POLICE ORDER D.C. CHAPTER'S PRO-TROOPS WALTER REED DEMONSTRATION SILENCED

Friday, December 30, 2005 | Kristinn

[kristinn]

An officer with Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) ordered the D.C. Chapter of Free Republic to silence our voices tonight at our weekly support the troops demonstration outside Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The officer cited complaints from the neighborhood about the noise our voices make as we chastise the so-called antiwar protesters across the street at the main gate to Walter Reed.

The officer went across the street and issued the same order to the Code Pinkos. We're not sure if the order applies to their singalong guitar player (who serenaded the wounded troops tonight with Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door".)

Two weeks ago, several MPD officers staked out our Walter Reed demonstration. One officer issued a similar order but he did not enforce it as we verbally challenged it on First Amendment grounds and called in a complaint to MPD's 4th District HQ where Walter Reed is located.

We plan to formally challenge tonight's order as a violation of our First Amendment rights. D.C. case law is extremely "liberal" when it comes to exercising First Amendment rights and we believe there is strong grounds for our right to vocalize our political beliefs.

Our permit application on file with MPD clearly states that we planned to use battery powered megaphones. MPD has not denied the usage of megaphones when they processed the application. However, out of respect for the residents in the mixed-use area we have never used megaphones--just our voices.

The D.C. noise ordinance kicks in at 10 p.m. We stop using our loud voices between 9 and 9:30 p.m. when Code Pink slinks off before the Fran O'Brien's bus returns to Walter Reed with the soldiers and their family members.

Several months ago, Code Pink left fliers at the doors of residences near Walter Reed encouraging them to call the police to complain about our vocal exercising of our First Amendment rights.

We understand the complaints of those who live in the neighborhood, however our demonstration would be crippled if we were silenced.

We've never had to file a lawsuit in seven years of activism in our nation's capital, but there's a first time for everything.

[bmwcyle]

First shots and you will find something interesting at the end

[bmwcyle]

picture ping

[trooprally]

We are trying to draw attention from Code Pink, to out demonstrate them so they go away. By our group being inside, the a$$holes may request the same equal privilege and make themselves even more of a nuisance to the troops.

There are plenty of military oriented groups that provide the troops inside comfort and relief. We are doing what we need to do outside.

The wounded and their families see we are there. A good number in wheelchairs and on crutches have come out and Thanked us for being there. That is our reward.
And FM is correct, never underestimate the D.C. FReepers. Most of the group have been at WR since last March. We, [Mr & Mrs] Trooprally, have only been there since late September and have seen the them in action. "We shall over come"

[Coop]

Our rights are being denied.

Do you have a copy of the permit? I like the idea of using bullhorns (or megaphones? there is a difference). That way I can be just as loud, without yelling. Wouldn't want to upset the neighbors, now would we?

[StarCMC]

Thank you guys!!

[Coop]

If I lived in the neighborhood, I would complain.

And you're allowed to complain as much as you like. And we're allowed to tick you off as much as we like.

[StarCMC]

You forgot "The Thing That Only Eats Hippies"

LOL!!

[Coop]

..because I can forsee more freepers wanting to join your group...for MORE voices.

You're funny! [slapping thigh]

We're lucky to get 30 people on any given night, and it's always the same core group. And, other than the Westboro hateniks outside of soldiers' funerals, I can't think of anything more despicable. But don't expect FR to suddenly have some type of epiphany and mobilization.

[Coop]

How much of their so-called noise can even be heard above the roar of 6 lanes of traffic?

I'm sure loud-mouths like me and Buford can be heard above normal traffic patterns. However, those sleazebags being out there cause many cars, trucks, buses, taxis, etc. to honk, sometimes a lot! I can guarantee you that my big mouth cannot outperform most vehicle horns.

[Landry Fan]

And that will not stand! Save the cat from further torture by pinko slugs.

[Dog Gone]

You guys have a lot of discipline not to succumb to the temptation of beating the snot out of the Code Pink folks.

[kristinn]

And we're allowed to tick you off as much as we like.

You're mistaken in that. We're not allowed to "tick off (the neighbors) as much as we like."

However, given that we are engaged in First Amendment protected activities, I believe that our right to raise our voices so they can be heard across the street by the Code Pinkos for a couple hours before the 10 p.m. noise ordinance takes effect is acceptable under law.

[Coop]

Any reason why you can't/shouldn't be quieter?

How's about you show up on a Friday night and show us just how it's done, 'kay? Otherwise...

[Landry Fan]

Code Pink's presence outside the hospital gates disturbs, enrages, and adds to the stress level of the war wounded and their families.

The Pinkos don't care because they hate our troops.

[Coop]

This could get touchy if they revoke both permits.

Revoking both permits would be the absolute best outcome, IMHO. That would force the Code Pinkos to depart the premises, and we would no longer have any need to be out there.

[EDINVA]

can you imagine that neighborhood when they close WR and move to the Bethesda site?

[Coop]

You're mistaken in that.

No I'm not. Revoke the permit and then we'll talk.

[kristinn]

We do not want the permits of either side revoked. Permits are not decided on the grounds of good or bad taste nor should they be.

[ChefKeith]

I think the tick off was directed at bnelson44

[Coop]

I do. I want those anti-American sleazeballs away from Walter Reed.