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You're probably
wondering why I'm starting a page about destruction by quoting the
Constitution. The destruction I'm referring to on this page is that caused by
people who are in some way protesting what they feel is the destruction being
done by other people. The only two rights provided for in this section are the
freedom to speak what's on your mind and to gather as a group . . . peaceably.
Causing wanton destruction to property and people is not a protected freedom.
Go ahead and gather your group together to
protest whatever goes against your chosen cause. Yell, scream, hold up your
signs, and let people know you think something is wrong. Just don't cross over
the line to the side which puts you into conflict with the laws. If you do,
don't claim your rights have been violated while you've been violating the
rights of other people. Whether or not you agree with the system, there are no
laws against people wearing fur coats, raising beef cattle for food, or
cutting down trees to make way for yet another strip mall. There are laws
against throwing paint on people, taking the animals from ranches, and
sabotaging the lumber company's equipment.
Environmental organizations take to their boats
and cut up fishing nets or traps. Right to life groups assault the doctors and
nurses who work at abortion clinics. Anti-porn protestors steal and burn
magazines and movies. Animal rights activists release animals from research
facilities. Religious groups harass other religious groups to drive them out
of their "territory".
While I and some people within the law
enforcement community will probably applaud some of these protestors for the
causes they support and the changes they're trying to make, we won't applaud
the illegal methods being used. Yes . . . illegal. Read the laws. Most of the
people being affected by the actions of the protestors are fully employed in
business and other activities which are legal. Any activity either barring or
hindering the performance of the job or activity is, in itself, illegal. This
is especially true if the means employed causes harm to the people involved
with or damage to the equipment used in the performance of those activities.
Go ahead and participate in your organization or
as an individual in trying to make what you view as the needed changes to the
ways things are done. But remember, stay within your rights and within the
law. If you insist on destroying property, don't cry about your rights being
violated if you're arrested and jailed. You don't have the right to destroy
property or harm other people.
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