February 1, 2007

During last weekend’s anti-war protest in Washington, several demonstrators were allowed through police lines. They spray painted graffiti on the west front steps of the United States capitol. Republican senator Wayne Allard of Colorado wants to know why.

If you or I defaced government property, we would be arrested, fined and maybe thrown in jail. Why did the demonstrators have special dispensation? It could only have happened if a member of congress instructed the capitol police to let them through.

If that was the case, the authorities and the public have a right to know the name of the member or other official who authorized the break in the police lines.

Some news reports said rank and file officers were “livid” that they were not allowed to arrest anyone. This demands a full investigation. The capitol building is a national symbol and as such must be preserved against protestors. This isn’t about which party is represented in the White House or Congress. It’s about our nation. If the protestors have such a low regard for America, maybe they should live in Baghdad or Tehran.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.