Reply #17: It is an issue of public safety. That is why permits are requested.

[MADem]

If your granny died because the ambulance couldn't get through an unscheduled protest, you would be unhappy. When there are permits issued, then the ambulance would know, ahead of time, to take another route, or the police would set up jersey barriers to limit the space used and provide a lane for emergency vehicles, and granny would live.

I am simply saying that if people assemble in large numbers and block a public way, they should fully expect to be arrested. If that is their goal, to bring attention to their message, well, bully for them, they've done what they set out to do.

However, by the same token, people should not whine or cry or complain that the police are being meanies for doing what they have to do--ensure access for ambulance, fire, police in support of public safety.