bodyslam for free speech

[Jorgy]

AL FRANKEN KNOCKS DOWN DEAN HECKLER

By VINCENT MORRIS

January 27, 2004 -- EXETER, N.H. - Wise-cracking funnyman Al Franken yesterday body-slammed a demonstrator to the ground after the man tried to shout down Gov. Howard Dean.
The tussle left Franken's trademark thick-rim glasses broken, but he said he was not injured.

Franken - who seemed in a state of shock and out of breath after the incident - was helped back to his feet by several people who watched the tussle. Police arrived soon after.

"I got down low and took his legs out," said Franken afterwards.

Franken said he's not backing Dean but merely wanted to protect the right of people to speak freely. "I would have done it if he was a Dean supporter at a Kerry rally," he said.

"I'm neutral in this race but I'm for freedom of speech, which means people should be able to assemble and speak without being shouted down."

The trouble started when several supporters of fringe presidential candidate Lyndon Larouche began shouting accusations at Dean.



Franken emerged from the crowd and charged one male protester, grabbing him with a bear hug from behind and slamming him onto the floor.

"I was a wrestler so I used a wrestling move," Franken said.

[Jorgy]

This really cracks me up, he bodyslams a guy to stop him from talking because he believes in free speech. That makes alot of sense!

I have a hard time believing that this wasn't some type of set up to get Franken some air/print time

[Michael J. Weigel]

it seems like this would be an assault....were any charges filed against the 'despicable troll' Al Franken???

if not then it must be just a publicity stunt for the liberal talk show thing he is doing....

[Charlie P]

Michael, It's been awhile how you been?

[CalHunter]

Not only is this an assault but that moron franken is inhibiting the demonstrator's free speech. Hope they lock this idiot up where he belongs.

[Sswpriz]

The trouble started when several supporters of fringe presidential candidate Lyndon Larouche began shouting accusations at Dean.

Wow, I can't wait to see what the Pat Paulsen supporters start doing !!!!

[Michael J. Weigel]

HEY.

I am doing well.

just added another branch to the family tree...another daughter (Margaret). gonna keep adding branches until i get a boy or 2....

with 3 children under 4 yrs it is near impossible to post or find time to do much of anything else but the family is off visiting relatives and I am enjoying being able to do some of things that i used to do...like hang out here...


it is nice to see so many of the fellas and ladys (of course) still posting here....

thanks for asking!

[burniegoeasily]

This really cracks me up, he bodyslams a guy to stop him from talking because he believes in free speech. That makes alot of sense!

Kinda like wipping your butt before taking a squat.

[PABuck_HNTR]

I was also wondering if he was arrested? He should be! If you or I did that we'd be hauled away for sure.

[Big Country]

Jorgy, you gotta help me here! I need to have a news source for this Franken story.

BTW, if this true........it is hilarious. Some guys have all the luck.

I would pay that lilly to try tackling me.