Exercising Our Rights: Cop Watch & First Amendment Audits

Kermit D

6/15/2024

Your Daily Dose of Freak

Welcome back, my beautiful freedom freaks, to Show Me State News! I'm your host, Kermit D., and today, we have a topic that's close to the heart of our freedoms and civil rights: Cop Watch and First Amendment Audits. So, are you ready!? Let's get our freak on! First, a big thank you to all the beautiful freedom freaks tuning in today! There's no better way to discuss our topic than by diving right into a cop watch performed by yours truly, Kermit D.

In Howell County, the sheriff's department takes its duty to protect and serve very seriously—seriously enough that they sometimes seem to think they are above the law and the Constitution they swore to protect and defend. This raises the question: How many public servants really understand the oath they took when they swore in?

When the freedom of the press clashes with law enforcement, tension and confusion can arise, especially when a citizen exercises their right to film the police during a traffic stop. But let's be clear—the act of filming the police is not just exercising our rights; it's conducting an audit to ensure our law enforcement officers are upholding the law. It's about accountability and transparency.

Our forefathers designed the Constitution of the United States as a tool for the people to protect themselves from a tyrannical government. They knew our democratic republic could devolve into a democracy with public servants acting as dictators without such protections. Let's take a closer look at a traffic stop initiated by the Howell County Sheriff's Department on a Missouri back county road. While the reason for the initial stop is unclear—something to do with the license plate or tags—we're here to observe and document. This cop watch is dedicated to all our freedom freaks and especially our troll freaks who keep the conversation lively and engaging. Audits, whether performed by the State Auditor, secret shoppers, or First Amendment auditors, all aim to ensure accountability and transparency.

They are pass-or-fail situations crucial for those who believe in these principles. A cop watch is essentially an audit of law enforcement to ensure they're performing their duties in compliance with the Constitution. Many people question the legality, ethics, and purpose of cop watches and First Amendment audits. Imagine you're a secret shopper evaluating a store's employees without their knowledge. This common practice ensures service quality. Similarly, cop watchers and auditors document police interactions to hold law enforcement accountable.

Cop watchers, part of a growing movement of activists, believe in holding law enforcement accountable. They exercise their right to film the police during traffic stops and other encounters, conducting audits to ensure officers uphold the law. First Amendment audits, too, are crucial tools for holding government officials accountable and ensuring our rights are respected. It's vital to remember that the First Amendment guarantees the right to observe and record public officials. Cop watch and First Amendment audits are protected forms of expression, promoting transparency and accountability. Like secret shoppers, cop watchers provide an external evaluation, ensuring those in power are held accountable. These practices are even more critical because they deal with public servants entrusted with immense authority. The aim is improvement, not confrontation.

By monitoring and auditing the police, we uphold our First Amendment rights and keep those who serve and protect us accountable. In Howell County, the freedom of the press is a right worth fighting for—from sea to shining sea. As civil rights activists and independent journalists, it's our duty to be vigilant and document interactions with government officials. We must remind public servants that they are the people's servants, and our Constitution is the tool to ensure this. Exercising our rights strengthens them, much like how regular exercise strengthens our bodies. There is no expectation of privacy in public spaces, and it's our right to record these interactions for our safety and the safety of others. In a democracy, it's crucial for citizens to actively hold our government institutions accountable.

Cop watching and First Amendment audits are just a few ways to exercise our rights and contribute to a more transparent and just society. Whether it's breaking news or a First Amendment audit, Show Me State News is dedicated to keeping you informed and educated on the issues that matter most. Always exercise your rights, stay informed, and never be afraid to speak truth to power. I encourage you to leave your comments below, sharing your thoughts and giving this audit a pass or fail grade. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the conversation and holding those in power accountable.

In the upcoming weeks, I'll be tallying up all your grades and sharing the People's grade with everyone. Thank you for being an active member of this community. Together, we can create a more informed society. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future audits and cop watches. Power to the people! Let's continue striving for a better tomorrow. See you in the comments section! Thanks for tuning in to Show Me State News for your daily dose of freak. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on government accountability and transparency. Until next time, stay beautiful.

Howell County SheriffPhoto byKermit D