This video clip has been attributed to AmericaBlog’s John Aravosis.
In a move that again calls into question the Obama administration’s promises of transparency, both the media and the public were ordered out of Lafayette Park park today. This was the scene of another demonstration against DADT, the second such action in the past two months. This time Lt. Dan Choi was joined by five others, including former XGW writer Autumn Sandeen (currently with Pam’s House Blend). All handcuffed themselves to the White House gates, a frequent scene of protest.
What makes this particular demonstration even more remarkable is that police closed the park which provides access and ordered all the public and official media from the area. As can be seen in the video above, the officer constantly barks to all there to “backup, park’s closed.” The media there are stunned, as we understand this is an extremely rare thing to do.
We almost never remark on politics at XGW, but this affects all readers from all sides. We must find out why this stance was taken, and hold the White House responsible for explaining their motives clearly and candidly.
Hat Tip: Carlos Miller
Update 9:05 pm: There are contradictory reports of why this was done and who ordered it.
The actions of the officials who tried to block media coverage of this peaceful protest is extremely distubing to me. I am guessing that I am not the only one that feels this way given the silence of the White House and the finger pointing back and forth between the Secret Service and the Park Police. I have already written the White House to express how outraged I was by their behavior. I am going to write my congressmen and senators (one of which is Barbara Boxer) asking for a Congressional investigation into this incident.