Posted on 03/11/2003 5:42:00 PM PST by Drango
For 18 months the Lafayette Flag Brigade has held a “Rally For America” on the 11th of every month. (see old picture below). Today the California Highway Patrol threatened to arrest us and kicked us off the overpass. SHAME on them. We repeatedly assert our rights to be there and that they were treating us different than the routine protests held by the appeasnicks in Berkeley. The Lieutenant claimed ignorance of that, as it was in a different jurisdiction he asserted. They claim our flag waving was creating a disturbance and slowing traffic. Both sides waved a California Court decision that we felt was controlling.
While we had perhaps 30 people the cops had 10???? The rank and file cops were fairly embarrassed about the whole thing. We embarrassed ‘em on camera but asking point blank if it was the flag they found offensive! Clearly Grad Davis’ administration will give latitude to almost any form of expression except flag waving.
None of us wanted to be arrested so we disbursed. Shook hands with most of the cops... More to come.
The CNN cameras caught most of it, so please let us know if you see anything. We’ll post pictures as we get ‘em.
We pointed that out to the CHP repeatedly and vigorously asserted that they were treating us different than the "other side". They wouldn’t buy into our argument. "Sorry, out of my district" was their most common response. The CHP now says if you see anti-war protesters on overpasses, call 911 and the CHP will put a stop to it!
I guess I have to take 'em at their word...
...*IF* your local CHP doesn't respond, call Lieutenant Paul Fontana 925-646-4980 (email pfontana@chp.ca.gov) and politely point out the double standard.
With public debate over war in Iraq at a critical stage, a federal appeals court today made it clear that California transportation officials cannot allow the American flag on highway overpasses without also allowing anti-war protesters and others to post signs bearing political messages. link
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.