Late yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a bill that would make it illegal to protest at any event where Secret Service is present or "nearby". This includes any event Romney, Santorum, and Gingrich are attending. The bill only requires the President's signature to become a law. Are we moving away from a democratic state?
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2012/02/houses-passes-new-bill-that-would-make.html
http://rt.com/usa/news/348-act-tresspass-buildings-437/
1 comment:
First off, he law is poorly worded in its regards to what constitutes and event of national significance, proximity, and official functions. Given the list of events mentioned in the article, that should not be.
Second, I understand the reasoning for wanting to protect important government officials from perceived threats, a legacy of the turmoil of the 1960s where a president, presidential nominee, and important civilians were assassinated at almost routine events. That led to Secret Service protection being awarded to presidential candidates. This law seems to say that Secret Service is not doing enough, or its job well enough, so that there need to be more restrictions to keep important figures safe. It is a reasonable idea but not
Though if it does go beyond the powers of the legislature and the executive, the Supreme Court should take a look at the law, if it is not in the process of doing so already.
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