Protest is Illegal in Ohio

You may recall my post about the Longest Walk 2 passing through Nevada. They were treated like hero's here – and throughout most of the country. I met and walked with these people. They are good people with high ideals. Their cause is not only legitimate, but worthy. So why were they roughed up, and almost mass arrested, by Columbus, Ohio police?

You can get a full account of the story at:

Earthcycles.net – (go to 2008-06-03) “The local police live up to the reputation of Columbus, as they tried to arrest the walkers yesterday, 40 plus police and several patty-wagons as they initiated the confrontation and only later with calls from the supporters and organizers did they stand down ...”

Longestwalk.org – “Unprovoked Columbus, Ohio police attacked Long Walkers, by first pointing a taser at the head of Michael Lane and then forcing Luv the Mezenger to the ground and handcuffing him.”

Narcosphere.com – “The harassment by Ohio police continued, Tuesday, June 3, when police ordered Longest Walk drummers off an area at the Ohio State Capitol.”

Why?

Why Ohio?

Since the Columbus police didn't end up arresting anyone, it doesn't appear this police action was premeditated. Since no one I met in the group was an agitator, I believe them when they say nothing was said to instigate a mass arrest. So, most likely, the decision to arrest everybody was made on the spot – with precedent set some time ago.

Does Columbus Ohio have a no protest policy?

It would seem so.

If so, this is something you would only expect in communist China.

At worst, all the Longest Walkers were doing is jaywalking and singing. And no community from California to Ohio had been bothered by that up until now.

So, why would Ohio want to oppress protest?

Could it have something to do with the Election?

Ohio stole the election for Bush in 2004. And it looks like there will be a fraud factor in the 2008 election also. Could it be that Ohio knows something about the future, and has prepared their police for it? Could it be that Ohio is preparing their police force to crack down on any sign of protest after the election?