Magnificent news! Freedom of expression is paramount to self-government. No mistake that it came in the first slot in the American Bill of Rights. As Milton understood long ago, truth cannot be found without free expression of ideas, right or wrong.
Along with free commerce, communication, be it by the internet, radio, or print media, is a crucial freedom without which democracy cannot exist. One of the reasons terrorism exists is that those countries that foment it stifle civilized discussion and dissent. Public venting is the safety-valve of a free and sane society.
As bad as are the NYC protesters, it is by this outlet of public protest that relieves them of some percieved necessity for worser acts. There will always be that fringe that cannot act within accepted boundaries, but thanks to the right of expression for the rest, those who go beyond remain in the far fringes.