# 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:** 6
**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, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/101 "2017-01-21T17:40:49Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > 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. How will a “frank exchange of ideas” assist us in determining the number of sharps in D major? ---
**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, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/102 "2017-01-21T17:41:32Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > How will a “frank exchange of ideas” assist us in determining the number of sharps in D major? That’s not the only goal of discussion. Trying to learn how others think is another worthy goal. ---
**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, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/103 "2017-01-21T17:48:57Z")
> [@August\_West](#): > > 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. The OP spoke of official resources and abuse of power. I did not realize you were merely soliciting opinions of whether Clarke’s actions were good. Frankly, I am having trouble picturing how you’d have been satisfied with a litany of posts agreeing that Clarke’s actions were bad. But if that’s indeed what you sought, then . . . in my opinion, Clarke’s actions were bad. I am willing to bet that not one person who reads this thread can genuinely offer up a disagreeing opinion. If you were truly soliciting this level of analysis, this thread can be safely described as a “softball pitch.” ---
**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, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/104 "2017-01-21T17:51:51Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > That’s not the only goal of discussion. Trying to learn how others think is another worthy goal. OK, then here are two data points with respect to how I think: 1. I consider Clarke’s reaction as very likely excessive and unwarrented – bad, in one syllable. 2. I see very little value in a parade of posts from people agreeing with each other as to point (1). ---
**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, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/105 "2017-01-21T17:53:48Z")
Do you feel compelled to participate? Did the SDMB Central Committee send you a directive? ---
**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, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/106 "2017-01-21T17:55:27Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > OK, then here are two data points with respect to how I think: > > 1. I consider Clarke’s reaction as very likely excessive and unwarrented – bad, in one syllable. > > 2. I see very little value in a parade of posts from people agreeing with each other as to point (1). Ahh, but you are **Bricker** , not an average Doper – for one thing, you’re conservative, and for another, you typically put a rare amount of effort into your posts, which I would say makes your personal opinion, as well as legal opinion, of particular interest to Dopers. ---
**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, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/107 "2017-01-21T18:02:45Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Do you feel compelled to participate? Did the SDMB Central Committee send you a directive? Actually, I am **Bricker** , not an average Doper – for one thing, I’m conservative, and for another, I typically put a rare amount of effort into your posts, which some would say makes my personal opinion, as well as my legal opinion, of particular interest to Dopers. > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Ahh, but you are **Bricker** , not an average Doper – for one thing, you’re conservative, and for another, you typically put a rare amount of effort into your posts, which I would say makes your personal opinion, as well as legal opinion, of particular interest to Dopers. See? ---
**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, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/108 "2017-01-21T18:04:24Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Actually, I am **Bricker** , not an average Doper – for one thing, I’m conservative, and for another, I typically put a rare amount of effort into your posts, which some would say makes my personal opinion, as well as my legal opinion, of particular interest to Dopers. > > See? You forgot to change the first “your” into “my”. 😉 ---
**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, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/109 "2017-01-21T18:08:49Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > So you get to decide what I say or don’t say? I never said anything of the sort. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/110 "2017-01-21T18:10:59Z")
> [@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? If there are pit threads whose OP is “there are too many sharps in D major, I hate that” or “This enzyme produces a fucking awful RNA transcript” then perhaps personal opinions would be welcome. However in such a discussion I would imagine that you try to derail it by insisting that there is no legal reason that D major must have fewer sharps, and there is no law stating that one can’t like the RNA transcript produced by that enzyme. Please indicate to us where in this thread prior to this post > [@Bricker](#): > > You may believe that the citizen is free to trash talk on social media but the sheriff is not. I’m not sure there’s any legal relevance to that view. where it is indicated that the topic of discussion was the legal relevance I realize that as a lawyer this may be hard for you to understand but NOT EVERY FUCKING THREAD IS ABOUT THE LAW Perhaps it would comprehend it better if it was stated in your native tongue: Strings of conversation, which shall henceforth be referred to as threads which include but are not limited to those produced by the website designated by the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) [boards.straightdope.com](http://boards.straightdope.com) or any other websites of a similar nature in which such conversations are conducted in a serial format, or discussions made on other media such as telephone email, voice, TTP or any other method my which information is passed between humans or other beings legally recognized as sentient which shall , may on a number of occasions as determined by the context of words incorporated into the thread but also by other circumstances both obvious and concealed have as their objective a topic other than those within the ambit of the statutes, rules and regulations of the United States of America, or the statutes of any state or municipality therein, or within the ambit of the statutes, rules and regulations of any governing body outside of the United States, or within the ambit of the statutes, rules and regulations of any non governmental authority including but not limited to homeowners associations, sports facilities, or other facilities of public and private accommodations or any other entities for which laws rules and regulations are applicable. As an instance thereof the thread designated by the URL [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=19937655#post19937655](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=19937655#post19937655) in lieu of any objective directly concerned with the statutes rules and regulations of the United States of America, or the statutes of any state or municipality therein, concerns the moral opinions of the discussants as it relates to the behavior on one Sheriff David Clark on the date of January 15 2017, including but not limited to, support, disgust, approbation, alarm, glee, or any other emotional response. ---
