On Pittsburgh and the G20

The French political philosopher of the 16th century, Jean Bodin, once wrote "The principal mark of sovereign majesty is essentially the right to impose laws on subjects generally without their consent."

Who in Pittsburgh has consented to the laws being imposed on us by the police department, FBI, secret service, and Dept of Homeland Security?

Quoted from the City Paper (Marty Levine 9/10/09):

One of the proposed ordinances would cite people for wearing a mask or other face concealment with the "intent" to commit an unlawful act. Another would give the same penalties -- a $300 fine or up to 30 days in jail -- to those possessing "noxious substances," weapons or other equipment that could be used to prevent police from dispersing them. The measures have been set for their first vote Sept. 9.

No, you cannot wear a gas mask in Pittsburgh (even if you are at a Pirates game).
Yes, police and other law enforcement departments can arrest you if they believe you have the INTENT to commit a crime (read: thought crimes?).

Also read this article

I believe the latter is directly in violation of the 4th and 5th Amendments which state:

(4th)The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

and

(5th)No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

I understand the right and duty of the state to protect its people from all enemies, foreign and domestic. But citizens (yes, we are citizens, not subjects) also must demand from our leaders to not become domestic enemies themselves. As Jefferson said in his Declaration of Independence, that the state DERIVES THEIR POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED, and that the state better be careful with its power because WHENEVER ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE...IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT.

These were some of the founding ideas of America. Don't mess that up, G.