Posted on 12/30/2005 8:07:26 PM PST by 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.
"Stealth" is your middle name.
"I came off a bit testy...I'm sorry!"
Apology accepted..I'm a crusty nurse myself...LOL! That's my excuse. I really had no idea of the layout of the hospital and the grounds etc. I now SEE.
:)
The codepinko freaks are nothing but Stinky She-man wannabes. They worship "Tankgirl" who was run over in Israel and that libidiot who parked herself in a CA redwood for months and fell out. They are total losers with no life.
I'm glad you are kicking back at them. Wish I could be there to help out.
bump!
Are you kidding me ? I'd like to show that moron just what Bluto ala Animal House would do... what a disgusting thing for him to do!
..honest officer,when he swung his guitar around while I was walking by, I took that motion as threatening, and I simply defended myself. The fact that the instrument he held in such high regard is no longer useful and no longer poses a threat to anyone who happens to be strolling by, must be taken into consideration. I performed a community service while defending myself, I can only hope the City of Washington D.C. and the fine peacekeepers it employs understands that occasionally a tourist, such as myself, might misconstrue his actions as not entertainment, but given the time of day,the location, his general appearance, and act of aggression. Have a nice evening officer and how bout them Redskins.
Doogle
Does the District even have a noise ordinance?
(My technical field IS noise...)
Just standing there quietly with your signs, however, should be fine and both sides can chant during acceptable times of the day.
Of course, really, what should happen is the Code Pink people be rounded up and hung for treason. But alas, it seems no one wants to bring those charges.
Can't think of a better reason to suspend home rule for DC now!!!!
Settle without going to court? Our rights are violated....
I'm not able to go to dc much due to my job, but my opinion can be sumed up in the (censored) words of Mr. Biggs.
Take this **** to mother****** trial!
Sometimes silence says more than words. Just the fact that y'all are there says more than any voiced words can. Besides, I've seen y'all just standing around not bothering anyone and getting more attention than anyone else just by using good manners and being civil.
Y'all rock!!!!!!
Let Code Pink make noise and get arrested while the Freepers are quiet and law abiding. Isn't that what we stand for - the Rule of Law?
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