1st Amendment: 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.
As Citizens of the United States our rights are clearly outlined in our government's constitution, however, the militarized police force in this country has chosen to interpret these laws differently than originally intended. Should the people of this country not have the right to peaceable assemble for protest? Are we enemies of this country that need to be controlled through violent force? This is a time when change is upon us, history is being written before our eyes and each decision being made by the citizens and law enforcement during the occupy movement is setting a standard for how much free speech we are really allowed to have and how much power we are going to give to law enforcement over those rights. Law enforcement is content to give the citizens the right to assemble and protest as long as we stay within limits. If we are within a box that does not disrupt, call to much attention, and does not interfere with everyday interactions then it is fine but step beyond those limits and they attempt to shut it down. How long will the occupy movement really last? I don't know but I have a feeling that with the attempt to shut down and impose more limits on the movement that originally inspired cites all over the country to protest, there will be many rapid changes within the upcoming weeks.
Law Enforcement Oath of Honor
On my honor,
I will never betray my badge,
my integrity, my character,
or the public trust.
I will always have the courage
To hold myself and others
accountable for our actions.
I will always uphold the Constitution,
the community,
And the agency I serve,
so help me God.
Developed by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Committee on Police Ethics
2000
Before Police Officers take upon themselves
the “Law Enforcement Oath of Honor,” it is
vital that they understand what it truly means.
An oath is a solemn pledge someone
voluntarily makes when they sincerely intend
to do what they say. The key words in the
“Law Enforcement Oath of Honor” are
defined thusly:
HONOR means giving one’s word as a bond and guarantee.
BETRAY is defined as breaking faith and proving false.
The BADGE is a visible symbol of the power of your office.
INTEGRITY is firm adherence to principles, both in our
private and public life.
CHARACTER means the qualities and standards of
behavior that distinguish and individual.
The PUBLIC TRUST is a duty imposed in faith to those we
are sworn to serve.
COURAGE is having the “heart”, the mental, and the moral
strength to venture, persevere, withstand, and overcome
danger, difficulty, and fear.
ACCOUNTABILITY means that we are answerable and
responsible for our actions.
COMMUNITY is the municipality, neighborhoods, and citizens we serve.
-Loren
http://news.yahoo.com/crackdowns-reach-epicenter-wall-street-protests-235327049.html
ReplyDeleteAnother article on the eviction of Zuccotti Park. A judge ruled that freedom of speech does not extend to pitching tents and using camping gear. It could be a good thing for the movement, however, a chance to evolve.
Maybe the word has spread far enough to survive without the physical occupation...
From the article:
"This is much bigger than a square plaza in downtown Manhattan," said Hans Shan, an organizer who was working with churches to find places for protesters to sleep. "You can't evict an idea whose time has come."