Losing all focus and apparently abandoning the previous day’s fight against alleged oppression at the Bel Air Independence Day parade, Del. Pat McDonough and a handful of his supporters have launched an oppressive act of their own – attempting to silence and control this local news web site for daring to call them an “angry mob.”

Yesterday The Dagger used the term “angry mob” to refer to the mad crowd who supported Del. McDonough’s fight, online and in person, to carry his “Speak English” signs in the Bel Air July 4th parade.

Del. McDonough himself referred to them as a “vitriolic” “crowd,” yet he was horrified that we would use such a vile term as “angry mob” to describe his supporters.

McDonough was further incensed that we would dare accuse him of inciting that “angry mob.” He asserts he was merely informing his constituency about the situation.

In a newsletter sent out by the “Pat McDonough Leadership Team” at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Del. McDonough urged those on his email list that, “If you feel that you should not be referred to as an ‘angry mob,’ let Mr. Goodman know your opinion.”

Dear Friends,

I am sending you an article written by the editor of the Harford County Dagger in which he refers to people about being passionate regarding the free speech issue. The article speaks for itself.

If you feel that you should not be referred to as an “angry mob,” let Mr. Goodman know your opinion. Here is Brian Goodman’s e-mail address:
tellus@daggerpress.com
Thank you once again. Delegate Pat McDonough

McDonough then reprints (without permission, but don’t sweat it) The Dagger’s story from yesterday, with his own personal take.

Call it self-fulfilling prophecy, but 12 hours later the angry mob the Delegate claims doesn’t exist, and most certainly didn’t incite, materialized on our doorstep.

The letters came raining down – some from as far away as the Netherlands, yet most predictably from Eastern Baltimore County.

Nearly every letter chastises The Dagger for trying to quell free speech by “defending” the “oppressive” actions of the Bel Air Independence Day Committee. Few, if any, make mention of Del. McDonough’s attempts to oppress our free speech and right to use the phrase “angry mob” to describe an angry mob.

You know you’re having a good day when total strangers alternately refer to you as both a doctor and a Stormtrooper.

As Thomas Jefferson is often misattributed as having said, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”

Do these emailers belong to the 51 or the 49?

Because The Dagger is a free and open medium working to break down the very barriers many of these freedom fighters oppose, we have decided to publish these letters – unedited and untouched as they were received.

Without further ado, I proudly present to you, The Angry Mob That Wasn’t:

Dear Sir,

I would like to object to being referred to as part of an angry mob. Although the angry part is true enough, as the people representing me fail to listen to what I have to say, I am a peaceful citizen of the United States, exercising my rights in a peaceful and orderly manner. I find your efforts to silence disagreement despicable!

Sincerely, Patricia Ward

You should be ashamed of yourself. Americans believe in free speech and the Cconstitution. We are living in America.
Beatrice Leipold

Not angry…

Just disappointed in the fact that people can’t display opposing views.Just because I may not agree with someone,doesn’t make me angry. Our country was founded on people fighting for the right of free speech for everyone. What better thing for Independence Day celebrations than for people to voice their passion as long as it is not offensive or violent? Phyllis A Chenowith

Mr. Goodman,

I do not think that the alleged “angry mob” that was supposed to be stirred up was any angrier than the NOW mob, the NAMBLA mob, the pro-death (Planned Parenthood) mob, the NAACP mob, the Brady bunch, or any other free speaking “mob” do you?

Objectively speaking of course with tolerance that is.

Thank you,

Roger Sampson

Such Controvery over such a basic right…. it’s truly amazing.

I wonder, if in your attempt to chastize Delegate McDonough for refusing to be herded like sheep as most politicians, you yourself have overstepped the line of Policitical Correctness?! I am insulted at being labelled part of an “Angry Mob” for being in the position to challenge an issue that is clearly unbalanced. The term Angry Mob paints an ugly picture in most minds, and clearly does not reflect the situation which occurred.

It seems to me that unfortunately,in many eyes “freedom of speech” is only acceptable when the message expressed is in harmony with liberal ideations. For instance, if an “I love Ehrlich” sign is against parade rules and must be abolished, what about those choosing to have Pro Obama signs? Are you saying these should be abolished from the parade as well? And wouldn’t that be anti-American? What about those who promote alternative lifestyles or who disagree with current legislation? Their expressions should be silenced and erased from the landscape as well?

