Peace Activist Arrested after Ferndale Protest
That's the story as it appeared in the press, yesterday.
Here's Victor's statement:
The sign said: Honk if you want Bush Out
Monday June 12th: Told by police that we could not ask people to honk.
Police said that it was against the law to honk, except in emergencies.
Police also said that there were safety concerns about honking on the
corner. When we offered to move to the middle of the block, we were
told we still could not ask people to honk. If we continued, either we
would be ticketed or the drivers who honked would be ticketed.
Monday June 19th: I made a new sign that said:
“Ferndale Police threaten to ticket anyone who honks to show support.”
When Ferndale police drove past we were given the “thumbs up”. Detroit
police drove past 3 times; each time, they leaned on their horns.
Monday June 26th: Changed my original sign to read: “Ferndale Cops say:
Don’t Honk if you want Bush Out”. Ferndale police drove past and gave
thumbs up. Pictures were taken of the sign by Kim Bergier:
(deleted phone number - GWKT)
Monday July 3rd: After the vigil had ended (around 6 pm), while walking
back to the car, Ferndale police pulled to the side of Woodward and
motioned me to approach. I was asked if I had been warned about my
sign. I said I had and had changed it to comply with the warning. The
officer got out of the car, retrieved his hat, approached me and
grabbed my sign. I did not release the sign as I was also carrying a
pamphlet and a bumper sticker. Also, I did not believe the officer had
read the revisions and wanted him to reconsider the violation.
The officer said he was going to take
my sign and I said, I don’t think so. One of my companions, Kim
Radigan, asked what was wrong with the sign and was told to shut up.
The officer then threatened to taser me if I didn’t release the sign. I
released the sign and was then told I was under arrest. My arms were
pinned behind me and I was handcuffed. I was again told that if I
resisted I would be tasered. At no point did I resist. I was ordered
into the squad car. I got in. A second police car arrived. My wife
asked what the charge was and was told disorderly conduct. She asked
for and was given directions to the police station. As the car drove
off, the officer began to interrogate me. I said nothing. I was told
that if I refused booking it would be another offense. At the station I
was ordered out of the car, as I entered the building the arresting
officer (Badge 631 – I think) was joined by the backup officer. The
backup officer said, “The 60’s are over. Give it up.”
Inside the station, my possessions were taken. I was put in a
plexi-glass holding cell and the handcuffs were removed. I was told to
remove the string that held up my shorts or it would be cut off. I
managed to remove the string. I was asked if I could remove my wedding
ring. I said I didn’t know. The officer asked if I thought it would
come off with soap. I said I doubted that it would come off. He asked
if it had been on for a long time. I told him, “25 years”. He offered
me a paper towel covered with soap, and I did manage to remove the
ring. I heard him comment to another officer that I hadn’t had my
wedding ring off in 25 years. While I was being fingerprinted he
confided that he wished I had just given him the sign. He said it
wasn’t his idea to come after me; that he had been told from higher up
to take the sign. I asked who had given him his orders and he said he
thought it better not to say. I asked, if he had been ordered to shoot
me, if he would have done that, too. He said, “No. I have some common
sense.”
Bond was set at $500. My wife paid the bond and I was released. My
possessions, except for the sign, were returned. I asked the officer
behind the desk to see a copy of the ordinance that was the basis for
taking my sign, but he refused.
Witnesses to the event on Woodward include:
(i've omitted these names - GWKT)
My name is Victor Kittila. I swear the above information is true
to my recollection of the events. Today is July 7, 2006.
Bond receipt number: 15855
The incident number written on the bond receipt is: I-R06-2412
The charge: Disorderly Conduct
The arrest number: A-57129317
The bond receipt is signed by A. Shauk #116
A further note: This peace vigil has been ongoing since the invasion of
Afghanistan. It is in its fourth year. I have been participating for
about a year and a half. Our signs have requested drivers to honk to
show support from the very beginning. One of the reasons for locating
near the police station was the assumption that we could rely on their
support to protect our rights to free speech.
***********************
Selected sections: Ferndale Noise Ordinance
Sec. 2-99. Prohibited acts; specifically.
No person shall commit or cause to be committed any of the following
acts of noise disturbance which are deemed a violation of this article:
(1) The sounding of any horn, car alarm or signaling device in any
vehicle while not in motion except as a danger signal, or where the car
alarm is properly used or to give warning of intent to enter a lane of
traffic.
…
(4) No person shall create a noise disturbance in or with a motor
vehicle, motorcycle, or other motorized equipment so as to disturb or
destroy or endanger the peace, comfort or repose of a person within or
beyond the immediate vicinity of the source of the noise disturbance…
************************
as far as i can see, the police conspired to commit armed robbery and used armed intimidation in carrying out their plan... would this hold up as a counter suit?
Full Version: Police Silence Peace Vigil
Admirable police restraint from what I have heard about in other times and places.
QUOTE(dan stabel @ Jul 8 2006, 02:17 PM) 
Admirable police restraint from what I have heard about in other times and places.
That is a sad reflection on the state of America today. When one does not get the expected beating for expressing his/her views, the police are to commended.
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 8 2006, 11:36 AM)
Peace Activist Arrested after Ferndale Protest
That's the story as it appeared in the press, yesterday.
