So this is America? (opens in new tab)

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39 pointsoewolf15y ago10 comments

10 comments

10 comments · 4 top-level

kongqiu15y ago· 6 in thread

What are the specific laws relating to non-violent protest at this kind of event?

Assuming the article is correct (and the video seems to back that up), I wouldn't even consider this protesting. Yelling over Clinton's speech, holding up signs, harassing people going to the speech, throwing shoes -- these are all protests. Quietly standing with your back to the speaker? Not a chance.

jeromec15y ago

I would call it a protest, a silent one, and with some degree of effect as well especially if cameras ever showed the audience. However, such prompt removal for such a passive/peaceful gesture is troubling.

jj771115y ago

I suppose when Rosa Parks quietly sat at the front of the bus she wasn't protesting either.

blueben15y ago

You are willing to begin regulating what is and is not protest speech?

nika15y ago

There's only one law, and it is pretty specific:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or 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."

They could have asked him to leave. Then demanded he leave. Then arrested him if he refused to leave. That would have been legal.

mrj15y ago

Unfortunately, the amendment didn't specify where you can assemble and petition. Government in recent years has been making sure that's a "free speech zone" that's quite a distance away.

They removed him because they don't allow you to petition the government, you know, within earshot.

ck215y ago

Much better link with more details:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-kall/former-cia-agent-ray-...

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=N-Vy8fFnz18#t=0m20s

If I am understanding this correctly, all this guy did was stay standing with his back to the speaker.

That's some insane abuse if true.

ajays15y ago

While I'm appalled at the incident and upset, I don't think this belongs in HN...

Skroob15y ago

Was he standing in the aisle? In his seat? Neither may justify being roughed up like that, but this appears to be a statement from his lawyers, and a video that only shows him being removed. Can we even be confident this is the whole truth?

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