Flying thru SEA recently, some of my friends were telling me that TSA has began advising airport and airline employees to read up on the security procedures as there is a massive civil disobedience protest scheduled for May 1st. It has been said, they're estimating 12-15,000 people and Governor Ensley is backing it and may be in attendance.

My question for those of you who know the legal stuff pertaining to transportation and whether or not a state governor supporting a massive protest shutting down the airport would violate federal statutes regarding interstate commerce, which I think airlines fall under. Thoughts?

Your friends might be having some fun with an early April Fool's joke

In all seriousness, the timing could not be more "interesting" if it is indeed the case.

EDIT: May 1, not April 1st my bad.

KTPAFlyer wrote:

Your friends might be having some fun with an early April Fool's joke

In all seriousness, the timing could not be more "interesting" if it is indeed the case.

EDIT: May 1, not April 1st my bad.

May 1st or "May Day" seems to be the day du jour for protesting in Seattle these days.

Sancho99504 wrote:

Flying thru SEA recently, some of my friends were telling me that TSA has began advising airport and airline employees to read up on the security procedures as there is a massive civil disobedience protest scheduled for May 1st. It has been said, they're estimating 12-15,000 people and Governor Ensley is backing it and may be in attendance.

My question for those of you who know the legal stuff pertaining to transportation and whether or not a state governor supporting a massive protest shutting down the airport would violate federal statutes regarding interstate commerce, which I think airlines fall under. Thoughts?

Isn't the Governor's name "Insley"?

Seattle typically has riots on May 1st every year. Is there something special that will cause the riots to be at or about the airport this year?

Every May 1 protesters (most of whom don't have to worry about missing work) take to the streets in Seattle and start riots. The airport is generally never affected and there is no reason to think it will be this year. Here are the results of the last five years of rioting:

2016: 9 arrested, 5 police officers injured
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... n-seattle/

2015: 16 arrested, 3 police officers injuired
http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2015/ ... itol-hill/

2014: 9 arrested
http://q13fox.com/2014/05/02/may-day-st ... y-on-edge/

2013: 17 arrested, 8 police officers injured
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/01/us/seattl ... -protests/

2012: 8 arrested, 1 police officer injured
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/ ... 525107.php

IPFreely wrote:

Every May 1 protesters (most of whom don't have to worry about missing work) take to the streets in Seattle and start riots. The airport is generally never affected and there is no reason to think it will be this year. Here are the results of the last five years of rioting:

2016: 9 arrested, 5 police officers injured
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... n-seattle/

2015: 16 arrested, 3 police officers injuired
http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2015/ ... itol-hill/

2014: 9 arrested
http://q13fox.com/2014/05/02/may-day-st ... y-on-edge/

2013: 17 arrested, 8 police officers injured
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/01/us/seattl ... -protests/

2012: 8 arrested, 1 police officer injured
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/ ... 525107.php

These aren't "riots". The media is going to use sensationalist headlines to get attention. My guess is you were not around in the 1960's. In that era, there were REAL, major riots, people getting killed. Any large scale protest is going to result in injury and arrests.

Sancho99504 wrote:

Flying thru SEA recently, some of my friends were telling me that TSA has began advising airport and airline employees to read up on the security procedures as there is a massive civil disobedience protest scheduled for May 1st. It has been said, they're estimating 12-15,000 people and Governor Ensley is backing it and may be in attendance.

My question for those of you who know the legal stuff pertaining to transportation and whether or not a state governor supporting a massive protest shutting down the airport would violate federal statutes regarding interstate commerce, which I think airlines fall under. Thoughts?

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and specifically the First Amendment controls here. People have a right to assemble and speak. Now, that right is not absolute and the government can put some restrictions on protests under the guise of public safety but protecting "commerce" is not a strong enough governmental interest to overcome First Amendment protections. That said, airports are not generally considered public forums (as opposed to common areas of shopping malls that Court's have ruled are the functional equivalent of a public place) and the government can limit or restrict protests but, whatever restrictions exist must be uniformly applied to all groups and all content so as to not discriminate based on viewpoint.

So, if the airport has rules that say protests are not allowed inside the terminal or on the access roads, etc, for example, that rule can be enforced so long as it is done uniformly. However, this is likely is nothing more than misdemeanor trespassing charge. Now, should the protestors attempt to rush past TSA security into a secured area of the airport, that is a whole different ball of wax and would be much more serious.

