WPCP 2BVT Z Courier New (TT):?xxxh'eXx6X@DQX@Panasonic KX-P1124PAKXP112.WRSx  @X4i!;X@2 @VRZ #|x) >xxx>/Sx6X@DQS@WINFAXic KX-P1124WINFAX.WRSSx  @4|!`X@2>PN#|x THE VIGIL IN LAFAYETTE PARK, |DA Democracy Barometer, or Exercise of Criminal Lunacy?TP Millions of tourists from around the world have visitedWashington, DC, seen the vigil, with signs decrying the insanityof nuclear weapons, and returned to their homelands, impressedthat such public expression is allowed at the executive mansion. From the vigilers perspective, having witnessed a succession ofgovernment transform their "constitutionallyprotected expression" into "criminal activity," those who see thevigil as a tribute to democracy are deluded. From the vigil'spoint of view their prove that it is only their ownperseverance, rather than government protection, which accountsfor their continued presence. Some U.S. citizens think the vigilers are lunatics, and beratethem for failing to appreciate that "nuclear weapons are whatprotect the freedom and democracy that allows you to do this." In the broader perspective, however, highly experienced militaryexperts have lately branded nuclear weapons "irrational." Perhaps "sanity" is relative, perhaps the U.S. is suffering massdelusion, or maybe the vigilers are just crazy. From an earthling's perspective the sun may seem to "rise" in theEast and "set" in the West. From a broader perspective, however,it appears that the earth revolves around the sun. At least 2500years ago some advanced western thinkers had already apprehendedthe broader perspective. Yet, under laws prevailing in Europeonly 500 years ago Giordano Bruno was burnt at the stake simplyfor thinking that the commonly held perception of a geocentricuniverse was nothing more than mass delusion, and expressing histhoughts to the general public. Freedom of thought and expression are of nominal value withoutFreedom of Assembly. Having witnessed the development andexpansion of Secret Service , the vigilers havebeen concerned as Lafayette Park began to appear more like RedSquare. As they watched the "legal principles" developed againstthem used against others they have come to perceive their ? <experience as a yardstick for democracy.