author: Rhonda Baseler, Portland Catholic Worker, Whitefeather House
e-mail:
moonshadows111@juno.com
This evening, like every Tuesday since July, a counter-recruiting, anti-war, pro-peace demonstration was held in front of the military recruiting office on NE Broadway.
About a dozen of us were doing the same things we usually do: Standing and holding "NO WAR" signs on the sidewalk and in the parking lane, waving at motorists, leafletting, and visiting with each other. One of the Vets for Peace wh was present was waving the VFP flag.
Suddenly, a Portland Police squad car swerved into the parking lane, coming close to a protestor calling herself "Sprout." Another squad car pulled up. The officers got out and one stated everyone in the parking lane was going to be issued a citation. He also pointed to our candles on the sidewalk and said whoever put them there was getting a ticket for littering. He warned us not to block the sidewalk (we weren't) or we would be ticketed. He started writing Sprout a ticket. She questioned the officer as to why she should receive a citation, and refused to give her name. After a few minutes, she was cuffed and stuffed into the back of a squad car. She had not been released as of 9:45 this evening.
If Sprout's free speech and peaceful assembly rights are violated, then so are yours and mine. Don't stand for this. Call Mayor Tom Potter and the Portland Police about this intolerable situation. It seems it's only a matter of time before we will be arrested for whatever infraction the police want to dream up. Our "free speech" zone is becoming narrower and narrower in this country.
P.S. Sprout just called at 10:50 p.m.! She's out and in good spirits!
|
Laurelhurst District