Quote:
Originally Posted by DWB
The larger problem is, you should not need a permit to protest, so long as you are on public property, or your own.
I know in this case it was private property, but I'm speaking generally. Public property in any city, at any time, should be fair game for a protest.
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No, you should have a permit to protest on public property. Public property belongs to everyone, not just a small group of protesters. It has little to do with protesting and everything to do with everyone being able to use public space fairly.
For example, we have a very large park here in my hometown - football field, baseball diamonds, picnic area, play area, pool, and a public hall. On weekends parents arrive early to stake and out "occupy" picnic tables for birthday parties - There's only a dozen of them, and it's first come first serve. There should really be some kind of permit process in place so this is fair to everyone.
The local city union employees union went on strike in my hometown recently. They protested outside of city hall, which was appropriate. Every morning from 9am until noon they walked around with their signs. The city assigned a single police officer to the picketing, which was comical - because the cop just sat around drinking coffee with them. They didn't need to link arms and prevent the general public from entering city hall; They still got their message across.
Protest all you want. Just relax a little. Get your message across without stupidity.