Occupy Nashville may ruin open Plaza policy for the rest of us

Lucas Johnson of the Associated Press reported that the Occupy Nashville crew was out even on Christmas Day. Even without agreeing with their politics, one has to admire their resilience. We wish they'd tell us what their goals are, as a great deal is discussed among the other (failed) Occupy protests around the country about the resilience of Occupy Nashville, and the ability of this particular group to stay in place, the patience of both law enforcement as well as the staff at the Tennessee Capitol are wearing thin. Hidden in the Associated Press story is this interesting little tidbit:

 

As readers recall, we have defended without reservation the constitutional right of those sitting in at the Tennessee Capitol to be there, and we were critical of the Governor and Public Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons for attempting to evict them. Rights come with responsibilities, however, chief of which is that those exercising a right should conduct themselves with good sense so as not to ruin that same exercise for others who may wish to engage in similar activities in future for other reasons. Governor Bill Haslam's apparent move to modify the use policy of the Capitol grounds, which have traditionally always been open to the public at all times and all hours of the day and night, has its roots not with the Governor's office, but with the frustration of the legislative staff who work at the Capitol every day. All the Governor must do is prove that any new policy is not aimed at the present protesters, because a change in policy designed to prevent future permanent encampments would almost certainly pass the General Assembly at this point. 

 

NOTE: It is my hope that all of the readers of this column are enjoying a very Merry and Holy Christmas season. Remember those who have not been as fortunate, and pray especially for those who have no one to pray for them.