Fort Myers says no to teen's Iraq memorial

This one really grinds my gears today ... but it's not silly like the last time. It's quite serious, and quite troubling.

The city of Fort Myers has decided that a 15-year-old's tribute to soldiers killed in Iraq constitutes graffiti, and they won't grant him a permit to continue.

Fort Myers police have stopped a teenager from chalking the names of Iraq war casualties on downtown sidewalks.

Willie Filkowski, 15, and two companions were told to stop their writing after a city worker called authorities claiming there was an anti-war protest going on in downtown.

Filkowski had begun his chalk work on July 1 and had worked on his memorial most nights along with his parents, sister and friends. He started writing the names beneath a flagpole in an area park and had written almost 300 names before being stopped Monday evening. Recent rains and power washings have since swept away much of the writing.

"I thought it would be thought-provoking, and it appeals to people on both sides of the issue," Filkowski told The News-Press in Fort Myers.

Authorities told him the chalk was graffiti, he said.

The city is arguing that it's a public safety issue, because according to the article, it "could distract drivers and pedestrians, causing accidents or affecting foot traffic." And even if Filkowski applies for a permit, as the police suggested he should do, he's not likely to get one:

The acting city manager told The News-Press he wouldn't grant a permit because Filkowski does not have any signs or plaques recognizing his work as a memorial.

So it's not self-evident that writing the names of deceased soldiers is a "memorial?" And even so, might it not be protected speech under the First Amendment? You know, the Constitution? I know, after six and a half years of the Bush crime syndicate, it's hard to remember that we even have a constitution, but we do ...

Incidentally, the acting city manager in Fort Myers is Al Abdo, the city's Public Works Director. His office phone number is (941) 332-6850. Just saying.

The ACLU has been apprised of the situation, so stay tuned ...