Hold port protesters accountable

Our views

• Published November 14, 2007

The United States continues to wage an unwinnable war in Iraq. In a misguided attempt to end that war, protesters have taken to the streets of Olympia this week to block the shipment of military equipment COMING HOME from that war.

While we fully agree with the protesters that the war should end immediately and the troops should be reunited with their families directly, protesters have crossed the line of peaceful protest and deserve to be punished for their regrettable behavior.

This newspaper has taken a strong stand against the war in Iraq. On the Fourth of July, we called for an end to the hostilities and an immediate withdrawal of troops. We asked how many more Americans will forfeit their lives on the battlefield and how many more tax dollars will be spent to stall America's inevitable departure? We said, "It's time to end the American bloodshed. It's time to bring the troops home."

While we are firmly against President Bush's war and while we fully support protesters' right to peaceably assemble, we condemn the tactics that have played out on the streets of the capital city this week. When protesters resorted to blocking roads, dragging debris into the middle of downtown streets, breaking windows, destroying public property, damaging police cars and hurling rocks at police, they clearly crossed the line. Their peaceful assembly evolved into lawbreaking and they must be held individually accountable.

Dramatic week

It's been a dramatic, emotional and volatile week on the streets of Olympia, with police officers in their black riot gear and gas masks squared off against rowdy protesters, many in dark clothing with their faces covered in masks or bandanas.

It began with the arrival of the USNS Brittin on Nov. 5. Equipment used by the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, was off-loaded at the Port of Olympia in preparation for shipment to Fort Lewis.

Nov. 6 saw about 150 protesters on Percival Landing near the ship carrying signs protesting the war. Members of the Olympia Port Militarization Resistance promised a peaceful protest.