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Silencing protest

It hasn't been all that surprising that many of the action of President Trump (just writing that sticks in the throat!) have evoked protests across the USA - and even outside it.    It is also not all that surprising that the GOP wants to clamp down on those protests.

The New York Times editorialises.....

"A bit of silver lining at the onset of the Trump administration has been the groundswell of activism by hundreds of thousands of Americans taking to the streets to face off against a president, and a Republican establishment, they see as reckless, divisive and destructive.

But Republican lawmakers have been so alarmed by the size and intensity of the demonstrations — for women’s rights, immigrants and the environment — and by protests around the country before the election, that they have introduced measures in at least 10 states to intimidate free speech by criminalizing it.

While their proponents say the bills and initiatives are needed to protect public safety and ensure civility, these efforts would crush the right of free protest at a time when key American principles and institutions are under attack."


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"Instead of seeking to penalize their critics, lawmakers have a duty to listen to them, perhaps make an earnest effort to find common ground, and address the root causes of the grievances that have so angered and mobilized Americans."

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