To anyone who cares.
I am planning on organizing an event to petition the government on several different issues. I want a new investigation into the attacks on 9-11, I want impeachment of the current administration for a list of reasons including lie leading to war, destroying the constitution and even torture and I also want a realistic plan for Iraq with out plans for Iran.
I am planning on having this sometime this spring on the grounds of the state capitol in Springfield Illinois. It will be a 6 to 10 hour event with speakers, films and even music. I am going to need a ton of volunteers and people to help promote the event. It is a free event to be set up as to petition the government.
I'm thinking we can get area activists to speak, show films about 9-11 (films people can grasp) and hand out information with a chance to sign a petition for the general public.
I can not do this alone so I will need everyone who can to help. Please send me an email at bishop@wmay.com
Please pass this on to your friends and family.
This needs to be done and what better place to do it than on the state capitol.
Leave feedback below of event ideas and suggestions.
Mike Ferner, Rich Whitney
I have just received word that Mr. Mike Ferner, whom I have interviewed twice on Saturday Session, is interested in speaking at the event. Mr. Ferner is an avid activist and a Vietnam era veteran who has been against the war from the get go. He has written a book called Inside the Red Zone where he reports from Iraq.
Mr. Ferner did however say that he would need travel expenses and 200 dollar speaking fee (negotiable). He has no issue with staying in a residency so a hotel is not necessary. You can get his information at www.mikeferner.org
I'm starting to realize how expensive this venture may and will turn out. I am going to start looking into fund raising. Maybe we can plan some shows with local live music and have donations and all proceeds go to the protest.
If we can, lets start spreading the word to everyone who wants to listen. This NEEDS to happen before we go into Iran. If not, there maybe no turning back.
I have just recieved word from Green Party candidate for gov. of Illinois Rich Whitney that he would be interested in speaking at the rally but it would have to be after May, maybe early June. He would be an excellent speaker. I will have to post the interview during Davis and Company from before the election.
Demonstration Insurance
I personally carried a bloody bodybag throught he streets of Springfield after we invaded the Persian Gulf, shouting "No blood for oil!" along with around two thousand others that day. I didn't know the organizers of that demonstration so I don't know how they were able to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles that usually prevent such things, namely and most preventively, the requirement of insurance for the event.
I have a friend who organized a rally on the Old State Capitol plaza and she got around the insurance problem because she was a student and it was part of a student project so Sangamon State University insurance covered the event. She told me that insurance then, in the early 90s, was around $500 per day. I have no idea what it is today but have you checked this out and what do you plan to do about it?
Ideas
Looking at several web sites about organizing a protest, there are several things that are clear.
1) We need to determine what we are to protest. I have stated these three things, impeachment, withdrawal from Iraq and a public inquiry into 9-11.
2) Promotion. We need to let as many people know about it as possible. We need to write letters to the editors of local publications and utilize myspace for what it is, a network. Ted, I would love to get together with you on Blowing the Whistle again if possible to discuss this even further. I will also push this on the radio show as well. We need fliers as well. Plenty of literature.
3) Location: State Capitol. The symbolism is great and the attention would be even greater.
4) We need speakers. I will definitely speak and I can try to get some others as well. I'm going to try to contact Kevin Barret from Wisconsin, Ron Paul from Texas and maybe even Alex Jones. Hopefully they are willing to do this for free cause I'm broke.
Other things to consider as you stated above, what are the requirements for us to pull this off?
I am going to contact the local authorities next week to get the skinny on what needs to take place for there to be a protest and petition on the State Capitol Lawn.
How did it go with the local
How did it go with the local authorities?
One thing I think is true, if you want to "protest" you can do that without a permit I believe but only on *federal* property. The State of Illinois may be different, but if you are holding a "rally" where there will be planned speakers and promotion, then I think you need the insurance and permit. Of course I am not exactly sure about any of this either.
I would try to find another local group who goes downtown or to the federal building and see what they do. I am not sure of the names of any these days, but the last protest I remember at the federal building had to do with Jacob Palmetier, the US soldier from Springfield who died in Iraq. His father apperently organized it if you could get in touch with him. I am not sure of his first name but it was covered in the SJ-R.
protest
o.k. I am pretty sure you will at least need a permit. I am being serious which is the sad part. What happened to freedom of speech?