The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[supermom]

I don't know a lot about politics or the law etc. I admit it. The stuff bores me to tears!!! But, I just wonder====why do you have to apply for a permit and get permission to hold a public protest?? There is a highly controversial group wanting to protest here in Amarillo. They are not planning any type of hate protest or anti any race protest. They are wanting to protest about the immigration reform issues. They are FOR immigration reform. I remember when there were people here that protested against the immigration reform. There was not any hubbub over that. But now, this was the top story on the news, they are planning on bringing in riot relief officers from other areas, and having a curfew for that weekend, IF they even allow this group of 50 to come here and speak their minds. I just don't understand. Can anyone help?

[Mike]

Supermom,
I did a quick google search and found an article that had the following after typing in the following: 1st amendment law peacable assembly

Government officials may not impose restrictions on protests or parades or other lawful assemblies in order to censor a particular viewpoint or because they dislike the content of the message. However, they may impose some limitations on assembly rights by enacting reasonable "time, place and manner" restrictions designed to further legitimate regulatory objectives, such as preventing traffic congestion or prohibiting interference with nearby activities.

Those who protest and march may also have to pay a permit fee as long as the fee is reasonable and officials do not withhold the permit because of their unpopular views. In the 1992 case Forsyth County v. The Nationalist Movement, the Supreme Court struck down an ordinance that allowed an administrator to charge a higher permit fee to groups whose march would likely require more police protection. According to the Court, free-speech and assembly rights should not become more costly just because marchers may elicit a hostile reaction from onlookers.

The high court also allowed curbs on assembly in its 2003 decision Virginia v. Hicks, saying that the city of Richmond could make the streets and sidewalks of a housing project off-limits to unauthorized people to curb drugs and other crime in the area. Kevin Hicks, a visitor who was arrested, claimed his rights of association and free speech were violated. But a unanimous high court said Hicks, who was purportedly delivering diapers to his child in the housing project, was not engaged in any First Amendment-protected activity.

[supermom]

Wow! Thanks Mike. I think that is what they are afraid of. Not necessarilly the protesters, but other people who will MOST DEFINITELY be against them because of their reputation from generations past. I have a feeling that August 5 will be a wild day in Amarillo Texas. I might plan a trip for that weekend.

<img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_10_13.gif" alt="Hear Ye" border="0">

[dede4wd]

I say...road trip!

DeDe

[Elke]

They did the same thing out this way and in California...nothing happened. People always think the worse of people....sad as it is.

[bdg]

If this is the same chapter of the group, that protested here in Midland, that is why they are concerned. There was a protest of the group and some violence outside the group's demonstration area. Midland PD had the demonstration area blocked and fenced to prevent any contact between the demonstrators and protesters. The protesters and the demonstrating group were from out of town.

Seven people were arrested during the two-hour demonstration outside Midland County Courthouse as rioting and altercations ensued, but the troublemakers were believed to be associated with the Anti-Racist Action group, Painter and Midland Police Department Lt. Bernie Kraft said

Click for story

[supermom]

Yes, it is the same group. That is what concerns me. We have some really "radical" people here.

[Serendipity]

Yeah, I think the police just want to know what to expect.

The KKK held a "rally" on our court house steps. There was so much hoopla about it beforehand, but when the actual rally happened, no one showed up and the papers didn't report it. Our main street was totally deserted except for the sheets. What a great way to protest! They took their toys, went home and haven't been back.

[bdg]

Yes, it is the same group. That is what concerns me. We have some really "radical" people here.

Your police are probably consulting with our police which kept relative order considering all the outsiders protesting the rally. It was for the same reason. Most of the outsiders were here from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

[supermom]

As a matter of fact, they are. Apparently the police in Midland did a great job of crowd control, and the police here in Amarillo want to have as much success. I believe in free speach and such, but I sure don't like the idea of a group coming to do race bashing. They claim that they are not about that anymore, but I just don't know. I hope it goes smoothly.