Here's Victor's statement:
The sign said: Honk if you want Bush Out
Monday June 12th: Told by police that we could not ask people to honk.
Police said that it was against the law to honk, except in emergencies.
Police also said that there were safety concerns about honking on the
corner. When we offered to move to the middle of the block, we were
told we still could not ask people to honk. If we continued, either we
would be ticketed or the drivers who honked would be ticketed.
Monday June 19th: I made a new sign that said:
“Ferndale Police threaten to ticket anyone who honks to show support.”
When Ferndale police drove past we were given the “thumbs up”. Detroit
police drove past 3 times; each time, they leaned on their horns.
Monday June 26th: Changed my original sign to read: “Ferndale Cops say:
Don’t Honk if you want Bush Out”. Ferndale police drove past and gave
thumbs up. Pictures were taken of the sign by Kim Bergier:
(deleted phone number - GWKT)
Monday July 3rd: After the vigil had ended (around 6 pm), while walking
back to the car, Ferndale police pulled to the side of Woodward and
motioned me to approach. I was asked if I had been warned about my
sign. I said I had and had changed it to comply with the warning. The
officer got out of the car, retrieved his hat, approached me and
grabbed my sign. I did not release the sign as I was also carrying a
pamphlet and a bumper sticker. Also, I did not believe the officer had
read the revisions and wanted him to reconsider the violation.
The officer said he was going to take
my sign and I said, I don’t think so. One of my companions, Kim
Radigan, asked what was wrong with the sign and was told to shut up.
The officer then threatened to taser me if I didn’t release the sign. I
released the sign and was then told I was under arrest. My arms were
pinned behind me and I was handcuffed. I was again told that if I
resisted I would be tasered. At no point did I resist. I was ordered
into the squad car. I got in. A second police car arrived. My wife
asked what the charge was and was told disorderly conduct. She asked
for and was given directions to the police station. As the car drove
off, the officer began to interrogate me. I said nothing. I was told
that if I refused booking it would be another offense. At the station I
was ordered out of the car, as I entered the building the arresting
officer (Badge 631 – I think) was joined by the backup officer. The
backup officer said, “The 60’s are over. Give it up.”
Inside the station, my possessions were taken. I was put in a
plexi-glass holding cell and the handcuffs were removed. I was told to
remove the string that held up my shorts or it would be cut off. I
managed to remove the string. I was asked if I could remove my wedding
ring. I said I didn’t know. The officer asked if I thought it would
come off with soap. I said I doubted that it would come off. He asked
if it had been on for a long time. I told him, “25 years”. He offered
me a paper towel covered with soap, and I did manage to remove the
ring. I heard him comment to another officer that I hadn’t had my
wedding ring off in 25 years. While I was being fingerprinted he
confided that he wished I had just given him the sign. He said it
wasn’t his idea to come after me; that he had been told from higher up
to take the sign. I asked who had given him his orders and he said he
thought it better not to say. I asked, if he had been ordered to shoot
me, if he would have done that, too. He said, “No. I have some common
sense.”
Bond was set at $500. My wife paid the bond and I was released. My
possessions, except for the sign, were returned. I asked the officer
behind the desk to see a copy of the ordinance that was the basis for
taking my sign, but he refused.
Witnesses to the event on Woodward include:
(i've omitted these names - GWKT)
My name is Victor Kittila. I swear the above information is true
to my recollection of the events. Today is July 7, 2006.
Bond receipt number: 15855
The incident number written on the bond receipt is: I-R06-2412
The charge: Disorderly Conduct
The arrest number: A-57129317
The bond receipt is signed by A. Shauk #116
A further note: This peace vigil has been ongoing since the invasion of
Afghanistan. It is in its fourth year. I have been participating for
about a year and a half. Our signs have requested drivers to honk to
show support from the very beginning. One of the reasons for locating
near the police station was the assumption that we could rely on their
support to protect our rights to free speech.
***********************
Selected sections: Ferndale Noise Ordinance
Sec. 2-99. Prohibited acts; specifically.
No person shall commit or cause to be committed any of the following
acts of noise disturbance which are deemed a violation of this article:
(1) The sounding of any horn, car alarm or signaling device in any
vehicle while not in motion except as a danger signal, or where the car
alarm is properly used or to give warning of intent to enter a lane of
traffic.
…
(4) No person shall create a noise disturbance in or with a motor
vehicle, motorcycle, or other motorized equipment so as to disturb or
destroy or endanger the peace, comfort or repose of a person within or
beyond the immediate vicinity of the source of the noise disturbance…
************************
as far as i can see, the police conspired to commit armed robbery and used armed intimidation in carrying out their plan... would this hold up as a counter suit?
I saw the story but I hadn't seen the statement. This is rather unusual. I grew up in Ferndale and I still live in the general area. Ferndale is a pretty progressive and tolerant city, and the police have apparently been generally supportive up to this point. It's not a very big gathering, normally about ten people on average, maybe less. Could be that some pressure had been put on the police to do something. According to the story some drivers filed complaints, but I don't see that being a driving force (no pun intended).
There were six protesters arrested at the Taste of Chicago last Sunday: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationw...1&cset=true.