**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, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/111 "2017-01-21T18:15:18Z")
I admire the effort you put into that, **Buck** , even as I doubt it will have any effect on the target. I, however, am trenchantly amused, and hence, grateful. Mind numbingly tedious and tiresome which, I am sure, was quite the point! Too short, perhaps, but the “quality of mercy”, and all. Pip, pip, good show, that! ---
**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, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/112 "2017-01-21T18:26:57Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > If there are pit threads whose OP is “there are too many sharps in D major, I hate that” or “This enzyme produces a fucking awful RNA transcript” then perhaps personal opinions would be welcome. However in such a discussion I would imagine that you try to derail it by insisting that there is no legal reason that D major must have fewer sharps, and there is no law stating that one can’t like the RNA transcript produced by that enzyme. > > Please indicate to us where in this thread prior to this post > > where it is indicated that the topic of discussion was the legal relevance > > I realize that as a lawyer this may be hard for you to understand but > > NOT EVERY FUCKING THREAD IS ABOUT THE LAW Nor do I believe every thread is about the law. But a thread that accuses a sheriff of misuse of official resources and makes declarative claims about how he “can’t” post something on the “official” sheriff’s Facebook page certainly suggest a legal assertion. Perhaps the real claim is that the sheriff _should not_ do such things? That’s clearly opinion about what should be done. My point about the sharps in D major seems to have escaped you. Let me state it plainly: no matter what your opinion may be, there is an actual answer to the question. I suspect this bothers you, because you want to make a contribution to the discussion but don’t know enough to meaningfully do so. So you furiously insist that the issue is one of opinion, since in the arena of opinion your ill-informed one stands on equal ground with informed opinions. Your opinion is meaningless when it comes to music theory questions concerning the number of sharps or flats in a key. No matter how passionately we revere democracy, in this area, democracy does not carry the day. Do you understand now? ---
**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, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/113 "2017-01-21T18:31:47Z")
> [@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. Yes, we certainly have those discussions, and yes, there is no room in them for personal opinions. But where do all those discussions take place? In General Questions. Where are we know? We’re in the pity, where personal opinion and moral judgement is not only allowed, but expected. If, one day, the Powers That Be decide to open a Professional Legal Opinion subforum, I’m sure your approach to debate would fit in perfectly. Until then,you’re like a man wearing a three-piece suit to the beach. Get with the program. ---
**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, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/114 "2017-01-21T19:45:58Z")
> [@](#): > > For this heinous act against Sturmführer Clarke, when the flight landed Mr. Black was confronted at the Milwaukee airport by six deputy sheriffs and two K-9s! Was this proper use of police power? ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/115 "2017-01-21T19:51:11Z")
I am surprised that the sheriffs office can legally post implied threats against a private citizen in a public forum. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/116 "2017-01-21T20:04:53Z")
Maybe they a BBQ pit section as well. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/117 "2017-01-21T20:19:08Z")
So a thug sheriff decided to act tough. I hope Black laughed at him. Is there video of the encounter? Maybe Black can get some money in a lawsuit - some of Joe Arpaio’s intended victims did. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/118 "2017-01-21T20:26:38Z")
Sheriffs are elected. So there is no carpet they can be called up upon. I’m going to be really careful who I shake my head and walk away from. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/119 "2017-01-21T22:28:51Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > No, you are yanking the example in the wrong direction. octopus was giving a pass to an elected law enforcement official to mete out “consequences” for speech he doesn’t like. That is in direct opposition to the right of free speech. Getting beat up at a bar for being a loudmouth at the wrong sports fans weakens the point. But it isn’t fair, unless EVERYBODY gets bashed, gashed and smashed. Equal abuse for all! Murrica! ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2017, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636/120 "2017-01-21T22:34:40Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Obviously not. Nor am I ok with mobs of people ruining others’ livelihoods due to secret tapes. And what do those hordes of illiberal loons and their supporters say? “Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences.” Well, consequences can be escalated. Can only certain select few be free to escalate? How far? Under what circumstances? What are the limits? As for so called “secret tapes” or “secret” video, sometimes that is the only way to prove someone was 1) a liar 2) was the REAL criminal. There have been pretty enlightening videos, in a few now well known cases where the cop’s story did NOT match the video. Why do you think so many “law and order” types are trying to ban video recording??? When come back bring fucking brain. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-harasses-threatens-packer-fan/777636.md?page=7)