09/7/08
Current Event
“Protesters, Police Clash outside convention”
This article is about the about the assembly of protesters outside of the Republican National Convention. A total of three hundred ninety six people were arrested only after tear gas and percussion grenades were used. Many protesters were serious about their fight against the Republican party. For instance, a line of police dressed in riot gear and walking with bicycles moved toward a woman who refused to get out of their way, and several police officers sprayed her with tear gas. Her only response was to cover her face with one hand and do the peace sign with the other. Later, the police refused to comment on the “Accident.” Out of the three hundred and ninety six people arrested “most were cited and released” said Lieutenant Tracey Martin. However, Martin refused to say how many protesters were jailed. In addition, a deputy added that “not too many” people were jailed but he too refused to provide a number.
I believe that in this situation the people’s rights have been violated. I believe that we as Americans are protected under the first amendment which states the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition. Under this amendment I believe that it was unconstitutional to arrest the three hundred ninety six people who were protesting at the Republican National Convention. To further my point, the American Civil Liberties Union said “it was providing limited representation to many of those arrested.” Despite the fact that it was said that many of the people arrested were released they were still charged for unlawful assembly. In conclusion, who is to say what unlawful assembly is?