Condemn the Law Enforcement Harassment of Activists in Cleveland before and during the Republican National Convention

Of the rights enumerated in the constitution, no rights are more important than that those of free speech and free assembly. Under the guise of "preventing violence" at the Republican Convention, law enforcement in Cleveland, especially the local police and the FBI, have been harassing peaceful activist and threatening them with retaliation for exercising their constitutional rights. The police preparations have been highly militaristic and are more likely to incite violence than prevent it. We the undersigned call on President Obama and Congress to condemn the harassment of peaceful protesters and to call upon law enforcement to immediately de-escalate and engage with activist in a constructive, peaceful and responsible manner that respects citizen's rights.