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Scott Walker Administration Unveils Policy To Have Protesters Pay Police, Cleanup Costs
Luke Johnson
Huffington Post

The administration of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) unveiled a policy Thursday to hold protesters in the state Capitol liable for extra police or cleanup, in the aftermath of massive demonstrations earlier this year against anti-union legislation.

Under the policy, groups of four or more inside state buildings and 100 or more people outside the Capitol must obtain permits at least 72 hours in advance of protests. Groups could be charged $50 per hour per Capitol Police officer, while costs for other law enforcement agencies will vary. The police could also require advance payment and liability insurance or a bond. Cleanup could be charged to organizers.

The policy also makes it clear that spending the night in the Capitol, taping signs to Capitol walls not intended for signs, allowing the sale of food or other items in the Capitol and using sound equipment that would interfere with the building are all not allowed.

The policy is effective immediately. The administration says no one will be denied a permit based on the content of their event.

Edward Fallone, an associate professor at Marquette University Law School, told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that the policy could be problematic since some groups might not be able to afford the costs. "I'm a little skeptical about charging people to express their First Amendment opinion," he said. "You can't really put a price tag on the First Amendment."

The Wisconsin Department of Administration estimated cleanup and overtime costs for the protests earlier this year were about $8 million, including $270,000 for Capitol building repairs. About $3.9 million of the $8 million was for local law enforcement costs.

Gov. Walker is facing a recall effort. Activists announced earlier this week that they had gathered over 300,000 signatures in 12 days. For a recall, organizers need to collect 540,208 valid signatures by Jan. 17. An election could occur as early as March 27, but will likely be later.

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Personally I think protest is fine as long as that's all it is.  But if protesters (either liberal or conservative) destroy property of injure others, they should be held liable.  Passive protest is one thing.  Wanton destruction is going too far in my book though.

Also I really dislike when protestors invade buildings and create havoc.  I know that some did that at the Wisconsin capitol building last year and also some invaded a church in Texas and disrupted the church services.  I would never dream of invading a mosque and disrupting their service or prayers.  I prefer to see protests outside a building.  I dont like it when groups protest at funerals either.

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Originally Posted by Dennis Young:
Personally I think protest is fine as long as that's all it is.  But if protesters (either liberal or conservative) destroy property of injure others, they should be held liable.  Passive protest is one thing.  Wanton destruction is going too far in my book though.

Also I really dislike when protestors invade buildings and create havoc.  I know that some did that at the Wisconsin capitol building last year and also some invaded a church in Texas and disrupted the church services.  I would never dream of invading a mosque and disrupting their service or prayers.  I prefer to see protests outside a building.  I dont like it when groups protest at funerals either.

I think occupying public spaces is a legitimate tactic regardless of if its picketing outside a building or performing a sit in.  I agree that no protesters should be permitted to destroy property or do bodily harm to others.  With the protests in Wisconsin neither of the above where serious issues, the 'property damage' Walker keeps groaning about was the result of wear and tear on a public building from high traffic (ie not in any way vandalism) and from tape that was used to hang fliers (something that I have a hard time accepting as vandalism).  I have no clue what happened in the Church, thats the first I've heard of that (mind posting a link or an article on it?).  I don't like people protesting at funerals either, however so long as they are on public land they are within their right (although I do like it when bikers form a human wall to prevent the protesters from harassing the mourners).

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It was at Cornerstone Church in Texas I think.  I know some dont like John Hagee.  He's a firebrand and very outspoken.  But I like him.  Good teacher on the scriptures I think.  There are a number of links out there.  I've posted the first one I saw.  Note that I know nothing of this website nor have I been to it until tonight.  

http://www.therightscoop.com/anti-israel-protesters-disrupted-john-hagee-church-service/

Apparently they were protesting something about Israel.  Personally I just dislike disrupting a church service regardless of the faith.  I mean, I dislike the way the Westborough Baptist church members try to disrupt funerals too.  Its very hurtful and there really is nothing the laypeople of the church can do about Pastor Hagee's opinions.