OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state Republican Senator Doug Ericksen announced Wednesday plans to introduce a bill that would lead to stricter penalties for those involved with or participating in illegal protests.
Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said he has prepared a bill for the next legislative session that would create a new crime of “economic terrorism.” If approved, it would allow felony prosecution of those who intentionally break the law in an attempt to intimidate or coerce private citizens or the government by obstructing economic activity.
“I respect the right to protest, but when it endangers people’s lives and property, it goes too far,” Ericksen said. “Fear, intimidation and vandalism are not a legitimate form of political expression. Those who employ it must be called to account.”
Ericksen’s measure would create a class C felony when protests aimed at causing economic disruption jeopardize human life and property. It would not apply in cases of lawful and protected activities, such as strikes and picketing, his office said.
In Ericksen’s measure, the penalties apply not just to participants, but also those who either give money or help organize, or otherwise encourage others to commit “economic terrorism.”
The bill, if passed, would also mean accomplices could be required to pay restitution up to three times the amount of the damage caused.
“We are not just going after the people who commit these acts of terrorism,” Ericksen said. “We are going after the people who fund them. Wealthy donors should not feel safe in disrupting middle class jobs.”
Fairly insidious. Paid agents of Soros pretend to protest, burn and break stuff, and Ericksen just happens to have this bill all ready to go to put a stop to it.
***In Ericksen’s measure, the penalties apply not just to participants, but also those who either give money or help organize, or otherwise encourage others to commit “economic terrorism.”***
Ericksen wants to pretend he’s going after Soros but anybody paying attention will realize this part of the bill will be struck down before a final vote and anybody who wants to protest will be left holding the felonies.
So now, say you want to peacefully protest the removal of due process in the Bill of Rights according to Articles 5,6,7,8 and 9 in reference to Article 2, you will now be charged with “economic terrorism”. Which means a felony. Which means you lose your Rights under Article 2.
I do not understand why the shootings and hangings have not already commenced.
It’s a catch 22 scenario. If you want to protest the loss of your Rights you wind up losing your Rights anyways. All the police have to say is your blocking traffic or some such excuse.
It’s already illegal, dummy
No, it is not. You didn’t read the article very well, did you?
“Economic terrorism–an attempt to intimidate or coerce private citizens or the government by obstructing economic activity.”
Say your standing on the side walk holding your protest sign. The police come along and tell you your blocking foot traffic. According to this bill your committing a felony because your “obstructing economic activity.”
Your right to peaceably assemble is gone.
Your right to petition the Government for redress of grievance is gone.
Not that you have them anyway. They’re just writing it all down on paper in order to justify the removal of our Rights.
Maybe you could ask the love of your life, Sen. Jeff Sessions, to help you proofread the articles from now on. I’m sure he will do it. He’s not busy or anything.
LOL… some people’s kids, eh?
OK………….. I WONT PROTEST…………. ILL JUST CRAWL IN A TREE STAND AND START SNIPIN…………………………………..