Minnesota Supreme Court Violates 1st Amendment - Threatens Arrest

First off I'd like to recognize the author of the dissenting views to this blog -- I completely agree with you.

Now, on to the matter of this "blog". I can truthfully say I attended the Supreme Court’s hearing (not “PR”) at Buffalo High School Wednesday, May 6th 2009. I, like every student and guest, was granted access due to the nature of the event. It was not held in a courtroom or another formal area of deliberation, it was in a school, my school for that matter. The fact the police turned you down makes me feel good. Your “name tag” doesn’t constitute credentials. Our security, definitely at such an important event was extremely important. The fact you were ‘turned away’ tells nothing of the officers who obviously were doing their jobs. To criticize them is to criticize protecting children -- an obvious flaw on your part.

You did get in though, didn’t you? Frankly, the entire Performing Arts Center knew you did. After listening to approximately an hour of interesting oral arguments a cell phone rang, and now due to your witless rant I know exactly who it was: you. Instead of doing the polite thing (like ignoring the call) you decided you were more important than everyone else in the room and proceeded to leave the auditorium. If a group of teenagers aged 14-18 can manage to stay silent for over an hour listening to court preceding the least you could’ve done was turn you phone off.

Next came the Q & A, a time you so obviously wished to be a part of. Did it ever occur to you the time was designed for students to ask questions of the Justices. Your narcissism couldn’t have blinded you that much, could it have? Either way I’m proud to say I got one on one interview time with the court, something you might have been able to muster had you gone through appropriate channels and acted professionally. I found the Justices extremely likeable and equally intelligent. Each had a unique view on my questions and each was eager to answer them; in no way did they ‘suppress’ my first amendment rights. Where you went after this is beyond me; I had much more important things to attend to than wonder where the ‘cell phone man’ had scurried off to. After I had eaten lunch my group traveled back to our classroom and awaited Justice Paul Anderson. While he was a bit late in showing up I can say it was worth the wait. Not only did the man have the knowledge and experience of the court but he was a master explainer, used colorful examples and enriched the minds of dozens of students – nothing your rant has come close to accomplishing. Even after the bell had rang at 2:20 Justice Anderson stayed to discuss issues ranging from our future plans to the challenges and opportunities the future brings. He is a truly wise man.

I hope your readers, whoever they may be, are a bit more informed now after reading my comment. Your reckless factual inaccuracies frighten me; the fact people can spew such nonsense and still think of themselves as a credible source is a bit scary. What you have posted here is not Journalism. As a student of the art and supporter of the media I am a bit ashamed of you. For every reasonable and articulate blogger out there, there seems to be an equal amount of idiots like you who don’t understand what it means to report. I’ll offer you a piece of advice, assuming you continue with your idiotic rants: get your facts straight. Blogging is fine, just make sure you’re actually reporting next time. There’s a fine line between opinioned tirades and Journalism – you’ve crossed it.


So grow a pair of your own and get it right next time.

P.S I heard the ads you left on all the teacher's car windows went over great. One teacher went as far to call you, "A dumb ass."

Hope that meets your ego standard for today.

Brad Palmer
Editor-in-Chief
The Hoofprint
Buffalo High School

I do not believe that your questions are unfair or unreasonable, and I think you deserve answers to those questions.

One of the justices spoke later about the difference between a cynic and a skeptic. A cynical person would enter the school - a place of education with the foremost responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the children they are entrusted to care for - and be surprised that they were wary of an unannounced visitor with dubious credentials, because a cynic doesn't believe that the school may be motivated by the care for others. A cynic distrusts people constantly and inherently - believes all people act simply for their own betterment.

You have every right to be skeptical to to doubt the court and the legislature. That's your freedom, and you have a right to ask the questions you are asking. The supreme court support your freedom and honestly fights to defend that freedom for you. The press needs to ask those questions and be skeptical, but I don't think that cynicism is going to get you answers.

However, you said that you realized that this experience was designed for an audience of high school students and was presented on a school day in a school building. It's the job of a school to be skeptical of visitors. It's the job of the police to protect both the justices and the students. You gained admittance with both the school's and the police's blessing. A more professional, reasonable journalist could have thought through their entrance better to avoid causing a scene and gain a more balanced perspective on the event.

I don't think you should be silenced. However, I do think you made some mistakes in your plan for covering the event as you did and did not behave as an ethical journalist on that day.