But planning a protest, even by a government official, is not illegal per se.

I could see where this gets Delta and Alaska together at least for a moment--their lawyers ought to put a bug in Ensley's ear and suggest he not drop the leash. ("That's a nice hub we got here, Governor. Be a $hame if $omething happened to it...")

This sort of stuff happens frequently. Rewind back a few months to Trump's Muslim ban. I remember seeing many politicians out supporting the protests. It's a way to get their message of support across, while making points with their targeted demographic's base.

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

To answer your question Washington and Seattle politicians don't care about the legality of the protests. Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant has already called for people to be disruptive as possible on inauguration day and is calling for more May Day protests.

http://q13fox.com/2017/02/22/kshama-saw ... n-may-day/

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... -protests/

Related story of BLM protest at MSP: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015 ... /77839766/

1. I support their right to protest.
2. If they screw up my travel plans, it won't exactly endear me to their cause.
3. It's Washington - nobody is going to try to stop anything. If anything, it is encouraged.
4. Don't fly on May 1st to/from/through SEA.

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

To answer your question Washington and Seattle politicians don't care about the legality of the protests. Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant has already called for people to be disruptive as possible on inauguration day and is calling for more May Day protests.

http://q13fox.com/2017/02/22/kshama-saw ... n-may-day/

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... -protests/

Related story of BLM protest at MSP: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015 ... /77839766/

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

To answer your question Washington and Seattle politicians don't care about the legality of the protests. Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant has already called for people to be disruptive as possible on inauguration day and is calling for more May Day protests.

http://q13fox.com/2017/02/22/kshama-saw ... n-may-day/

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... -protests/

Related story of BLM protest at MSP: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015 ... /77839766/

I haven't seen any Washington State laws that criminalize protesting. I know that state Senator Ericksen tried introduced a bill to criminalize it. As long as they continue to remain peaceful, expect to see people in blue and red states exercise their First Ammendment rights.

RyanVHS wrote:

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

To answer your question Washington and Seattle politicians don't care about the legality of the protests. Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant has already called for people to be disruptive as possible on inauguration day and is calling for more May Day protests.

http://q13fox.com/2017/02/22/kshama-saw ... n-may-day/

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... -protests/

Related story of BLM protest at MSP: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015 ... /77839766/

I haven't seen any Washington State laws that criminalize protesting. I know that state Senator Ericksen tried introduced a bill to criminalize it. As long as they continue to remain peaceful, expect to see people in blue and red states exercise their First Ammendment rights.

Those who benefit from oppressing others never like it when the people they oppress stand up for themselves and their rights, as well as those of their friends and neighbors.

Sancho99504 wrote:

Flying thru SEA recently, some of my friends were telling me that TSA has began advising airport and airline employees to read up on the security procedures as there is a massive civil disobedience protest scheduled for May 1st. It has been said, they're estimating 12-15,000 people and Governor Ensley is backing it and may be in attendance.

My question for those of you who know the legal stuff pertaining to transportation and whether or not a state governor supporting a massive protest shutting down the airport would violate federal statutes regarding interstate commerce, which I think airlines fall under. Thoughts?

Inslee is far more interested in pushing his far left agenda and his civil insurrection, then in performing his duties as governor and serving the people of the State of Washington. If he shows up, I hope he gets arrested.

bkflyguy wrote:

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

With all due respect, I think drawing an equivalency between your very worthy examples and those who will be protesting in Seattle is tenuous.

Bricktop wrote:

bkflyguy wrote:

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

With all due respect, I think drawing an equivalency between your very worthy examples and those who will be protesting in Seattle is tenuous.

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

BerenErchamion wrote:

Bricktop wrote:

bkflyguy wrote:

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

With all due respect, I think drawing an equivalency between your very worthy examples and those who will be protesting in Seattle is tenuous.

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

...............................................................................

Ya, definitely stay away from Seattle on May 1st.

A little history about May Day from Wikipedia.

May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist and anarchist groups. May Day is one of the most important holidays in socialistic countries such as the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Cuba and the former Soviet Union. May Day celebrations in these countries typically feature elaborate workforce parades.

tp1040 wrote:

A little history about May Day from Wikipedia.

May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist and anarchist groups. May Day is one of the most important holidays in socialistic countries such as the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Cuba and the former Soviet Union. May Day celebrations in these countries typically feature elaborate workforce parades.