To comply with the law, perhaps the sign should have read:
Honk as a danger signal that our country is in trouble and Bush must be removed.
Or:
Honk to restore the destroyed or endangered peace.
I have seen some cars with the following bumper sticker:
"Honk if you love Jesus"
I wonder if the drivers of those vehicles are considered "in violation".
My favorite bumper sticker said: "Honk if you ARE Jesus"
Mac
"Honk if you love Jesus"
I wonder if the drivers of those vehicles are considered "in violation".
My favorite bumper sticker said: "Honk if you ARE Jesus"
Mac
another story
http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/071006/...rotest001.shtml
WDIV TV and WJBK TV have promised to cover today's vigil.
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 10 2006, 11:56 AM)
another story
http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/071006/...rotest001.shtml
WDIV TV and WJBK TV have promised to cover today's vigil.
Maybe you should contact Jeff Fieger our well know attorney at law here. And see if you have a case of your civil rights being violated... And we know how Mr. Fieger loves a good fight. Something in Ferndale is starting to smell like Nazi Germany, Gestapo police have invaded Michigan.
What time does the peace vigil start?... I have to work this Monday, but I'm going to ask for next Monday off to attend next weeks vigil... And hopefully by them arresting you, and trying to make an example of, only will wake up others of what this country is trying to become under republican rule.
QUOTE
WDIV TV and WJBK TV have promised to cover today's vigil.
And I will be watching our local news stations after work to see if they cover this truly law abiding vigil. Peace be onto you and all they others in the struggle brother. Off to work but will follow this topic very closley.
QUOTE(ivebeenbushwacked @ Jul 10 2006, 11:22 AM)
Maybe you should contact Jeff Fieger our well know attorney at law here. And see if you have a case of your civil rights being violated... And we know how Mr. Fieger loves a good fight. Something in Ferndale is starting to smell like Nazi Germany, Gestapo police have invaded Michigan.
What time does the peace vigil start?... I have to work this Monday, but I'm going to ask for next Monday off to attend next weeks vigil... And hopefully by them arresting you, and trying to make an example of, only will wake up others of what this country is trying to become under republican rule.
And I will be watching our local news stations after work to see if they cover this truly law abiding vigil. Peace be onto you and all they others in the struggle brother. Off to work but will follow this topic very closley.
The vigil is from 4:45 to 5:45 every Monday at the corner of 9 Mile and Woodward. Usually there are 10 to 20 people. Yesterday there were 300 or so. Fox 2 did a piece on it. Glad to have you aboard.
More press
Let Freedom Honk - The Raging Grannies
http://dailytribune.com/stories/071106/loc_grannies001.shtml
Hundreds turn out to support war protester
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/071106...tester001.shtml
Let Freedom Honk - The Raging Grannies
http://dailytribune.com/stories/071106/loc_grannies001.shtml
Hundreds turn out to support war protester
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/071106...tester001.shtml
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 12 2006, 11:07 AM)
More press
I wish I could hug ya.
QUOTE(j70460 @ Jul 12 2006, 10:31 AM)
I wish I could hug ya.
I don't know how long this will be up, but there is a picture of last Monday's "IMPEACH FOR PEACE" sign. It was 34 feet long.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-t8VR1b8ifqj...HdehXOCEY-?cq=1
I urge everyone who drives past the Ferndale Police Department to be extra vigilant for errant pedestrians.
And of course, should you see someone about to jaywalk in front of your vehicle, you should
HONK!
Mac
And of course, should you see someone about to jaywalk in front of your vehicle, you should
HONK!
Mac
QUOTE(Mac McFadden @ Jul 12 2006, 03:34 PM)
I urge everyone who drives past the Ferndale Police Department to be extra vigilant for errant pedestrians.
And of course, should you see someone about to jaywalk in front of your vehicle, you should
HONK!
Mac
Thank you - but now -
You're under arrest, MAC.
By the way the charges have been expanded to include DISTURBING THE PEACE !!!!.
Court date is 1:PM Wednesday, July 26, 2006
43rd District Court
305 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220-1796
The arrest was ordered by Michael Kitchen (Police Chief)
The arresting officer was Jason Collett
Magistrate: Mead
Moon I has been covering all the stories.
One of the Raging Grannies has published a letter to the city council in the local Ferndale paper. I'd like to quote it:
QUOTE
July 4th, 2006
TO: Ferndale City Council
FROM: Nancy Goedert
When someone else's child does something wrong and stupid, we may be upset, while secretly feeling a bit smug about our own good child. But if our own child does the same thing, we're more inclined to be very angry about it. We feel betrayed because we've invested so much of our time, love, effort - our life! - in that child. That's how I feel about the City of Ferndale in which I have greatly invested years.
So when a Madison Heights police officer in May tried to bully us Raging Grannies while we were demonstrating for peace at the John R recruitment center, I was upset - though feeling somewhat smug that our Ferndale police are well trained professionals and wouldn't do anything that stupid. The Madison Heights officer actually told me, "My job is not to enforce the Constitution. I'm paid by the City of Madison Heights and my job is to enforce the Madison Heights ordinances." My thought was, "The City of Madison Heights ought to spend some money and train their officers like Ferndale does
Was I wrong! Last week, the Ferndale police arrested a peaceful demonstrator, confiscated his sign, threatened to taser him - and this after the demonstration was over. The sign said, "Ferndale Police say DON'T honk if you want Bush out". I feel betrayed!
