When is protesting going to be defined in a different manner?

2017-08-16T15:00:49-04:00

Is it illegal to protest without a permit?
If you endanger others while protesting, you can be arrested. A protest that blocks vehicular or pedestrian traffic is illegal without a permit. You do not have the right to block a building entrance or physically harass people.

Response by MSgt Danny Hope made Aug 16 at 2017 3:12 PM

2017-08-16T15:12:34-04:00

Technically you need a permit.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 16 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-08-16T15:14:44-04:00

The First Amendment was designed to protect speech with which everyone agrees. It was designed to protect that which is disagreeable, repugnant even. That one voice, the one that everyone hates or laughs at, may be the only one that we need to hear. The problem in Charlottesville wasn't speech or a demonstration, it was in the police being ordered to back off and allow opposing sides to have at one another. The American Nazis (all ten of them) have frequently demonstrated over the decades. So have KKK members and white supremacists. And opponents have counter demonstrated. The difference was that police were told to stand down. That led to violence...

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Aug 16 at 2017 3:51 PM

2017-08-16T15:51:27-04:00

Not having read the law on this (local or Federal) my thought would be that no, you do not need a "permit" to gather and protest something going on. You SHOULD contact the local PD, and let them know before hand so that they are aware of your presence and reason. That said, I think you are not allowed to block others in the course of their day either on the street or sidewalks. If you are going to be that big, you may need to take out a streets usage permit for the police to LEGALLY block the road for your safety. ,

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2017 4:00 PM

2017-08-16T16:00:31-04:00

You can protest all you want on your own property. Once you get into the public domain, such as public parks, in front of buildings, etc. then you run into the need for permits.
Your right to protest cannot and does not allow you to infringe on or prevent other peoples' rights.
In NC there is legislation in the system that will (civilly) hold harmless drivers who hit protesters who are in the roadway. In general, pedestrians are not allowed on highways. Blocking traffic is illegal. If a government was so inclined, they could rightfully charge protesters with the federal crime of interfering with interstate commerce, as trucks that deliver goods are vital parts of the interstate commerce.

Most of all, attempting to influence a populace or government by force, threat of force, or kidnapping, is DOMESTIC TERRORISM and should be punished as such.
Domestic Terrorism:
"activities that (A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the U.S. or of any state; (B) appear to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the U.S."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_terrorism

Domestic terrorism - Wikipedia

Domestic terrorism or homegrown terrorism is terrorism targeting victims "within a country by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims.[1] There are many definitions of terrorism, and no universally accepted definition. The U.S. Department of State defined terrorism in 2003 as "premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to...

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 16 at 2017 4:26 PM

2017-08-16T16:26:25-04:00

Some very good responses here. The way I see it, "protesting" is voicing your opinion. Once you start blocking roads/buildings, causing damage, or inciting/carrying out violence, though, then it becomes "rioting".

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 16 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-08-16T17:02:27-04:00

https://www.facebook.com/VICEVideo/videos/ [login to see] 17176/

VICE Video

VICE News had exclusive access from the front-lines of Charlottesville, and you can watch the full episode now. (via HBO)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2017 8:07 PM

2017-08-16T20:07:44-04:00

I believe that each state has their own laws about assembly and what is required/restricted in the conduct of such.