Stony Brook Protesters Confront Sen. Clinton at Panel, Then Die Outside
Submitted by GAgathos on Thu, 03/23/2006 - 19:37.
Contributions by Radeyah Hack Thirty-five protesters shouted at and turned their backs to Sen. Hillary Clinton on Thursday at a panel discussion held at Stony Brook University. The associated press reported that 26 protesters took part in the auditorium, but Chris Manley, one of the protesters who participated, told the Independent that there were 35. Assistant Chief Doug Little of the University Police also put the number at around 35. The protesters were wearing printed t-shirts with the slogan “TROOPS HOME NOW” on the back and remained standing for about 40 minutes, according to students who attended the event. A male protester accosted Sen. Clinton twice, but she didn't respond. University President Shirley Strum Kenny did, however, tell the protesters that it was rude to interrupt. “We’re a university and people have the right to protest and voice their opinions,” Kenny said, “But I don’t approve of disrupting the hall of audience members from listening to the panel discussion.” The protesters then joined another protest outside the venue which was a “die-in.” The terraced Staller Plaza was scattered with flag-draped coffins and protesters in mock body bags. University Police had a barricaded area set up in the event of a demonstration near the entrance of the building. Because of the nature of a die-in, it was unnecessary, according to Little. Little said that the protest was "well organized" and that the limited nature of the outbursts during the discussion did not warrant the removal of the protesters from the event. "Some people wanted us to pull them out," Little said, "but the University Police is not going to violate people's civil rights." He said that the police department dealt with them "in a manner that protected their first amendment rights." According to Little, it was not the Secret Service that expressed concern to the police, but rather a member of Sen. Clinton's political staff. Many protesters outside appeared comfortable, lounging in the afternoon sun on the clear March day. Updates: Police were asked to remove protesters Not all protesters were students |
Hypocrisy is never classy-democracy is!
"According to Little, it was not the Secret Service that expressed concern to the police, but rather a member of Sen. Clinton's political staff."
Wow if she runs for president, I hope someone like John McCain runs for the Republican ticket, because she won't be getting my vote (and I'm a Democrat). Seems like she's as bad as many Republicans.