Why are they so frightened?

Just as those who talk incessantly about the "blame game" (I'm talking to you, Mr. McClellan) are to blame (cf: Jon Stewart), those who run a "freedom" parade under armed guard and high fencing know they're celebrating a freedom that they're trying mightily to eliminate.

Organizers of the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial Freedom Walk on Sunday are taking extraordinary measures to control participation in the march and concert, with the route fenced off and lined with police and the event closed to anyone who does not register online by 4:30 p.m. today.

The march, sponsored by the Department of Defense, will wend its way from the Pentagon to the Mall along a route that has not been specified but will be lined with four-foot-high snow fencing to keep it closed and "sterile," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense.

The U.S. Park Police will have its entire Washington force of several hundred on duty and along the route, on foot, horseback and motorcycles and monitoring from above by helicopter. Officers are prepared to arrest anyone who joins the march or concert without a credential and refuses to leave, said Park Police Chief Dwight E. Pettiford.

The event, the America Supports You Freedom Walk, is billed as a memorial to victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks and a show of support for those serving in the military, topped off with a concert by country singer Clint Black, known for his pro-troops anthem, "Iraq and Roll." Organizers said they expect 3,000 to 10,000 participants.

I don't know who Petula Dvorak, who penned the above article, is, but this is a wonderfully-constructed piece. Note how she works the snark in so subtly that it's hardly noticeable, emphasizing the obvious irony of a "freedom walk" in which you have to register with the Feds to participate, where the route is going to be lined with high fencing, and where anyone not registered will be arrested.

Yup. Let's celebrate freedom by having a parade that's worthy of Stalin. Let's celebrate "bravery" and militarism by having a parade with restrictions that only show how afraid the organizers are.