In American Studies, the Vietnam War group presented most recently. According to their presentation, large numbers of college students protested the war on their college campus, and many of the protesters were harassed for doing so. In addition, some of the protests became a little rowdy, and the protesters started throwing rocks, goading troops to action and becoming violent. The police beat many protesters in the video that we saw on Friday, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Another form of protest was the burning of draft cards, which is illegal according to the Selective Service Act. People who burned their draft cards were sentenced to a term in jail and a fine. I sensed from the presenters and from the atmosphere in the room that the protesters should not have been beaten or sent to jail. I think there is a problem with that thinking.While I certainly don't condone the use of violence to quell protests, I also do not believe that a protest should be allowed to occur where the protesters become riotous. It is a terrible tragedy that young people lost their lives while protesting, I think everyone can agree, but the government does not allow violent protests. The first amendment says that Congress shall make no law prohibiting, "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Please note the word peaceably. The protests, wherever they became violent, destructive, or hateful were illegal. It is sad that the protesters were injured or killed, but they were breaking the law.
The draft card burners also broke the law. In my opinion, it is ridiculous to break the law and not expect to go to jail. For example, every time the speedometer says that I am going over the speed limit, I expect a cop to show up any minute and pull me over for breaking the established traffic laws. Possibly a better example is that of Martin Luther King Jr. He led peaceful marches and protests all over the southern United States, and was put in jail many times. He expected it. When he broke laws and went to jail, he knew that he was making a statement by going to jail peacefully. His actions spoke louder than any appeal could have. While the draft protesters wanted to make a statement by burning their cards, they still broke the law, and that deserves jail, according to the same law.
While I do not advocate our government to place undue restrictions on our civil liberties and not allow the citizens to protest, I also do not believe that justice's hand should be stayed from law breakers. The tragedies that occurred are sad, and I do not think that any of the violence on the part of the national guard or police was warranted. However, when one breaks the law, one should expect to have a punishment.
