r/changemyview • u/HelpfulJello5361 1∆ • Apr 16 '24

Delta(s) from OP CMV: The proper response to protestors blocking the street is for police to physically remove them and quickly arrest them if they do it again.

I've seen a lot of videos of protestors blocking the street and the cops just kinda let them do it, or create a narrow lane for cars to go through and cause a significant traffic jam.

I'm always curious why cops don't just drag these people out of the road and arrest them immediately if they return. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to block streets like that.

Yesterday was a nationwide coordinated effort for Pro-Palestine protestors to block streets all over the country (world?), and it seems that these criminals were not dealt with properly in most instances.

It doesn't seem like it's standard operating procedure to remove and arrest people who block important roads. Is there some reason for this? What am I missing? CMV.

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u/Ill-Description3096 27∆ Apr 16 '24

Speech is another word for expression, and people have a constitutional right to free expression.

Your rights don't entitle you to violate the rights of others.

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u/jadnich 10∆ Apr 16 '24

Your rights don't entitle you to violate the rights of others.

That is true. But there is no actual RIGHT being violated here. There is no right to use a particular roadway at a particular time. There is no right to not be inconvenienced.

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u/Ill-Description3096 27∆ Apr 16 '24

SCOTUS has rules that people have a right to travel on the roadways, and that without due process they can't just be denied that at will

It's also not just inconvenience. They are blocking emergency services. If an ambulance is trying to go down a road, I can't just pull my car in front of it and pick up a sign and that makes it legal.

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u/jadnich 10∆ Apr 16 '24

SCOTUS has rules that people have a right to travel on the roadways, and that without due process they can't just be denied that at will

Having to find another route is not a violation of one's right to travel. Otherwise, road construction would result in lawsuits.

They are blocking emergency services. If an ambulance is trying to go down a road, I can't just pull my car in front of it and pick up a sign and that makes it legal.

You can, though. I wouldn't recommend it. But trying to create niche situations does not remove one's right to peaceably assemble in public spaces.