The First Amendment is Overrated Anyway

KMC has a disturbing story:

Magnetic Yellow Ribbons that say "Support The Troops" have been surreptitiously banned by the administration at the University of Oregon.

The origin of the policy was a complaint from a fellow employee and the claim was that the sticker was in fact a "political statement".

The employee who had the magnetic ribbons had put them on his vehicle months previous - but Friday a university employee complained.

1. University employees at the University of Oregon are not allowed to support the troops who defend those employees freedoms and the security they live under.
2. Supporting the troops is deemed a political statement...so much for the "We all support the troops" talking points.
3. Even if this WAS political expression - university employees are not allowed to express themselves politically?

Since when did the Bill of Rights have to undergo perusal and permission of the Administration of the University of Oregon?

The flash movie Kevin McCullough keeps mentioning:

Apparently 'diversity' means stifling all dissenting opinion.

From the U of Oregon "diversity" page:

Diversity is not casual liberal tolerence. It is not polite accomodation. It is action.

Hmmm, is this really diversity?

Email University President Dave Frohnmayer or call his office at 541.346.3036 and let him know how you feel about this policy.

University of Oregon Policy Statement on Prohibited Political Activities:

In compliance with ORS 260.432, the following notice required by statute is published:

"The restrictions imposed by the law of the State of Oregon on your political activities are that 'No public employee shall solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote any political committee or promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours. However, this section does not restrict the right of a public employee to express personal political views."

"It is therefore the policy of the state and of your public employer that you may engage in political activity except to the extent prohibited by state law when on the job during working hours."

It is clear to me that according to this statement, his "political" expression (IF it was political) was allowable similar to an employee wearing a John Kerry for President button on their clothing.

UPDATE: U of Oregon responds

UPDATE: More from KEZI. I don't care what their stated policy is, it's wrong and should be changed.

I bet there are police cars in the State of Oregon that have DARE stickers on them. I DEMAND they be removed because they are a political statement.