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saif · Jan 19, 2005, 05:54 am

Should supporters of President Bush have a right to reserve prime positions along the inaugural parade route and not have to share them with protesters?

WASHINGTON (Jan. 18) - Supporters of President Bush have a right to reserve prime positions along the inaugural parade route and do not have to share them with protesters, a U.S. judge ruled Tuesday.

The ruling by District Court Judge Paul Friedman is a setback for an anti-war coalition called ANSWER, which had sued the government for greater public access to the inaugural parade on Thursday.

Authorities plan to close off 100 blocks in downtown Washington and use bomb-sniffing dogs and military troopers for the first inaugural event since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Those who provided funds for the $40 million inauguration ceremony will view the parade from reserved bleachers lining much of Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House.

ANSWER, an acronym for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, said the bleachers left little space for protesters or ordinary citizens who might want to view the parade.

"The sidewalks, for this particular moment, should be open to all," said ANSWER attorney Carl Messineo.

The judge said, however, that the National Park Service was acting appropriately by controlling access. "It's clear, as I think it always has been, that the official inaugural parade and the bleachers connected with it get the bulk of the space," he said.

The Park Service has given ANSWER a space along the parade route, next to the courthouse where the case was argued. Eight other spots have also been set aside for protesters.

Protesters will have the right to distribute literature and carry signs, but the Secret Service will not allow them to be held aloft on sticks or poles that could be used as weapons.

01/18/05 18:43 ET

Spartacus · Jan 19, 2005, 09:57 am

This is SOP for the Bush White House. They operate in rarefied air and allow no dissent within their little circle of influence. To hell with what the everyday people want. Money talks, bullshit walks as the old axiom goes and it applies in spades to the Bushies.

Catch 22 · Jan 19, 2005, 06:44 pm

I say they use steriods so they can reach the limo even if they're far off.

rmnunez · Jan 19, 2005, 10:20 pm

Precedent supports the judge's ruling, when more than one group and clashing groups compete for space to demonstrate, there is discretion to assign space to one or restrict the time place and manner of any.

caspian88 · Jan 19, 2005, 10:27 pm

Everyone should have the same rights. Of course, I'm not sure if protestors with big signs should be in the front, as that'd disrupt people's views of the motorcade (besides, how can you egg a limo with a sign in your way <grin>). Voice your views, just be considerate towards those who are peacefully expressing their views.

PatrickHenry · Jan 19, 2005, 10:41 pm

More trappings of Empire. Do you think the Roman Emperors put up with protest? Why should Dubya have to? Just because he is the "Leader of the Free World?" We are lucky that public opinion would disapprove of eliminating protest altogether, or we wouldn't even get Free Speech Zones.

Question: would you be removed and/or arrested for unfurling a "Bush Sucks" banner after sitting on the bleachers?

rmnunez · Jan 20, 2005, 01:15 am

I don't think you'd be allowed to sit in the bleachers if you wanted to unfurl such a banner.

Spartacus · Jan 20, 2005, 02:55 am

So much for the First Amendment...

View Poll Results: Should Supporters of President Bush have extended rights over Protestors?
Yes,	2	14.29%
No,	13	92.86%
Bush Protestors present a disruption and threat	2	14.29%
Offseason Steriod use will aid in egg throwing	3	21.43%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 14. You may not vote

Jan 19, 2005, 05:54 am	#1 (permalink) (top)
saif Sword of Truth Location: Elmira, NY Posts: 225	Protestors Rights' or Not... Should supporters of President Bush have a right to reserve prime positions along the inaugural parade route and not have to share them with protesters? WASHINGTON (Jan. 18) - Supporters of President Bush have a right to reserve prime positions along the inaugural parade route and do not have to share them with protesters, a U.S. judge ruled Tuesday. The ruling by District Court Judge Paul Friedman is a setback for an anti-war coalition called ANSWER, which had sued the government for greater public access to the inaugural parade on Thursday. Authorities plan to close off 100 blocks in downtown Washington and use bomb-sniffing dogs and military troopers for the first inaugural event since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Those who provided funds for the $40 million inauguration ceremony will view the parade from reserved bleachers lining much of Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House. ANSWER, an acronym for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, said the bleachers left little space for protesters or ordinary citizens who might want to view the parade. "The sidewalks, for this particular moment, should be open to all," said ANSWER attorney Carl Messineo. The judge said, however, that the National Park Service was acting appropriately by controlling access. "It's clear, as I think it always has been, that the official inaugural parade and the bleachers connected with it get the bulk of the space," he said. The Park Service has given ANSWER a space along the parade route, next to the courthouse where the case was argued. Eight other spots have also been set aside for protesters. Protesters will have the right to distribute literature and carry signs, but the Secret Service will not allow them to be held aloft on sticks or poles that could be used as weapons. 01/18/05 18:43 ET (Click to expand) Come visit the Evolution of Thought Institute today! Last edited by saif; Jan 19, 2005 at 06:04 am.

Jan 19, 2005, 06:44 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
Catch 22 Igneous Magma Posts: 374	I say they use steriods so they can reach the limo even if they're far off. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan 19, 2005, 10:41 pm	#6 (permalink) (top)
PatrickHenry 9/11: Inside Job Location: Hawai'i, Big Island Posts: 10,437	More trappings of Empire. Do you think the Roman Emperors put up with protest? Why should Dubya have to? Just because he is the "Leader of the Free World?" We are lucky that public opinion would disapprove of eliminating protest altogether, or we wouldn't even get Free Speech Zones. Question: would you be removed and/or arrested for unfurling a "Bush Sucks" banner after sitting on the bleachers? "Arms in the hands of the citizens may be used at individual discretion for the defense of the country, the overthrow of tyranny or private self-defense." -- John Adams

Jan 19, 2005, 09:57 am	#2 (permalink) (top)
Spartacus voyager Location: where I am free Posts: 111	This is SOP for the Bush White House. They operate in rarefied air and allow no dissent within their little circle of influence. To hell with what the everyday people want. Money talks, bullshit walks as the old axiom goes and it applies in spades to the Bushies.

Jan 19, 2005, 10:20 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
rmnunez Volcanic Erupter Location: Mexico City Posts: 4,772	Precedent supports the judge's ruling, when more than one group and clashing groups compete for space to demonstrate, there is discretion to assign space to one or restrict the time place and manner of any.

Jan 19, 2005, 10:27 pm	#5 (permalink) (top)
caspian88 Molten Ash Posts: 85	Everyone should have the same rights. Of course, I'm not sure if protestors with big signs should be in the front, as that'd disrupt people's views of the motorcade (besides, how can you egg a limo with a sign in your way <grin>). Voice your views, just be considerate towards those who are peacefully expressing their views.

Jan 20, 2005, 01:15 am	#7 (permalink) (top)
rmnunez Volcanic Erupter Location: Mexico City Posts: 4,772	I don't think you'd be allowed to sit in the bleachers if you wanted to unfurl such a banner.

Jan 20, 2005, 02:55 am	#8 (permalink) (top)
Spartacus voyager Location: where I am free Posts: 111	So much for the First Amendment...