Far Left's War on Democracy

Via the The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, I became aware of the Far Left's War on Democracy. The Wall Street Journal ran an editorial describing some of the tactics that the political left has developed to oppose petition drives across the country, including the thug-like tactics that were employed against petitioners seeking to recall Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon.

Common tactics used by the left to stop citizen petition initiatives include reliance on intimidation, fear, lies and other tactics that display contempt for the rule of law. Lefty petition blockers rely more on such tactics than they do on debate, discussion, or argument.

I have personally witnessed this. Several months ago, there was a rally to recall Dillon. The MTA sought out and received permission to do so, and informed all of its members where to park, how to act, etc. When I arrived, I was surprised to find that everything had changed- the parking lot across the street from the post office (where our rally was to take place) was closed so that a SWAT team could use it. No lots were open for quite a ways- it was a long walk to the rally. Police surrounded those people there- those students, senior citizens, and women who showed up. There was a traffic light in front of the post office- and it was turned off, and people were waved through it so they would not stop and talk to us. We were allowed to rally on the sidewalk in front for one hour only.

I was there. I saw it. There is a good account of it on the MTA website here.