April 24, 2020
Vetted For Accuracy (C-VINE Network News)
Was This Mother’s Arrest Just a Publicity Stunt? Some Citizens Think So.
A story gone viral (click here to see arrest) shares a video of a Meridian, Idaho mom being arrested for simply taking her kids to a local park to play. She wasn’t the only parent there. Many parents along with their children, were simply enjoying the day, when authorities were called.
40-year-old Sara Brady, along with the other parents, was asked to leave the playground by law enforcement but she refused. She was overheard saying, “Arrest me.” Parents holding babies were blocking police efforts of escorting the mother away in handcuffs all the while yelling in protest of the pending arrest. Sara Brady was arrested for trespassing.
The YouTube video shows parents taking their frustration out on law enforcement officers, asking them over and over why they can’t remain. “We’re just the mom’s who pay taxes and are frustrated with this whole thing.”
Sadly, police officers become mediators between citizens and elected officials. “I pay taxes too and I’m frustrated with it, as well,” said one police officer. “You gotta leave the …playground.” He continued, “I’m just a law enforcement officer and I’ve been asked to come here and make sure everyone leaves.”
Citizens have the right to protest, not to the officers, but to our elected officials. Orange cones and caution tape put up by city parks’ officials were removed by parents and in doing so, violated the parks order. Even though the playground had closed a month earlier, the grassy areas of the park remained open. The parents knew it.
If citizens want the laws changed it is important to not break the laws in doing so. Although everyone is frustrated with the Covid quarantine, our liberties being stifled, the lack of freedom to work and play, taking frustrations out on police officers will only result in a citation or an arrest. In this clip, officers were kind but firm. They were just doing their job.
There are acres of free public land as well as grassy areas of the 60-acre Kleiner Park, which remained open. Citizens could have exercised their liberties there. The playground was closed by order of the Park’s Director, not the governor. Many times over, officers asked the parents to leave, but they refused.
With as much bad press as our officers receive, it is important to note they are charged with enforcing the law, even if they don’t agree with it. Perhaps with a little more knowledge of the laws, along with a great deal of respect, we can come together as one community, one state and one nation, once again.
JoLynn Live is a Singer; a Wife of 36 years; Home-school mom to 10; Grandma to 11; Chicken Farmer; Patriot; C-Vine contributor.