Free Speech Attacked Again - Fight Back
NOTE: We can expect similar resistance as we seek our free speech rights. It is the rights of those who speak out that are attacked in these ways. Those who do not speak out may believe they still have their freedoms, when they have in fact lost significant freedom to speak without realizing it. To have our freedoms we must fight for the freedoms of others. Please read this and consider responding in support of ANSWER’s free speech rights.
The Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center used to advertise its T-shirt Art Exhibits locally by posting small fliers around the neighborhood. Then Daley’s Administration outlawed any posting of fliers citywide. That made it much more difficult to promote our events. The press has very little space for arts groups. The only way we can promote ourselves is to pass out literature directly to put it in mailbox door to door. Bit by bit those with great access whittle away at our access. People feel powerless to respond. We are marginalized and prevented from communicating with our audiences. Those who care should wake up to the need to fight now for our basic rights in this city and this nation. This example illustrates how all these efforts are connected. The struggle for 1st Amendment rights is also a struggle in support of the anti-war movement. The reverse is also true, the struggle of the anti-war movement must support a struggle for 1st Amendment rights.
C. Drew
P.S. I heard a youthful DJ’s voice on the radio - angry at AT&T who helped to sponsor the Lollapalooza - why - because he was on the spot to hear Pearl-Jam talk bad about Bush and AT&T edited the anti-Bush rap out on their online version claiming lamely - technical difficulties! Did I say the DJ was mad. He suggested we pay more money for the event tickets and oust AT&T as a sponsor. Wow - he was hot. I had to laugh. “…the value of Free Speech is unable to be measured!” he stated. I was driving and didn’t know what channel I had on. It took a few minutes of musing before the importance of his statements sunk in. He was correct. To me it is another clue that the forces of despotism are organizing to limit our voices. Another step in that direction is seen below.
STOP GOVERNMENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT!
Take Action to Defend Free Speech. In an unprecedented action, the ANSWER Coalition today received citations fining the organization $10,000 for the placement of posters announcing the September 15 March on Washington DC.
The fines come after a campaign led by FOX news calling for the DC government to take action against those putting up posters for the September 15 demonstration.
They have told us that we have 72 hours to remove every poster, or the fines will go into effect. Tens of thousands of dollars in additional fines are expected in the coming days. Bush’s Interior Department is threatening similar actions against ANSWER. The September 15 posters are legal and conform to city regulations. We will not allow the government’s intimidation tactics to slow our outreach or silence the antiwar movement.
We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help. This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war.
Iraq war veterans and their families will lead this dramatic march from the White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the government wants is to see the streets of Washington DC fill up with throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But we will not be stopped.
Organizing for this demonstration is taking place in cities and towns throughout the country. Buses and car caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns.
Please send a letter today:
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=tl4n2Kgz0PlpTa0kt8V0KA..
to Washington DC Mayor (Adrian M. Fenty) and to the Director of DC Department of Public Works (William O. Howland, Jr.) demanding an end to the fines, harassment and repression of the anti-war movement. We have a right to publicize the September 15 March. Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a mockery out of the First Amendment.
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TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND THE FINES BE LIFTED!
The best way to take action is to call the Director of Department of Public Works, William O. Howland, Jr. at 202-673-6833, and the Mayor of DC, Adrian Fenty, at 202-724-8876. You can also send a letter or fax by clicking this link
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=WEMsxW6rqJFXwjMXICAfUw..
We’d suggest saying something along the lines of:
“I am writing to protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial and business interests that plaster Washington, DC with posters. It is outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, are attempting to suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines.”
Let us know how your phone conversations go by emailing us info@internationalanswer.org
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A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
www.answercoalition.org
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New York City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 323-464-1636
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311