More video of the National Rainbow Gathering in Wyoming
Current mood: awake
Category: News and Politics
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. - First Amendment to the United States Constitution
At the 2008 Rainbow Gathering, this brother was detained by law enforcement for "stating words likely to incite lawlessness".
Police Violence at the Wyoming Rainbow Gathering - firsthand account
Current mood: froggy
Category: News and Politics
I had a good time at the National Rainbow Gathering, for the most part...
Of course, I'm going to tell you about that other part.
Late afternoon, July 3rd (the day before the prayer for peace) I was near main circle for dinner when I heard the call of "FIRE" from Kiddie Village. I arrived on the scene and became involved with the aftermath of what seems to have begun as the attemped arrest of some Rainbow Folks.
The law enforcement officers had apparently been surrounded by an Om Circle, when they began firing pepper balls in kiddie village.
I believe this behavior was an intentional attempt to start a police riot. Wikipedia defines a police riot as; A police riot is a term for the alleged wrongful, disproportionate, unlawful and illegitimate use of force by a group of police against a group of civilians.
It often describes a situation where police, clad in riot gear such as armor, helmets, padded knee and elbow protectors, and face shields, encounter a group of civilians, such as a protest group, which is not engaged in violent behavior, but is deemed by police or police supervisors to pose a threat to public safety, and is attacked by police.
In an encounter such as this, violence often ensues. This violence, perpetrated or provoked by police or other military and security force personnel, may run the gamut from simple assault, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, even homicide. If the riot is caused by or incited by police action, it can be labelled as a "police riot." If you were at One Family Gathering on the 1st of May you may have heard me speak of this particular police tactic.
The police claim in their statement that we were throwing rocks and sticks. I did not observe or participate in such behavior.
As the feds retreated with the two campers in custody, they were followed up the hill by about 100-200 concerned family. People were calling out calming suggestions for peace and order like "Stay calm." and "Give 'em room." Elders told the campers to keep "cameras in front and people in back" to prevent the Forest Service from feeling threatened. At one point the crowd chanted "shame on you" as the received fire.
I felt a pepper ball zing past my right ear, brushing back my hair. The next round hit an elder immediately to my left (one of the Kiddie Village cooks) directly between the eyes.
When the LEO's had retreated to high ground we were greeted with assault rifles, threats of mortal harm, and flanking maneuvers. I remember the look in the the dark skinned female agent with the haircut that made her head look triangular. She was not surprised. I remember the beads of sweat rolling down the head of the cop who had been firing at me. One officer pointed in my direction as I radioed details of the situation to CALM. Most of the crowd sat down and I chose to abscond as the officers began their advance back into the gathering.
Along the path I encountered many people who had been hit repeatedly by the red projectiles the officers had been firing.
According to this thread the ACLU will apparently investigate this case.
An article in the Casper Star Tribune states that; "A top U.S. Forest Service official said Monday the agency must consider banning the Rainbow Family from Forest Service lands after (this confrontation)"
In the article Linda Burt, Wyoming state director for the ACLU, said that although she can't speak as a representative of the Rainbow Family, it's clear that we have a right to assemble stating; "They have a right under the Constitution for free association, and we have a right generally to gather in public places,"
There is a video posted to youtube; one of many I witnessed being shot.
I have also found this video which (starting at 1min 50 seconds) explains the weapon that the LEO's were using in this encounter.
If you were also witness to this event please contact the Wyoming ACLU to give your report.
Also, just for the record; I feel this is exactly why we cannot allow outside law enforcement in our events.
Get On The Stage Productions is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship booking bands and promoting for shows and events.
Interns will be immersed in all aspects of local, regional, and national booking. Duties include organizing and transmitting booking information to local, regional, and national venues and promoters via phone/email; executing promotional internet campaigns; long-term company research projects; reviewing potential partners; preparing contracts, as well as database and office upkeep. Attending performances/showings optional. Intern also assists staff with preparation for One Family Gathering.
Due to the intensity of the business, the internship position can build excellent professional skills/contacts and a breadth of knowledge that goes well beyond the work involved.
Must be responsible, dedicated, and organized with great interest and some experience in the music business. Applicants should be able to work independently as well as take direction well. Applicant must be able to get along with co-workers, possess good verbal skills, show strong writing ability, competent keyboard skills, and an aptitude for research.
Internship could lead to paid position. Email resume and cover letter to weatheroutside@gmail.com
Get On The Stage Productions seeks Street Team members
Current mood: confident
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Get On The Stage Productions seeks enthusiastic and passionate young people looking for an introductory position in the music industry.
Street teams would work with a variety of local, regional, and national bands, artists, and events and would be rewarded with free band merchandise or show access in exchange for a variety of actions (including but not limited to):
* placing stickers and posters in public places * bringing friends to the shows * distribution of handbills at shows and parties * phoning local radio stations to request songs be played * bringing vinyl and CDs to local DJs in the clubs where they work (if applicable) * posting to forums and bulletin boards online
In some cases, points are assigned to an individual for a particular action, and those points can be exchanged for tickets to shows, or for band merchandise. Some bands even produce special items just for street team members.
In general street team members receive free admittance to festivals, shows, events, and parties in exchange for participation. To apply e-mail weatheroutside@gmail.com
Get On The Stage Productions seeks Undercover Dancers
Current mood: bouncy
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Get On The Stage Productions seeks enthusiastic and passionate dancers for upcoming shows, events, and promotional work. We currently have opportunities for professional and intermediate dancers wishing to express themselves in an interactive social environment. Undercover dancers receive free admittance to festivals, shows, events, and parties in exchange for participation on the dance floor during the performances of local and regional musical acts. To apply e-mail weatheroutside@gmail.com
Run your car on water instead of gas?
Current mood: inquisitive
Category: Web, HTML, Tech
I'd like to see the breakdown of how much electricity is required to do the electrolysis. I've always wondered why this technology doesn't exist. Maybe it does...
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