Once again the liberal’s perception is not only distorted, but seeks to distort the rest of us, too! How sad! How ashamed you should be for allowing yourself to be herded like little sheep, afraid to see the forest for the trees. And how dare you insult ordinary citizens who are not afaid to stand up for the Constitution by referring to them repeatedly as an “Angry Mob.” Perhaps in the future you can find a more politically correct reference that makes everyone happy.
Heather Patti

Wow isn’t it amazing how the press only cares about free speech when it pertains to them or there agenda. Clearly the signs were not a violation of free speech and everyone present loved the signs accept for a few thought control police trying to make us all politically correct. As for the angry mob the citizens were not angry but the people trying to stop the free speech were very angry. The people don’t like it when others try to tell them what to do. If I recall I’ve heard the term “We the people” somewhere before. Do We the people have to become an angry mob and rebel before SOME of our elected officials pay attention to our opinions.

Thomas Elliott

Mr. Goodman,

I find it insulting and degrading for you to refer to people who disagree an “Angry Mob”. If you are a true journalist I suggest that you report on the event with facts and not editorialize as to your opinion. Your article contained some points of fact. Why do you feel it necessary to characterize people who obviously disagree with your point of view as an angry mob? Do you think that by characterizing people in this way they will somehow back down from their passions? I for one, hope not. I have read Delegate McDonough’s emails regarding the event. I chose not to respond to the parade incident because I was not there to witness the event. Now after reading your article I will join the fight for free speech at the parade. Thanks for “inciting” me.

Elizabeth Reider

Mr. Goodman

The parade should NOT restrict free speech! Obviously you haven’t read the Constitution lately. You can get one free from the Heritage Foundation. You might want to look into it! Calling parade goers who agree w/Delegate McDonough an ANGRY MOB is childish. The contract needs to be amended.

C. Atkas

Because of your email address, I will assume that you are a supposed journalist? Well journalism died in 2008. The field of professional journalism is now up there with the oldest profession of prostitution. Prostitutes sell their bodies for money, whereas journalists sell their souls to the Democrat party.

What part of the First Amendment do you people in Bel Air not understand?
John Hannan

Dear Mr. Goodman,

Please think first.

Am I part of an angry mob? I jeered and yelled at both O’Malley and Kratovil. The people around me offered support. Does that constitute a mob? Is the constitution dead at the beginning of the parade route? IS the rule of law lost because Mike Blum says so?

You need to rethink your ideals. Your job depends on free speech. You may not like what Pat has said, but as the saying goes – You should defend his right to say it. What are you going to do when some government thug tells you, you can’t print this or that? What if they tear up your notes on a slightly controversial idea you might have?

In effect, by defending Mike Blum and the parade contract, you are sealing your own doom a a little bit more.

Have fun. You are a soon to be unemployed journalist by your own hand.

Joe Corral
Abingdon, MD

Mr. Goodman,

Offering subjective opinions when reporting news is inconsistent. Such articles are “Commentary”, not objective reporting.

You do not have a high opinion of the public when you offer stories that are in fact, not fact, but your opinion; churned out by your biases. The public knows the difference.

Perhaps you believe, in a narcissistic way, that people get your paper for your opinion. You would be wrong. They want real news, and when they get a steady diet of nonsense, they leave.

The primary reason newspapers are failing today is that news (actually Commentary) cannot be gleaned from non objective sources such as yours.

Watching most newspapers in like watching a racecar event. Hurry up and turn left.

Please, you embarrass yourself; try to have some journalistic discipline.

Don DeWar

Dear Mr. Goodman:

I suppose you believe that people carrying signs and protesting high taxes at Tea Party’s are also an ‘angry mob’. It is your way of thinking that will eventually strip the American people of their basic right of free speech. Please go back and re-read the Constitution and maybe you will reconsider your stance on this issue. My family and our friends we have talked to about this incident completely support Delegate McDonough’s position, and hopefully this letter, and communication from others, will at least stop and make you and Mr. Blum ponder about the lack of discretion exhibited in this ‘Independence’ Day Parade.

Sandra Clisham
Parkton

OK here we go Mr. Goodman.

Call us what you will but…………If I remember correctly the “TEA” party attendees were referred to as possible terrorists although there was not one report of any violence. Because we don’t sit back and silently let others try and take over this great country, which by the way belongs to the citizens, not the government, we are assigned negative names to keep others from joining our defense of our rights.

Those of us who believe that Pat McDonough has our best interest at heart will write to you. Pat speaks for our rights because we can’t and wouldn’t be heard even if we could. I believe in Pat.

We are not an “angry mob”, but we are angry. Angry about how the regular citizens are having our rights taken away, overlooked, and denied.

