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I don't really have a position on OWS or any police actions recently. I'm sure some police have done some things wrong and I'm sure some protestors have too.
Speaking generally, though, what does the freedom of assembly mean that OWS and by extension also the Phelps family can do?
My right to free assembly means I can get together with WHOMEVER I choose, but not that we can do so in your house. So not WHEREVER I choose.
Certainly no one here would be OK with various groups, left, right and wacko, taking turns occupying your front yard, for weeks on end. You wouldn't say it's OK for the Phelps family with their stupid "God hates fags" signs to live in your yard.
So people have right to meet on their own property with their friends and that does not mean an occupation of any other place is OK, not based on freedom of assembly.
They also have a right to "petition for redress of grievances". That right, I would think, includes at least the right to petition via a one day protest march in front of the Capitol. What is the limit though, realizing that those idiot Phelps, OWS, and Tea Party people should all have the same rights, and realizing that what's ok to do on one street must be ok to do on YOUR street?
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