Cop Photographed Displaying Nazi Tattoo, Dept Says Nothing’s Wrong With It
Matt Agorist
TheFreeThoughtPreject.com
February 3, 2017
Philadelphia, PA — In America, the right of the people to peacefully express themselves shall not be infringed. No matter how racist, bigoted, misogynist, idiotic, controversial, or hateful — if this expression is non-violent — you, nor anyone else, has a right to silence that person or group.
“I wholly disapprove of what you say—and will defend to the death your right to say it.” – Evelyn Beatrice Hall on Voltairean principle.
That being said, when this hateful and racist expression comes from those in positions of authority, it should also not be silenced. However, that person should be fired — immediately.
One would naturally feel that a police officer with Nazi propaganda tattooed on himself would immediately be relieved of his duties as a public servant due to the horrific conflict of interests associated with Nazis. However, one would be wrong.
As the Free Thought Project reported in September, photos of Officer Ian Hans Lichterman and his tattoos spread across social media, prompting an investigation and no shortage of anger. While it is certainly Lichterman’s right to do with his own body what he pleases, as well as cover it in racist messages, it is not his right to do so as a servant of the public.
Lichterman’s department, on the other hand, disagrees. A months-long investigation into this officer’s tattoos cleared Lichterman of any violations, and the case was quietly closed in December. When Philly Voice reached out to the department to inquire whether or not any specific determinations were made about the tattoos, they chose to remain silent.
The Rest…HERE
