"The Ten Things You Can't Say in America"
by Larry Elder

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Exclusive:
Dudley Hiibel Speaks About His Right to Remain Silent

Shortly before Dudley Hiibel was scheduled to appear before the US Supreme Court, I was honored to speak with him for a brief time. I asked him to tell us about his state of mind both then - when he was first arrested - and now - as his case is about to set an all-important precedent. He sounded calm and confident when we spoke, and more than prepared for the imminent proceedings.

Lady Liberty: Mr. Hiibel, why didn’t you just give in and give the deputy your ID when he asked?

Dudley Hiibel: I didn’t think I needed to. I wasn’t committing a crime, and I have a right to remain silent. Our laws in America don’t provide for furnishing papers on demand to authorities.

LL: Once you were charged with a crime for refusing to show your ID, did you ever consider simply paying the fine and moving on?

DH: Luckily enough, I had an attorney that didn’t agree with that ruling. We talked it over and we decided to fight it.

LL: You lost your case locally, but a higher court rendered a split decision. Now that you’re on your way to the US Supreme Court, are you optimistic?

DH: Yes. At first, maybe not so much, but now because of all the public
support, I’m more optimisitc.

LL: Obviously, this has been a really long and difficult road for you. How do you, an ordinary citizen like the rest of us, feel about being the man
to set such an important precedent at the Supreme Court?

DH: I feel really good. But I’ve had a lot of help.

LL: You’ve certainly spent the last couple of years getting a lot of attention you didn’t ask for, and dealing with of problems you didn’t need. Has it been worth it?

DH: It's had its ups and downs. But if I had to do everything over again, I would.

LL: A lot of people in the so-called freedom movement are really looking up to you for your courage and your determination to see this matter through. Do you have anything to say to them?

DH: I guess that freedom isn’t free. And if we don’t stand up, they’re gonna trample all over our rights.

LL: Thank you for what you're doing, and the best of luck to you today at the Supreme Court.

DH: Thank you for your support.

For background information and details on this very important case, visit the Dudley Hiibel website.