Pocono News Section

Hughestown Man Waging Free Speech Battle

Hughestown Man Waging Free Speech Battle - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:36PM EST

HUGHESTOWN, LUZERNE COUNTY- A red Dodge pickup has cruised to the center of a free speech fight. A bold, white-lettered message reads "If you're in America and can't speak English, get the *expletive* out." The man behind the message is Joe Decker. "If nobody likes it, that's the way it is, you got your opinion."

Decker's thoughts apparently struck the ire of a Hughestown Policeman who cited him last week. Decker said he got the notice via US mail. "I shouldn't have been cited in the first place, only becuse this case has been handled numerous times," Decker said Tuesday night to a couple of reporters. Family said he's recently been bombarded with media inquiries after the citation became public.

Neighbors say they don't agree with Decker's bold statement. "I was shocked. I know Joe (Decker). But the only thing that bugged me is being right near the school and it doesn't seem right to shove that word down the throats of little kids," Al Ciannelli said.

Decker said the root of his message stems from inconvenience. "I'm sick and tired of having to make phone calls, push this button to speak this or push this button, you know what I mean?" Decker said. "I'm in America. I speak English."

Decker has the ACLU's support. He plans to fight the citation.