they did what?

"City Police Spied Broadly Before G.O.P. Convention" "Activists are showing a well-organized network made up of anti-Bush sentiment; the mixing of music and political rhetoric indicates sophisticated organizing skills with a specific agenda." "This bicycle, having been built for the sole purpose of protesting during the R.N.C., is capable of spraying anti-R.N.C.-type messages on surrounding streets and sidewalks" somebody pinch me, cause it sure feels like i just woke up in shah-era iran, and the savak is running wild. 2003 was a frightening time, for sure. there was probably a legitimate fear of assembling a huge group of people who were pro-war in the middle of new york city. yes. we get that. but this crossed the line. last time i checked, this was still in effect: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech...or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." and being a hippie or a loudmouth artist didn't warrant a police record. if you want to read a serious ramble about this, visit the Daily Kos