Why don't the police know what most of us learned in elementary school - that the job of the police is to enforce the law; that the Constitution is the highest law of the land and that no other law can supersede it? Why don't the police understand that trampling a citizen's civil rights makes their city vulnerable to costly lawsuits?
This is absolutely basic stuff - and the police training doesn't cover it? What are we paying for when we send police candidates for training? How can one pass that training if he hasn't even learned his A B Cs? Officers who make such basic mistakes should be sent back to school.
I request the Ferndale City Council to investigate the methods and materials used in the training of our police officers; that this investigation result in recommendations for improvement, particularly in the area of civil rights, and follow-up to insure that needed changes are accomplished.
This story has made the AP wire.
Here is more coverage. Do you think Ed would be interested?
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....WS01/CAT=News01
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A...20349/1001/news
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5137037&nav=0RbQ
http://wwmt.com/engine.pl?station=wwmt&...kout_state.html
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5...37&nav=0Rce
some blogs have picked it up too.
http://disturbingthecomfortable.blogspot.c...t-iraq-war.html
http://leftofcentrist.blogspot.com/2006/07...opposition.html
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestne...dex.php?id=7461
http://storiesinamerica.blogspot.com/2006/...-protester.html
http://alterx.blogspot.com/2006/07/detroit...nciting-to.html
http://radio.weblogs.com/0116902/2006/07/11.html#a4507
http://omega-news.livejournal.com/267433.html
http://nparrells.blogspot.com/2006/07/thou...ns-you-too.html
http://informeddissent.org/2006/07/is-honk...llegal-war.html
http://profane-stencil.livejournal.com/280175.html
http://lanternbrigade.blogspot.com/2006/07...ng-against.html
http://imprisonbush.com/index.php/archives...victor-kittila/
http://righteousjackass.blogspot.com/2006/...ng-against.html
http://notinmybible.blogspot.com/2006/07/p...ed-fascist.html
there may be more, but you get the idea...
Here is more coverage. Do you think Ed would be interested?
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....WS01/CAT=News01
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A...20349/1001/news
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5137037&nav=0RbQ
http://wwmt.com/engine.pl?station=wwmt&...kout_state.html
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5...37&nav=0Rce
some blogs have picked it up too.
http://disturbingthecomfortable.blogspot.c...t-iraq-war.html
http://leftofcentrist.blogspot.com/2006/07...opposition.html
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestne...dex.php?id=7461
http://storiesinamerica.blogspot.com/2006/...-protester.html
http://alterx.blogspot.com/2006/07/detroit...nciting-to.html
http://radio.weblogs.com/0116902/2006/07/11.html#a4507
http://omega-news.livejournal.com/267433.html
http://nparrells.blogspot.com/2006/07/thou...ns-you-too.html
http://informeddissent.org/2006/07/is-honk...llegal-war.html
http://profane-stencil.livejournal.com/280175.html
http://lanternbrigade.blogspot.com/2006/07...ng-against.html
http://imprisonbush.com/index.php/archives...victor-kittila/
http://righteousjackass.blogspot.com/2006/...ng-against.html
http://notinmybible.blogspot.com/2006/07/p...ed-fascist.html
there may be more, but you get the idea...
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 13 2006, 11:18 AM)
Thank you - but now -
You're under arrest, MAC.
By the way the charges have been expanded to include DISTURBING THE PEACE !!!!.
Court date is 1:PM Wednesday, July 26, 2006
43rd District Court
305 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220-1796
The arrest was ordered by Michael Kitchen (Police Chief)
The arresting officer was Jason Collett
Magistrate: Mead
Moon I has been covering all the stories.
One of the Raging Grannies has published a letter to the city council in the local Ferndale paper. I'd like to quote it:
Technically, Kittila DIDN'T disturb the peace -- the motorists who chose to disregard his warning that the Ferndale police would ticket them for honking did! And who knows who they were. It sure seems like they have a weak case against him that would definitely be vulnerable to a lawsuit. That's not to mention the suppression of free speech that this arrest represents! It's kind of ironic that the more laws Bush breaks (and gets away scott free), the more horns are honked at these little vigilant protests that have been going on for years, and the more everyday citizens are arrested...
There's some kind of twisted logic in there somewhere. 
QUOTE
GoreWon_KerryToo Posted Today, 09:18 AM
Thank you - but now -
You're under arrest, MAC.
QUOTE
(Mac McFadden @ Jul 12 2006, 03:34 PM)
I urge everyone who drives past the Ferndale Police Department to be extra vigilant for errant pedestrians.
And of course, should you see someone about to jaywalk in front of your vehicle, you should
HONK!
I urge everyone who drives past the Ferndale Police Department to be extra vigilant for errant pedestrians.
And of course, should you see someone about to jaywalk in front of your vehicle, you should
HONK!
Thank you - but now -
You're under arrest, MAC.
