When an elected official, in this case the mayor of Houston, uses the government's legal enforcement structure available to her in an attempt to police and limit constitutionally protected free speech uttered in opposition to her stance, we have entered an era of which we should all fear. The essence of free speech is the ability of the people to openly and without fear express opposition to politicians and elected officials. In this case, the Houston mayor is seeking to eliminate the free speech of members of clergy. It matters not what is the topic under debate. And, further attacking the Constitution, the mayor is attacking pastors, thus adding to the situation an attack on the freedom of religion.
Equally, if not more concerning to the entire matter, is the failure of the federal Department of Justice to immediately react in protecting the First Amendment.
Stating the obviously, when it is politically convenient for the political party currently in office, it brings to bear all the resources at its disposal. It sends the attorney general here and there. It releases statements to the media. It files suit in federal court.
All too sadly, this has not happened in the Houston situation.
This speaks loudly, convincingly, and unambiguously to the corrupt, power hungry, and unconstitutional nature of both the mayor of Houston and the federal government.
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UPDATE:
It was reported today the mayor of Houston withdrew legal action against the pastors, stating, in part, she had directed "...the city legal department to withdraw the subpoenas issued to the five Houston pastors..."
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