Local Police Bully Protesters

Dear Editor,

As of Thursday, March 20, bananas have been unofficially declared a threat to homeland security by the Milwaukee Police Department.

On that Thursday, Food Not Bombs, an organization built around the basis that food is right, not a privilege, received a donation of six boxes filled to the brim with just-past-ripe bananas that would have otherwise found refuge in the nearest dumpster! Our mission was to serve a healthy, free snack to those at the peace rally taking place at five o’clock in front of the Federal Court House. Our message was simple: “Food Not Bombs, Bananas Not Guns.”

As we pushed two banana-filled carts across the intersection of Jefferson and Wisconsin, approaching the area in which we had a permit to assemble, a mounted police officer, blocked our way, stating that we would not be allowed access to that side of the street with bananas in our possession.

After the officer explained that we would be arrested if we continued, we retreated to the opposite sidewalk. Now on the other side of the street, a second officer explained that we could not distribute bananas on the sidewalk and we should move along, or be arrested. Frustrated, two others and I strolled west down Wisconsin Ave., handing bunches of bananas for people to take home to their families or enjoy on the spot. It was a beautiful site-Wisconsin Ave. lined with people enjoying healthy, fresh bananas instead of cigarettes and Coca-Cola products.

We walked back east, confident that we had the right to peacefully assemble in the area where we had a permit, with or without bananas. Apparently, that right no longer applies. For a third time we were stopped by police; again, they informed us we could not bring a cart of bananas into the demonstration area. Food Not Bombs and the police talked briefly and reached a compromise: the bananas would be distributed without the cart. I began pushing the cart away from the premises, when I was grabbed from behind by a police officer.

My immediate response was to ask, “Am I being detained?” Upon being told I was in the middle of a conversation with an officer, I stated “it is not illegal to walk away from a conversation” and asked again if I was being detained. This time the officer stated yes, I was being detained, and if I was to leave I would be arrested, motioning to his handcuffs already drawn.

I asked under what grounds I was being detained; they explained there had been recent instances in Oregon of property destruction to federal buildings. They feared the citizens assembled at the demonstration-now armed with bananas-would begin defacing the Federal Court House. I was given a background check, whereupon I was released shortly thereafter.

This violation of our right to peacefully assemble is outrageous. We demand that instead of demeaning and harassing its citizens, the Milwaukee Police
Department needs to fulfill its commitment to service and protection. We, the people of Milwaukee deserve no less.

Shea Schachameyer
Milwaukee, WI

Riverwest Currents - Volume 2 - Issue 4 - April 2003