Apparently not wanting to be outdone in the race, by politicians, to silence the free speech of American citizens during so-called "town hall" meetings, Ohio Representative, Steve Chabot (GOP) decided to go all-in yesterday; having cameras confiscated from "troublemakers" who had the audacity to try to record Chabot's responses to pre-screened, written questions..... on public property!

Most politicians, of late, have been dealing with "the problem" of having their words recorded by their own constituents by holding "town hall" meetings anywhere BUT a town hall... or any place else that can be considered public property... opting instead for private venues or leasing space at public facilities; thereby making it a "private gathering", not subject to free-speech considerations. Some have even been lining their pockets by CHARGING their constituents to attend and submit written questions.

But "Representative" Chabot apparently got a little too comfortable with the notion of flaunting his ability to stymie the public's ability to speak or record, by having cameras confiscated during a "question and answer" session at a Cincinnati area Public Recreation Center, sparking intense public criticism.

The incident has also been a bridge too far for liberals and conservatives alike; even sparking the ire of Tea Party Nation founder, Judson Phillips. Phillips recently lambasted Chabot in an article entitled, "America's dumbest Republican Congressman" (below):

"Regrettably the Democrats do not have a monopoly on stupid
Congressmen. It is an almost monopoly, as Democrats like Maxine Waters and
Frederica Wilson lower the bar almost daily. But there is a Republican
Congressman who has taken stupidity to a new level.

Who is it? Steve Chabot of Ohio.


On August 22, Chabot held a town hall meeting. He held the meeting at a public facility and Chabot’s staff ordered police to confiscate cell phone cameras.


I don’t know any other way to put this. Chabot is a moron.

First, you cannot confiscate the property of a private citizen without a warrant or some other due process. Second, and I will type this slowly just in case Chabot is reading this so he will understand this. PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT A CRIME!


If you go in public, you can expect to be photographed and recorded on video. Perhaps Chabot should go back and read the Constitution.


A call to Congressman Chabot’s office in Washington referred TPN to Chabot’s spokesman in his District office. Repeated calls to that office were not answered, as the line remained busy.


Perhaps the call the Congressman should get is a call to learn what the Bill of Rights guarantees or a call to get out of his job."

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I couldn't have said it better myself.

-EventHorizon2012-