Today I participated in a "Save the Dream: rally at our Federal Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From the beginning there was a police car parked across the street and I thought it was because intelligence had revealed possible harassment by Tea Partyiers. But, when our coordinator Mike Franz began to speak to the gathering using a microphone and speaker the officer got out of his car and terminated the use of the device and also informed us that we were not allowed to shout, chant or make any noise. What's up. Is this something MoveOn's staff attorney (or volunteer) should challenge? I am outraged that a predominately gray-haired, involved, and non-threatening citizens would be denied the opportunity to speak loudly about real injustices when at the same time a rock concert was underway about 5 blocks to the south of our position.

James Houston