Pre-emptive State of Emergency?

There's more than one way to muzzle the masses;

State Of Emergency Allows Brunswick Police To Halt G8 Protests
Governor's Order Covers Six Counties Including Glynn, Camden, Chatham

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- A new city law in Brunswick gives police the power to halt protests during the G-8 summit now that the governor has declared a pre-emptive state of emergency in coastal Georgia through June 20.

Activists said the change allows authorities to squelch lawful dissent without reason when President Bush meets with world leaders June 8-10 at nearby Sea Island. Brunswick's mayor and Gov. Sonny Perdue's top lawyer denied any such intent.

Perdue signed an order May 7 declaring a state of emergency in six coastal counties beginning Monday, citing "potential danger ... from unlawful assemblages, threats of violence and otherwise."

The governor's order places no limitations on demonstrations. However, the Brunswick City Council amended its laws last week to give police authority to terminate protests if a "state of emergency or disaster is lawfully declared."

Brunswick is the nearest mainland city to Sea Island, 80 miles south of Savannah, where Bush and other G-8 leaders will meet. Protest groups have been trying for months to get a permit to demonstrate in the city when the summit arrives in two weeks...

Let's hope this little ploy fails. Imagine the possibilities if it is successful. We know another leader who does not hesitate to act pre-emptively.

J.