This.

BerenErchamion wrote:

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

Not everyone.

bkflyguy wrote:

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and specifically the First Amendment controls here. People have a right to assemble and speak. Now, that right is not absolute and the government can put some restrictions on protests under the guise of public safety but protecting "commerce" is not a strong enough governmental interest to overcome First Amendment protections.

That said, airports are not generally considered public forums (as opposed to common areas of shopping malls that Court's have ruled are the functional equivalent of a public place) and the government can limit or restrict protests but, whatever restrictions exist must be uniformly applied to all groups and all content so as to not discriminate based on viewpoint.

To be clear, speech and assembly activities that disrupt the designated use of public spaces are also restricted, because the speech is not what is opposed, but the disruption. If you want to march down a street or hold a rally in a park that effectively prevents others from using the street or park as they normally would, most cities require a permit, and have conditions under which a permit can be denied. I haven't looked up Seattle or Tukwila's policy, but I expect there is something in there about generally not issuing permits for events that use streets supporting critical infrastructure like the airport.

SeaTac has their own policy for what happens on their property:
http://www.portseattle.org/Business/Pages/default.aspx

Spontaneous protests are often given a fair amount of leeway, but planned protests are quite reasonably expected to follow the rules.

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

I don't care if they protest. It's when they get violent and destructive that I have a problem. Setting businesses on fire, attacking or injuring people, shutting down freeways trapping people in their cars - that's just beyond my acceptance.

As to selling your home and leaving, that's true, but many people live here because that's where their job is. It's the yin and the yang of it. I could sell my home right now for $500,000 and I am 20 miles outside the city. Is it even a fair option to tell someone in Seattle that they should move and spend an enormous sum of money to getout of the city just to avoid a small faction of destructive people? Seems like it'd be easier just to deal with the destructive people in a more clear and deliberate manner, rather than encouraging or tolerating the behavior.

This topic should probably be moved to non-av, and since its already well OT I might as well pitch in my two cents.

Bald1983 wrote:

Inslee is far more interested in pushing his far left agenda and his civil insurrection, then in performing his duties as governor and serving the people of the State of Washington. If he shows up, I hope he gets arrested.

Inslee's approval rating is sitting at 55%, which is just outside the top 10 of governors. It would seem a lot of Washingtonians are happy with the job he is doing.

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

And people wonder why we can't have a healthy discourse in this nation. You can disagree with people, but belittling and name calling really aren't effective ways of communicating your views.

Adipasquale wrote:

This topic should probably be moved to non-av, and since its already well OT I might as well pitch in my two cents.

Bald1983 wrote:

Inslee is far more interested in pushing his far left agenda and his civil insurrection, then in performing his duties as governor and serving the people of the State of Washington. If he shows up, I hope he gets arrested.

Inslee's approval rating is sitting at 55%, which is just outside the top 10 of governors. It would seem a lot of Washingtonians are happy with the job he is doing.

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

And people wonder why we can't have a healthy discourse in this nation. You can disagree with people, but belittling and name calling really aren't effective ways of communicating your views.

1. I agree - it's gonna get moved or locked any time.
2. 55% approve of Inslee because it's a very liberal state. I would imagine that most people don't have a clue what the guy does from day to day. For most people, it probably doesn't matter. It only matters if people have a D or R or whatever letter in front of their name. I'm talking generically and nationally, not just locally.
3. There is no such thing as a healthy discourse in our nation anymore.

IPFreely wrote:

BerenErchamion wrote:

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

Not everyone.

Yes, everyone.

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

I'm sorry that making a better society moderately inconveniences you. That you're more bothered by that than by the systemic oppression of the people these protesters are fighting for is really the whole problem, though.

BerenErchamion wrote:

IPFreely wrote:

BerenErchamion wrote:

the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

Not everyone.

Yes, everyone.

Wrong. They are not fighting for my rights.

BerenErchamion wrote:

Bricktop wrote:

bkflyguy wrote:

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

With all due respect, I think drawing an equivalency between your very worthy examples and those who will be protesting in Seattle is tenuous.

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

Wrong on BOTH fronts, and before anyone falls for your revisionist history, let me correct you.