I was there as well, and I was even closer to you than the man speaking before me. The first time your cell phone rang, it was forgiven--everyone wrote it off as some old man not being able to handle technology. The second time around, people realized how unprofessional you were. Even if you were shaken up from the alleged three arrest threats, you are a human being. I assume that you are able to learn from the situation and turn your cell phone off. After all, your plan was to adapt your own schedule and enter late, after everyone else.

Even as a high school student, I know that when I'm in such a formal setting I shouldn't rely on chance and "skip the PR crap". The reason that you were shunted off to the side of the entrance, sitting in one of our plastic, paper thin, and crappy chairs was because you came late. Missing the "PR crap" means you miss a good spot. If you didn't realize, the entire auditorium was packed until the court broke for a five minute recess.

How professional of you to slap your business card on all our teachers' vehicles at the end of the day as well. You prove your immaturity by then telling perhaps one of the most tolerant and accepting individuals in our school to grow a pair. With your attitude, I'm frankly surprised that the officers didn't taze you. At least the electric charge would have killed your cell phone for you.

I'd like to formally congratulate you on not only degrading an experience for high school students but making a mockery of yourself. The negative label the media can garner is synonymous with the decision-making that you put forth this past Wednesday.

As a student host of the event, I personally interacted with the various members of the highest court in Minnesota throughout the day. Why was I allowed to do so? Because I'm a student who was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate. There's a word in there that's important for you to understand Mr. Mashak: student. Last time I checked, you already graduated from the University of Minnesota.

See, unlike you, I was one of those individuals who this hearing was meant to address. I'm rather upset to see a fellow 'journalist' (if that's what we've decided to call you) stoop to level of invading upon the next generations time with the current leaders of today. Was it really necessary for you to badger the justices with your 'pertinent' questions? No. At least not at this function.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the media and free speech. But as my fellow students have said before me, you decided to handle yourself in a highly unethical manner. I do hope that when you retreat to your mother's basement tonight you remember one thing: this wasn't your time or your place.

Perhaps the next time you decide to invade upon others opportunities you can do so with a little more dignity, for all of us. However, I really do understand that it may be difficult for you judging by the lack of your 'pair'. Let's all try to remain professional, please.

By the way, here's a shout out for all those who like to blog with improper syntax and grammar: we've found another one.

So I'm not the only one who was disgusted by his gross misunderstanding of English -- great.

I do think we should remain respectful Mr. Palmer. In Mr. Mashak's own words, he 'survived public education'.

It's rather interesting, he actually received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Minnesota. Let's give him some credit here, a portion of his schooling must have consisted of learning proper grammar and punctuation.

First:  I have read and decided we are more different than alike.  You are a fool and not a patriot.  I do fight reform and you are a tyrant. 

Two:  Please learn how to quote properly.  Allen Ginsberg, Ward Chruchchill, Henry David Thoreau and Harretz would be ashamed of you.

Thirdly:  Your lack of caring is appalling.  'No cap plz, they blind my eyezs.' Make a point without all caps. We are able to read.

Having sat directly in front of you; I reject your logic. 

You have forgotten you were in a school building.  As such you must not only abide by the laws set by the conference but also the school.  You did not have an official pass.  If you were turned away; you obviously had not notified Buffalo High School prior to your coming.  If so you would have gotten an official pass.  If the Star Tribune could do it; so could you.  If reporters from other school could do it; so could you.   

I just Googled "Minnesota 10th Judicial District Free Press."  Only you pop up.  I Googled; 10th Judicial District Free Free, Judicial District Free Press.  There’s something fishy about you.

Also, why not just turn the sound off on your phone?  If you are unable to read through a manual I cannot respect you nor any of your reporting. There is such a thing called vibrate. You can even find specific ring tones that a limited number of individuals can hear. The program is available online.

Although your cause may be noble you’ve gone about it the wrong way. You’ve insult all of those who have practiced civil disobedience in the past. You were rude. You went into a high school in which you knew nothing about. Your expectations were let down. However what could you expect from teens and children? You could have easily contacted and spoken to the Supreme Court without coming here. There was no press in the beginning. You had no right to interrupt the proceedings. You were irresponsible. The cop was doing their job and you insult them. They are there for protection.

Dear Cynical Patriot, you got a well deserved time out. The press was less than 10 feet away from you. Did you even notice the white rope not far from you?

