Press not Allowed
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
April 21, 2010 10:44am CST
In an unusual move, police pushed reporters away from the White House Tuesday afternoon during a gay rights protest in Washington, D.C.
During the small demonstration, six gay and lesbian military veterans handcuffed themselves to the gate on the north side of the White House, in protest of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy banning gays from serving openly in the military.
But as reporters tried to cover the event, police pushed them -- as well as tourists and others walking around -- halfway into Lafayette Park across the street from the White House.
The policeman shouted, "Back up! Park's closed!"
Fox News Radio was on the scene and reported that the "closure" lasted about 15-20 minutes before police changed their minds and allowed the media to return just before they began arresting the demonstrators.
The protesters at the White House were the same ones who organized heckling of the president a night earlier at a California fundraiser for Sen. Barbara Boxer.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/21/police-block-reporters-gay-rights-protest-outside-white-house/?test=latestnews
What do you think was the intent? Safety? Suppression?
2 people like this
2 responses
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
21 Apr 10
This is the first I'm hearing about. It's one of those head hurts days when I don't want to watch the spin on current fictions -- I mean events!
But I am a bit put off by this. When the anti-war folks protest, the press is always there (when they actually want to be). As far as I know, they're not denied.
When the Tea Party folks protest, the press is not only allowed in, but they're allowed to walk around, pick out the guy with the most outlandish sign, and grill him with progressive talking points in an attempt to make the movement look bad. 
But no press allowed here?
It reminds me of that cop who kept a guy out of a pro-Obama (or some sorts) protest, and when the guy said, "Hey, this is America!" the police officer replied, "Not anymore."
It reminds me of the police and other authorities keeping free press out of the ACORN dealings, while ACORN hand picked left-wing bloggers to sit down and ask questions.
I'm not trying to say it's partisan here and the police kept people out because they didn't want (or had orders not to have) opposition, but it's certainly reminiscent of some of those things.
But no press allowed here?
It reminds me of that cop who kept a guy out of a pro-Obama (or some sorts) protest, and when the guy said, "Hey, this is America!" the police officer replied, "Not anymore."
It reminds me of the police and other authorities keeping free press out of the ACORN dealings, while ACORN hand picked left-wing bloggers to sit down and ask questions.
I'm not trying to say it's partisan here and the police kept people out because they didn't want (or had orders not to have) opposition, but it's certainly reminiscent of some of those things.1 person likes this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
21 Apr 10
It seems that this administration is trying to silence ALL Opposition to it. We are losing our right to free speech unless it supports the administration or blasts the opposition will we next lose our right to Assembly and to regress our grievances unless we are supporters of this administration?
The most important Amendment the First is in danger just like the rest of the Bill of Rights. This administration want us to have no right except the ones they give special groups.
1 person likes this
