Editorial: Council right to give NATO, G-8 security plans a thorough review

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Updated: February 14, 2012 10:15AM

A functioning democracy requires a little protest, so it was good to see Chicago aldermen moaning and groaning Thursday about Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s security plans.

It was a protest, you might say, to protect the right to protest.

City Hall is only behaving responsibly by making extensive preparations for an anticipated deluge of protesters during the NATO and G-8 summits here in May. But a number of aldermen worry that Emanuel’s proposed security measures, such as hiking fines on those arrested, could put an unnecessary and frankly un-American damper on future protest demonstrations.

As we’ve said before, we believe a number of Emanuel’s proposed measures, such as parking and traffic restrictions, are reasonable for what’s coming to town in May, but before the new rules become permanent law — to be imposed on far more modest protest events — a good deal more research and debate is necessary.

The proposed security rules will go to two City Council committees on Tuesday, where more debate undoubtedly will be joined. The whole world won’t be watching, but let’s pretend they are.