Sunday, January 22, 2017

Sedition or Not

I always keep my Black's Law Dictionary close when I am writing because it is easy to throw words around without thinking through what they mean.  Listening to CNN's Wolf Blitzer on how Obama might regain the Presidency right now,  and Madonna's speech on blowing up the White House made me wonder if either of them had ever heard the term.

"Sedition:  Communication or agreement which has as it s objective the stirring up of treason or certain lesser commotions, or defamation of the government.   Sedition is advocating, or with the knowledge of its contents knowingly publishing, selling, or distributing any document with advocates or, with knowledge of its purpose, knowingly becoming a member of any organization which advocates the overthrow or reformation of the existing form of government of this state by violence or unlawful means...."

Seditious libel.  A communication written with the intent to incite the people to change the government otherwise than by lawful means, or advocate the overthrow of the government by force or violence.

Both of these public figures get too much latitude in what they say as "free speech".  CNN has gone to far on this one and needs a visit from the Secret Service and the FBI.  If only we had an Attorney General who would take that view, but he hasn't been confirmed yet.

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