The things people post on social networking sites have a tendency to get extreme. Politically, and personally, some people are comfortable sharing a whole lot on with their online friends. But, just to keep you aware that big brother is always watching, a former marine was forcibly removed from his home and placed in a mental institution for his Facebook rants.
Brandon Raub
Brandon Raub was arrested by federal and local agents at his home in Chesterfield County Virginia this past month. His crime? Posting “anti-government statements and song lyrics” on his Facebook page.
He wasn’t charged with a crime (because he hadn’t broken any laws!) And was instead transferred by officials to John Randolph Medical Facility in Hopewell for a psychiatric evaluation. Then, he was moved to the VA Hospital in Salem for his own good.
To be clear—this wasn’t a voluntary admission to the hospital—the officials were holding Raub against his will, at both medical facilities.
He spent nearly a week in custody before Circuit Court Judge Allan Sharrett shed some light on the case saying that the forced detention was “so devoid of any factual allegations that it could not be reasonably expected to give rise to a case or controversy.”
Now, Raub is planning a lawsuit and the nonprofit Rutherford Institute is helping.
“Brandon Raub’s case exposed the seedy underbelly of a governmental system that seems to be targeting Americans, especially military veterans, for expressing their discontent over America’s rapid transition to a police state,” said Nisha Whitehead, assistant to the president at the Rutherford Institute. “As we are learning, Brandon Raub is not the first veteran to be targeted for speaking out against the government, detained against his will. … Hopefully, by holding officials accountable, we can ensure that Brandon is the last.”
There’s a lesson in this case and it is this: you have a right to voice your opposition to the U.S. government, and you even have a right to post vile song lyrics on your Facebook page. But, the U.S. government might not like it and might use unlawful tactics to ensure you don’t do it again.
About David Matson