according to reports, republican sen. doug ericksen of washington has initiated a bill that would allow prosecutors to punish protesters and rioters who engage in what he has deemed <u+201c>economic terrorism.<u+201d> the measure was introduced after violent riots broke out in the state following the presidential election. according to kcpq, a news brief published wednesday states ericksen explained that the bill would permit the felony prosecution for <u+201c>those who intentionally break the law in an attempt to intimidate or coerce private citizens or the government by obstructing economic activity.<u+201d> <u+201c>i respect the right to protest, but when it endangers people<u+2019>s lives and property, it goes too far,<u+201d> ericksen argued. <u+201c>fear, intimidation and vandalism are not a legitimate form of political expression. those who employ it must be called to account.<u+201d> the measure also holds those who <u+201c>fund, organize, sponsor or encourage others to commit acts of economic terrorism<u+201d> liable. <u+201c>we are not just going after the people who commit these acts of terrorism,<u+201d> he continued. <u+201c>we are going after the people who fund them. wealthy donors should not feel safe in disrupting middle class jobs.<u+201d> given that the proposal would not apply to americans who engage in peaceful protests, the measure stands a chance (though slim) of making it through to the end. it would target only those who attempt to block traffic or place the safety of the public at risk. ericksen<u+2019>s proposal would raise misdemeanor trespassing laws to the level of a felony. the state faces several obstacles to getting the measure passed, including a divided legislature and the interference of the american civil liberties union, who has already called the proposal <u+201c>inflammatory<u+201d> and <u+201c>unnecessary.<u+201d> what do you think? do you support ericksen<u+2019>s proposal?
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