PS – The brown/beige suit really doesn’t suit you. Black is better, so are toupees.

I was there as well, and I was even closer to you than the man speaking before me. The first time your cell phone rang, it was forgiven--everyone wrote it off as some old man not being able to handle technology. The second time around, people realized how unprofessional you were. Even if you were shaken up from the alleged three arrest threats, you are a human being. I assume that you are able to learn from the situation and turn your cell phone off. After all, your plan was to adapt your own schedule and enter late, after everyone else.

Even as a high school student, I know that when I'm in such a formal setting I shouldn't rely on chance and "skip the PR crap". The reason that you were shunted off to the side of the entrance, sitting in one of our plastic, paper thin, and crappy chairs was because you came late. Missing the "PR crap" means you miss a good spot. If you didn't realize, the entire auditorium was packed until the court broke for a five minute recess.

How professional of you to slap your business card on all our teachers' vehicles at the end of the day as well. You prove your immaturity by then telling perhaps one of the most tolerant and accepting individuals in our school to grow a pair. With your attitude, I'm frankly surprised that the officers didn't taze you. At least the electric charge would have killed your cell phone for you.

After reading the comments that my classmates left you, and reading your response to their comments, I don't know how you are a "professional Journalist". Why should you get specal treatment when you can in late, with your cell phone on loud, and were more then likely disrespctful to the officers who where simply following the rules that they were giving by not letting you in.  I think that you shouldn't have been let in.  And I'm sorry that you feel that we have long hallways, but guess what it's called excercise.  As far as adults telling us what to think, you are way out of line.  There is no teacher at Buffalo High School that tries to tell us what to think.  They actually encourage us to have free, creative minds, and to express ourselves as individuals.  If you think that your standing up for our schoolm your so far off its unbelievable. You have no right to say the things that you have, like telling a teacher to "grow a pair".  You are extremly unprofessional, and should have never been allowed to come into the PAC.  Everyone else had permission to come and take pictures and be there.  If you were not notified of that, then obviously they didn't want you there at all.  And if you wanted to ask them questions that the students didn't, well just rememeber you were at a High school, and you were surrounded by students.  No other Journalists were able to ask questions, so again why should they have given you special attention?  What makes you so much better then everyone else who was there, and there on time?  And how can you say that they took "tips" or "bribes"?  Do you know this for a fact? Because our journalism teacher has always taught us to print the truth and only the truth.  But I'm sure that you don't understand what truth in journalism is.   

Have you ever been in a court room? And if so, was it an inconvience to show up on time? Things like cell phones, cameras and recording devices are not allowed. The oral arguments were real, about a case that is open now in the state of Minnesota.

I am proud that our security "hasseled" you. This puts my anxiety about school security at rest. Were you invited to our school? And if you were, why not show up on time, like a professional? Maybe because being a journalist isn't something that you excel at. Every person in the Performing Arts Center at B.H.S. had more manners and respect than you. And they were all younger and probably less experienced than you as well. But at least our journalism instructor taught us manners, ethics, respect and class.

This was a great experience for every student and faculty member at B.H.S. It wasn't a day for you to be cynical towards the Supreme Court of Minnesota. You as a journalist have every right to be skeptical of what goes on with the three branches. You do not have the right to be cynical. You were completly selfish that day, and continue to be ignorant. To make an accusation that students at B.H.S. are told what to think, is wrong and untrue. Students who have read this know you're a phony, we don't have to be told.

Your name means as much to me as any other name or a complete lack of a name. You don't get credibility for simply having a name. You get credibility for the ideas you present.

Then again, maybe his professor skipped over the application portion.

Then again, maybe his professor skipped over the application portion.

Or maybe he entered his classes after the Grammar PR.

"A guy" said: Or maybe he entered his classes after the Grammar PR.

Quoted for rhetorical effect. Nice one.

What type of debate format are you implying?

How is the discussion you are having with adults here different from a debate? It seems like you live in a world of confrontation instead of discourse. A straight debate serves no purpose but running in circles.

A few questions for you:

In an ideal world, how would your visit have played out?

What journalists should be granted credentials in situations like that? What ones should be denied?

How can bloggers be change agents and be taken seriously while lacking an established code of ethics and professional standards? Under what circumstances do you envision alternative media gaining that type of credibility, respect, and legitimacy?

Do bloggers need to attempt to tell both sides of stories or should they expect readers to anticipate bias?

