"We're trying to call attention to the appalling decision of the Khartoum government in Sudan to expel 13 relief agencies that are serving over 1.1 million people in the Darfur region," Ellison said in an interview with MPR's Tom Crann. "Our arrests were designed to add a little bit of urgency to the situation."
Again I have to ask, is this what we are paying our government officials to do? Were they elected for the purpose of getting themselves arrested for civil disobedience?
From Minnesota Public Radio:
Minnesota Republican Party Chair Ron Carey called Ellison's action a publicity stunt.
"It's certainly a serious issue of genocide. Nobody can condone genocide, but as a member of Congress, I think Congressman Ellison has the responsibility to be a role model and set an example," Carey said. "What does it say to other citizens when you have a congressman who is blatantly, on purpose, violating the law?"
No doubt some will call Ellison's actions "noble" as they are in the interest of civil liberties, but let's be honest. If we can't count on our lawmakers to follow the letter of the law, we have become a nation of hypocrites.
Comments
What if he were protesting tax increases and was arrrested? Yea I bet your story would change. The true test of your love of America and what it stands for is whether you can tolerate free speech and protests of which you disagree.
J- You couldn't be farther from the truth. I am completely against all forms of protest that involve civil unrest, unlawful acts and tying up our law enforcement personnel costing taxpayers unnecessary expense.
I do, however, whole-heartedly support the right to free speech. Ellison is quite aware of the options he has to promote causes about which he feel strongly. He also has the power to donate funds, request funding & action from the US gov't and an audience that will listen/act on his behalf.
As an elected leader, it is his responsiblity and his job to uphold the law.
As a side note, over 1 million people protested all over the country at the 4-15 Tea Parties. Not one case of civil disobedience or arrest has been reported. There is a lawful way to protest.
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