Spring Break
CU satirist arrested
Student's remarks frighten others in light of Virginia Tech massacre
Vimal Patel and Jim Holt
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
Karson is the editor of The Yeti, a small newsletter that he hand distributes personally on the CU campus. In it, he writes - often times clearly satirically - about everything from relationships to politics.
Students at CSU interviewed Wednesday evening were divided about the arrest.
"It's a good thing he was arrested," said Danny Littler, a sophomore speech communication major. "There's always talk about the warning signs and why action wasn't taken."
But Audrey Rudolph, a senior international studies major, said he thinks police overreacted.
"If he said it at any other time, he wouldn't have been arrested," he said. "People are just on 'high alert' right now."
Wiesley from the CU Police Department said First Amendment protection doesn't necessarily apply in this case.
"You can't say anything you want wherever you want to," he said. "You can't go in a theater and yell fire and cause a stampede that would hurt people. … There is a line that you can't go beyond."
Staff writers Vimal Patel and Jim Holt can be reached at news@collegian.com.
Students at CSU interviewed Wednesday evening were divided about the arrest.
"It's a good thing he was arrested," said Danny Littler, a sophomore speech communication major. "There's always talk about the warning signs and why action wasn't taken."
But Audrey Rudolph, a senior international studies major, said he thinks police overreacted.
"If he said it at any other time, he wouldn't have been arrested," he said. "People are just on 'high alert' right now."
Wiesley from the CU Police Department said First Amendment protection doesn't necessarily apply in this case.
"You can't say anything you want wherever you want to," he said. "You can't go in a theater and yell fire and cause a stampede that would hurt people. … There is a line that you can't go beyond."
Staff writers Vimal Patel and Jim Holt can be reached at news@collegian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
beth elderton
posted 4/19/07 @ 10:07 AM MST
this is a case of fear-induced first amendment infringement. Is this what we want here in our "free" society? Did anyone ask this kid what he meant? Is this kid the only one who is thinking? Are you people really this frightened?
james
posted 4/19/07 @ 7:03 PM MST
Sorry but I disagree
His comments were inappropriate most especially at this time
Yes he is free to give his opinion but his is a case of poor judgment. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 4/20/07 @ 5:46 AM MST
Chalk another one up for the city that continues to bring shame and embarrassment to the state of Colorado. Seriously, is there something in the water there that causes Boulderites to overreact to anything and everything that could possibly offend someone? What's next, no smoking in the city limits? Oh yeah, that's right. (Continued…)
dante t
posted 4/20/07 @ 11:05 AM MST
Universities have become the places LEAST tolerant of free speach. While I disagree with his opinion, and find it inappropriate, I find reactionist over-response (like Iraq? Manzinar? ) much more dangerous. (Continued…)
dave kilness
posted 4/21/07 @ 1:18 AM MST
To be satirical, ones audience must understand that is what the author is trying to convey. If one only reads one article of a satrist, you may come to the conclusion that the author is a nut-case. (Continued…)
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