Request to ban activists raises eyebrows

[proud2BlibKansan]

Polk County prosecutors have requested that a Grinnell grandmother and a Des Moines laborer be permanently banned from the Federal Building in Des Moines for their persistent anti-war protests.

Civil rights advocates are sounding the alarm, saying the request, if granted, constitutes a violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech and the right to petition government.

"It's highly unusual, and it's certainly something that deserves tremendous scrutiny to whether or not it's appropriate," said Ben Stone, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa. "It seems difficult to comprehend the justification for this."

Christine Gaunt, 54, has for the past eight months frequently staged "die-ins," where she outlines her body in chalk dust and pretends to be dead, in the Des Moines offices of Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin.

more . . . http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101106/NEWS10/11060326/1001/NEWS/Request-to-ban-activists-raises-eyebrows

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. That needs to be nipped in the bud right now.

It is equally shocking that she is protesting alone (?). Is there not one other person in the city who is willing to join her?

[midnight]

2. Rights should not be bestowed upon popular notions...

[glinda]

3. If not addressed it will just get worse. As usual.

[Odin2005]

4. Fascist BS!

[blue sky at night]

5. we all know if they were some fucked up douch-baggers...

they would be welcomed with open arms, given chairs to sit on and free coffee...son's of bitches, how dare they!

[H2O Man]

7. If they were that,

they might even be elected as county persecutors.

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you

for this OP.

And thanks you one million times, Christine Gaunt. You understand the essence of Amendment 1. Hence, those who fear its implications want to stop you.

Way, way recommended.

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. I'm thinking she needs a medal instead of a banning

:)

[H2O Man]

9. Exactly.

When exercising our Constitutional muscles is deemed an anti-social action requiring punishment, we should definitely support those who openly challenge the machine.

[NuclearDem]

10. Alright, any Iowa/Nebraska DUers?

We should get together in Des Moines and let them know how we feel about this

:mad:

[MrScorpio]

11. I certainly hope that the ACLU has heard about this

And yes, it needs to be nipped in the bud.