Mother Freedom

This photo actually has nothing to do with what I’m writing about, except that it’s a protest. And I like the sentiment.

Photo source: You’ve Been Haacked (and you like it)

Hey, tomorrow

Now don’t go away

’Cause freedom

Just might come your way

—David Gates[?]

In an apparent admission that the Constitution is still in effect, the City of Georgetown (Texas) is considering legalizing spontaneous protests (Lorez, 2008). On 8 January, a group of citizens gathered on the sidewalk to protest a measure being considered by the city council. The protesters were threatened with arrest because the did not have a permit. Current law requires the protesters to apply 30 days before the event, which means that the protesters would have had to apply for a permit to protest a proposed ordinance before they knew when it would be considered.

The Texas Civil Rights Project—not everyone in Texas is a Republican—sued the city. They have also sued Georgetown over a requirement that people addressing the meeting give a week’s notice if they aren’t going to talk about something on the official agenda.

Grateful Monday

And that brings us to this week’s Grateful Monday. Even with the way the Republicans are continuing to erode the Constitution, I am glad that I still live in a society where at least some people are willing to stand up to them instead of cowering under their torrent of fear mongering. I hope that I can find the opportunity and the backbone to do more in this regard than I have done heretofore.

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Lorenz, Andrea (January 26, 2008). City may change protest law: Officials considering allowing demonstrations without permits after civil rights group sues. Austin American Statesman. Available.