Tennessee Facebook Rant Raises Same Old Questions

 

A Facebook rant by a Murfreesboro, Tennessee firefighter about a “homeless” woman has again raised the difficult question about First Amendment boundaries.

“So the sign says homeless, but she lives in the hotel behind her.  She checks in at 300 plus pounds (I know, because we transported it).  She gets food stamps and healthcare. Wondering what your [TennCare] and Medicare/Medicaid is being used for!  Tired of supporting it and others like it!  Disgusting!”

WKRN, Nashville News, Nashville Weather and Sports

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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