Terry Jones questioned by Secret Service for hanging effigy of President Obama

[Baitball Blogger]

Controversial Gainesville Pastor Terry Jones said he and his followers answered questions from the Secret Service after they erected an effigy of President Barack Obama hanging from a noose outside their Gainesville church this week.

Jones said he was interviewed in the Washington, D.C.-area, where he held meetings to raise financial support for his presidential bid.

"They wanted to know if the display was a threat against the President," said Jones, adding the interview lasted a half-hour. "We told them we are by no means life threatening but we do, of course, wish the death of Obama's political career."

Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary would not confirm whether agents spoke to Jones but he said officials are "aware of the matter and will conduct appropriate follow-up."

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-06-09/news/os-terry-jones-lynched-obama-effigy-20120609_1_effigy-pastor-terry-jones-gainesville-church

[annabanana]

1. Well I should hope so..

Hiya Agent Mike!

[freshwest]

3. Uh, who is this Agent Mike?

[annabanana]

5. Our assumed Intel guy (or guys, or gals)

You don't think DU is monitored?

Just a kind of nick-namey shorthand

[freshwest]

7. I was guessing that, knew the other, just wasn't sure why he was 'Mike.' Thanks.

[Baitball Blogger]

11. I assume they're referring to the article and not me.

It was a weird comment. I would think it's a good thing that the Secret Service is following up on over the line hate crimes. Especially when they're directed at our President.

[freshwest]

2. Their responses always seem too mild to me, but then I'm not LEO. Guess it's legal hate speech.

[Turbineguy]

4. Why would they question him for that?

What a waste of taxpayer money. Question somebody who isn't fucking crazy, you might learn something.

[RB TexLa]

6. Hanging a political figure in effigy a threat?

That's a bit dumb.

[kenny blankenship]

9. Yes, you should show everyone how stupid it is

by doing it yourself in a public place. Be sure to make a video of it and upload it to Youtube. You'll want to post some links to it on Stormfront and 4chan, so the target demographic can see what a lark you are having, before your video gets taken down.


Terry, back when he was mellow.

[AJTheMan]

8. This man and his congregation are piss poor excuse for christians and traitors to the country.

I forgot, whats the penalty for treason. Death, isn't it?

[dinopipie]

10. If he did it on private property that is one thing

Hanging effigies of political leaders is political speech and the IRS needs to pull the exemption for his church.

I fully support his right and others to burn or say anything on private property sure it is offensive but he does have the right to be so as we have the right to call him out on it.

[Baitball Blogger]

12. I'm not so sure.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

13. Churches are permitted to go pretty far in political speech

But the line is clearly drawn at advocating for or against a particular candidate. Jones went over the line on this one, and his church should lose tax exempt status.

Other than that, I don't see any consequences - political speech is protected, and this was clearly political speech.