Sorry, but to arrest me for using my horn for the purpose for which it was intended (to WARN someone) makes you vulnerable to a civil action for false arrest.
In the state of Oregon, that action may name both the Police Department AND the individual officer who performed the arrest.
I'm really gonna ENJOY living in your house after the courts award it to me.
Besides which I didn't use my horn, I merely suggested to others that they should WARN errant pedestrians. Whether there were actual pedestrians present or the drivers just IMAGINED they were there is a separate question. Perhaps the drivers were under the influence of some intoxicant, ...... like FREEDOM!
Mac
QUOTE(ivebeenbushwacked @ Jul 10 2006, 11:22 AM)
Maybe you should contact Jeff Fieger our well know attorney at law here.
<snip>
You wouldn't be doing anyone any favors with Geoff Feiger. There are a number of good. well-intentioned attorneys in the area I'm sure, who would take the case without their ego overshadowing it. That said, I've been thinking of joining the vigil myself one of these times soon. I'm getting cabin fever.
UPDATE http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php?id=689
a second protester has been nailed by the police.
At the July 17th Ferndale Peace Vigil, Nancy Goedert was ticketed for a sign that said, "Police Say Don't HONK for PEACE/FREEDOM."
Nancy has yet to get a court date assigned, but it is the same charge as Victor's: Disorderly Conduct Disturbing the Peace. Although she wasn't threatened with tasers, her sign was confiscated by Ferndale police at the July 17th Peace Vigil. Her sign said, "Police say don't honk for peace / freedom".
Nancy wrote and performed a song with her singing group, the Raging Grannies at the last Ferndale Counsel meeting (July 10) critical of Victor's arrest. She is the mother of a former Ferndale mayor. Nancy Goedert turns 73 on July 20th.
Happy Birthday, Nancy!
Detroit Free Press article
a second protester has been nailed by the police.
At the July 17th Ferndale Peace Vigil, Nancy Goedert was ticketed for a sign that said, "Police Say Don't HONK for PEACE/FREEDOM."
Nancy has yet to get a court date assigned, but it is the same charge as Victor's: Disorderly Conduct Disturbing the Peace. Although she wasn't threatened with tasers, her sign was confiscated by Ferndale police at the July 17th Peace Vigil. Her sign said, "Police say don't honk for peace / freedom".
Nancy wrote and performed a song with her singing group, the Raging Grannies at the last Ferndale Counsel meeting (July 10) critical of Victor's arrest. She is the mother of a former Ferndale mayor. Nancy Goedert turns 73 on July 20th.
Happy Birthday, Nancy!
Detroit Free Press article
Acts of desparate patriotism... a hero with a paint can...
full story at the Toledo Blade
TOLEDO -- A Lucas County jury reached a quick verdict in the vandalism case against Mike Ferner. But before the case went to the jurors, the former Toledo city councilman and mayoral candidate took the witness stand Wednesday so he could speak out against the war in Iraq.
It took the jury only 15 minutes to find Ferner guilty of vandalism and possession of criminal tools. Now he could be looking at up to two years in prison.
So here is the latest on the Ferndale flap.
Kittila pled not guilty at the July 26 arraignment and a pretrial hearing was set for 1 pm on Aug 22.
Nany Goedert will be arraigned at 1 pm on Aug 8.
Kittila and Goedert have both been charged with misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of $500 and/or 90 days in jail.
In the meantime Ferndale police have been issuing tickets to drivers who honk. The fine is $110.
One member of this message board received a ticket.
On Tuesday, July 25th, a senior member of the 9-Mile Vigil, Jim Grimm, and a member of Veterans for Peace, submitted the following letter to Ferndale Mayor Robert G. Porter:
There is a page of signatures attached to the letter.
Jim is awaiting a response.
Bad blood between Mayor and Police Dept.
The crackdown on the signs and honking was initiated by Ferndale Police Captain Timothy Collins after a different group held a rally for National Health Care at the same corner. Mayor Robert G. Porter participated in the rally. Collins inquired of the city attourney about the possibility of enforcing a "disturbing the peace" ordinance. The city attourney, after initially saying it was a free speech issue, scoured the books and came up with a city ordinance that forbade horn honking except in emergency situations. He agreed to prosecute if citations were issued, but only if a warning had been delivered prior to the citations.
So the Honk sign holders at the National Healthcare rally were warned. Then the peace vigilers were warned. Then Kittila was arrested and Goedert recieved a citation. Now the tickets are flowing even though the honk signs have been absent. If people still honk to show support of those who stand up against the war, it will cost them $110.
Although police have stated that complaints about the noise have come from numerous business owners near the 9-Mile and Woodward intersection, no noise complaints have ever been received by any participant in the Vigil. When asked about problems with noise, workers at a nearby outdoor pub and cafe, WAB, said, "no problem. Most of our customers agree 100%." An outdoor icecream parlor, Frostbites, also said the honking was "no problem." A music store owner in the block where the protest occurs stated, "It's time people were in the streets. We need to go after these guys with torches and pitchforks."
The courtroom was standing room only for Kittila's arraignment. Raging Grannies sang self-penned songs of patriotism in the parkinglot. About 100 people were in attendance. Some drivers, rolling past the court, honked in support, some leaned from windows with obscene remarks and gestures. No tickets were issued.
