# Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke harasses, threatens Packer fan. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 20, 2017, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636 "2017-01-20T16:31:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/81 "2017-01-21T04:18:03Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Funny, I thought there was free speech. But I guess with the new administration in power, that is no longer the case. Freedom of speech doesn’t apply on a message board. One would think that a poster from 1999 would realize that, by now. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/82 "2017-01-21T04:20:23Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Why wouldn’t he be free to do so? Sure it’s an awful idea but what is stopping him? He’s an elected official and at some point if he wants to keep the job he will have to answer to the voters. Morality. And that any legislature worth its salt should have impeached him for it. You just cannot have law enforcement that harasses people. I mean, what is one thing we use to show Trump is evil? His tweets. This guy is doing the same thing, no matter what the actual original issue was. If we lived in a just world, this guy would be out on his ass. And I fucking hate how little justice there actually is in this world. I fucking hate living on this planet sometimes. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/83 "2017-01-21T04:39:58Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > Freedom of speech doesn’t apply on a message board. One would think that a poster from 1999 would realize that, by now. So people on message boards can’t say “that’s an abuse of power”? I’m sure that’s not what you mean… but then I can’t figure out what else you could mean. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/84 "2017-01-21T04:42:06Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > No, it isn’t. You’ve been asked your personal opinion. You refuse to give one, instead giving the legal opinion. If your personal opinion differs from the legal opinion, you have no reason not to say so. I have no particular interest in morality lessons from you, **BigT** , when you believe that the government should have the power to arrest individuals and remove the from society for saying things you consider to be evil. My personal opinion does differ from the legal one, but I’m not arrogant enough to believe that my personal opinion has any place in this discussion. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/85 "2017-01-21T04:43:37Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > So people on message boards can’t say “that’s an abuse of power”? They can say whatever they like. I don’t have to agree with them, though. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/86 "2017-01-21T04:49:08Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > It’s abuse of authority. In your opinion? Or as defined in some objective statute or regulation? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/87 "2017-01-21T05:26:19Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > They can say whatever they like. I don’t have to agree with them, though. The way you phrased it sounded different to me, but oh well. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/88 "2017-01-21T05:36:32Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > Freedom of speech doesn’t apply on a message board. One would think that a poster from 1999 would realize that, by now. So you get to decide what I say or don’t say? ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/89 "2017-01-21T05:57:21Z")
[[QUOTE=newstimes.com](http://QUOTE=newstimes.com)] Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke made a Thursday night appearance at the “DeploraBall” — the pre-inauguration party organized by some of Donald Trump’s more prominent alt-right supporters. While addressing the boisterous crowd from the stage, Clarke, who is a registered Democrat and has run as a Democrat in each of his elections as Milwaukee County sheriff, said the only way he’d reach across the aisle to work with liberal politicians would be “to grab one of them by the throat.” “You may know me, you may not,” Clarke told the crowd. “I am one of those bare-knuckle fighters. When I hear people say we need to reach across the aisle and work with the Democrats, you know what I say? The only reason I’ll be reaching across the aisle is to grab one of them by the throat.” … “I play smash mouth politics,” Clarke said. “To this day the left does not know what to do with me.” The sheriff, who is a frequent guest of cable news hosts, particularly Fox News’ Sean Hannity, said he visited 39 states on behalf of Trump during the campaign. [my emphasis] [/QUOTE] > [@Bricker](#): > > I have no particular interest in morality lessons from you, **BigT** , when you believe that the government should have the power to arrest individuals and remove the from society for saying things you consider to be evil. Isn’t this what Clarke is accused of? Why do you have a problem with random message board posters talking about right-wing evil, but no problem with an asshole right-wing sheriff _acting with state power_ against what he considers to be left-wing evil? Oh, I forgot. You’re only allowed 14 golf clubs when hunting for clients in the drunk tank, so you always leave Consistency and Integrity behind. > [@Bricker](#): > > In your opinion? Or as defined in some objective statute or regulation? Yes, that’s our dear **Brickhead**. When he thinks morality is on his side, he’ll drool out pontificating spittle like the most constipated evangelist who ever sold Baby Jesus Snake Oil in West Texas. When not, then nobody’s allowed to argue with him unless they have a law degree and quote from a Supreme Court decision. SDMB itself is turning into a self-caricature; we owe a lot of that to our precious **Brickhead**. