The actions of the St. Louis County Police, following the shooting of Michael Brown, have been based upon a strategy of suspending much of the First Amendment in Ferguson, MO. They have inappropriately put curfews in place and denied the people the right to peaceably assemble. They have taken violent action, using still-lethal weapons and weapons that cause permanent damage to break up lawful assemblies of people. They have attacked people on their own property. They have leveled weapons in the direction of peaceful protesters.
The President repeatedly took an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution of the United States, but has been silent in word and in deed on all of this.
We call on the President to affirm the right to assembly, as enshrined in the First Amendment.