The American Revolution wasn't fought out of concern for "rich, white guys" (racist), it was fought against the tyranny of the Crown of England, and that our rights, as Americans, were being trampled on. We fought and won that war, which forged our country, which just so happens to be the greatest as a result, a nation of many cultures, backgrounds and creeds. Hardly "rich, white guys", isn't it? The founding fathers were indeed white, but they are among some of the most brilliant men in history. Most of them died broke and in debt, in case you were wondering.

Protesters in Seattle fighting for the rights of EVERYONE? I highly doubt anyone who is any more Right of a Marxist Communist would be welcome at such an event. Don't be ridiculous.

You sound like freaking SJW of the worst ilk.

------

If Seattle wants to protest, let them protest. Hope they stay out of the way of people doing their own business.

IPFreely wrote:

BerenErchamion wrote:

IPFreely wrote:

Not everyone.

Yes, everyone.

Wrong. They are not fighting for my rights.

I'll answer for him.

Are you a straight, white, middle class male?

Yes? You have no rights, and you're an oppressive patriarch. If you happen to be a Christian, then it makes you lower than dirt.

I wish I were crazy, but that is how people like him see the world.

BerenErchamion wrote:

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

I'm sorry that making a better society moderately inconveniences you. That you're more bothered by that than by the systemic oppression of the people these protesters are fighting for is really the whole problem, though.

Give us an example of systematic oppression that's not predicated on some lie.

Because I can think of several. I'll give you a freebie (You like those, right?)

The Welfare State

bkflyguy wrote:

SEAtown wrote:

Governor Jay "Spendslee" Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray have made Seattle a haven for freaks and losers. We can't even go downtown without some kind of BLM, oil pipeline, immigration, or women's protest. It is sick and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this happen.

To answer your question Washington and Seattle politicians don't care about the legality of the protests. Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant has already called for people to be disruptive as possible on inauguration day and is calling for more May Day protests.

http://q13fox.com/2017/02/22/kshama-saw ... n-may-day/

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-new ... -protests/

Related story of BLM protest at MSP: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015 ... /77839766/

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

Yes, this. Even as a conservative Republican, I'm disgusted by the kind of anti-protest (really anti-free-speech) sentiment I'm seeing. There will be some arrests and injuries with large protests. That does not a riot make.

Just because one disagrees with the protestors' cause does not mean one must disagree with their right to protest. Same as free speech. One can disagree with the content of the speech itself and still support the right to speak.

RyanVHS wrote:

I haven't seen any Washington State laws that criminalize protesting. I know that state Senator Ericksen tried introduced a bill to criminalize it. As long as they continue to remain peaceful, expect to see people in blue and red states exercise their First Ammendment rights.

Yep. If you don't like it, perhaps consider moving to an authoritarian regime.

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

Yes, they are hypocrites and SJWs. They are disgusting, lazy thugs. We all know this. But disgusting, lazy thugs still have the right to protest. College students still have the right to protest. Welfare queens still have the right to protest.

My god, what have they done to Seattle? All the west coast cities are going to liberal hell...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/inthe206/page1

We're always having protests in this city. It ridiculous, we had 2 this week, and one today. The rable-rouser is this loudmouth yobbo Kshama Sawant, who is calling for mass protests every week, so I would bet on one happening on May 1st.

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

That is the point. To bring awareness to the oppression by getting people's attention by making their life a little bit difficult.

mham001 wrote:

My god, what have they done to Seattle? All the west coast cities are going to liberal hell...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/inthe206/page1

Those are pretty narrowly focused pictures. Yes, those are real pictures from Seattle, but its not something that is as overwhelming as that page makes it look.

Seattle ranks highest in percentage of children living with both parents. Schools are jammed full of kids. Lots of restaurants kid friendly. And buses jammed with those damned strollers bigger that a zip car. Sidewalks full of street smart imps playing as they jog the sidewalks. I don't like the rules being imposed upon landlords, but we do have a critical shortage of family dwelling spaces.

USAirKid wrote:

jetblueguy22 wrote:

frmrCapCadet wrote:

And of course anyone wanting to leave Seattle can sell their property at a high price, or escape the high rents. If we are in town May 1 we just stay in our north neighborhood.

That's not the point though. These same goobers that protest year after year are the same people who are "fighting oppression" while making life difficult for those around them

That is the point. To bring awareness to the oppression by getting people's attention by making their life a little bit difficult.

Like the WTO riots? Like the BLM riots? Trump didn't get elected on a whim.

