Speech police used to be a joke. We'd toss it around and have a good laugh. Heck, I've been known to use air quotes when describing the "speech police," because up until now, it's been mostly metaphorical. Liberals, they're all officers in the speech police, right? (Related South Park Rips Political Correctness. Liberals Get Furious.) Well now they're joined by actual police officers. In Texas, a man was near a campus and saying "offensive" things and had the police called on him. The video is long, but even segments of it are worth watching:

Throughout the entire video, the man holding the camera who is being issued the citation constantly asks the officer about his First Amendment right to free speech. The officer admits, several times, it's against the law to offend someone.

Um... if that doesn't scare you, nothing will. Other than Lena Dunham crashing your birthday party, insisting cake be eaten on the toilet. Then offering to show you how it's done.

The preacher of the video, being cited, also asks when it's ever okay to say "anus" or "penis" or the other language he used. Look, even if you think this guy is using antagonizing words, he still shouldn't have been cited. He wasn't threatening anyone, he wasn't harassing a specific person. He was saying words. Words someone deemed offensive. Contrast this student with the Purdue Staffer who threatened to rape pro-life students. Who wasn't arrested, by the way. Or even cited. Read OPINION: Let's Face it. We're Officially Living Under Tyranny.

Well, since this preacher caught the citation incident on camera (wise move), even the University of Texas Police had to back peddle. They voided the citation. TheBlaze reported this:

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD) “chain of command” has fully reviewed the incident brought to our attention this morning, and has determined that the disorderly conduct citation issued did not meet the intent and requirements of the law, and as such, the citation has been voided. Our review further showed that the officers in training responded to a call for service in good faith and with respect for all parties involved, including the person(s) wishing to file charges as well those being accused. The department will use this opportunity to remind us all of the importance of safe guarding all people’s constitutional rights, of which UTPD is fully committed and obligated to defend. Currently, Command Staff has a call into the individual who received the citation to let him know that no action or court appearance is needed on his part. The patrol captain is awaiting his return call to clarify. Furthermore, a letter will be forwarded to the address given by the individual receiving the citation as well.

Translation: we were wrong. We were busted on camera. We're super sorry we cited this guy for no good reason.

Question: What would've happened to this preacher had he not captured this entire exchange with these three officers (THREE OFFICERS) on camera? Would he have been taken to court? Would he have been fined? For saying words someone deemed offensive?

Welcome to America. Where holding the state accountable requires a camera, apparently.