The second in a series of Free
Speech Zoom Lectures by
Professor James Coll took
place on Wednesday, February 1,
at 3 pm. After welcoming remarks
by co-president Gloria Beck, Professor
Coll focused on free speech
issues such as intent, degrees of
free speech, highly offensive or
violent examples, and disagreeing
with the messages.
Coll cited an example of flag burning, which
in the Texas vs. Johnson case of 1989, the
Supreme Court ruled against. “If there is a
bedrock principle,” the ruling stated, “underlying
the First Amendment, it is that the government
may not prohibit the expression of
an idea simply because society finds the idea
itself offensive or disagreeable.” Coll raised
the issue of thresholds of free speech such as
the “God Hates Fags” case. In this case, the
father of a young man accused of homosexuality
won $2.9 million from the Supreme Court. The
question is always: Does protest contribute
to public debate? According to the highest
authority opinion, it can be deregulated, but
not mandated.
Another interesting case Professor Coll
brought up was the Masterpiece Bakeshop, Ltd.
vs. the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. In
2012, a same sex couple visited the Masterpiece
Bakery, making inquiries about ordering a cake
for their wedding reception. The shop’s owner
refused them because of his religious opposition
to same sex marriages. The Colorado
Civil Rights Commission alleged discrimination
and fined the baker. The view was endorsed
that religious beliefs cannot be carried into the
public sphere or commercial domain.
In 1969, two students were cited by a Des
Moines School District for wearing what
they considered objectionable armbands to
school. The students were suspended and were
brought up on charges since this was considered
a violation of school policy. Tinker vs. Des
Moines School District raised the question, “Is
it offensive?” The Supreme Court ruled that
the armbands were a form of symbolic speech
protected by the First Amendment and the
students’ rights were violated.
It was concluded that sensible limitations
on free speech can be appropriate in cases
such as suggestions of violence to a crowd,
and imminence of lawless action to incite
insurrection.
The Zoom lecture by Professor Coll was
very well attended and he will be returning
in the near future for further lectures and
discussions.
PANDEMONIUM
POETRY
BY VICKI MAZEL
There once was a girl named Eliza,
Who was really an early riser.
In pharmaceuticals she was hot,
And developed the shot,
Became an adviser to Pfiizer.
This gal was a really fast learner
Her friends called her Myrna.
She loved to gab,
When she worked in the lab,
Founded the shot called Moderna
This busy guy lit up like a Ronson.
Only had time to eat Swanson.
He had some fun,
Working on two for one.
Folks now line up for Johnson and
Johnson!
Our neighbors at North Shore Towers,
On the computer spend many hours.
Looking to sign up,
And get in the line up,
To let the shot do its powers.
Now’s the time for real resistance,
Remember to use Social Distance.
We still have the task,
Of wearing the mask,
At all the experts insistence.
We took the shots so ouchy,
Tried to be brave not grouchy.
Without any harm,
They shot up our arm,
And we listened to Dr. Fauci!!!
“Can We Talk?”
MUNCH WITH THE LUNCH
BUNCH
Under the leadership of Eva
Kessner and Marilyn Goldberg,
a successful Zoom meeting
was held for Lunch Bunchers
on Thursday, February 25. The
question of format for future
meetings was discussed with
attendees making suggestions
of topics. The range was aging,
social issues, sharing creativity
of members and connecting
with outside sources to discuss
Women’s Health.
In defining the direction and
purposefulness of the group,
great promise was shown in
promoting participation for
the future. The enthusiasm
expressed by the participants
is a reflection of
the leadership
displayed by Eva
and Marilyn.
The next
Lunch Bunch is
Thursday May
20, at 12:30.
The topic will
be “How do
you think the
pandemic has changed us as
a society, both negatively and
positively?” To sign up, contact
judyparis@twc.com. And
don’t forget your lunch!
CINEMA CLUB
Monday, April 26
- New Time: 4 pm
The next film
to be reviewed by
Vicki Mazel and Dr.
Nurit Israeli is the
classic “The Social
Network,” slated for
Monday April 26th
Coll
Bakeshop v. Civil Rights Commission:
Religious beliefs
Tinker v. Des Moines S.D.: First Amendment
rights
22 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ April 2021
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