I have no love for the ‘Occupy’ movement and it’s crazy socialist/communist/fascist (yes, elements of all three) view on how to ‘remake’ American (and world) society, or their complete ignorance of basic economics. But I do support their right to peaceably protest. The first Amendment (applied to the states by the 14th Amendment) says, in part:
Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Last night, Chicago decided to violate this amendment. Oh sure, they claim to just be enforcing the law, but the Occupy Chicago protestors were peaceably assembled, availing themselves of their right to speak freely and to petition the government for redress of grievances. They were met with arrest once the clock passed 2300 local time, on the grounds that the public park was closed at 2300.
I am quite sure that the courts will find that the city acted within the Constitution, but this is only because the courts are part of the same corrupt system that seeks to deprive people of liberty and enforce the power of government, despite the clear, plain language of the US Constitution. On this I agree with the ‘Occupy’ movement—they have a right to assemble in public spaces, a right to present their grievances and a right to speak freely. Arresting them is not the solution. That’s the hallmark of a government that believes it controls every action of every citizen. Exactly the reverse of what America is supposed to be.
About Stephen Adams