> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Way to go, SMPD
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/way-to-go-smpd-editor/
- Published: 2006-02-27T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:18:37.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Joseph Hanania Santa Monica*

Wednesday evening, Feb. 22, about 70 of us held a vigil at Wilshire Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, coordinated with Move On, to protest the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping program.

Interestingly, although only one lady thought she may have actually been wire-tapped, when I asked from the “podium” how many now looked over their shoulder when speaking of controversial subjects, or putting the “wrong” word into their Internet Explorer, a majority raised their hands. And this, I believe, is the real harm of President Bush’s program allegedly meant to enhance our “security”: its chilling effect on the ability of us, the American people, to express ourselves fully and openly, freely debating where our country should be headed.

We also read the first 10 amendments from the Constitution — the Bill of Rights. Despite having majored in American history, I was frankly shocked at what I read. The Bill of Rights stipulates, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated...” This isn’t merely congressional law; it is the Constitution.

This same Constitution, the permanent law of our land that this temporary president is sworn to protect, also stipulates that anyone arrested is entitled to a trial. It says nothing about Guantanamo or “enemy combatants.”

The fact that these Constitutional amendments seem radical today speaks to just how far we Americans have become intimidated by the government that is supposed to represent us, and unmoored from our founding principles.

But my real reason in writing this letter is to laud the Santa Monica Police Department on a job well done. For even as we held our vigil, two officers stood off to the side in Palisades Park, ensuring our safety. The police could easily have made themselves a conspicuous — and intimidating — presence. They did not.

As vigil coordinator, I had let the police know in advance about it, and saw the officers when I first arrived, citing someone for an unrelated violation. After that, throughout all the speeches and peace songs and lit candles, I pretty much forgot about them.

Upon leaving an hour later, I was surprised to find that they had remained there throughout, unobtrusive, and truly honoring the first amendment — “the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” I had no sense at all of intimidation.

Thanks to the police for doing their job so well. Maybe one day this President ought to visit Santa Monica — instead of isolating himself in Crawford — to learn the right way — the constitutional and very American way — to properly exercise power in the name of the people.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 27, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/022706.pdf?ref=smdp.com)