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In reply to the discussion: NYPD COPS AGAIN TURN BACKS ON MAYOR DURING FUNERAL [View all]branford
(4,462 posts)he did not order, warn or threaten, and in fact made it clear he wasn't doing so in his statement. It was only a request because he lacked the authority to order them not to protest the mayor, and if he had tried, the matter would already be before the NLRB or federal court with an injunction countermanding the order. The First Amendment and labor and contract law apply to conservative groups and individuals as much as those with whom we agree, and no public official can order the police to offer fealty to the anyone.
As with the events at the Ramos funeral, I thought the back-turning was generally disrespectful, distracted from the solemnity of the event, and was unnecessarily provocative in a tense and dangerous atmosphere. I also similarly acknowledge that it was perfectly legal and permissible.