Fascist

America? 

DOJ Wants Protesters & Reporter Convicted For 'Hiding Behind The First Amendment'

Pretty much everyone should agree that protesting is legal and protected under the First Amendment. Obviously, vandalism and property destruction are not. But, the incredible thing about this case and the arguments that Qureshi made is that he didn't even bother to claim that the six defendants participated in violence or property destruction. He just argued a form of aiding and abetting the violence and damage, just by being present, and complained that they were "hiding" behind the First Amendment. Here's a snippet from the Washington Examiner's report on the closing arguments:

During closing arguments Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rizwan Qureshi offered no evidence that the six committed acts of violence or vandalism, or attended planning meetings for an anti-capitalism march that ended in the arrest of about 240 people in downtown Washington. Instead, Qureshi likened the defendants to robbery get-away drivers, guilty because they helped anonymize others in a crowd. “That’s exactly what this sea of black was, it was the getaway car,” he said.

Think about that for a second. He's claiming they are GUILTY BECAUSE THEY HELPED ANONYMIZE OTHERS IN A CROWD…This is pure insanity on multiple levels. First, anonymity is, by itself, protected by the First Amendment. Second, your own First Amendment rights don't get thrown out just because prosecutors can't find the actual perpetrators of violence in a crowd and decide to nab you instead. That's not how it works.

Trial Set To Start For Journalist Facing Decades In Prison For Covering Inauguration Day Protests

If this goes forward, the evidence should clear him of charges. But even if it does go quickly and smoothly, Wood's life has been permanently changed, and not for the better. He hasn't been able to concentrate on journalistic efforts since he was arrested, thanks to the severity of the charges.

 If the government finds a way to hang one on Wood, independent journalists and those working for smaller agencies will start steering clear of protest coverage just to be on the safe side.

 And that may be the government's unstated goal -- fewer eyes witnessing anti-government sentiment and/or the tactics used by law enforcement against people utilizing their First Amendment rights.

DYI:

Bingo, a direct hit, spots on…Nothing more than an out of control government smothering independent reporters during anti-government rallies.  America has been moving pell-mell towards flat out Fascism since the end of WWII whether it be Democrats or Republicans.  Faked deaths, faked shootings, real false flags have been part and parcel of American history.  “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” an endless and timeless struggle to free citizens and remain free from tyranny.  As a nation we are in the fight of lives; hopefully freedom will rein supreme through the ballot box or the courts – if not – then by force of arms.     

DYI