Tennessee Attacks First Amendment With New Bumper Sticker Law

Bumper stickers push the limits. There is no doubt about it. For some reason some people think it's a badge of honor to drop the f-bomb on the bumper of their cars or some other offensive word. None-the-less, these bumper stickers are all part of that grand old experiment called American free speech. No matter how offending the bumper sticker, the fact is all Americans have the right to place on the bumper what they see fit to share the world their view of life. Heck, the five letter word is just as offensive to me as any f-bomb on a bumper sticker. You know, Obama bumper stickers!

With that said, Tennessee is now writing tickets for people with bumper stickers they feel are offensive, like "if you don't like my driving call (800) eat-shi..." You know where I am going with this. If you are caught with an offensive bumper, the state is going to write you a $50 ticket.

Of course this seems like another plan to pad the state coffers are struggling to make ends meet as tax revenues are down in a bad economy. It also seems like a clear violation of the First Amendment. You should be able to express how you feel on your private property with out the state regulating your free speech.

What is offensive? Well that's up to a judge.

Tennessee code 55-8-187 had allowed judges to decide on a fine from $2 to $50 based on their opinion.

This could get out of hand very quickly. I wonder if "don't tread on me" or confederate flag bumper stickers will be targeted.