By Greg Davids
Preston, MN
In response to recent protests that shut down Interstate 94 and the Minneapolis Airport, legislation has been sponsored that would increase penalties against those who break the law while attempting to exercise their 1st Amendment rights, and I strongly support it.
In no way do I want to limit free speech or curb the ability of residents to peacefully protest. But when you choose to walk onto a 65-mile per hour freeway, you have put your life, along with the lives of drivers and law enforcement, in jeopardy. It is also an illegal activity, and in an effort to prevent people from continuing to break the law this bill simply increases the penalties on a current statute.
The current intentional public highway obstruction law is a misdemeanor and is clearly not deterring lawbreakers from protesting on a freeway. The proposed legislation would strengthen the penalty to a gross misdemeanor, which increases the probability for a stay in jail, higher fine, and longer probation.
Along with the imminent danger that an interstate protest causes, I’m also concerned about those who may be stuck in traffic, such as someone who has suffered a massive heart attack and is being rushed to the hospital.
The goal here is to strengthen a law that’s already on the books and force people to think twice before entering an interstate. Drivers and emergency personnel should not be put at risk because a group of people is mad and wants to break the law by shutting down Interstate 94.
There may be other bills out there that try to limit protests, but the bill I support is just trying to keep people safe. This is not anti-protest legislation, and anyone who thinks otherwise has either not read the bill or is not being honest with themselves. We should all be able to agree that if you break the law you should be held accountable.
Jen says
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/wonk/wp/2017/02/24/republican-lawmakers-introduce-bills-to-curb-protesting-in-at-least-17-states/
According to this article this attempt to silence citizens is going on in 18 states seems like you are the one being dishonest with yourself here.
Jessica says
Addressing the reasons why people are protesting would be a better use of your time Greg. Pushing through new legislature that increases the penalty for an already illegal activity will do little to deter Minnesotans who are no longer willing to turn away while police kill our neighbors/children/family members.
Thomas E. H. says
I look at this and wonder whether Representative Davids thinks this will solve the problems people are marching in the street about. People do not block traffic for the fun of it, and everyone who does is still subject to the current penalties.
You’re fighting a grease fire by trying to pour water on it. Recognize what the source of the problem is, Representative Davids. These people have reasons for doing what they’re doing and they feel the way to garner attention is to obstruct traffic. I don’t want them to obstruct traffic. You don’t want them to obstruct traffic. Is it not reasonable to ask these people “Why are you obstructing traffic?” and then work with them to solve the problems they evidently are willing to break laws to bring attention to? If problems are solved, do you think traffic will continue being blocked?
Take these people seriously, not just think of them as a nuisance or hazard.
James says
I find this commentary to be offensive. Personally I believe the bill you are speaking about to be a shallow attempt at removing rights for the people of Minnesota. That however, is not when I find offensive. I find the idea that someone who is a representative would put propaganda to support his own party in the commentary section of the paper. Are you not a representative? Is it not your duty to listen to all opinions about the proposed bills? When did you stop being a representative and start being a puppet?
Jen says
If there are already laws on the books why do we need more? Due to a supreme Court ruling money it’s a form of free speech. For the poor who can not fight against them millionaires and billionaires that are buying off our governments disruption sometimes becomes the only peaceful recourse. Imposing large fines and jail times makes the only form of speech left money. Free-speech should give everyone a voice not just those who can pay for the right.