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In reply to the discussion: Preschool Teacher, 22, Arrested on TV After Condemning Trump [View all]
DBoon
(25,087 posts)20. Upton Sinclair was arrested in 1923 for publicly reading the Bill of Rights
Our country has consistently shown a lack of respect for its founding principles. Jessica Plichta has company in a large group of very heroic activists
https://laist.com/news/entertainment/upton-sinclair-aclu
On May 15, 1923—94 years ago today—muckraking author Upton Sinclair was arrested in San Pedro as he tried to read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to a group of striking dockworkers, leading to the founding of the ACLU's Southern California branch. The national American Civil Liberties Union had been founded three years earlier, in 1920.
Back in 1923, the LAPD had banned the striking dockworkers from holding public meetings. The Marine Transport Workers Industrial Union 510, a branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), had called a strike in protest of low wages, bad working conditions, and the imprisonment of union activists under California's Criminal Syndicalism Law, immobilizing 90 ships.
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Currently. Doesn't mean we might not get better again. Even if it takes a long time.
electric_blue68
Jan 2026
#41
I believe we have always been an oligarchy. Russia and China started as monarchies that evolved into oligarchy.
LiberalArkie
Jan 2026
#12
Don't forget North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, Hungary, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Vietnam, and many
Martin68
Jan 2026
#44
To me it looked like she was on the sidewalk bc I saw cars driving by on what appeared to be the road. nt
in2herbs
Jan 2026
#9
She was indeed on the sidewalk. But she was talking to news crews, unlike the other demonstrators.
SunSeeker
Jan 2026
#13
I just mentioned it because the reports are that she was in the roadway, not on a sidewalk. nt
in2herbs
Jan 2026
#16
No, the TV crew was not arrested, because they weren't on the roadway either. If you watch
pnwmom
Jan 2026
#23
Where do you see that in Michigan law? That would mean no pedestrian can ever stop
pnwmom
Jan 2026
#29
I cannot say "I saw that in Michigan Law" because I don't have that kind of time.
maxsolomon
Jan 2026
#33
"she was the only person arrested" for "obstructing a roadway"?! She was on the sidewalk talking to news crews!
SunSeeker
Jan 2026
#11
Hard to see the case going to court or her being convicted, but who knows
LymphocyteLover
Jan 2026
#15
Anymore there goal is to scare others. I'm sure she hs a good lawsuit coming up BUT
bluestarone
Jan 2026
#17
Of course their goal is to scare people. It sure as fuck isn't to keep roadways clear.
SunSeeker
Jan 2026
#18
Insane. I don't even understand how she was obstructing anything, she was on the sidewalk.
LymphocyteLover
Jan 2026
#14