Recent Comments
Re: “Governor Warns of More Arrests Tonight Unless Occupy Nashville Backs Down”
The Occupy Nashville protest has reached a pivotal point—the point where state power is being actively employed to extinguish peaceful citizen protest. Administratively, “they” have imposed a curfew on the use of “public” property. It seems those in power believe that because Legislative Plaza belongs to the State, its use should be subject to the whims of the bureaucrats who wield state power. An imposition of a permit and insurance requirement smacks of “pay-to-play”.
The use of THP troopers to physically remove citizens in peaceful protest on state property is even more concerning. Those who issue such orders and the officers who carry them out should be circumspect. The violation of the constitutional rights of citizens will not be tolerated, and the mantle of state authority or ”following orders” is no defense against being held accountable.
If this protest has any real gas, the attempts to blunt it by state force will simply metastasize it. This may be your defining moment, Governor. You can support peaceful public dissent as part of a healthy democracy (whether you agree with the protestors’ point of view or not) or you can be a strongman protecting the interest of the powerful class who elected you and call out the dogs.
Re: “Haslam Administration Reveled in Occupy Nashville Crackdown: 'Fun Time Has Started'”
I would add RICO violations to the lawsuit. There seems to be a curious coordination of efforts by the various states and municipalities. Is Haslam getting his orders from Scott Walker?