War protester seeks $20,000 from city

[RetroLounge]

War protester seeks $20,000 from city

A Mosinee man who frequently protests against U.S. policy in Iraq has filed a notice of claim against the city of Wausau and the police department seeking $20,000 for what he says is "ongoing harassment" against him.

Much of the claim stems from an incident earlier this year when police cited the man, 41-year-old Mike Wallschlaeger, for carrying a sign near the courthouse that said "This war is Bushit." A passerby had complained to police, who sought advice from City Attorney Bill Nagle before citing Wallschlaeger for violating the city's public obscenity ordinance.

Legal experts said the citation was a clear violation of Wallschlaeger's constitutional rights, and news coverage of the event sparked comments from people across the United States and even worldwide. A few days after the citation was issued, Nagle dismissed the $102 public obscenity citation, although he did not acknowledge that the citation was unconstitutional.
Instead, police officials and Nagle said miscommunication caused the officer to issue the wrong citation. Nagle declined to cite Wallschlaeger under any other city ordinance, a move that legal experts also said would have been unconstitutional.

Wallschlaeger continues to carry the sign in his Friday afternoon protests.

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhlocal/283582165997955.shtml

"This war is Bushit." says it all...

RL

[sybylla]

1. Wonderful news!

If Wallschlaeger wins, it will be a warning to every other redneck, brownshirt cop and his/her chief in the area.

[Dinger]

2. Go Mike Go!

I have met and supported him in his efforts. He is amazing!