One of our fundamental rights granted by our Constitution is the Right of Free Speech! This right is often taken for granted, but never the less is what makes the United States a free nation. As a youngster I was taught that our personal freedom extended out from our person as far as you can reach with your arms or until your hands reached someone else. So when I see protests taking place I measure the validity of the protest by the extent of the interference with others. Blocking doorways, sidewalks and roadways are not protected rights of free speech if non-participants can not freely pass. When protesting results in violence and injury to others or property damage crimes have occurred and the police should make arrests. Those who cause injury, property damage or block others from passing should be charged with crimes and prosecuted! I understand in DC such individuals can be charged with a felony!
The election last November has resulted in many protests some peaceful others violent and destructive. We should be hearing from the media about the charges made against those that have been arrested and the outcome of those court cases. Such information can be informative to those who may wish to protest in the future.
Of particular concern to me are the rash of protests aimed at our elected officials particularly at their places of residence. Such actions are not typically permitted and arrests should be made. These kinds of protest are intimidating at least and make citizens thing strongly about not participating in the election process. They strike fear in the hearts and minds of the family members of our elected leaders. We saw this kind of terror during the Vietnam War when the enemy would take over villages and kill tribal leaders, teachers and elected officials. Isis is doing the same thing today in the middle east. A free society requires that elected leaders be respected even when we don't agree with them.
Another form of protest which should not be allowed started on our college campuses. These institutions are supposed to be places for the free exchange of ideas, yet time and again the liberal agenda has been to protest and block access to anyone they think differs from their position. How does this activity protect free speech? Recently paid protesters at UCB blocked free speech and cause major property damage. As I watched this unfold on TV it was obvious these protesters were paid professionally trained and armed with clubs, shields, face masks, black uniforms and bottle rockets. They were not "peacefully protesting"!
I see the DNC is meeting to pick new leadership and establish a platform that they believe might win in the 2018/2020 elections. I am hopeful that they will condemn violent protests and particularly protests at the homes of our elected leaders. I am hopeful they will direct their elected leaders to participate in the legislative process not refuse to do their JOBS! We will see the best of our elected leaders in legislation that is "bi-partisan"! We will see the best results is all elected legislators participate.
Al Beattie
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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