But the cops will be back Monday.
Said Kittila, after the arraignment, "Most Americans don't want this war. We have no representation in government; we have no representation in the media. All that's left is the streets and now they are taking that too."
There is also a new article in the Detroit FreePress: Iraq war protester's case is gaining support
Kittila pled not guilty at the July 26 arraignment and a pretrial hearing was set for 1 pm on Aug 22.
Nany Goedert will be arraigned at 1 pm on Aug 8.
Kittila and Goedert have both been charged with misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of $500 and/or 90 days in jail.
In the meantime Ferndale police have been issuing tickets to drivers who honk. The fine is $110.
One member of this message board received a ticket.
On Tuesday, July 25th, a senior member of the 9-Mile Vigil, Jim Grimm, and a member of Veterans for Peace, submitted the following letter to Ferndale Mayor Robert G. Porter:
QUOTE
As senior members, we are speaking on behalf of the 9 Mile/Woodward Peace Vigil. We are sorry if our vigil has put you in an awkward position. That was never our intent. The City of Ferndale has always been very supportive of our vigil, as have the Ferndale police, and we are grateful for that support. Unfortunately, some heavy-handed tactics have placed the City of Ferndale into a potentially ugly spotlight. But there is a very simple win-win solution for everyone.
We believe that the city is concerned about safety. But the issue is honking. When we were warned about our signs, it was suggested to Captain Collins that we move the honk signs down to the middle of the block where there would be less danger to pedestrians and cross traffic. He responded, “Fine but you still can’t ask drivers to ‘honk’.” Ergo, the safety issue is not his concern. Honking is. He also threatened to ticket anyone who honked. We have asked drivers to honk to show support from the very beginning and we are well into the fourth year of this vigil. After the warning, Victor Kittila changed his sign to not only comply with the warning but to alert drivers that there could be police action. His latest sign said “The Ferndale Police say do not honk if you want Bush out”.
There is no confusion about why the horns are blowing. They are blowing because they support us and agree with us. And most people love it. Some don’t honk, but rather than complaining about a political message they don’t agree with, they complain about safety or noise. Balance these complaints against the happy honkers who are enthusiastic about ending this war.
We are very conscious of traffic. We all drive. We know that particularly during rush hour people are hurrying, talking on the phone, eating, trying to change their clothes. We have stood on that corner for four years. We’ve seen it all. Lately however, most people are pounding their horns, flashing thumbs up or peace signs, and laughing at all the wonderful noise. It brings joy.
You can balance safety concerns with the free speech and right of assembly issues very easily by assigning an officer to direct traffic during the one hour a week that our vigil occupies. It’s just an hour a week. We could use the protection. One vigiler had a bottle thrown at him from a passing car. There was an incident where a man began destroying our signs, attacked a vigiler and had to be arrested. These are the people that deserve attention from the police. We are just Americans doing what we feel we must do. We not only have a right but a responsibility to do this. It would be a very wise and graceful move on the part of the City of Ferndale to give us a police officer to direct traffic at t he intersection and let people honk in peace.
Selective law enforcement is legally questionable and as your good policemen have told us, they do not enforce the honking ordinance during weddings, nor for people honking in response to “honk for Jesus” bumper stickers.
Respectfully,
A.Jim Grimm and:
We believe that the city is concerned about safety. But the issue is honking. When we were warned about our signs, it was suggested to Captain Collins that we move the honk signs down to the middle of the block where there would be less danger to pedestrians and cross traffic. He responded, “Fine but you still can’t ask drivers to ‘honk’.” Ergo, the safety issue is not his concern. Honking is. He also threatened to ticket anyone who honked. We have asked drivers to honk to show support from the very beginning and we are well into the fourth year of this vigil. After the warning, Victor Kittila changed his sign to not only comply with the warning but to alert drivers that there could be police action. His latest sign said “The Ferndale Police say do not honk if you want Bush out”.
There is no confusion about why the horns are blowing. They are blowing because they support us and agree with us. And most people love it. Some don’t honk, but rather than complaining about a political message they don’t agree with, they complain about safety or noise. Balance these complaints against the happy honkers who are enthusiastic about ending this war.
We are very conscious of traffic. We all drive. We know that particularly during rush hour people are hurrying, talking on the phone, eating, trying to change their clothes. We have stood on that corner for four years. We’ve seen it all. Lately however, most people are pounding their horns, flashing thumbs up or peace signs, and laughing at all the wonderful noise. It brings joy.
You can balance safety concerns with the free speech and right of assembly issues very easily by assigning an officer to direct traffic during the one hour a week that our vigil occupies. It’s just an hour a week. We could use the protection. One vigiler had a bottle thrown at him from a passing car. There was an incident where a man began destroying our signs, attacked a vigiler and had to be arrested. These are the people that deserve attention from the police. We are just Americans doing what we feel we must do. We not only have a right but a responsibility to do this. It would be a very wise and graceful move on the part of the City of Ferndale to give us a police officer to direct traffic at t he intersection and let people honk in peace.
Selective law enforcement is legally questionable and as your good policemen have told us, they do not enforce the honking ordinance during weddings, nor for people honking in response to “honk for Jesus” bumper stickers.
