Protest Blocking Already Heavy Traffic

Today, 3/9/2024, there was a pro-Palestine protest in Bridgeview on 103rd Street, which blocked traffic as far south as 111th Street and as north as 87th Street. This caused massive delays and reroutes on what is already a very busy street.

The First Amendment applies to all Americans, even though some of these protestors only want Freedom of Speech for others, and not for those who disagree with them. The protestors have the right to assemble and protest, but what about the rights of others? What about those in these areas who are losing customers because people cannot get through to shop? It is no coincidence that the protestors assembled in front of Starbucks, preventing people from getting their caffeine fixes. As Starbucks declared their support for Israel, the protestors want to cost them money, taking away a person's right to shop wherever their money is accepted. Also, what about the Palestinian stores losing business because of the protestors? Furthermore, what about ambulances that are trying to take a person to the hospital for a heart attack or accident? Is their right to protest more important than a person's life?

Let's not forget that at these protests, people are brutally attacked for dissenting or simply for being Jewish. The Constitution guarantees a person's right to disagree or counter-protest without being brutalized. Let's look at protests that took place over the last 4 years, where blocking expressways and destroying property was part and parcel of their demonstrations. A protest is where people peacefully assemble to express their views. Mob action involves, threats, intimidation, violence, and vandalism. My question for mayors and police of the concerning towns, especially Bridgeview's Mayor Landek and Chief Mancha is, why are the rights of the protestors more important than those just trying to live their lives? Instead of standing there and blocking streets, why weren't you keeping protestors off the streets and private property, dispersing the crowd when they became too rowdy?

It is futile at this point to try to support or decry the Palestinian cause. If you are not happy, protest, and do it right. That is one of the great things about this country, that people can speak against the establishment or certain groups and still, for now, sleep at night. Still, if you cannot argue your case like civilized humans, without blocking traffic, harming people, destroying things, or threatening the livelihoods of even those who agree with you, then your case does not deserve to be heard, but silenced. No decent person wants it to come to that. Therefore, exercise your right to protest, but make sure your rights do not trample on the rights of others.