and I felt as tho it was made too difficult to get to the reflecting pool. That said the reporter staatets Then again, I’ve also never seen a demonstration so thickly monitored, with park police, the Department of Homeland Security and the military on every corner. I find that to be a dubious claim. I've seen a far far bigger police presence at the many anti-Iraq war marches that I came to DC to participate. I was at the ACA protests the night congress passed it into law -- MUCH bigger presence.
US park police (there is no DC Park police btw) were all around the area and were actually happy to talk to people and take pictures with the marchers. That was what I saw.
I can't verify what the reporter said as I was not there -- I would like to see a photo. He tweeted it therefore I wonder why a photo wasn't taken. I think that the general sentiment of the speakers is a fair criticism. That is worthy of debate. He said the Box contained about 200 placards. (I believe I saw the ones he was talking about -- but then again I saw many that had different variation of the sentiment: “Stop Mass Incarceration. Stop the new Jim Crow.” )
From the article:
The day was symbolized for me on multiple levels by seeing DC Park police seize 200 professionally printed placards from activists that were distributing them for free. The placards read, “Stop Mass Incarceration. Stop the new Jim Crow.” Police said that it was "unlawful solicitation", even though they were clearly giving them away. When those having their signs seized complained, they were threatened with fines or arrest. I heard one DC police officer say, “Hey, you can get them back at the end of the day. On second thought, given your attitude you cannot. "
Dave Zirin @EdgeofSports 24 Aug
"You can get your signs back after the march. Actually, you know what? You can't." - exact quote from DC Park Police officer.
He also tweeted the following around the time of the incident: (bold face mine)
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
Looks like DC Park Police are seizing placards that are boxed. Leaving those on sticks alone. Advice: pre-staple!
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
Still can't believe that happened. Printed placards said "End Mass Incarceration. Stop the New Jim Crow" Park Police snatched them.
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
Two people yelled at Park Police for taking placards. Threatened with arrests. They backed down, feeling cowed at event of empowerment.
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
I wonder if even one sign was seized by police at 1963 March on Washington. I bet not. Most security there were civil rights volunteers.
(side note from me,
this is in Todays WaPo's special reporting on the 1963 march, One picture in particular had this as a caption:
Army military policemen line up at Washington Monument grounds for duty during the March on Washington. In background are some of the early arrivals for the demonstration. (Associated Press)
)
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug Just one incident... But it was hundreds of printed placards packed in a box. Probably cost $1,000 to print.
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
Here's deal:
park police are cracking down on "solicitation" at MOW. So if you are GIVING AWAY signs or buttons, they will confiscate.
@EdgeofSports 24 Aug
Been coming to big DC demonstrations for half my life. I've never ever seen park police confiscate signs people were giving away.
n @EdgeofSports 24 Aug
I witnessed one ugly incident.
I haven't seen anything systematic.
---------------
I really would like to see pictures and maybe reports from the people whose signs were taken and more on why. I;m not saying it didn't happen but there should be more details. I know that I was given a few signs myself --
= new reply since forum marked as read
