Here's a letter in today's Star Tribune:
There've been numerous stories preceding the Republican National Convention in 2008 reporting extra costs and efforts dealing with expected demonstrations. St. Paul has already spent a half million dollars and yet needs even more equipment in the upcoming months. Minneapolis finances will also be sharply labored as the expected demonstrations there will be supported by the likes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (MCLU). According to Star Tribune columnist Katherine Kersten, these tight groups of lawyers are already preparing to defend protesters who stand to be arrested for their behavior.
Demonstrators who will likely be awarded the right to do their thing will also likely cause property damage and personal injury as part of their activity. Both cities can expect yet more costs to the taxpayer in subsequent trials.
Minneapolis and St. Paul should see that all demonstrators are bonded to protect us from financial loss. Those who are arrested and have no bond will be dealt with as the law dictates, and those holding bonds in the face of property loss and or personal injury will be financially responsible.
We can provide those demonstrators a warm welcome to our great cities but not allow them to cause disruption and encourage anarchy.
WILLIAM R. LUNDQUIST, BLOOMINGTON
To put it charitably, Bill is an ignoramus. You can tell that right away boys and girls when Bill writes about the "likes" of the ACLU and MCLU and quotes Katie as a source. Bill didn't use the word "ilk" though, so that reduces the overall wing-nut score.
But the real clincher is Bill's suggestion that protesters be required to take out a bond to protect "us" from financial loss. Bill, Spot recognizes that "free speech" is probably a long and complicated phrase for you, and an even more elusive concept, but please believe Spot when he says that you cannot charge people to permit them to exercise their rights of free speech and assembly. It is a notion at once so ludicrous and poisonous that anyone suggesting it has no concept of a participatory democracy.
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