Protesters in Crawford

The Associated Press reports today that Protesters Gather Again Near Bush's Ranch .

Two things really struck me about this report. The first thing that caught my attention was the first line of the report: "More than a dozen war protesters returned to a roadside near President Bush's ranch before dawn Wednesday, defying two new local bans on roadside camping and parking."

More than a dozen protesters? Oh no! What a turnout! Their numbers are massive!

The second thing that caught my attention in this report was protester Ann Wright, a former U.S. diplomat, who told a sheriff's deputy who had warned the group to leave or face arrest that most of the group would stay because they believed the bans restrict their free-speech rights.

Well, I think we ought to also allow people to get naked and dance in the public square at noon. Now, I personally wouldn't want to do that; that would just be too ugly. But who are we to not allow others to exercise their free-speech rights in that way if they choose to do so?

You protesters, stand strong. Exercise your free-speech rights. All twelve of you.