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McCook Gazette
Letter to the Editor

Abuse of civil rights

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Dear Editor,

To all citizens of Nebraska, especially Southwest Nebraska:

On. Nov. 28, 2011, a letter was sent to all the people who signed a petition that was circulated in August 2011 in Hitchcock County. The letter was sent to all signers of the petition to appear for questioning by the Nebraska State Patrol. This is a direct quote from the letter: "The Nebraska State Patrol will be attempting to conduct interviews of all individuals whose name appears on the recall petitions." It is a sad day when the authorities (Nebraska State Patrol) send out letters to people who signed a petition to appear for questioning. This is a blatant abuse of the First Amendment. The First Amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. If this abuse of the First Amendment is allowed to stand, what is next? This is done under the most flimsy excuse of investigating. Petitioners, keep in mind, this excuse can be used on any petition ever circulated. This letter, sent to all petition signers to appear for questioning, is a plain use of harassment and retribution, as this is a very intimidating letter to receive for placing your name on a petition.

Signed,

Roger P. Kolbet,

Culbertson, Nebraska

Comments
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  • Pretty sure it's the presentation of the petition that's being questioned by the State Patrol as it seems to have been handled incorrectly (some call it a felony). Again, something quite simple as "the Nebraska State Patrol will be attempting to conduct interviews of all individuals whose name appears on the recall petitions" is blown completely out of proportion. I believe that the letter FURTHER explains why the signors are being questioned (i.e the presentation of the petition). Just don't understand how it can be an abuse of the First Amendment.

    -- Posted by OutsideTheBoxThinker on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 12:50 PM

  • Thank you Mr. Kolbet. People knew what they were sighning. It was on the petition!

    Yes it is intimidating to be investigated when we know we did nothing wrong and standing up for what we believe is right.

    -- Posted by soos on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 4:47 PM

  • Lol. The investigation is of the petitioner. The people who signed it aren't in trouble. Basically they are witnesses. This is no different then the police questioning potential witnesses to a crime. They set it up the way they did because of the volume of witnesses. Matter of fact I think they made it easier on the witnesses. They set it up so you could come at a time that was easiest for you. Would you rather them just come knocking on your door.

    I am also sure you could still recognize your right not to testify.

    This is an investigation into a POSSIBLE crime. I am sure if they find no wrong doing this won't see a court room. But, since it has been brought to their attention that there might have been a crime commited it is their job to investigate.

    The first amendment protects a petition done legally.

    -- Posted by carlsonl on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:38 AM

  • It is my understanding they are not required to submit to questioning. They are requesting the help to investigate the circulator(s).

    If they believed they circulated the petition correctly, why haven't they brought the school boards decision, to reject it, to court?

    Just my thoughts.

    -- Posted by bberry on Sat, Jan 7, 2012, at 9:41 AM
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