The Constitution in Waco

The First Amendment to the Constitution states: 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.

The Waco Police Department and other police departments blatantly tried to prevent a peaceful assembly and public officials have slandered the attendees ever since.

The majority of the 176 people arrested after the Waco Massacre were arrested because they were wearing motorcycle club indicia, or insignia, and such insignia is a constitutionally protected form of expression – even in Texas. Current case law can be succinctly summarized as: “Implicit in the right to engage in activities protected by the First Amendment is a corresponding right to associate with others in pursuit of a wide variety of political, social, economic, educational, religious, and cultural ends. This right is crucial in preventing the majority from imposing its views on groups that would rather express other, perhaps unpopular, ideas. Clothing identifying one’s association with an organization is generally considered expressive conduct entitled to First Amendment protection.”

... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Say What Now? Seems to me these bikers in Waco ought not to grandstand on the first, but instead focus on the 6th and 8th Amendments.

Don’t be ignorant. I know exactly why the Bikers assembled on that fine Sunday morning. I also know about the Texas Confederation of Clubs & Independents.

I also know - as do you - that there was NOTHING peaceful intended for this assembly.

Absolutely this was intended as an informative meeting.
No matter what you “Think” you know.
A small number (relative to the size of the crowd) may have had foul intentions, or an altercation may have generated between a small number of the attendees spontaneously.

Nonetheless every indication from people who were there and release shows that this was a political get together involving going over bills in the Texas legislation related to motorcycling.

I don't see political rallies centered on lobbying the state legislature as criminal enterprises. Even if a few criminal elements show up as agents provocateur.

It was above board gathering in a public place. Shooting into the crowd with long guns and then rounding up close to two hundred dead, wounded, or shocked attendees with no more probable cause than their vehicles and clothing is Orwellian.

So no.

I don't “Know” that nearly two hundred people at a public restaurant in broad Texas daylight were there for a rumble. Or to sell drugs to the busboys. Or to kidnap and pimp the waitresses.

Keep your claiming to “Know” that to yourself.
Other people aren't going down that road.

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