code pink ~~ peaceful anti-war protesters in d.c. today arrested  

Ok, Rose, I went to the link and watched...and listened to the video. Did you happen to catch what the man in the black tee shirt had to say? He said that there was a "Pro war" group that the Capitol Police were keeping separated from the folks from Code Pink. They were all instructed by the officers to keep quiet, no shouting, booing, etc. This, Rose, is standard operating procedure when dealing with opposing groups demonstrating in D.C. Not allowing the groups to antagonize each other keeps things calmer...reduces the risk of altercations and keeps everyone safe. The members of Code Pink who were arrested did not follow the officers' instructions to be quiet. You are required to follow the instructions of law enforcement officers, Rose. The First Amendment does not give anyone the right to instigate an altercation in public or to disregard the instructions of the officers in charge of crowd control. If the "Pro war" group had beat the hell out of the Code Pink ladies folks would be screaming that the officers weren't doing their job. You can't do anything you want to do in Washington, D.C. There are rules and, if you don't follow them, you will be arrested.

I support anyone's right to protest, but Code Pink has a history of refusing to follow the rules that law enforcement set forth. When we protest outside of the rules chaos ensues. I don't agree with Code Pink or their methods. I consider them as much as terror organization as anyone - their methods are to intimidate and terrorize. However - I do support their right to protest, but they absolutely must follow the rules. All they had to do is what the capital police told them, if they can't do that then I am glad they were arrested.

Seems the anti-war protesters are not all coopted or sitting on their hands.

May disagree with them, but something tells me that they are coming back real soon. It will be interesting to see how Prez Obama will deal with them.

I must admit, Rose, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be defending women from Code Pink! Heck, a year or so ago you'd be calling for them to be executed for treason for being against the war or wars, but now that they're Obama's wars you're singing a different tune. Spall said it right, this has nothing to do with "the change we voted for", it's just how the Capital Police have to work to protect the people and the peace of the city. I'd say they do a pretty darn good job considering all the protests and counter-protests they have to deal with all the time, wouldn't you?

Freedom of speech is one of our more precious rights, one I know I'd fight for no matter what for you and for me, but with rights come responsibilities.

Annie