The Demagogue’s Move to Shut Down Protest

The President is making his move to quell opposition.  

“A new proposal by the Trump administration would seriously limit the number of protests in Washington, D.C., and bar demonstrations outside parts of the White House and the National Mall altogether.”  So reports Newsweek.  The National Park Service claims that it proposed the plan that would shut down protests on the north side of the White House, near Lafayette Park.  Protesters have demonstrated in that area for 50 consecutive nights.  In addition the plan would prohibit protests on the National Mall and would cap the number of protesters permitted to demonstrate.  Portions of Pennsylvania Avenue would be shut down, as well.  

Many other presidents have lived through continuous protests in the neighborhood.  President Nixon was the target of anti-war protesters, as well as those seeking impeachment.  On one early morning, President Nixon went to the Lincoln Memorial to engage those demonstrating. Protesters during the Vietnam War continued a steady chant of “Hey, Hey LBJ, how many kids did you kill today.”  The demonstrators were so persistent that often the Johnsons forewent plans for entertaining visitors because of the chanting outside.  

This President has no tolerance for dissent.  Despite protest being a long, embedded activity in our political culture, President Trump seeks to shut down peaceful protest.  This move is one of the most threatening to democracy to date.  

We should all be very worried.