Pat believes in us. He speaks and acts on our behalf. So when Pat is attacked, those of us whom he protects will certainly come to his defense just as he comes to ours.

Stop trying to deny our rights. Expressing an opinion on such matters is your right, but personal attacks on Pat and name calling of a group who has those same rights will cause us to speak up.
Cheryl Fuller

Why don’t you get some intellegent writer’s for your paper.To refer to people in a parade as a ANGRY MOB is stupid and will be addressed.

Regards,

Bernie a supporter for Del Pat Mcdonough

alberto gorin
netherlands

from the second world war the veterans build rebuild europe to there images
liberty and freedom
and personal opnion
be civill be polite

we have tea partys parades where we express oure feeling to todays event to obama and the gongress
we are allow to clear message buty be civill be polite
no violents as G8 not beat some one up
as salute to israel in new york
as me doing airborn walkday waving with my 2 flags from israel and the U.S

if some one comes allomg grab all sighns away grab flags away
and stop us from express a personal opnion than he violate a free country
we are not in chinia either iran either under arab world
this the U.S free speach freedom liberty and to express personal opnion
if pat doing this for 6 years sudden you grab his signs away your a dictator
you violate alllllll consultation
if your am sory to say grab away from kids most little kids your a coward
they can t see this U.S this our right to have a personal opnion
pat can say as so do i

but be civill and be polite we do can express when we taxses goes up job los
eccnomic goes down hand over to dictators embrace to arab world
our friend israel
this the united states
UNLESSSSSSS
a sign would carry the follow
i do this am member of no curse club
you sucking asssssss go tell middle finger up
than grab that away ban him or here
if sign say.no taxses no iligal etc that freedom of speach

As a 65yr. old grandmother of 3, I do not consider myself part of an angry mob. I will tell you this. Next year , if any parade participant is not allowed to carry their signs, we will leave the sidewalks with our signs and march with them .After all, it is a parade. I dare anyone to approach us! We are informed citizens and know our rights……..Darlinda Ruzek, Bel Air

Mr. Goodman,

Angry, YES! Mob, NO!

It is about time the bias press and the dictatorship of the government got the message. We are tired of the way things are with government. I applaud Delegate McDonough and any others who took the opportunity to express their concerns. Many of us are not at all happy with the so called “Change”.

All political leaders need to take the time to actually read the U.S. Constitution and comprehend its true meaning and intent.
Nothing wrong with campaigning for English to be our National Language. Nothing wrong with denying illegal aliens access to our benefits at our expense. Nothing wrong with prosecuting those who would hire them. Nothing wrong with being able to place a call with out having to press 1 for English in the United States of America to speak to our own government offices. NO amnesty, NO drivers license, NO free medical attention, No Social Security hand outs, No citizenship to children born here to illegals. Take a ride through Fells Point early morning and check for green cards of those who wait in the traffic island to be picked up for day labor. Stop the contractors from hiring any of them without proper papers.

Had the mainstream news media been honest and unbiased in reporting, we would not have a fake for President. You want to dig into something, get the truth about Obama and leave the citizens to practice their right to free speech. Did you publish any articles about V.P. Biden and his blunders? Or a President that does not know how many states make up this Nation. The press is quick to say he created 450,000 jobs, but ignore his change is causing the rising unemployment rate. (Soon to be at 10%) The business failures of the small business world. The Trillions in debt that will never be covered. More tax and spend. With the job rate still plummeting, who will be left to pay these taxes? Who will pay my utility bills with the new increases soon to come?

We all know the auto industry is in trouble because of the Union demands and the benefits no being paid out. So instead of reducing that cost that the auto manufacturers are drowning in, the government thinks it can run the industry better.
Health care…..Medicare/Medicaid are screwed up and loosing billions. Good job government! Why should we believe another government health care system will work?

The housing bubble burst……all started with Carter and was escalated under Clinton. But you in the press are blaming Bush. I would also remind you, it was McCain who brought up the impending crisis. No one would listen.

On education, our kids don’t have text books, they are not being taught the accurate history of the world, most have little or no understanding of our government. (And are allowed to vote at age 18!!!) Crime in our schools, cops necessary in the hallways, kids who have no respect for teachers. So school is so much better off without GOD or parent and teacher control? Thank you for being so liberal as to make the world a worse place to live in. Even Dr. Spock changed his attitude about “spare the rod and spoil the child”.

