SS sued by ACLU for supressing dissent.

[Nova Andromeda]

--The ACLU has filed a national lawsuit against the Secret Service for discriminating against protesters critical of the gov.

... According to ACLU legal papers, local police, acting at the direction of the Secret Service, violated the rights of protesters in two ways: people expressing views critical of the government were moved further away from public officials while those with pro-government views were allowed to remain closer; or everyone expressing a view was herded into what is commonly known as a “protest zone,” leaving those who merely observe, but express no view, to remain closer.

Security is not at issue, the ACLU noted, because anyone intent on harming officials would simply carry a sign with a supportive message or no sign at all. “The individuals we are talking about didn’t pose a security threat; they posed a political threat,” Walczak said. ...

[Stormbringer]

If all they did was move the protesters back there's no real merit to the suit or the claim they suppressed dissent. Obviously the Secret Service don't want large, potentially angry crowds any closer to the president than necessary. It's not just the lone lunatic they have to worry about. There's the danger of rioting and other disturbances to worry about. It's a hot button issue that's started more than one riot.

[MKSheppard]

The secret service isn't needed. Just give Bush Spectra Shield body armor
and a really big collapsible baton so he can ape Andy Jackson. (guy tried
to kill Jackson, Jackson instead proceeded to beat the living shit out of
guy)

[Sea Skimmer]

The ACLU tends to be extremely stupid when it comes to deciding what cases to take.

[Wicked Pilot]

The ACLU tends to be extremely stupid when it comes to deciding what cases to take.

When you join the ACLU you take the good with the bad. There however always exist the option to join the organization, move up through its ranks, and help guide it to towards more solid cases if you'd like.