Trespass Charges Dropped Against Bush Protesters

[GreenPartyVoter]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Trespassing charges against two people who wore anti-Bush T-shirts to the president’s July 4 rally at the West Virginia Capitol were dropped Thursday because a city ordinance did not cover trespassing on Statehouse grounds.

Nicole and Jeff Rank of Corpus Christi, Texas, were removed from the event in restraints after taking off an outer layer of clothes to reveal homemade T-shirts that had President Bush’s name with a slash through it and the words "Love America, Hate Bush" on the back.

The Ranks were given summonses to appear in Charleston Municipal Court and released.

Charleston Municipal Judge Carole Bloom dismissed the charges on the motion of Assistant City Attorney Deloris Martin.

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0715-07.htm

[RebelYell]

1. Arresting them was just dumb.

Look at all of the negative publicity it created for the cops. If they had left them alone, it wouldn't have brought them to the attention of millions of people. Not the sharpest knives in the drawer.

[gratuitous]

2. No, arresting them accomplished its purpose

It removed the protestors from Lil George's sight. Peaceful protestors. Holding valid tickets for entry. In a public venue.

Now, of course, ten days after the event, it's all a big mistake, so sorry, and we'll leave you alone "next time."

[Canuckistanian]

3. True. They know the charges can't stick

But it removes any possibility of offending the boy-king

[bhunt70]

4. arresting them was wrong

but she should have known that working for the government in her fashion kinda precludes her from doing this stuff, especially when she received the free tickets from a congressional office working in conjunction with FEMA. They have a right for free speech, but as a government employee in that setting, she should have known better. probably an unpopular opinion.