17 Comments
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marypaz's avatar

Looks like you gave the Secret Service an excuse to stop patrolling the dangerous and crime-ridden streets of Georgetown. The Felon needs to get our money's worth.

Ben, you rock!

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Vicki Crutchfield's avatar

Of course the changed political climate has affected it. Any excuse to arrest someone who is protesting one of Trumps important issues.

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Elizabeth Derrico's avatar

Today at the Indivisible Support the Texas Legislators Rally in Chicago we chalked the federal plaza in front of the famed Picasso sculpture. No interference.

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Steve Beckwith's avatar

Great piece today. I share your skepticism that current political environment was not a factor in the decision to shut the operation down. I believe I remember you explicitly asking one of the officers if it was about politics to his hasty assurance it was not. While I doubt the chief these guys were in contact with consulted anyone in the regime about your ops, I feel certain that person was well aware of the recently heightened sensitivity of all things political and "protesty" and exercised abundant caution. This might more properly be termed the "chilling effect" of authoritarian control of policing organizations. That aside, I compliment your chill stance while interacting with the authorities and your physical courage in being there and doing that. As I said in the Zoom, I'm a little surprised they didn't arrest you guys, given how insane things have become, but it was pretty obvious the guy really didn't want to do such a ridiculous thing. He was almost plaintive about it.

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Celeste's avatar

Ah, it is only a matter of time now Ben. Watch your "6". You are a national treasure-don't say no, yes yes you are!!!! (Grammatically incorrect but my 65 yo cognitively declined brain doesn't care!)

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Devin Nunes' Lawyer's avatar

https://www.chalkriotart.com These amazing folks do chalk art and activism all over DC...

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Lior Tepper's avatar

Sorry to say so, but look at what's happening with the Israeli police and see the future of the US. In less than 2 years, the police force understood the commanders intent. If you are "with him", willing to distort the law and its enforcement against his political rivals or just not Jewish citizens, you will get backing for what ever you do and your promotion is guaranteed, and if not, you better leave.

You are an inspiration to me, Ben.

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Donna T. Deal's avatar

Of course hopscotch is illegal.. it's too "woke" for this administration. How can hopscotch be "woke?" It's a game played where the city streets are the kids only playground, and you don't need expensive gear to play, nor need you pay 'players fees' that parents pay for their kids to play soccer, or softball or la cross. If you drive any city street, hopscotch is the default for little girls who live in low income neighborhoods who probably are not white.

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Ed Balsdon's avatar

Ben, you are a great American.

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Beth B's avatar

So this is how my CA tax dollars are being spent in D.C.? 😉

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V Walton's avatar

Someone needs to get a life.

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Joeff's avatar

WTF w all the gloves? Skin care?

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MB Matthews, she/her's avatar

Go Ben! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 Thank you!

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ViaggiPazzi's avatar

That was exactly my thought as I watched your live feed. Maybe we need to supply some 10-yr-olds with chalk and some design inspirations for hopscotch and put the lie to the assertion that ephemeral expressions are "defacement."

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mx13's avatar

"Secrete Service." Typo or joke? Are they oozing incompetence, like the rest of the Trump Administration?

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Michael Kemper's avatar

Where was the National Guard?

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