Respectfully,
A.Jim Grimm and:
There is a page of signatures attached to the letter.
Jim is awaiting a response.
Bad blood between Mayor and Police Dept.
The crackdown on the signs and honking was initiated by Ferndale Police Captain Timothy Collins after a different group held a rally for National Health Care at the same corner. Mayor Robert G. Porter participated in the rally. Collins inquired of the city attourney about the possibility of enforcing a "disturbing the peace" ordinance. The city attourney, after initially saying it was a free speech issue, scoured the books and came up with a city ordinance that forbade horn honking except in emergency situations. He agreed to prosecute if citations were issued, but only if a warning had been delivered prior to the citations.
So the Honk sign holders at the National Healthcare rally were warned. Then the peace vigilers were warned. Then Kittila was arrested and Goedert recieved a citation. Now the tickets are flowing even though the honk signs have been absent. If people still honk to show support of those who stand up against the war, it will cost them $110.
Although police have stated that complaints about the noise have come from numerous business owners near the 9-Mile and Woodward intersection, no noise complaints have ever been received by any participant in the Vigil. When asked about problems with noise, workers at a nearby outdoor pub and cafe, WAB, said, "no problem. Most of our customers agree 100%." An outdoor icecream parlor, Frostbites, also said the honking was "no problem." A music store owner in the block where the protest occurs stated, "It's time people were in the streets. We need to go after these guys with torches and pitchforks."
The courtroom was standing room only for Kittila's arraignment. Raging Grannies sang self-penned songs of patriotism in the parkinglot. About 100 people were in attendance. Some drivers, rolling past the court, honked in support, some leaned from windows with obscene remarks and gestures. No tickets were issued.
But the cops will be back Monday.
Said Kittila, after the arraignment, "Most Americans don't want this war. We have no representation in government; we have no representation in the media. All that's left is the streets and now they are taking that too."
There is also a new article in the Detroit FreePress: Iraq war protester's case is gaining support
To paraphrase slightly:
"I only regret that I have but one HONK to give for my country."
Mac
"I only regret that I have but one HONK to give for my country."
Mac
i was given a citation on monday, july 24th, completely naive and unaware of the issues surrounding the police and the protestors in the area (i obviously haven't been reading the paper lately). i am very pro-peace, anti-bush kind-of guy and whenever i can support those who take the time to really voice their opinion (something i have immense respect for), i do.
um, hellLLlllOoOooo, i live in FERNDALE. the open minded, accepting, free-to-be-you-free-to-be-me ferndale. and my honking to show my support against a very close-minded, unaccepting, things-will-be-the-way-we-tell-you president/war led me to being cited for a noise ordinance?????
how badly does ferndale need money that they are willing to flip its reputation to reflect the attitude of the red states? i left my homeland of wyoming to be in a place much more accepting and ON MY SIDE. how unfortunate it is that only blocks from my home i was ticketed for causing a fraction of the noise that the corner of boogie fever emits every weekend night. oy.
i know that my small little fine is nothing compared to what Kittila and Goedert are going through with their cases. but i'm furious never-the-less. and i thank everyone for their support and help with standing our ground and regaining what we deserve...the right to be heard...be it through our voices, signs, or car horns.
um, hellLLlllOoOooo, i live in FERNDALE. the open minded, accepting, free-to-be-you-free-to-be-me ferndale. and my honking to show my support against a very close-minded, unaccepting, things-will-be-the-way-we-tell-you president/war led me to being cited for a noise ordinance?????
how badly does ferndale need money that they are willing to flip its reputation to reflect the attitude of the red states? i left my homeland of wyoming to be in a place much more accepting and ON MY SIDE. how unfortunate it is that only blocks from my home i was ticketed for causing a fraction of the noise that the corner of boogie fever emits every weekend night. oy.
i know that my small little fine is nothing compared to what Kittila and Goedert are going through with their cases. but i'm furious never-the-less. and i thank everyone for their support and help with standing our ground and regaining what we deserve...the right to be heard...be it through our voices, signs, or car horns.
QUOTE(joethewonderboy @ Jul 27 2006, 01:51 PM)
how badly does ferndale need money that they are willing to flip its reputation to reflect the attitude of the red states? i left my homeland of wyoming to be in a place much more accepting and ON MY SIDE. how unfortunate it is that only blocks from my home i was ticketed for causing a fraction of the noise that the corner of boogie fever emits every weekend night. oy.
Good words, Joe.
The thing to do is keep showing up. I grew up in Ferndale and I'm not sure it's reputation will be so easily flipped. The people are what make Ferndale's reputation what it is, and it's always kind of been the redheaded stepchild of Oakland County, which is what I've kind of grew to like about it. There will always be tension. It would be worse if no one cared enough to give us grief.
That's my little pep talk, now if I could just swing a Monday off so's I could get my a** out there.
If I had received such a citation I believe I would claim in court that the debacle in Iraq IS an "emergency situation" and I was using my horn to alert my fellow citizens.
Of course, the LAST TIME I tried to alert my fellow citizens (in Philadelphia) to the "emergency" in Vietnam, I got fire-hosed, and tear-gassed, and 12 stitches in my head courtesy of a police baton.
