A core founding principle of the U.S. is freedom of speech. But free speech doesn’t mean unlimited speech. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. used his “shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theater” analogy to say that some speech isn’t protected by the First Amendment because it could cause panic, injuries, and violence.
Public safety is also the main consideration behind rules on where people can place political signs, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Communications Specialist James Lake said. Improperly placed signs could prevent drivers from seeing around the corner while trying to merge into traffic.
“We understand peoples’ desire to post their political views, but we want that to be done in a safe way,” Lake told the newspaper. “We’re not looking to target anyone or any candidate. Regardless of the subject of a sign, we need to make sure they’re placed safely.”