You and those who think like you are causing severe damage to this country and our way of life. Free Speech? How about publishing the truth about the “Fairness Doctrine”, which is nothing less than censorship of those who tell us the real & complete facts!!!

Our leaders need to take a reality test. How much more in taxes can we afford? The heavier the burden, the less we are able to do for ourselves. Example: a middle income family pays between 25 & 33% in State & Federal taxes. That means an average of a day and a half of a five day work week goes to the government. Gee! I thought the government was supposed to work for us.

Now, are you getting the picture? We are fed up! This new government is the straw on the camels back. We have every right to express our views in a peaceful manner. The Bel Air rule opposes the First amendment. The only disruption was Mr. Blum making an issue of a peaceful right to free speech. Let’s be honest, his objection was only because the messages were opposing the views of those Mr. Blum supports.

We need fresh blood in government. It’s time to clean house. (On either side of the isle.) Time to get back to basics.

Richard Hague
Parkville, MD

Hail Brian, Hail Censorship:

Are you saying that free speech exists only for progressive-liberal-fascist-media Storm Troopers but not for the folks who disagree with the Brown Shirts?

Didn’t your fellow socialist-roaders (Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, and Mao) use the same tactics to silence the non-socialistic opposition? Of course they did, but you are not one of them, you are just an innocent “Progressive” independent non-affiliated-leftwing-liberal-fascist reporter who is always “fair and balanced.” (I just wanted to birth this innate bullshit before you had a verbal miscarriage.)

I bet you tell the naive that you are “registered” as an independent. But I bet you are among the 85 percent of the biased media that votes a straight dirty Democratic liberal-fascist ticket?

Did you learn the art of “cover-up” from watching the three stooges— Brokaw, Jennings, and Rather—all graduates of Goebbels’s School of Advanced Socialistic Spin, Censorship, and Hatred?

Isn’t it great that the Internet is bankrupting newspapers? Soon you will be a recipient of one of the stimulus-handouts from the Fuhrer. It couldn’t happen to a better liberal-fascist progressive. Justice you know?

Best of Bad Luck to You and Your Fellow Storm Trooper

Concerned Citizen

Mr. Goodman

What do you have against freedom of speech?

You expect to have it but not everyone else – that is a double standard.

Don’t you understand that The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not a bunch of bureaucrats who write rules which contradict it tenets?

Don’t you understand that no matter what a contact says, you cannot sign away your legal rights?

What is your problem?

Greg Coale

Dear Mr.Goodman,

I was shocked,as outraged of your response to the unbelievable,unconstitutional behavior of Mr. Blum at the Belair 4th of July Parade! you should be ashamed of yourself sir! I don’t live in Bel Air,but know many people who do,and I can tell you,that they are all outraged over this terrible behavior of Mr. Blum. this Man should never run anything ever again! I would urge everyone in Belair,and Harford County to vote against anyone who supports this violation of 1st amendment rights!

You are a Disgrace sir, for calling these people,who stood up for their rights an angry mob! go to China,or Iran! you will do well there! you are a disgrace,as is Mr. Blum!

Patrick W. Feuerhardt

Your the only ANGRY MOB here!!!!!
Pamela Hamburg

Hi Dr. Goodman,

I have read about the controversy surrounding the 4th of july parade. I am just letting you know that I am dissapointed in your characterization of people by calling them an “angry mob.” Could it be that they have a different political opinion than you? You should not show such bias.

Andrew

Angry mob? Angry yes, very.. Not a mob at least not yet huh..we like to be able to have freedom of speech.. If you allow certain people to go around calling each other mf this and mf that, than I should be able to say “God bless America” and I don’t like Obama!!

And Now The Little Mind At The Dagger Newspaper Needs PRAYER That Someday He Will Grow Up ! : ( …………………………….
Poor Little One ! : ( ANGRY ? MOB ? = He’s Even Smaller Now ! : (

Brian Goodman
Editor of the Dagger,

Dear Mr. Goodman,

Frankly I DO NOT consider myself a participant in what you are describing as “the angry mob” – that Delegate McDonough (one of the FEW outstanding advocates for businesses and citizens, currently serving us in the Maryland General Assembly) was largely responsible for “inciting.” I was INFORMED about the regrettable and inappropriate course of events, I was NOT, as you suggested, INCITED. I did conclude that the offense to Patriotic Expression and Free Speech was worthy of the comment which I elected to share with your publication. In that I have no knowledge of what the other statements you might have received said, I would suggest that certainly Delegate McDonough has the right to refine his position.