Free speech and protest...Some seem to think it is un-American or bothersome. Yes, airport travelers may be inconvenienced -- Cry me a river! A small price to pay for free expression. The airport will still be there the next day -- don't worry. Yes there are limits to protest, but often change occurs because of civil disobedience. Whether the protesters are left-wing, right-wing, whatever -- both sides of any issue are free to make their voice heard....This is not Russia or Iran, people who disagree with you get to raise their voice.

Buck up snowflakes...Live with it !!

QuarkFly wrote:

Free speech and protest...Some seem to think it is un-American or bothersome. Yes, airport travelers may be inconvenienced -- Cry me a river! A small price to pay for free expression. The airport will still be there the next day -- don't worry. Yes there are limits to protest, but often change occurs because of civil disobedience. Whether the protesters are left-wing, right-wing, whatever -- both sides of any issue are free to make their voice heard....This is not Russia or Iran, people who disagree with you get to raise their voice.

Buck up snowflakes...Live with it !!

Well, we live with it more and more so obviously the rule of law is prevailing. The problem that some people have is when businesses are trashed and when people are trapped in their vehicles or unable to get where they need to be because someone wants to protest in the middle of a freeway. That's when it starts grating on people, and I doubt most are going "Wow, I really should look up this cause on Google because they have now piqued my interest."

Separately, is it really "protesting" if they are paid to be there? If I decide to have my employees go out into the streets and hold up signs while blocking traffic, can I call it "Protesting"? lol

PlanesNTrains wrote:

Well, we live with it more and more so obviously the rule of law is prevailing. The problem that some people have is when businesses are trashed and when people are trapped in their vehicles or unable to get where they need to be because someone wants to protest in the middle of a freeway. That's when it starts grating on people..."

Yes, we need to stop worrying about traffic and highway congestion or overcrowded airports...Instead, the real problem is the country's freeways, roads and airports are being ground to a halt by protests. I see it everyday on my way to work, or catching a flight. And we're all watching businesses being burned to the ground daily by protestors -- soon there won't be a standing Starbucks in America or a Cinnabon left in any airport terminal !! Dang them protestors.

PlanesNTrains wrote:

...is it really "protesting" if they are paid to be there? If I decide to have my employees go out into the streets and hold up signs while blocking traffic, can I call it "Protesting"? lol

Yes, it is protesting, like it or not...Does not matter the reason, it's protected speech...Many conservatives would be proud; the free market working for protests!! But I'm sure they wouldn't allow it in China or other places like that.

jetjack74 wrote:

We're always having protests in this city. It ridiculous, we had 2 this week, and one today.

How are these protesters able to get so much time away from their jobs to participate in these protests?

QuarkFly wrote:

PlanesNTrains wrote:

Well, we live with it more and more so obviously the rule of law is prevailing. The problem that some people have is when businesses are trashed and when people are trapped in their vehicles or unable to get where they need to be because someone wants to protest in the middle of a freeway. That's when it starts grating on people..."

Yes, we need to stop worrying about traffic and highway congestion or overcrowded airports...Instead, the real problem is the country's freeways, roads and airports are being ground to a halt by protests. I see it everyday on my way to work, or catching a flight. And we're all watching businesses being burned to the ground daily by protestors -- soon there won't be a standing Starbucks in America or a Cinnabon left in any airport terminal !! Dang them protestors.

PlanesNTrains wrote:

...is it really "protesting" if they are paid to be there? If I decide to have my employees go out into the streets and hold up signs while blocking traffic, can I call it "Protesting"? lol

Yes, it is protesting, like it or not...Does not matter the reason, it's protected speech...Many conservatives would be proud; the free market working for protests!! But I'm sure they wouldn't allow it in China or other places like that.

When people are held against their will, it's a problem. You can brush that aside all you wish. I didn't say it wasn't legal but I don't think it creates sympathy for their cause.

I understand that you don't mind when businesses are damaged or destroyed, or when business owners (not all are a Starbucks btw) take a financial hit when yet another May Day protest starts winding up, but then not everyone sees things the same.

Yes, I realize it's "protesting". You missed the point of my comment and skipped the second question entirely.

However, you may have missed it - I don't have a problem with them protesting. I do think it's amazingly arrogant and counter-productive to trash people's property or to shut down a freeway filled with people and trap them there. It's even more bizarre when our elected officials encourage it.

