there is a war

reports im hearing back, it sounds like the gathering is turning into a small war. federal officers - not just the USFS - blockaded the national forrest at the intended site, issued mass citations, and then set-up their own little grind-mill court to quickly process them - and convict.

these werent just your standard kid got caught with bag, driving without a liscense, warrents, or even the strange new forest leash laws.

people were being cited for illegally gathering without a permit! and the few foolish enough to attempt to apply for a permit for their own little camp were promptly denied.

the constitutional right to peacably assemble has been the crux of the issue between the USFS/federeal government and gatherings for years. or at least the surface issue anyway, perhaps not the whole root of the persecution.

rainbows have been holding strong for years to the ideal that it is our RIGHT to PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE in a PUBLIC PLACE. the very most fundamental base of american law garuntees it - the first amendment of the constitution.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

last year some jackass actually signed a permit -- the first time this concession has ever been made (that i know of). and now the USFS and federal government have upped the stakes, as it were. and between public fear and a tyrant in office, i doubt its going to get better. these people waive their rights with alarming speed, turn a blind eye to many questionable abuses and laws. worse, in the name of the defence of freedom. are they all really so daft?

i wish i'd been there, and will make a point to go next year no matter where it is. as silly as some people may think it, and as wild as nationals have been getting, i believe in gatherings and the rainbow family, in the fundamental values and rights that underline it.