Capitol Protesters: Pay Up

Another day, another Leftist media attack aimed at Scott Walker's administration--

Freedom isn't free.

It has a cost. It demands responsibility.

When throngs descend on Madison and occupy the Capitol, is it right to expect taxpayers to foot the bill for cleaning up their filth as well as additional police costs?

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Gov. Scott Walker's administration could hold demonstrators at the Capitol liable for the cost of extra police or cleanup and repairs after protests, under a new policy unveiled Thursday.

The rules, which several legal experts said raised serious free speech concerns, seemed likely to add to the controversy that has simmered all year over demonstrations in the state's seat of government.

The policy, which also requires permits for events at the statehouse and other state buildings, took effect Thursday and will be phased in by Dec. 16. Walker administration officials contend the policy simply clarifies existing rules.

State law already says public officials may issue permits for the use of state facilities, and applicants "shall be liable to the state . . . for any expense arising out of any such use and for such sum as the managing authority may charge for such use."

But Edward Fallone, an associate professor at Marquette University Law School, said the possibility of charging demonstrators for police costs might be problematic because some groups might not be able to afford to pay.

"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 problem with Leftists: They are unrealistic.

Of course, that's a sweeping statement. Not all Leftists operate out of reality, but some obviously do.

Here's the thing: People would not be charged to express their First Amendment opinion. They'd be charged for being slobs and causing property damage on public property. They'd be charged for being so unruly that the public safety is at risk and requires additional police forces.

Why should we, the taxpayers of Wisconsin, get stuck with paying for others' activities?

If a group wants to stage a protest in the Capitol, they should be responsible for the costs.

Where do protesters think the money to manage their displays, sometimes circuses and freak shows, comes from?

It comes from the taxpayers. The government has no money other than what it takes from us.

I don't believe the First Amendment stipulates that we, the people, must pay for individuals to exercise their right to protest.

Holding protesters responsible for police costs and for cleaning up after themselves is reasonable.

The policy says:

 Groups of four or more people must obtain permits for all activity and displays in state buildings and apply for those permits at least 72 hours in advance. The policy requires permits for 100 or more people outside the Capitol. The policy does provide some leeway for spontaneous gatherings triggered by unforeseen events.

 Groups holding demonstrations could be charged for the costs of having extra police on hand for the event. Costs associated with a counterprotest could be charged to that second group. The costs would be $50 per hour per Capitol Police officer - costs for police officers from outside agencies would depend on the costs billed to the state. The police could require an advance payment as a requirement for getting a permit and also could require liability insurance or a bond.

 Demonstrators may not tape or stick signs to Capitol walls not intended for signs. During the protests hundreds of signs were posted at the Capitol.

 Any damage or cleanup after a demonstration could be charged to organizers.

A permit for four people seems a bit much, but I suppose a permit is necessary to make it possible for officials to hold protesters accountable.

I think the onus should be on the protesters to cover the costs of their activities.

I shouldn't have to pay for someone else's demonstration.

I don't want them to leech off me.

Expressing one's opinion isn't the same as trashing the Capitol and creating a situation that requires a police presence.

The government isn't arresting people for holding an opinion and expressing it. The Constitution protects us from that sort of oppression.

Do the "several legal experts" interviewed by the Journal Sentinel, the ones who said the rules "raised serious free speech concerns," have any ideas on how to pay for costly demonstrations?

I have serious concerns about the cost to taxpayers.

Bottom line: If you're going to stage an expensive protest at the Capitol, don't force those not involved to fund it.