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/90 "2017-01-21T10:00:37Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Isn’t this what Clarke is accused of? Why do you have a problem with random message board posters talking about right-wing evil, but no problem with an asshole right-wing sheriff _acting with state power_ against what he considers to be left-wing evil? Don’t conflate “no problem,” with “not illegal.” > [@](#): > > Oh, I forgot. You’re only allowed 14 golf clubs when hunting for clients in the drunk tank, so you always leave Consistency and Integrity behind. This is incoherent, and I have no idea what it means. > [@](#): > > Yes, that’s our dear **Brickhead**. When he thinks morality is on his side, he’ll drool out pontificating spittle like the most constipated evangelist who ever sold Baby Jesus Snake Oil in West Texas. When not, then nobody’s allowed to argue with him unless they have a law degree and quote from a Supreme Court decision. Neither of these extreme statements are true. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/91 "2017-01-21T10:45:03Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > My personal opinion does differ from the legal one, but I’m not arrogant enough to believe that my personal opinion has any place in this discussion. Why not? This is a discussion between human beings, not between lawyers. Personal opinions are the only thing that has a place here. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/92 "2017-01-21T11:57:32Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why not? This is a discussion between human beings, not between lawyers. Personal opinions are the only thing that has a place here. A debate about the boiling point of mercury is also a discussion between human beings. A discussion about how many sharps are in the key of D major, or what enzyme produces primary transcript RNA, also takes place between human beings, unless Koko has learned the sign language for “RNA polymerase,” and wishes to chat. What value do you believe personal opinion has in those discussions? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/93 "2017-01-21T12:24:33Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > A debate about the boiling point of mercury is also a discussion between human beings. A discussion about how many sharps are in the key of D major, or what enzyme produces primary transcript RNA, also takes place between human beings, unless Koko has learned the sign language for “RNA polymerase,” and wishes to chat. > > What value do you believe personal opinion has in those discussions? We routinely have debates and discussions on this board in which professional/technical opinions and explanations are intermingled with personal opinions. The value of this is a frank exchange of ideas, often so we can figure out what makes the “other side” tick. As long as you make clear which is which, I think this can add a lot of value in these discussions. Especially when your personal opinion differs from your professional judgment. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/94 "2017-01-21T15:12:08Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > A debate about the boiling point of mercury is also a discussion between human beings. A discussion about how many sharps are in the key of D major, or what enzyme produces primary transcript RNA, also takes place between human beings, unless Koko has learned the sign language for “RNA polymerase,” and wishes to chat. > > What value do you believe personal opinion has in those discussions? As the OP, the entire point of the thread is for people to share their opinions of the story, not to debate if Clarke’s actions rose to the legal definition of malfeasance. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/95 "2017-01-21T16:31:19Z")
There is nothing to prevent friend **Bricker** from converting the SDMB into a meeting place for law wonks to discuss the fine points of case law. Are there no such places, and does he keenly hunger for one? Or does he simply enjoy whacking his political opponents upside the jaw with a law book? Dunno. But he is as entitled as anyone to “freak freely”. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/96 "2017-01-21T16:59:44Z")
Wasn’t it Abraham Maslow who wrote _“Buy a kid a law degree and every problem looks like a lawsuit”_ ? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/97 "2017-01-21T17:08:42Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Wasn’t it Abraham Maslow who wrote _“Buy a kid a law degree and every problem looks like a lawsuit”_ ? Trump doesn’t have a law degree. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/98 "2017-01-21T17:19:26Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > There’s no bigger Cornball in America than Sheriff Clarke. > Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I’m not sure that is true. Afterall he wasn’t named to Trump’s cabinet. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/99 "2017-01-21T17:29:13Z")
> [@Chisquirrel](#): > > On an unrelated note, of course an asshole like that would be a Cowboys fan. Thank-you. Someone had to say that. * * * Neither the OP nor either link I clicked said anything about an arrest. Is it correct to say Dan Black was NOT arrested? ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/100 "2017-01-21T17:38:49Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > No, it isn’t. You’ve been asked your personal opinion. You refuse to give one, instead giving the legal opinion. If your personal opinion differs from the legal opinion, you have no reason not to say so. > > Stop treating us like we’re stupid. You don’t have to explicitly state something. It would help your argument tremendously to appear on the same page morally with everyone else. There just is no reason for you to be cagey about this unless you think we won’t like what you have to say. > > This is why I reject your claims at integrity. If had integrity, you wouldn’t need to do all this verbal jujitsu. You wouldn’t need to bring up the law when no one else brought it up. You do that so you can take conversation away from where you would lose. > > This guy pulled a Trump. He’s deliberately trolling this guy. That’s not his job, and it is wrong. It doesn’t matter one bit what happened. > > You think otherwise, but won’t say so. And, if you can’t have this basic level of integrity, how can we trust you not to be a lying sack of shit the rest of the time? Us? We? Everyone? Stop hiding behind Mommy’s apron and speak for yourself if you believe what you say you believe. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636.md?page=6)