There was recently a play here in Brooklyn entitled, “I Wanna Kill the
President” the posters for which included a disclaimer that read something
to the effect that this was a dramatic piece, and not in any way a serious threat.
Which got me wondering, what’s the limit of speech regarding presidential assassination?
I have heard the explanation regarding dangerous speech (such as “fire” in a crowded theatre) but what about speculative, open-ended speech?
Isn’t there a whole new set of laws regarding discussion of presidential assassination?
Like there is in airports? I know joking about hiding a weapon in your pants on the street is not a crime, but the same joke told in an airport is a federal offense.
For example, could I wear a t-shirt, display a poster, or give a public performance of a speech with the following:
“I’m not saying I’m gonna do it,
or planning on doing it,
or thinking about doing it,
or that anyone else should do it.
But if someone were to go all Lee Harvey on our unelected president,
I wouldn’t shed many a tear (might even crack a smile)”
Would this require a disclaimer similar to above?
Was the aforementioned disclaimer even legitimate? Or part of the joke?
I am just wondering what the limit is before the jackboots send you to
Guantanamo.
And yes, I know its in bad taste, etc. etc, isn’t that the point that even odious speech is protected?
The above is just my shot at it (pun definately intended).
Which now makes me think, I am I booking my stay just by posting on the
SDMB?