According to the Washington Post, a White House manual recently came to light that gives presidential “advance staffers” extensive instructions in the art of “deterring potential protestors” from President Bush’s public appearances around the country.
According to report:
…that does not mean the White House is against dissent — just so long as the president does not see it. In fact, the manual outlines a specific system for those who disagree with the president to voice their views. It directs the White House advance staff to ask local police “to designate a protest area where demonstrators can be placed, preferably not in the view of the event site or motorcade route.”
Apparently this “classified” document came to light as a result of lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding the ousting, arrest, and detention, of two anti-war protesters at a Fourth of July speech at the West Virginia State Capitol in 2004.
According to the manual, those near the stage must be “extremely supportive of the Administration,” whereas those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights (if identified) are to be relegated to a “secure area” of ostracism and quarantine. It’s good to know that this administration is willing to hear the voice of the people in order to properly redress any grievances they might have (sarcasm intended here).
