In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

From the New York Times:

The police in Oakland dispersed hundreds of protesters using tear gas and flash bombs on Tuesday night as crowds tried to re-enter a plaza outside of City Hall that the authorities had cleared of an encampment earlier in the day.

The forceful response by the police to protesters in Oakland came as the police in Atlanta moved in early Wednesday morning to clear an encampment from the city’s central Woodruff Park. At least 53 people connected to the protest group Occupy Atlanta were arrested, and the park was cleared by 2 a.m. Eastern time, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.

By Wednesday morning in downtown Oakland, a dim cloud of gas still hung in the air over Frank Ogawa Plaza, according to images broadcast on CNN. A small number of police in riot gear stood by barricades around the plaza and a handful of protesters held signs nearby.

mybutbeautiful:

It was not all that long ago when the health care bill was up for debate and some group calling themselves the Tea Party gathered in Washington. I remember it well and the photos above are some of what had to be endured in the name of passing that piece of legislation. So fast forward to today…

Congressman Eric Cantor:

“I am increasingly concerned about the growing mobs occupying Wall Street and other cities across our country,” the Virginia congressman said in Washington this morning. The majority leader than chastised Democrats for supporting the protestors. “Believe it or not, some in this town have actually condoned the pitting of Americans against Americans,” Cantor said. “But you sent us here to fight for you and for all Americans. You sent us here to bring about real change in Washington, real change to your federal government. And we’re committed to do that.”

Not a word was spoken by Congressman Cantor and most of his colleagues when their fellow congressmen were being spat at and heckled with the most vile and hateful language in 2009.

Of course I am not surprised, but I just thought you should know Congressman Cantor, as you redefine mob, that some of us have long memories.

Large demonstration right outside my hotel here in Delhi - looks like a serious situation

@SenJohnMcCain

Analysis: India risks facing its own Arab Spring

(Reuters) - An anti-corruption movement led by a feisty 74-year-old social activist is snowballing into one of the biggest challenges in decades for the ruling Congress party and if not contained risks sparking India’s own version of an Arab Spring revolt.

Protests in Tahrir Square

Wisconsin Protests Update (03/13/2011) -

lefan-o-rama:

Took the day of yesterday to recharge and spend some time with our friends The Smiths, but here are some items of interest from yesterday:

• Upwards of 100,000 people around the square yesterday.
• Journal-Sentinal calling the recall effort a first in US history.
• Panoramic photo of yesterday’s return of the Wisconsin 14.
• WI Secretary of State to not publish bill until March 25, giving the courts and opposition a week for additional actions.
• The teachers walking from Milwaukee to Madison just arrived.
• Rock County protest today.
• Tons of great pics from WI tumblrs yesterday.  Links in this previous post.
• Is an Arizona-style Immigration Bill on the GOP agenda in Wisconsin?

washingtonpoststyle:

Today, in one image.

Carried out of the state Capitol.

Photo by Justin Sullivan (Reuters)

Wisconsin Protests Tumblrs

lefan-o-rama:

The following tumblr users have been actively involved in protests over the past 4 weeks.  If I missed anyone, let me know and I will update:

• convincingindie
• luminosa
• mariahnotcarey
• klautenbach
• tehblackbirdisflying
• foxtrot-echo
• dysolution
• diokollias
• smutandeggs
• tristn
• jdlefan
• jennaddenda
• smoketest

[newly added]

• twofish
• inscienceandcatgames
• littletinyfish
• jacklynnnannn
• chrystidoeslife

protests4democracy:

The events in Libya turn bloodier and more violent.

Recommended to get a quick idea what is being reported from Libya via twitter: http://www.sulia.com/channel/libya/

My twitter list for info from Libya: http://twitter.com/#!/list/PeecefulWarrior/feb17-libya

Apart from that: Aljazeera Live Stream / Live Blog

Muslims, activists and supporters demonstrated in Times Square on Sunday to protest a Congressional hearing on radicalization of U.S. Muslims.

Protests grow louder in Ohio, Indiana

iatemykittycat:

Brave new world.