... to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment

Below is an article from NBC critical (shocking) of the V is for Vaccine movement, which is flash mobbing accurate information critical to informed consent from coast to coast.  I've complied a short list of other articles from NBC News that illustrate how the language changes based on whether or not the protest content jives with NBC's marching orders. 

The ACLU has something to say about the importance of protests in the United States of America.  Protests about civil rights tore the fabric of the nation. Protests about gay rights tore the fabric of the nation. The fabric heals. Unlike our many of our vaccine injured children.  The fact that powerful forces in government, industry, public health and worldwide organizations despise that we are opening the eyes of citizens enrages them. And so they must make seem out of control and dangerous - and then they can start cracking down. 

I train in Shito Ryu Karate-do. Karate-do means "way of the open/empty hand."  We never strike first.  There is no opening attack in Karate-do. But we are duty bound to defend. To any of our friends and family and colleagues who join these and other demonstrations, I implore you. Stay calm. Breathe. Remember that the other side will taunt you, and try to goad you into reaction - into striking first. DO NOT. Ever. You'll simply feed their narrative. To Joshua Coleman and the V is for Vaccine movement - which is to say, most all of us: I will share the 5 tenets of the Shito-Ryu style, called the Go Do Shin:

1) Never forget the spirit of first beginning
2) Never neglect courtesy and etiquette
3) Never neglect effort
4) Never lose common sense
5) Never disturb harmony

From the ACLU: The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is critical to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment.  

Protected by the First Amendment and upheld over time as a bulwark of our free society, the rights to assemble, protest, and petition continue to come under fire today... ...We challenge laws that attempt to silence protesters, document abuses at these gatherings, represent protesters in court proceedings when their rights have been violated, and push back against government surveillance of protesters on the streets, in meeting halls, and on the Internet. We continue this fight because the right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is essential to a functioning democracy.

From NBC News: Anti-vaccine groups take dangerous online harassment into the real world The aggressive approaches are "an awful new normal."Anti-vaccine groups take dangerous online harassment into the real world The aggressive approaches are "an awful new normal."   Opposition to immunizations was once largely limited to online bullying, but now opponents are increasingly taking their harassment tactics into the real world: aggressively following legislators and doctors and, in some cases, using physical violence.

NBC News Sexual Misconduct Controversy Draws Small Protest Outside 30 Rock 

Makes NBC look bad? It's just a "handful." A handful of protestors gathered outside NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Center on Wednesday to demand the ouster of top NBC News executives for the network’s handling of internal sexual misconduct allegations, among other issues.

‘No Justice, No Peace!’: Hundreds of People March Brooklyn Streets to Protest NYPD Tactics

NBC agrees with this protest? They are "peaceful." Peaceful protesters filled main avenues Friday evening as they passed Barclays Center, angry over what they consider over-policing of the subways.

Hong Kong protesters flee tear gas after extradition bill debate is delayed Supporters say the proposal is necessary to stop Hong Kong from becoming a haven for fugitives. Critics say China is seeking to erode Hong Kong's freedoms.

Again, agree? Call the protesters peaceful. HONG KONG — Peaceful protests descended into violent clashes in Hong Kong on Wednesday after police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators hours after the government postponed a debate on a contentious extradition bill.

Tens of thousands rally in Hong Kong as China condemns U.S. lawmakers' support The large turnout suggested the movement retains widespread support after recent protests were marked by violent clashes with police that have garnered increasing global attention.

Agree? The protesters "brave" the rain. HONG KONG — Protesters turned Hong Kong's streets into rivers of umbrellas Sunday as they braved heavy rain to march in a show of strength.