Wake Up, America. The Police State Has Arrived.

Freedom of assembly.  Freedom of association.  First Amendment.  Freedom of Speech.  Freedom of the Press. LIBERTY.

When they take these away, we have a Police State.

Well, we have a Police State.

Last week, outside the Republican National Convention, protesters and up to four members of the media were shot, beaten, maced, handcuffed and jailed for bond and some members of the press are now facing trial.

Read, for example, about Nick Brook's experience.  He is a freelance photojournalist with media (press) credentials.

Read, for example, about Associated Press photographer Matt Rourke's arrest.

Look at and read about the last shot that Matt took before his arrest.

Watch the video shot by Democracy Now! Producer Nicole Salazar:

Now watch the storm troopers swarm in and arrest Democracy Now's Amy Goodman (unlawful arrest):

Both presidential candidates should condemn these actions of the police in the strongest possible terms.  How can they say they will stand for what America means?

When their campaigns call your house, asking for money, tell them you'd like the candidate to say it, loud and clear.  Here is the type of statement that I would expect from the next president of the United States:

"I condemn the actions of the Minneapolis Police  and the individual police officers and the secret service agents who participated in the brutal and unlawful detention of members of the press.  All charges against credentialed press members should be dropped and they should be offered sincere apologies.  Steps must be taken in the future, including education and training of police officers and secret service agents on their role in safeguarding the rights of members of the press and the rights of protesters."

Call the Obama Campaign: (866) 675-2008 or write to them here.

Call the McCain Campaign: (703) 418-2008 or email them at info@johnmccain.com.

Ask them to join Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) in his condemnation of the intimidation of the press.
 
Then, and this is VERY IMPORTANT.... EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST.

Or is this what we want for our children?