Last week I published this diary, asking you to help freep a poll in a local paper and help out the DuPage Duo (ok, it's lame compared to the Chicago 7. Give me a break.)
Follow me over the jump to hear the story of two DuPage County (Illinois) war protesters... in their own words.
ENOUGH!
Thanks for your help on that poll - but while the editorial is still posted here, I can't view the poll's results. But thank you to everyone who read the diary and took the time to read the editorial and vote.
Here's the story of the DuPage Duo (ok, I'll stop using that term now) -
Jeff Zurawski of Downers Grove and Sarah Hartfield of Naperville created a large sign that read "IMPEACH! Bush and Cheney - Liars" and added an upside down American flag. They hung this from an overpass on I-355.
A state trooper came up and said that while he recognized the message, they needed to look into permits and such, and requested that they take the banner down. They did so. As they were removing it, three DuPage County Sheriff police arrived. One was allegedly very upset at the message and, though they were told they could leave, he said that he'd do his best to see them again.
Three weeks later, they were charged with disorderly conduct - a charge that, if proven, might lead to 3 months in the county jail. Earlier this month, two more charges were added: reckless conduct and unauthorized display of a sign in viewing of a highway. These charges, if proven, can lead to a year in prison.
The editorial has two very astute points:
We also suspect that had the banner read "Support Bush and Cheney" instead of "Impeach Bush and Cheney - LIARS" the situation would have been viewed a little differently.
and
Frankly, we think this should have ended when Zurawski and Hartfield folded their banner and went to leave at the request of the trooper.
The State's Attorney in this case is one Joe Birkett, who ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor last year, and was quite involved through the years in the government's horrendous decisions regarding the Jeanine Nicarico case. Thank you to Do Tell for that link.
Please watch the videos below, and hear what has happened from Jeff and Sarah themselves. Please share the videos with people who may be interested.
Please contact Joe Birkett, and demand that he drop the charges against the DuPage Duo! (Ok, really - that was the last time! Well, today. In the body of the diary.)
Video One: DuPage's States Attorney Assaults Free Speech
Direct link for sharing: http://www.youtube.com/...
Video Two: DuPage's States Attorney Assaults Free Speech
Direct link for sharing: http://www.youtube.com/...
Video Three: DuPage's States Attorney Assaults Free Speech
Direct link for sharing: http://www.youtube.com/...
If you live around DuPage County, and can support them on Monday, please read the note that was posted in comments at YouTube:
If you would like to help Jeff and Sarah please join with their friends and supporters who will be standing by them at their next court date, July 30th.
They will be meeting at about 8:15am outside the court room at the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton on County Farm Road, in builing 505, room 4007.
ENOUGH!