IMF Protests

Any last remaining holdouts who still cling to the propaganda that we live in a people’s democracy where a diversity of viewpoints is welcomed should read your April 16 article, “D.C. Police Quell Protests Aimed at IMF, World Bank.” The massive mobilization of helicopters, tear gas and helmeted thugs against peaceful American citizens sends an unambiguous message: When push comes to shove, U.S. elites will use whatever violence is necessary to achieve their agenda, the people’s will be damned.

Don’t worry whether or not you agree with the IMF protesters. The odds are, sooner or later, you will find the batons coming down on your head.

RANDALL SMITH

Del Mar

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I am outraged over the arrests of those who would protest the meeting of the IMF and World Bank in Washington (April 16). The police, using pretext excuses like buildings being fire hazards in order to forcibly evacuate protest headquarters and then arresting those on the street, presumably some from the evacuated building including journalists, is appalling. I am ashamed to be an American when one must have a permit in order to exercise fundamental rights.

I have never read anywhere in the Constitution that one needs a permit to peacefully protest what one feels is wrong. Where does this permit nonsense come from? Even if the protesters had applied for a permit, the very people who have the discretion to grant it are the ones doing the arresting. Where are our legislators on this one? It’s time to make some choices about who and what this government is really all about.

MIGUEL ROSALES

Cerritos