Is it illegal to be a communist in michigan?

[Rafiq]

The Mcarthy era laws in Michigan were never revoked...

Can I be arrested?

[Thirsty Crow]

The Mcarthy era laws in Michigan were never revoked...

Can I be arrested?
I don't think that the fact that an array of laws haven0t been revoked is crucial here, since after all the functionaries of the state ere empowered to tailor the notion of illegality as they see fit, especially in relation to the social conditions of civil unrest if there's to be one on a massive scale.

What I'm driving at is the simple fact that if relative social peace were to be disturbed, the state functions as an authority to do whatever it sees fit to restore it. From this angle, yes, there's a possibility of you being arrested or subjected to surveillance of any kind if you are vocal enough and visible in organizing the struggle from a proclaimed communist position.

Bu there are other angles to examine. For one, there's the issue that PR industry has gotten itself enmeshed with the functions of the state, or in other words, political decision are tailored to suit the PR agenda which is crucial if the governed are to provide active or passive consent. Given the tradition of civil rights struggles in the US, it's kinda hard for me to imagine that an open, massive crackdown on communists is likely at this point in political conjuncture. (I have to admit that I don't know enough for this to be a stron opinion, so I'd like to be corrected by more knowledgeable comrades, especially from tthe States, if it is needed).

[Libertador]

The Mcarthy era laws in Michigan were never revoked...

Can I be arrested? Laws are merely justification for state violence.

For instance, a good lawyer could argue you're a threat to interstate commerce and then have you arrested on those grounds.

[litster]

from what i know of your country, you can't be arrested for holding a certain political view, is that in the constitution??

[miltonwasfried...man]

With the patriot act they can do whatever the fuck they want.

[Zeus the Moose]

The Mcarthy era laws in Michigan were never revoked...

Can I be arrested?

Most anti-communist laws were struck down by the courts as unconstitutional (though the anti-red flags law in Oklahoma remains unchallenged, I think.) So the laws might be on the books, but they cannot be enforced. Of course, this won't matter if communists are doing good enough work, and the state will find a reason for arresting you anyway. But it's not illegal to simply be a communist.

[The Underdog]

To quote Moe Szyslak of 'The Simpsons' fame...

'The law? That jerk?'

:D

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Susurrus]

Florida too: http://law.onecle.com/florida/crimes/876.02.html

[Thirsty Crow]

Most anti-communist laws were struck down by the courts as unconstitutional (though the anti-red flags law in Oklahoma remains unchallenged, I think.) So the laws might be on the books, but they cannot be enforced. Of course, this won't matter if communists are doing good enough work, and the state will find a reason for arresting you anyway. But it's not illegal to simply be a communist.
Overnight, it can become illegal to take your dog for a walk at 10 PM (the emphasis being on the time of the day, and not the activity) if social conditions develop in a certain way.

[Rusty Shackleford]

dont worry about it.


the WWP does work in detroit and there are quite a few anachists at the university.

[The Vegan Marxist]

I remember reading about where a socialist in Detroit is trying to run for Mayor. So if a socialist can run as Mayor, I'm sure no law is present to arrest you for being one yourself....yet.

[Desperado]

I don't think that the fact that an array of laws haven0t been revoked is crucial here, since after all the functionaries of the state ere empowered to tailor the notion of illegality as they see fit, especially in relation to the social conditions of civil unrest if there's to be one on a massive scale.


I agree with your post, however it must be noted that this is the general action of the rational state. There are always exceptions - the bourgeoisie aren't omniscient (nor united, nor even all loyal (e.g Engels)), the political class messes up or just the chaos of the bureaucracy ends up with some crazy decisions. And then with something as minor as this (in terms of history and society generally) who knows? Don't judge an individual anecdotal case based on the general social trends we as leftists recognise.

[iWobble]

Most anti-communist laws were struck down by the courts as unconstitutional (though the anti-red flags law in Oklahoma remains unchallenged, I think.) So the laws might be on the books, but they cannot be enforced. Of course, this won't matter if communists are doing good enough work, and the state will find a reason for arresting you anyway. But it's not illegal to simply be a communist.

Yeah, there's been a law on the books here for years and continued at least since 1998 that makes it illegal to be any sort of communist (including anarchist), fly any red (or black) flag (including the first state flag, I did verily lol at that) and/or be a part of any group whose goal it is "to overthrow the state."

It's also illegal to eat a hamburger while walking backwards in downtown Oklahoma City on Sunday, so take the above for what it's worth - shit they wouldn't enforce unless/until it becomes too much of a "problem." Which, seeing how teeny-tiny the radical left in this state is, it won't be for a cool minute.

[Martin Blank]

If it was illegal to be a communist in Michigan, I would have been in jail years ago.