The First Amendment of the Constitution states that the authorities are prohibited from "interfering with the [people's] right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances."
There is no ambiguity in the language; it's very clear. People have a constitutional right to assemble and petition the government to redress grievances.
Once the condition are so bad that people find it necessary to take to the streets in protest, what becomes quaint are petty issues dealing with the inconveniences caused by the protests, including traffic blockages, nose, etc.
That's precisely when the authorities need to show restrain and not provoke violence. When the authorities use a heavy hand, and harass protesters, try to keep them caged with barriers, and use similar tactics, they are wantonly provoking a confrontation.
It can't be accepted, ever, that any person can approach another person and launch a physical attack. That is a very, huge, big deal. It does not matter who that person is, or what position it holds.
Every physical attack by any law enforcement personnel against a peaceful protester should have very dire, serious consequences. Extremely serious.
Freedom-loving people who respect the United State Constitution should always be ready to protect every single right we are entitled to; to the fullest.
Any police officer who lifts a hand against a peaceful protester should know right then and there that there will be a series of consequences including, a formal complain to the proper authorities; an automated law suit against him, the police department, the city, and anybody else in between; media exposure. And any other legal recourse available to a citizen.
A suggestion for protesters would be to assign a squad to monitor police brutality, take photos, videos, make sure the name of the attacker is documented. There should be a legal team that automatically files lawsuits. For example, a citizen (that happens to be a police officer) hits someone "tonight," and by Monday morning a law suit if filed.
The individual personally should be suit as well.
Those supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement, can think about establishing a fund for this specific purpose, and come up with a way to raise money for that fund.
So it should be automatic... The miscreant hits a peaceful protester; the event is documented with photos, witnesses, video. The miscreant's name, and ID number, etc. is documented. And immediately a law suit is filed against him, the city, the mayor, the government, whomever is appropriate.
The ultimate question: Is it or is it not a big deal for one citizen to lay a hand on another citizen in a physical attack? Is physically attacking another human being because she is exercising her constitutional rights, warranted?
The answer is no. No uniform or position or occupation gives the right to anyone to lay a hand on a peaceful protester. If done, the consequences for every single event, should be dire; very serious.
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