Silencing Voices: The Rising Trend of Criminalizing Dissent In U.S. Politics

Activist and founder of the pro-peace feminist group Code Pink, Medea Benjamin, was walking through Congress when she encountered Congressman Darrel Issa, R-Calif. Inquiring about Israel’s aggression toward Qatar, she received a dismissive “go away.” Undeterred, she followed him into his office to reiterate her question. Following this, Issa directed his staff to confiscate her phone and contacted Capitol police, resulting in Benjamin’s arrest for “impeding a congressman.” This incident raises alarming questions about our access to public spaces and representatives, funded by taxpayers. In the recorded encounter, Issa was evidently not “impeded” but merely questioned. Benjamin’s arrest highlights ongoing attempts to stifle dissent. Similarly, Congresswoman Monica McIver is facing trial after being unjustly indicted while fulfilling her duties. The censure attempt against her failed, while Congressman Al Green faced censure for interrupting the president. These instances reflect a troubling trend to criminalize dissent and suppress voices, emblematic of our regime’s authoritarian tactics.