The US Park Police is trying to restrict State of the Union protests

[Glimmer of Hope]

They were a PITA during the September protests and now they are at it again. Initially the permit issued to World Can't Wait allowed for protests on the west side of the reflecting pool. On Thursday they reclassified that area as "secure" so that the only available area will not allow for a contiguous protest crowd. I am so mad. I really want this to be a success.

http://worldcantwait.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=756&Itemid=61

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. Isn't your beef with...

the Capitol Police and not the Park Police? I quote from the linked article:

The inclusion of the Reflecting Pool in the security zone was announced in a letter from the Capitol Police to the National Park Service (which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior) on Wednesday, January 11....

The Capitol Police are under Article I of the Constitution, the legislative branch. The Park Police are under Article II, the executive branch. I think you need to talk to the Capitol Police.

[benburch]

2. I'd take this to court if I were them.

And I'd take the space by force of numbers if denied.

[Marleyb]

3. K&R

...in the name of "security," they are trying to deny World Can't Wait and thousands of DC residents who hate Bush, his whole regime and the entire fascistic agenda an appropriate location near the Capitol to express opposition and demand that "Bush Step Down" at the time he is delivering this speech.

We need YOU to be part of this battle.

A DC lawyer is coordinating the legal effort to gain the space we need and will file an injunction shortly for an order to grant our permit request. We need lawyers, law students and legal assistants to assist, and we need funds to pay for legal expenses. Contact [e-mail] immediately and let us know how you can help.

We also need YOU to call your Congressional representatives, the Capitol Police (202-224-8891) and the National Park Service (212-619-7225) and insist that our permit application for a First Amendment demonstration to protest the State of the Union speech near the Capitol in a large group, unimpeded and unhampered by security or grass considerations, be granted.