2007-09-20 03:29:46 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Andrew Meyer is a local prankster. I live in Gainesville and know his ventures quite well. He wanted attention and got more than he bargained for. In a post Virginia Tech world, the police should have subdued him earlier.
2007-09-20 03:36:56 · answer #1 · answered by only p 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You have the legal right to protest the government on any public property, with a few exceptions. This would include the sidewalks, public parks, town squares, courthouse steps, etc. You generally can protest anyplace that is open to the public without a permit. If you are going to make use of the street or any place that has restricted access you must have a permit.
You can protest the government from private property as long as you have permission from the property owner.
The best defense against the cops is to be knowledgable about your rights and be able to defend your right to protest at your chosen location. I have often had to explain to police that I am exercising my legal rights and am violating no law, and they usually back off.
But the truth is, if the cops are going to taser, arrest, shoot or otherwise harrass you, they are going to do it whether you follow the law or not. They often will threaten protesters to try to frighten them into leaving voluntarily. (Always remember: It is not against the law for cops to lie to you, and they will lie whenever it suits their purpose.)
If they blatantly violate your rights, you may be able to bring a civil suit against them, but suing the cops is usually a pretty difficult venture.
2007-09-20 12:53:41 · answer #2 · answered by coolrockboy380 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People have the right to protest anywhere. The only limits allowed are those that are required for public order safety (example--you can't just go marching downthe middle o fa street without getting a parade permit).
As long as you obey such rules, the government has no right to harass you. But--here's the reality: if the issue you are protesting is worthwhile--you have to expect some people--including law enforcement hotheads--to harass you. That goes with standing up for what you believe in.
2007-09-20 10:38:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, this looks like a pretty good public forum for that.
There is a big difference between protesting the government or taking action to effect political change and causing a nuisance at a large public event.
The old saying is: Your right to swing your arm stops where my nose begins.
The person in question was causing a public disturbance and I believe the police acted in a perfectly reasonable fashion to subdue him.
2007-09-20 10:38:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In a heavily wooded forest, this would make it tough for them to get you. I am sure a suit made with lots of wire like the medieval shirts of woven wire would help ground out the affect.All kidding aside, an aluminum sheet formed to your body with a ground wire, would be quite fun. the prongs would penetrate the aluminum, you could fake being shocked and shout profanities till the cows come in, think about it.
2007-09-20 10:40:28 · answer #5 · answered by Robert D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not suggest the University of Florida.
Cops are out of control !
I think citizens do need to start having public protests ! We need to put pressure on our politicians to draft new laws to make it tougher on cops who are corrupt .
We need to involve the FBI / Department of Justice, we need more enforcement / sting undercover opertations to bust corrupt cops and prosecute using existing laws that may be available to us.
When we find loopholes , we draft new laws to change it .
Citizens , need to get more familiar and stop resisting technology. We must learn to use these camera recording devices and create a world / environemtn that films everything . We want to create an environment for cops that is like the papparazi/ media does.
CACC - Citizens against Corrupt Cops
2007-09-20 10:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by Mildred S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to assemble as long as it is done peacefully.
You may need a permit. NOONE has been tasered unless they were breaking the law. If this post was meant to be funny, it wasn't.
2007-09-20 10:37:55 · answer #7 · answered by convoiceofreason 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere they have their cops setup then you should not feel safe because they will try and provoke something.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=St1-WTc1kow
Video is 3 cops caught at an SPP protest who were provocateurs. They were going to do more than just taser the protesters if they got away with this.
2007-09-20 10:36:13 · answer #8 · answered by Edge Caliber 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Finland
2007-09-20 10:35:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it most places, Outside Houses of PArliment is the place to get noticed, but if your arsked to move, then move else you WILL be tazered
2007-09-20 10:34:33 · answer #10 · answered by Harriet in Fife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