PROTESTING THE PROTESTERS

With “OCCUPY WALL STREET” protests on Wall Street in New York City and elsewhere across the country approaching the ripe old age of one month, I feel that it is of paramount importance for me to now weigh in on the demonstrations. 

At the outset, it must be pointed out that residents in that part of the Big Apple are complaining about the inability to take their families out to the part or to conduct other daily outdoor activities.  To an extent, they have become prisoners in their own houses and they have to wonder: if these dudes turn violent, will their houses be torched?  Local merchants complain because the protesters are using business restrooms and leaving them in total messes. Those who dare to be passers-by complain about the stench now emanating from the tent city. 

I do want to say that I believe in and support their right to protest.  But, when their protests infringe upon the Constitutional rights of the local community to enjoy their property and walk the streets without fear, then the First Amendment right to assemble and speak has to be tempered.  There has to be some “give-and-take;” but such leftist groups only take and, in fact, they have given nothing of any substance.  Even they do not know why they are protesting.

Now comes the inevitable attempt by the Administration, by the unions and by the media to take control of the situation and to steer it toward their own interests.  So it is of no surprise that those on the left were quick to compare the protesters to the American Tea Parties. 

When the Tea Parties demonstrate, they do it in an orderly fashion, getting approval in advance, creating an agenda, bringing in portable toilets and limiting the time of protests to a day.  They do not overstay their welcome.  They do not condone or allow violence.  Individuals do not accept payment for their protest time.  They allow people with opposing views to come to the podium.    

How can you compare the protesters with the Tea Parties? 

Any other city mayor, when faced with a similar situation, would shut the protests down.  Mayor Bloomberg, the guy who favors the building of a Muslim Mosque at the site of the World Trade Center, prefers to allow them to continue.  President Obama chooses to openly support them.  They, in turn, have announced that they have no intention of leaving until the government of the United States falls. 

I find it disgusting that the authorities have not ended this travesty.  I find it reprehensible that Americans are not demanding it. 

That’s MY AMERICAN OPINION, respectfully submitted.