No First Amendment Rights For Fortune Teller

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Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue. ~~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld

This is a topic in which Libertarians exercise their own brand of hypocrisy. (Do you get it? "Free Speech" includes FALSE speech, but try to get a dizzy Libertarian to admit that (since "false speech" includes "fraud") and let me know how that comes out!)

I guess that's what makes the Libbies a "legitimate" political party, eh?

As to the entrenched usurpers of the united States' Constitution, the hypocrisy is blatantly presented in their own statement:

"the county law does regulate speech"

The "supreme law of the land" says quite plainly: "Congress shall make no law [...] abridging the freedom of speech"

The only problem here is, the American people are TOO STUPID to do anything about it, so the ruling class can admit their crimes (against the First Amendment in this case) with complete impunity.

Oh, you're mad because I pointed out how STUPID you are?

When was the last time YOU voted AGAINST your own politician? Hmmmmm??

If you want mine voted out, show us by voting yours out. It's your duty as a Citizen, your responsibility to your fellow Americans, and just a darned Good Idea.

If you vote to retain your politician, how do you think the problems your guy and my guy conspire to create will ever get fixed??? Hmmmmm???

Me? I'm going through the process of making my politician's "constituent Services" people explain to me how to file a Recall Petition ON HIM. I have written, published evidence that he (Joe Wilson) lied about voting for the first bailout, but telling us peons he "did not support that measure". I think it's only fitting that his own people lead me through the process of kicking his lying backside to the curb.

Now...

What are YOU doing to help?

Jim of SC 7:34PM February 14, 2009

We have yet to hear from any of the countless Gypsy fortunetelling victims here. When and if they respond, I can assure you that they will be able to document just how wrong many of the respondents on this topic are, and of the horrors that these thieves have caused others to suffer. Before casting your opinion on this topic in stone, why not visit fraudtech.org and read what is offered there on the topic of fortunetellers and psychics.

FraudTech of WI 3:30PM December 20, 2008

There is a huge movement among many tarot readers to show tarot as a developmental tool, without fortune-telling necessarily being involved.

The reader helps the client to look at possibilities in his/her life, exploring different perspectives and helping lateral thinking.

Even with fortune-telling, fraud surely needs to be proven rather than assumed. With this, very different, type of tarot reading, often prefaced by the reader saying "I don't tell the future", where's the fraud?

Even with fortune-telling - agree with comments made so far. If a reader can be proven to con and harm clients, then legal action can ensue. You don't legislate against all lawyers or doctors because some may become guilty of malpractice!

Usual fraud regulations should cover tarot readers as others, but not an assumption of guilt from the outset.

Lu of 10:29AM December 19, 2008

Again. What's new? Sheri Harshberger has a very valid point concerning weather forecasters, stock brokers, etc. I'll go one further an include churches. They exist because of faith in something that can be niether proven nor disproven. How much money do they fleece from their members? None of my business, actually - such fleecing occurs with the consent of the fleeced!

If people want to spend money on Tarot readings, that is their prerogative. I don't believe in Tarot, but obviously some do. A transaction between consenting adults should be legal, period. If Tarot offers one person peace of mind, while another makes a living from it, it is no business of the government. Oh, I forgot, these days EVERYTHING is the government's business.

Remember: " A fool and his money are soon parted." No law will prevent that, nor should it try.

Barberito! of GA 3:34PM December 18, 2008

how this impacts churches?

L of CO 1:47PM December 18, 2008

No use of force or intimidation.

What is the problem?

of MA 9:45AM December 18, 2008

No cash for predicting future???!

I guess none of the weather forecasters, stock brokers, planners, etc. get paid in Montgomery County either?

Sheri Harshberger, VP Outreach, American Tarot Association of WA 3:56AM December 18, 2008

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Risky Business

Matt Bandyk, a reporter for U.S. News, explores capitalism from where it all begins, with the entrepreneur, whose risk taking and experimentation provide the roots from which the rest of the economy grows. As much courage as it takes to create one's own business, even the entrepreneur needs some help, and this blog will look at news, trends, and practical advice for starting and running a small business.

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