(CNN) — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales had trouble tapping into a group of hooded protesters at Georgetown Law School in Washington on Tuesday.
(snip)
But as the attorney general tried to convey that the extraordinary circumstances of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks justified the program, the protesters turned to one of America’s Founding Fathers for their rebuttal.
(snip)
“Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither” — a paraphrase of a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin — had been scrawled in capital letters on a sign that required four protesters to hold it up.
Gonzales didn’t acknowledge the sign nor did he stop his speech as 22 protesters, including the four with the sign, stood with their backs to him during the address.
Good coverage by CNN. Franklin is my favorite founding father after reading “Benjamin Franklin” by Walter Isaacs. Franklin was able to manipulate the public in ways that would make Rove jealous. CNN had this as their lead web story for a bit. Like to know the names of the protesters and whether they are in the slammer now? Anyone know? Gutsy protest. Reminds me of our own Boo Tribbers this last weekend and last Autumn.
OT: Mr. Franklin did own a slave. A sad commentary on that time in this country. So if anyone is offended by the founding fathers on principle. My apologies.
UPDATE:
Thanks SallyCat