Police had nearly one hour to address the "security perimeter". Instead, while Bush skipped his broccoli, police officers (from as far north as Salem and as far south as Yreka) donned bullet proof vests and shields and committed a type of tyranny that is becoming common protocol on Bush campaign stops.
To be blunt, Sheriff Winters and J'ville City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen are being deceitful. And why wouldn't they be? They made an irresponsible, dangerous decision. Politically it's imperative for them to point fingers anywhere other than at themselves. What happened in Jacksonville, as anyone who witnessed it can testify, was police repression of free speech. Police CHOSE to shoot less-than-lethal weaponry, the same that killed a college student in Boston this week. Police CHOSE to intimidate and terrorize law-abiding citizens that never imagined fear would be used to silence their voice.
Police repression of free speech will not be tolerated in southern Oregon. We are seeking legal assistance to make the law enforcement agencies accountable to the excessive force used that infringed upon our first amendment rights to speech and assembly and the injuries protestors incurred. Witnesses and victims are advised to call the Medford ACLU hotline, 858-3349.
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