclusions. Social media blew up with cracks about Mr. Zimmerman, and firearms, when it turns out that there was no gun involved. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed at the incident, and nobody was hurt. I expect the case report will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review, but would not expect charges to be picked up against Mr. Zimmerman. Frankly, in light of the statements made by Mrs. Zimmerman, she could be facing charges for giving false information to the police, which would also violate her probation. Mr. Zimmerman does not wish charges to be filed, and it’s unlikely the State will want to pick it up.

George Zimmerman Has Been Taken into Custody in Gun Related Incident

George Zimmerman in Court during his murder case

There’s not much detail available yet, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions, or start spouting “I told you so’s”. Zimmerman has not been charged with anything, at this stage, it is an investigative detention. Crimcourts will be following this as it develops…

UPDATE: No charges as of 5 p.m. ABC has the recording for the 911 call already.

UPDATE 2: Nancy Grace reports on Twitter that Shellie Zimmerman is not pressing charges. Perhaps her father will. The state has the ultimate filing decision, but they usually respect the wishes of a victim. Mark O’Mara confirms…