Minnesota City Councilman Says YouTube Mockery A "Slap In The Face Of Democracy"
Like a lot of local governments do these days, the Thief River Falls City Council broadcasts their meetings on television. And, as also happens a lot, someone has been using clips from those broadcasts to make YouTube videos critical of the council.
One city councilman, who apparently isn’t well versed in the meaning of the 1st amendment, thinks that sort of thing is a slap in the face of democracy.
“The Mayor made a statement and then after he made that statement, well then they had a sheep bellowing,” Councilman Don Sollum told Valley News Live. “That is kind of a slap in the face on democracy.”
Well, no, actually it isn’t. That someone is paying attention to the City Council, and responding (albeit in a fashion that may be crude or childish), is an act of democracy.
I have little sympathy for people who run for public office, and then act shocked when the public criticizes them. If you campaign to wield the authority of government, you’d best be prepared to live in the spotlight.