Feel free to ask questions of me as well.

Also, please stop disparaging students for not using their full names in their arguments. It's not wise for students to reveal not only their location during the day but also their exact identity.

I can't believe you have the nerve to complain about this. This is a high school, even if a supreme court oral argument is happening. The top priority of a high school is to keep the people inside it safe. By having a stranger with no prior permission to be allowed into the school with a fake "press" nametag, that put us all in danger.

You showed up late. Your cell phone went off. You were rude, disrespectful and lied about who you were, and now you criticize our police force for keeping our fellow students safe?

Rethink the next time you want to visit our HS, because judging by past performance, you will not be let in.

What we have here is a fundamental misunderstanding.

• In an ideal world, how would your visit have played out?
• What journalists should be granted credentials in situations like that? What ones should be denied?
• How can bloggers be change agents and be taken seriously while lacking an established code of ethics and professional standards? Under what circumstances do you envision alternative media gaining that type of credibility, respect, and legitimacy?
• Do bloggers need to attempt to tell both sides of stories or should they expect readers to anticipate bias?

You only do yourself and other journalists an injustice with actions like those of last Wednesday. There are plenty of opportunities for you to use your first amendment rights. But by showing up at a school, unannounced and ill-prepared you did not do you job.

P.S. The teacher in question would not have the patience to debate, and you the same to him. Such an event would be undesirable for the both of you.

Brad Palmer

I have not come on here since I have first put my opinion down, but it has not changed, only strengthened. You seem to be shouting for attention and are making a fool of yourself. It doesn't matter if you are an "amateur journalist"--so am I.

If you are going to attend an event as a journalist, you have to bend to the rules of the place you are going to. The sign, it seemed, was confusing to you. You should have contacted the lady with your questions and to know exactly what was going to happen and what kind of permission was needed if you were going to come late and without a camera, or whatever your special needs were. You should have "double-checked" what was going to happen to make sure that everything was going to work out.

Again, you should have thought, recognized and responded and then you would not be in the situation you are, fighting with high-schoolers and adults who are---dare I even say it? You may throw a hissy fit...oh well--more educated and have well-formed opinions compared to your immature whining.

Cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it. This will all be water under the bridge if you let this go, but instead you continue on your tirade like a petulant four year-old, drowning in the water of your own doing. I hope you realize how ridiculous and idiotic people think you are by continuing your harangue about something you could have easily prevented.

I wish you luck on your journey of ataining the gifts real journalist have--the ability to grow thick skin and move on.

This will be the last time I will respond to your "debate." Like a toddler throwing a tantrum, you need to ignore them and if you give them time to cry and whine and throw things, they will stop and grow up. Goodbye.

Sincerely,

K

ok so you think that you weren't treated right great, but you need to get a life. when you make fun of how cops do their job you make yourself look bad and man shut off your phone what is wrong with you think twice before come to a school and try to start something.

Listen to the Sountrack of a Cynical Patriot:

http://is.gd/xMgk

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
8:45 a.m. Media cameras must be set up. Please call Lissa Finne, Communications
Specialist, at (651) 297-5532 or cell (612) 201-7637 24 hours in advance to reserve
a place. Reserved seating will be available for media.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
8:45 a.m. Media cameras must be set up. Please call Lissa Finne, Communications
Specialist, at (651) 297-5532 or cell (612) 201-7637 24 hours in advance to reserve
a place. Reserved seating will be available for media.

are you serious right now?

how are you gonna complain about all these things when there is an easy way you could have avoided all of it.

You may say whatever you wish about me.  It is obvious you do not take into regard teens or children’s maturity level.  (Referencing to your comment on the questions asked by students)  And your self as press, have you not?  As such you need to represent your self well.  That includes appearance and dressing appropriately.

I hope that this was not a person involved with BHS in anyway. This disgusting comment does not represent our student body.

"No requirement to call in advance was required"  > you say this, yet:

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE VERBIAGE

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
8:45 a.m. Media cameras must be set up. Please call Lissa Finne, Communications
Specialist, at (651) 297-5532 or cell (612) 201-7637 24 hours in advance to reserve
a place. Reserved seating will be available for media.

While this paragraph mixes topics with cameras and media,  you should have called 24 hours in advance to reserve a seat...with or without a camera.  And you should have been on time.

Be professional, grow up.

on NP you are not in a position to delete any comments even if you wanted to!

Yes!