I would have to point out, many “partisans” these days have demonstrated their disrespect for our Constitution and for that matter the Maryland constitution, by engaging in a variety of tactics to cut off freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of the air waves. In this case the “contract” in question contains ambiguous language which the Parade Committee evidently elected to try to employ to cut off messages they disagreed with … confiscating signage and advising parade observers to put away or otherwise hide the signage they had with them.

I believe signs advocating “(we) speak English,” “Support the Constitution,” “Support the Tea Parties,” and “Cut Taxes,” demonstrate Patriotic reminders wholly appropriate for a Bel Air – 4th of July “Patriotism, Then and Now.” parade. I think parade observers signs indicating their support for a potential candidate for Governor are acceptable!

I am very disappointed to find The Blade would contribute to this ensuing fray in such a dismissive fashion. I would hope you will further research and consider what your more appropriate coverage of this issue should in fact be .

Sincerely,

Jean G. Turner

I guess you and Mr. Blum feel that if you have some sort of contract it all over. In the Soviet union and the Third Reich they had all sorts of laws and contracts but they would not have been legal here.

What makes you think you can write a binding contract in violation of the Constitution of the United States Of America? Do you and Mr Blum feel that your verbage supersedes the law.

I guess so from you article. Good luck and I only wish I could have been there to be part of the “angry mob”.

Spear Lancaster

I’m very let down after reading your article, You call yourself a Journalist. I’m A hard working tax paying
true American, NOT a member of a angry MOB. Comments like that are why newspapers are going
under across the USA. Get a clue Americans want balanced journalism. You should be ashamed !!!!!

Ed

It seems ridiculous that you would call American grassroots people who are espressing themselves, using free speech, :” an angry mob.” “Angry mob’ implies that the persons are in a highly volitile, emotional state. That was not the case. For years, Americans have been getting very concerned about their political officials. What has been simmering under their skins has now reached a boiling point. They were finally expressing themselves with posters-not rallying carrying rocks, sticks, and guns. They were angry-They were not an “angry mob” with all that implies. SHAME ON YOU FOR DISTORTING THE TRUTH.
The shame is really on the politicans who lie and manipulate the truth.

Linda B. DIetz

I am not part of an angry mob as you stated !! I am an American citizen that believes in the Constitution and free speech,looks like you need to apologize to the American public for calling them an ” angry Mob “. even though we have free speech, you must be held accountable for what you say !!

Respectfully
Charles Cuzzart

It was a nation of angry mobs that over 200 years ago gained the freedoms we now enjoy including the right to free speech which is of course how you earn your living.
Paul Hollenstein

Hi I am writing as a member of the “angry mob”, and to be honest Yes I am angry, I am angry that my rights continue to be systematically stripped from me, and while I do not like or condone the manner in which Del. Mcdonnough conveys this issue he is the only one out there speaking right now. I was present for the incident, and did in fact hear Mr. Blum call Mr. Mcdonnough a fat bastard in front of the parade goers. Mr. Mcdonnough did not respond in kind, Seems like an angry response to me, but not by those who are being called on this issue. I personally could care less about the political posturing taking place along party lines. This incident underscores a true danger that has been going on in this country for the last few years now. Where do we allow free speech , and expression, when public money is used, I did not see private security officers patrolling the crowd, I did not see private ems stations set up along the parade rout, I as a long time Harford county resident and emergency responder in the town of Bel-air, know that a significant amount of PUBLIC TAX MONEY is spent by the committee . This then moves the perview of this event from a private function to a joint municipal venture subjecting it to the same rule of law governing all legal contracts.

The basic tenement of any contract is that it is invalid if it violated the rule of law. The constitution is that rule.

Mr. Blum showed poor judgment, He tried to embarrass the opposing political party in public, and it back fired on him. this could have been handled post parade, like it has been every other year.

Brian Goodman:

Our constitution says that the government may not make any law abridging free speech. Mr. McDonough did not incite a hate mob. Their response was a natural one to an injustice. The fact is that people on the left side of the spectrum do not believe in free speech by those who hold opposing opinions from themselves. Every effort made by Democrats is made to silence opposition. There is no attempt from liberals to promote honest discussion and debate, which is what our founding fathers intended.

I am extremely interested in learning more about the days events. I do know I long for the days of accurate reporting without the author trying to win a Pulitzer Prize for their editorial flare. In todays world of kool-aid mentality and liberal pervasiveness among the members of the press it is all but impossible for any citizen to get” just the facts “. I expect a more balanced report from the local press or have they also signed onto the deceptions propagated by the currant idiocy of the Washington elite.