To the Editor:

Americans, including the estimated nearly 2,000 in Newtown, who attended the recent No Kings Day rallies across the nation, should pat themselves on the back for upholding the right to peaceful protests. That millions of people can gather in cities large and small without scenes of unrest is marvelous, and it is equally marvelous that we live where we can voice our opinions loudly when there is disagreement in government activities.

As the American Civil Liberties Union reminds us, not even a permit is required to march in public areas (so long as car/pedestrian traffic is not impeded). Local laws may require a permit if the event is large enough to require sound equipment and a permit application can be submitted in advance. However, ACLU also notes that police can’t prevent a protest in response to breaking news events if an advanced permit is not obtained. Nor can a permit be denied “because an event is controversial or will express unpopular views.” Any permit fee “should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge.”

Who determines what is “breaking news” is unclear. It appears to me that our town has made it possible for rallies to take place as citizens express their unhappiness on a number of government actions, and I would hope that these peaceful protests (which have largely disbanded at a prescribed time in orderly manners) will continue to be sanctioned.

I believe organizers of recent rallies have tried to ensure there is no conflict with other crowd-drawing events at the same time, and have been clear in where and how these organized protests should be enacted so as to not impede traffic. The huge crowds on June 14 lining Main Street may have been disruptive to those who call Main Street home, and any grace with which they handled that speaks to the general cohesiveness of this community. Perhaps it is because these Main Street dwellers welcome the Labor Day Parade crowds each year and understand crowd activity.

To live where we can easily speak out and gather to show unity is wonderful. I, for one, am gratified that there are others willing to organize peaceful rallies in a time when it appears the ruling government overreaches and those elected to represent us are failing to do their jobs as demanded by our Constitution.

Organizers and attendees of these events and our local law enforcers understand the right to protest. I am pleased our elected officials have thus far supported Newtown’s citizens and those of surrounding towns who want to speak their minds, and hope that they will continue to do so in a manner that does not stifle free speech activities.

This is what Democracy looks like.

Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown