It all seems a bit surreal, not unlike a scene out of the popular 1980's film Footloose where, for one small town, dancing was illegal. But for American Activist and Iraq War Veteran, Adam Kokesh, this is more than just Hollywood whimsy.

Recently, footage of Kokesh being body slammed and chocked by authorities at the Jefferson Memorial has gone viral. Many are calling the use of force excessive. But what was his crime? Well, like Kevin Bacon, he was dancing.

Recently, a court ruling was handed down that essentially banned the practice at this locale on the grounds that "national monuments are places for reflection and contemplation -- and that dancing distracted from such an experience." 

In a recent interview, Kokesh has clarified what he and others were hoping to accomplish: "We were expressing ourselves, and actually there to express our objection to a court ruling for Monday that said that dancing would be prohibited because it was not in spirit with the memorial and how Thomas Jefferson would want to be remembered."

He further explains that "I think Thomas Jefferson would want to be remembered in a place of freedom rather than a place where expression is suppressed."

Perhaps he is correct. Sarah Kaufman of The Washington Post reminds us that Jefferson, on the topic of dancing, wrote that it "is a healthy exercise, elegant and very attractive for young people."  He was also "known to play his violin for parties at the White House. At one Christmas bash there in 1805, the president — a leader through and through — became Dancemaster in Chief by fiddling for the dancing of his six young grandchildren and 100 of their friends."

But more important than whether Jefferson could get funky like the rest of us, is the issue of First Amendment Rights.  This ruling seems to diminish our ability to partake in Freedom of Expression, a notion that Jefferson himself championed.

If you  are in the area wish to join in on the latest protest, scheduled for June 4th, or just show support for those who will be participating, feel free to check out the official Dance Party @ TJ's !!! Facebook Page.

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