The freedoms of speech, expression and assembly are very basic in the United States.
They give most if us the liberty to come and go, presumably without fear. They also prevent police or anyone else from challenging us without cause.
Demonstrations are a way of challenging aspects if the system we may not like. In many parts of the country, demonstrations ate rare. In the District of Columbia, they happen everyday.
I have always made my living watching the world, and in the more than 40 years I have done that, I have learned many things. One of the most memorable is that the causes that send people out into the streets are endless.
I do not have to agree with your cause, and how you express your views, but I respect your right to do it. Sit-ins, blockades, marches and other forms of protests each have their legitimacy. That includes things like flag burning, passionate, same sex kisses on the streets, banner-sized photos of aborted fetuses and wearing hoodies on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Congress has its rules, and all members know how violations of those rules are handled. Dress code infractions can lead to removal. Every member of Congress learns that during their orientation. But sometimes actions are taken for the record or as a matter of principle.
Demonstrations are about symbolism. Arrests go on the record as a commitment to a cause. Being escorted from the chamber of the House turns up in the congressional record. There are a whole list of symbolic misdemeanor charges and nominal sanctions that can apply to those who cross the line from support to civil disobedience or violations of rules.
Bobby Rush made his point. His penalty is inconsequential. Some may condemn his method, but it is likely it was a hit with his constituents.
In the rest of the country, it is easy to see demonstrations and the necessary security they require as being wastes of the taxpayers' money. In Washington, D.C., it is part of the fabric of America.
This time it is about the tragic loss of a child, last time it was about the cause of the day.
They give most if us the liberty to come and go, presumably without fear. They also prevent police or anyone else from challenging us without cause.Demonstrations are a way of challenging aspects if the system we may not like. In many parts of the country, demonstrations ate rare. In the District of Columbia, they happen everyday.
I have always made my living watching the world, and in the more than 40 years I have done that, I have learned many things. One of the most memorable is that the causes that send people out into the streets are endless.
I do not have to agree with your cause, and how you express your views, but I respect your right to do it. Sit-ins, blockades, marches and other forms of protests each have their legitimacy. That includes things like flag burning, passionate, same sex kisses on the streets, banner-sized photos of aborted fetuses and wearing hoodies on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Congress has its rules, and all members know how violations of those rules are handled. Dress code infractions can lead to removal. Every member of Congress learns that during their orientation. But sometimes actions are taken for the record or as a matter of principle.
Demonstrations are about symbolism. Arrests go on the record as a commitment to a cause. Being escorted from the chamber of the House turns up in the congressional record. There are a whole list of symbolic misdemeanor charges and nominal sanctions that can apply to those who cross the line from support to civil disobedience or violations of rules.
Bobby Rush made his point. His penalty is inconsequential. Some may condemn his method, but it is likely it was a hit with his constituents.
In the rest of the country, it is easy to see demonstrations and the necessary security they require as being wastes of the taxpayers' money. In Washington, D.C., it is part of the fabric of America.
This time it is about the tragic loss of a child, last time it was about the cause of the day.
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