The following is reprinted with permission from the blog “What’s Happening in Wonder Lake?”
Alert! Freedom of Speech Protest
Planned in Support of Marine, Greg Kachka
Citizens, good government groups and more will join forces this Monday, June 2nd to protest the Greg Kachka arrest & trial.
The protest will start at 8:00 a.m. at the States Attorney’s office, outside the courthouse in Waukegan.
A caravan is heading to Waukegan from Wauconda Monday morning. Caravan leaves at 6:45 a.m.! If you want to join the protest, you need only show up at the front of the courthouse in Waukegan or join the caravan in Wauconda on Karl Court. If you want detailed information, send an email to laurie@cbgil.com.
Let’s get out there and show our support for the freedom of speech!
Remember back in September when Debbie Herrmann created a resolution to prevent trustee’s from discussing “old” business…I told you they wouldn’t stop there. I feel this arrest is just another attempt to keep residents who speak up quiet! Let’s show them we have a strong will to stop the madness in Island Lake!
Read the comments under this story here.
Here’s some background on why people should join the demonstration:
“60-year-old Vietnam veteran and former Marine Greg Kachka was recently arrested and charged with two counts of disorderly conduct for exercising his right to free speech at a public meeting. At a March 13th Village of Island Lake Board meeting, Mr. Kachka made a valid public comment, asking the Board questions about public expenditures and the appropriateness of certain attorneys’ fees. Two trustees later filed a complaint against Mr. Kachka on the basis that he pointed his finger at them during his public comment while wearing a shirt with a Marine Corps insignia that said “Don’t Move. If You Run, You’ll Only Die Tired.” He was later arrested for disorderly conduct.
“Rather than being inappropriately charged with disorderly conduct, Mr. Kachka should be given an award for his good citizenship and commitment to fulfilling his civic duty. Further, this arrest violates the tenets of free speech embedded in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, rights critical to a flourishing democracy. Mr. Kachka had the courage to stand up to his public officials and demand accountability and transparency in Island Lake. Mr. Kachka is required to appear for a court date on June 2nd, and a conviction could bring up to 30 days in jail, 2 years of probation and a $1,500 fine. Citizens and good government groups will stand up for Greg Kachka on June 2nd to support dropping the charges against him and fight for his right to free speech.”
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In the photo Greg Kachka can be seen talking to Fox News reporter Darian Trotter.