[discuss-dan] The First Amendment

["getmelissa@uswest.net" <getmelissa@uswest.net>]

I fully expect the mayor and SPD to have learned a bit more about the
First Amendment at this point.  I hope this clarification from Carrie
gives you an important reminder as we approach this anniversary.

-- 
$EA$ON$ GREETING$,
 melissa


Mayor Schell:

Amendment I
"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."

Let me repeat that...

"...or abridging the freedom of speech...or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble,..."
"...or abridging the freedom of speech...or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble,..."
"or abridging the freedom of speech...or the right of
the people peaceably to assemble,..."
"or abridging the freedom of
speech...or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble,..." 

That having been said, I fully intend to join my fellow brothers and
sisters AT Westlake, where I fully intend to be peaceful, I fully expect
to exercise my freedom of speech in a peaceful assembly, and I FULLY
expect the same in return from the officers you control who are supposed
to be protecting ME. 

You and Chief Kerlikowske keep repeating the mesage that your main
concern is public safety. I AM THE PUBLIC! You as an elected official,
with a degree in law from Columbia no less, should know better! As far
as I know, the Constitutional Bill of Rights has not changed since 1963.

"I am... against all violations of the Constitution to silence by
force and not by reason the complaints or criticisms, just or
unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents." 
--Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 1799.

Your statement that 

     "Freedom of speech is one of our country's highest values, but 
       we cannot allow it to become freedom to vandalize, 
       freedom to interfere with the rights of others, 
       freedom to disrupt city business, 
       or freedom to block city streets. 
       I think our citizens understand the difference 
       and we will enforce the law as they expect us to."

clarifies that you do not truly understand the first amendment.

The first amendment DOES allow the freedom to interfere with the rights 
	of others when said right is "listening" to someone exercise their 
free speech.
The first amendment DOES allow the freedom to disrupt city business when
     it is done by peaceful assembly of the people to exercise their
free 	speech.
And the first amendment DEFINITELY allows the freedom to block city
     streets when a peaceful group of people assemble to exercise their
     right to free speech! 

The fact that you said "I think our citizens (me) understand the
difference and we will enforce the law as they (me) expect us to." Well
good. Because if you enforce the law as I expect you to, the only
officers downtown at Westlake will be there because they share a common
love for humanity and want to show their support by participating. Any
show of FORCE (and any armed officer in uniform is a show of force) that
stands GUARD of the streets of Seattle is OBVIOUSLY there because THEY
want to
provoke a confrontation. Not the other way around, as you put it.

"Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and 
subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, sir, what 
means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to
submission? 
Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it?"
--Patrick Henry to Parliament (March 23, 1775)

I intend to be at Westlake on N30 to join in a peaceful assembly of
my fellow citizens with whom I will exercise my right to free speech.
If I see you downtown, I fully hope with all my heart it will be because
you, as an elected official and representative of this city, share the
view that sacrificing human life and dignity in exchange for the dollar
should not be tolerated, and that you will attend the events of N30
because you as a person want to relate to your fellow brothers and
sisters and that you wish to learn more about what's happening globally
by listening to so many people who have contributed so much
in the spirit of helping humanity.

"I know not what course others may take; 
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
--Patrick Henry

Peacefully,
Carrie Anne Johnson
workersrights@home.com
http://www.nw-media.com/carrie

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