Mac
Of course, the LAST TIME I tried to alert my fellow citizens (in Philadelphia) to the "emergency" in Vietnam, I got fire-hosed, and tear-gassed, and 12 stitches in my head courtesy of a police baton.
Mac
Hey Tob06, you are totally correct. I shouldn't lose my faith in Ferndale. What has happened surrounding the honking and the protests and the cops isn't a reflection of it as a whole, but rather just a fraction of its many personalities (a psycho Sybill comes to mind). So thank you for the reminder that Ferndale is indeed still Fashionable AND Fabulous.....I obviously needed the refresher.
Mac, I love your "emergency situation" comment. SOOOOO true and exactly what I should have said to the officer. At least when people tell me, "you should have just said you were honking at a squirrel" I have the balls to say that I said what I honked for because I am proud of it. It was the way I chose to let my voice be heard. It was my choice and I will stand by it.
Also, totally sucks to hear about Nam and all the shit you went through. It just makes me ill to think about how stupid and ignorant some (many) people are. It's just nice to find some people on the same wave length. As I believe I mentioned before, I truly feel there was a reason for my getting that ticket. It has got me more involved in making my voice heard in regards to this war and our "president." For that I am grateful.
You guys are the best.
Mac, I love your "emergency situation" comment. SOOOOO true and exactly what I should have said to the officer. At least when people tell me, "you should have just said you were honking at a squirrel" I have the balls to say that I said what I honked for because I am proud of it. It was the way I chose to let my voice be heard. It was my choice and I will stand by it.
Also, totally sucks to hear about Nam and all the shit you went through. It just makes me ill to think about how stupid and ignorant some (many) people are. It's just nice to find some people on the same wave length. As I believe I mentioned before, I truly feel there was a reason for my getting that ticket. It has got me more involved in making my voice heard in regards to this war and our "president." For that I am grateful.
You guys are the best.
I think that the ordinance itself is illegal if it interferes with my ability to protest while driving. I can use a loud speaker to protest. And I can use a horn. This case can not be seen as anything but an attempt by local government to keep the volume of protests down. That is beyond their scope of abilities since they have no right to stifle my protest. I can write anything I want on a sign. I can scream, shout, sing, chant, or write ANY protest I want. I can therefore honk any protest I want too. Either way since his sign was advocating the following of said ordinance there is further evidence that the arrest was illegal.
QUOTE(Mac McFadden @ Jul 28 2006, 05:30 AM)
If I had received such a citation I believe I would claim in court that the debacle in Iraq IS an "emergency situation" and I was using my horn to alert my fellow citizens.
Of course, the LAST TIME I tried to alert my fellow citizens (in Philadelphia) to the "emergency" in Vietnam, I got fire-hosed, and tear-gassed, and 12 stitches in my head courtesy of a police baton.
Mac
You're amazing, Mac! All of that and you play Phil Ochs songs. I wish you lived next door.
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 29 2006, 11:42 PM)
You're amazing, Mac! All of that and you play Phil Ochs songs. I wish you lived next door.
Just wanted to let you know that I have been following your plight. The Oakland Press has also Printed your unjust arrest and situation. And I have been clipping out their articles. I have been trying to get Monday off for the past two weeks, so I can come down and lend my support to the cause. But until I can arrange the time of keep up the good work.
And if you need copies of the Oakland Press article just let me know. The latest one was 6/27/06. And they the Ferndale gestapo police, just don't realize this is only drawing more attention, and exposure to our cause.
QUOTE(ivebeenbushwacked @ Jul 29 2006, 10:04 PM)
Just wanted to let you know that I have been following your plight. The Oakland Press has also Printed your unjust arrest and situation. And I have been clipping out their articles. I have been trying to get Monday off for the past two weeks, so I can come down and lend my support to the cause. But until I can arrange the time of keep up the good work.
And if you need copies of the Oakland Press article just let me know. The latest one was 6/27/06. And they the Ferndale gestapo police, just don't realize this is only drawing more attention, and exposure to our cause.
i appreciate that. i've been trying to keep a press file.
i guess we should thank the cops. this is the best thing that could ever have happened to that vigil - it went from 12 people to 300 the first week. numbers are back down to about 30 or so. still it's been really good for us... (except for the money and the arrest record and stuff...) but i do feel sorry for people getting tickets.
we are going to try to distribute little plastic horns to protestors monday. there are many terminal smart-asses in the group.
QUOTE(GoreWon_KerryToo @ Jul 30 2006, 12:30 AM)
i appreciate that. i've been trying to keep a press file.
i guess we should thank the cops. this is the best thing that could ever have happened to that vigil - it went from 12 people to 300 the first week. numbers are back down to about 30 or so. still it's been really good for us... (except for the money and the arrest record and stuff...) but i do feel sorry for people getting tickets.
we are going to try to distribute little plastic horns to protestors monday. there are many terminal smart-asses in the group.
Yes sirrrr, I will be writing a article in the Oakland Press to bring more attention to this matter. I currently have 5 letters printed to date. And 4 letters printed in the sound off section. So keep up the fight, without getting into more undo trouble.
Go Victor, the peoples champ.
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