Officials defend inauguration street closings
WASHINGTON -- The Secret Service and the region's top elected officials are defending a decision to block off all Potomac River bridges into Washington and a huge portion of downtown for the inauguration.
At a news conference today, Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan said "We do not want security to overshadow this event," but said the closures were necessary.
Sullivan asked that people anticipate delays and inconveniences.
About 3.5 square miles of downtown will be closed to traffic on Inauguration Day. All bridges crossing the Potomac River into Washington also will be closed to vehicles.
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said authorities aren't trying to discourage people from attending, but stressed the importance of having a plan before showing up Jan. 20.
-- The Associated Press
Reader Reactions
I was not refering to the road closing but to the attitude of Obama is in charge, Republicans lost and get out of the country if you don’t like it or just suck it up. I have listened to 8 years of Bush bashing and denegration (He stole the election, etc.) especially from a few individuals which RTD posts almost weekly comments in the My 2 Cents section. Now we are asked to not attack any of Obama’s ideas as he moves into the White House, he of so little legislation initiatives. And now he wants to push thru a $1 trillion plus economic plan most unsure whether any of it will work. When did he become such a financial genius. On rights, how about Virginia employees rights to a secret vote on union votes?
What Constitutional right is being suspended? There is no constitutional right to unblocked streets. They aren’t preventing you from attending. Don’t confuse preventing with making it inconvenient (aka more secure). You’re not banned. They didn’t say you couldn’t speak or pass out flyers. I fail to see how closing streets blocks your right to anything. Streets get closed all around town all the time for events, you’re not preventing from attending the event. A lane of 64E was blocked the other day due to an accident, my rights weren’t violated. I was annoyed that it took me longer to get to work, but my rights were denied. I could have leaned out the window and cussed up a storm if I felt like it, made a sign that said learn how to drive, hold a rally in opposition, but the constitution doesn’t say anything about giving me the right to travel on a roadway as I see fit. It doesn’t give me the right to make them reopen that lane of the highway just because I’m an American and I say so!.
correction (not only RTD makes misstakes) S/B - “Alex Baldwin and all of the other”.
And Yeh, the Dims support free speech as long as you agree with them. What about Prop 8 in California?
I see Alex Baldwin and none of the other Hollywoods are still in the USA. So much for their empty promises to leave!
Isn’t it odd that the Dems are now supporting the Government in suspending usual citizens rights, but had questioned the Bush administration doing the things to citizens and even non-citizens, including illegal immigrants and war prisoners, to protect the country against attack!!
Amen dee65!
Oh get overself hjackson!! I think security is more important than your whining. If something really bad happened you would still blame the government so no matter what as long as there’s someone else to blame. If you think its going to get so bad in the good old US of A then get out and see how good it is in other countries where you’d be hunted down for the comment you just made. Thank God for free speech!!!
We might as well get used to this type excessive power. Starting January 20 will will be a socialist police state backed by the mighty military might of the former USA.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement