Remarkable. Apparently there was a gay protest in front of the White House today, with several individuals in military uniform handcuffing themselves to the fence to protest Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Normally this would barely register a blip in the media, as protests are hardly uncommon in the nation’s capital.

But it was the response of the government that prompted the resulting buzz. Police chased away even the credentialed media, closed Lafayette Park, and generally kept people off public property and away from the protest.

As the media and bystanders began to gather, the police kept yelling to back up and keep walking away. Where should the free press stand? Just keep walking away. Don’t look back.You’re no longer welcome here. Park’s closed.

It actually gives you chills seeing this display occurring before the people’s house. It’s something you expect in Venezuela or some other shit hole. Some place where media coverage of protests is banned and the public isn’t welcome on public property.

Welcome to Barack Obama’s America.