Posts tagged Protest

soredtherose:

Imagine an America in which the government can deny protest in any public space it deems fit. Where wearing a dissenting shirt around an elected official could be construed as a felony. Where First-Amendment protections become privileges subjectively doled out by the state. Sadly, that America is pretty much here.

In March, Congress passed HR 347, a bill that limits Americans’ ability to protest in public and on government grounds. Mainstream media didn’t raise peep, but now there’s finally some anger building. The bill, passed almost unanimously, makes it a federal offense punishable by up to ten years in prison to “knowingly“ protest in the vicinity of the Secret Service—that is anywhere the Secret Service “is or will be temporarily visiting.”

It also makes many public events impervious to lawful protest. Any “National Security Special Event” (NSSE) requires Secret Service protection. NSSE-designated events have proliferated since 9/11 to include Super Bowls, concerts, campaign events, and now any public event that Very Important People want protest-free. 

Most dangerously, it criminalizes protest. Under the bill, “disorderly or disruptive conduct” or activities that “impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions” could warrant felony charges. What constitutes such “disruptive conduct” rests in the eye of the beholder—or the eye of Eric Holder. To put it plainly: the government can decide where and when free speech is allowed and severely prosecute any “disruptive” activity, while we’re confined to “free speech zones.” We can help fix it, however! Join our petition below to protect our speech rights!

PETITION TO CONGRESS: We treasure our first amendment rights of free speech and public assembly! HR 347 limits valid arenas of peaceful public protest, and broadens the government’s ability to curtail civil liberties. We demand that Congress amend the bill to provide clearer language as to what constitutes “disruptions”; to allow for reasonable, peaceful protest at NSSEs and around Secret Service; and to ensure that no peaceful protest can ever be deemed a felony.

SIGN HERE: http://act.watchdog.net/petitions/963?l=PUIIHd0RcuE

TL;DR: Guys, this is REALLY fucking important. Under this bill Occupy Wall Street, the March on Washington & virtually ANY other protests could not have happened. Peaceful protests are an important part of our political process (not to mention our Constitutional Rights!) Please take a moment to sign & reblog this. Thanks!

(via thegreywardencommander)

bacon-beer-and-boobs:

bacon-beer-and-boobs:

This morning I explained to the kids why/what we are protesting today. I explained to them that a soldier had passed away, and about what Westborrow Baptist Church is going to be doing there. They all agreed with me that what they do is wrong, and even seemed a bit disgusted by it.

I further explained our reason and actions of protesting the protesters. I made it clear that what we are doing is for the better good of the country, and to show our support to the troop that died. 

There were a lot of questions, all of which were answered, and overall I’m pretty sure the kids all understand. I gave them permission to ‘use the middle finger’, and my 10 year old daughter, after explaining that WBC says that God loves dead soldiers, stated that God wasn’t real, so we told her to tell them that as well.

I’m excited to be doing this, and I’m so happy to be able to include my children in this experience. 

Alright, time to get ready!! 

I have a few ‘Some people are gay, get over it!’ posters. Should I take a couple?? 

Also, I’m taking the dogs, so I might make little signs for them to wear around their necks, lol. 

You win the parenting awards, all the awards

(Source: baconbeernboobs, via baconbeernboobs)

sapphiremysteries:

Given the situation that occurred yesterday at Occupy Oakland, my sister and I made an agreement that we would find a way to get down to Occupy Louisville and have our voices as Americans be heard.

My ex (who is in the US Army) sent me this message via facebook and I think it would be a great help for everyone in the event of heinous riot acts by the police.

I support your right as an American to gather and to have your voice heard, just make sure your doing things legal so the police have no reason to brutalize you.

but here are a few helpful tips in case you happen to be targeted anyway.

bring milk - it can be used to wash out mace from your eyes and shortens the duration of the burn.

if pepper spray is burning your skin use a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 5 parts water. DO NOT USE FOR EYES.

bring a hospital mask and vinegar(apple cider vinegar or lemon juice) - douse the mask with it and breathe through it. It helps cancel out riot gas, although you may have to re douse it occasionally.

swim goggles with a tight seal can help protect the eyes.

bring a solution of water and 5% sodium bisulfate to decontaminate yourself from tear gas.

wear clothing that clover as much of your body as possible and sinch the cuffs closed. if you find yourself in tear gas your first instinct will to be to panic. you will cough, throw up, have burning vision, and possibly a 3 foot trail of snot gushing out your nose.
Do Not Run, as you cannot see and will most likley run into something big and painful.

Breathing will be labored. the effects usually last 7 - 15 minutes. If you have a respiratory problem bring your meds/inhalers. do not touch your face or any other part of your body as the roit agent will spread. bring an extra change of clothes to change into. tear gas crystallizes so it will be in your clothes until washed.


Just some helpful tips from some one who has to go into a tear gas chamber every year. Be safe.

We are Americans and we are strong, we are also backed by the UDHR that the United Nations abides by.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Even if we don’t know each other, I love you all.

(Source: complexication, via stfuconservatives)