A few threads are emerging in the wake of the abortion protest over the weekend.
One that stands out is that the event seems like Occupy Richmond’s attempt to get its groove back. Looking at the group’s Facebook page, we find the seven organizers of the “M3” event all have Occupy pedigrees. While this is hardly damning, it is interesting.
Looking closer at the “Call to Action” notice of the protest, we learn that the group had a “police liaison who is authorized to speak to the police on our behalf. We ask that you let the police liaison be the primary contact for communication with the police- this will help us avoid any possible miscommunication.”
We also learn this about the other main organizer, “Speak Loudly with Silence,” appears to be a collection of the usual suspects — NARAL, NOW and others groups that oppose pro-life legislation in general and Republicans as a matter of habit:
The organizers that make up Speak Loudly with Silence are experienced activists who are extremely devoted to the causes that we organize around. We consult with legal consultants and utilize every resource and opportunity to do things safely, orderly, and legally. At times we will challenge laws that are purposely put in place to limit our freedom of speech and assembly. At any time we decide to challenge these laws, we will inform you. We will always provide multiple alternatives based on risk level and present those alternatives to everyone upon assembly. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to message or come up to an organizer/point person and let us know. We always want to hear from you! But keep in mind: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
So they had a plan to exceed their protest permit, all in the name of testing the bounds of free speech. That’s exactly what they did — and got a good photo-op along the way.
After the event, on the “Speak Loud with Silence” blog, the authors say that the event was a big success (it was also something of a fundraiser) and that they could be back:
We sent the clear message, to the legislators and Governor McDonnell, that we will not accept these laws now, next year, or ever and if they continue this assault on women’s rights, they will be met with an even stronger, wiser and more organized force.
We also have a WebPay online donations account for the arrestees at today’s protest. Any left over funding will be donated to the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project or the Capitol Area Women’s Health Network.
But how about those folks who were there in the thick of what the more vocal of the protesters called a “constitutional atrocity”? According to one report carried on Rachel Maddow’s blog, the “atrocity” was really a bit of a lark:
“It wasn’t a scary situation at all, for anyone, even the people being arrested. There was never any hint of violence. It was a jubilant crowd of people who wanted to make our voices heard.”
And as to the ongoing notion that this was all planned and executed by Gov. McDonnell, let’s go once more to Ryan Nobles’ report:
In the wake of the event, supporters of the protestors were strong in their criticism of State and Capitol Police. They argued that there was no violence or counter protest and that the police presence far too much. Many specifically blamed Governor McDonnell and claimed he “ordered” the police to respond in the fashion that they did.
According to representatives from both the State and Capitol Police, it doesn’t work that way.
“The governor has never directed me in any of my operations at the State Capitol,” said Col. Steve Pike, the Chief of the Capitol Police. ”I report to the legislative leaders in the General Assembly.”
Pike told me that he takes personal responsibility for the way his team responded to yesterday’s protests and that their action had nothing to do with the group or their beliefs. He claims that he was simply enforcing laws that have been on the books since 1972.
“It is my responsibility as the Chief of the Capitol Police to protect that property,” he said. “All those resources are there just in case things don’t go smoothly.”
The organizers, then, got several things they both needed and wanted: a crowd, a great photo-op, a few bucks raised and an opportunity to take a swing at the Governor. It may have even helped Richmond’s Occupiers, at least temporarily, find something to do.
But let’s be clear: the scene in Capitol Square was manufactured, an attempt to rally a part of the base that had seen its issue fall of the front pages almost overnight once Senate Democrats began their state budget embargo.
They want to blame the Governor for what happened, rather than admit it was the plan all along to raise a ruckus. It’s politically convenient to do so (and makes a good press hook), as McDonnell could possibly become part of a national Republican presidential ticket. But that narrative fails because he controls neither the permitting process nor the police.
At root, this was a traditional lefty protest, with a bit of theater thrown into the mix. For the old-timers, it was probably tinged with nostalgia. For the younger participants, it was probably a bit of a thrill. But a game-changer? Nope.