ElliottM wrote:

There will be some arrests and injuries with large protests. That does not a riot make.

Once a protest includes assault or property destruction, it's a riot, although presumably not everyone present is rioter.

As I said above, Seattle has ordinances accommodating political expression. They allow a great deal to be done without infringing on the equal rights held by others - sometimes even going as far as closing non-critical streets.

Just because one disagrees with the protestors' cause does not mean one must disagree with their right to protest. Same as free speech. One can disagree with the content of the speech itself and still support the right to speak.

I agree, but keep in mind that people not wanting their roads blocked or their cars or businesses vandalized are not doing so specifically because they disagree with the message, unless the message is, "my enlightenment is so great that my right to free speech and assembly override your rights."

Protestors using such tactics may feel liberated in the sense that they're not letting themselves be restrained any semblance of intelligence or effectiveness, but that's very different from being liberated from oppression, real or imagined.

BerenErchamion wrote:

Bricktop wrote:

bkflyguy wrote:

Yes, people assembling and advocating or protesting is completely disgusting and un-American. It is not as though American history has not been shaped by a number of protests and popular movements. See, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion, Slave Riots, Bonus Army, Civil Rights Era, etc. The level of historical knowledge (or lack thereof), the general coarseness and bitterness of our nation-wide dialogue, and the inability to disagree without being nasty and disagreeable does not portend favorably for our future.

With all due respect, I think drawing an equivalency between your very worthy examples and those who will be protesting in Seattle is tenuous.

Indeed. The Boston Tea Party and American Revolution were only concerned with the rights of rich white guys; the protesters in Seattle are fighting to protect the rights of everyone.

Please let me know what you were smoking as you prepared that comment, I'd like to try it. Maybe you ought to try and read some real American History studies as opposed to Howard Zinn knockoffs.

QuarkFly wrote:

Free speech and protest...Some seem to think it is un-American or bothersome. Yes, airport travelers may be inconvenienced -- Cry me a river! A small price to pay for free expression. The airport will still be there the next day -- don't worry. Yes there are limits to protest, but often change occurs because of civil disobedience. Whether the protesters are left-wing, right-wing, whatever -- both sides of any issue are free to make their voice heard....This is not Russia or Iran, people who disagree with you get to raise their voice.

Buck up snowflakes...Live with it !!

So to summarize; the people who wish to express their personal freedoms by protesting are allowed to trample over the rights of people who wish to express themselves by going about their day to day lives in an orderly and civilized manner.

Isn't the very concept of telling someone who disagrees with your position to, "Live with it!!", pretty much the definition of totalitarianism?

Your constitutional right to free speech and expression is the same constitutional right of every American to go about their lives. Unfortunately, protesters seem to think that being loud, disruptive and often brutal, gives them more rights than those who merely just want to live their lives....or maybe just cross the street or shop.

But no...those people who refuse to join in the chaos, are mere casualties of war. Their rights being trampled by those very people who claim to be protecting them, performing those public acts of disobedience in their honor. The dumb schmucks just don't know what's in their best interest...so the wise protesters will just keep screwing up their lives until they finally realize how oppressed they really are.

Here's a thought; don't claim to be representing anybody but yourselves...because you're not. You are doing this for your own reasons...not mine. If I wanted my voice joined with yours...I'd join my voice to yours. It is my decision to make...not yours.

Your right to assemble does not supersede my rights. Do try to remember that the next time you wax loquacious about protesting to protect everybody's freedom.

If my life is interrupted because of your need to scratch the itch of self expression, I'm not really very free then, am I? Where's your urge to protect my freedoms then?

JoeCanuck wrote:

to summarize; the people who wish to express their personal freedoms by protesting are allowed to trample over the rights of people who wish to express themselves by going about their day to day lives in an orderly and civilized manner.

Isn't the very concept of telling someone who disagrees with your position to, "Live with it!!", pretty much the definition of totalitarianism?...

No, just the opposite. You will find totalitarianism in places where there is little or no protest, North Korea or Saudi Arabia in your argument, would be a paradise of freedom, nobody ever inconvenienced by protest there.

I agree, you will be inconvenienced sometimes, I'm sue the Boston Tea Party was inconvenient for some -- drivers could not use the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma Alabama during the famous Civil Rights protest there -- women's suffrage protests shut down parts of major cities a hundred years ago...

...No apologies here. Yes, suck it up and "Live with it" !!