I truly miss all the great articles and commentary that used to be posted on this thread. I know that the neo-con agenda is to do whatever it takes to silence all free speech that doesn't praise the Lord Gawd and their right wing cause. I just hate to see that policy winning. --Cozzz
Here is something from Jim Hightower a few days ago....
PROTESTING IN BUSHWORLD
by Jim Hightower
3/29/2004
jimhightower.com
You've heard of the Bush Doctrine of Preemptive Strikes, used as an excuse to attack Iraq and whoknowswhere next. But there's a companion doctrine here in "The Homeland" called the Bush Doctrine of "Contained Dissent."
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld & company have no patience with such democratic niceties as citizen protest––you know, people assembling, speaking out freely, and addressing the free press. We had a little war in 1776 to secure our right to all of this, but they still despise it.
Of course, the Bushites can't outright outlaw dissent, but under Bush's doctrine, they are literally corralling it. They herd protesters into pens far away from presidential events, where the dissenters can protest all they want...but they won't be heard, either by Bush or by the "free press."
In a recent Texas incident, the effort to stifle what I call "the noise of democracy" made an extraordinary leap. Last year, about 100 anti-war Texans were driving to a protest at George's ranchette outside of Crawford.
But as they drove through town to get to Bush's place, the protesters were greeted by a police blockade and told by Chief Donnie Tidmore that they had no permit to demonstrate in town. But, wait, they said, we're just passing through, we don't plan to protest here. However, telling them they had three minutes to turn around and leave, Tidmore said that their gathering in front of his blockade constituted a demonstration.
When five of the travelers tried talking sense with Tidmore, they were arrested and jailed for refusal to disperse. In their February trial in Crawford, their lawyer asked the chief if someone simply wearing a "peace" button in Crawford would be considered to be protesting with a permit. Yes, said Tidmore, "That could be a sign of demonstration."
The five were convicted. Appeals are underway.
Welcome to Brave New Bushworld where you can protest to your heart's content––assuming you can get to the protest site.
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"Peace protesters wouldn't move, Crawford police chief testifies." Waco Trbune Herald. February 8, 2004. |
