Arrest for Dancing in Jefferson's Memorial

[Sapphire]

I think that if you know a law is stupid but you follow it anyway, you are legitimizing and validating the power that the lawmaker claims to have over you.

[XanBcoo]

I think that if you know a law is stupid but you follow it anyway, you are legitimizing and validating the power that the lawmaker claims to have over you.

On an individual level, possibly. But as you've already discussed with KitKat, the issue is more complicated and complex than your own opinion about the law. I think she made an excellent point here:

Someone will ALWAYS disagree, because we are human, and we have different perspectives and values. Thus, to make a change, you need to change the opinion of the majority. That's the way our system works, in North America. That's democracy. If you don't like it, change the system, or move somewhere with a different system.

I'm confused about the thought process behind the law in the first place, but it seems like the basic argument is that dancing is seen as a form of violating the right that others have to pay their respects in peace. Or something?

Edit: Ah, here we go...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...041503414.html

"They were dancing and just generally making a distraction, and the chamber is posted that you are to remain quiet so you don't disturb other visitors," said Sgt. Robert Lachance, a Park Police spokesman. "The chamber of the Jefferson Memorial is a restricted area for demonstrations or causing any kind of activity that could distract other visitors . . . [in order] to preserve a spirit of tranquility and reverence."

Edit 2: And because the video conspicuously begins in medias res, it seems that the protesters were not arrested for "just dancing" but for continuing to act loudly and disorderly after they had been asked to stop.

Edit: Also, the guy has a public event where people are invited to come to the monument on saturday and dance there. If this isn't a blatant display of protest then I don't know what is.

And as well they should. More power to them. But don't go bitching about cops abusing their power or using "excessive force" when they inevitably get arrested or resist arrest.