David says:

(To be clear for Joel, I'm not suggesting that these activists have their free speech rights taken away. I'm saying that if they really want to help their cause, they should shut the hell up.)

Tactically, you might be right. But as a practical matter: The folks believe they're being denied a right. If you were being told to "shut up" about, say, gun rights because they'll come someday -- well, would you? Or is a right a right?