Misinformation Alert: You CAN take protest signs on Inaug. Parade Route

[cguttman]

There is misinformation about the inaug. parade route--you CAN take protest signs anywhere along inaugural route (see quotes from official statements from secret service, etc. below) but the group "Turn Your Back on Bush" has assumed that you can't because of the policy of shunting protesters to far away protest areas when Bush shows up around the country.

However, the inaugural parade route is different because it was decided in a court case years ago that people must be allowed to carry any signs they want--as long as they conform to safety rules--no bigger than 3' by 20' paper, cardboard, cloth, and no backing or sticks
http://www.ustreas.gov/usss/press/GPA01-05.pdf .

"Turn Your Back on Bush" is telling people not to take protest signs, buttons or t-shirts because they don't believe this allowed, which is not the case. This may weaken the protest presence because until Bush rides by there will not be anything distinguishing these people as protesters--they will look like supporters until there is protest action. But this means waiting for hours and hours without anything distinguishing them as protesters--and I hope when they finally do their action that they are noticed (since not everyone will be in front). They should know they can turn their backs and have protest signs.


These quotes are from
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A43134-20...

Kevin Sheridan, a spokesman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said the parade will be open to Americans of all political stripes. "The inauguration will celebrate all of the freedoms that make our democracy great, the First Amendment included," he said.
Jim Mackin, a spokesman for the Secret Service, said the agency respects the right of the public to demonstrate and "does not prohibit the presence of signs or props based on their content, only those items made of materials or of a size that could be used potentially in a threatening or harmful manner."

Park Service officials have said allegations that they are restricting access to the parade route are false. The public and demonstrators will be allowed onto open areas of the Pennsylvania Avenue sidewalk, officials said.

[cguttman]

1. protest options

btw, you can check out
http://www.stolenelection2004.com/demos.html which along with the standard info, has redefeatbush.com day and eve (party) inaug. events in D.C. with Grannie D., Pat LaMarche and others and an ice skating protest in NYC where people where people will be given t-shirts that say "The world is on thin ice with Bush!" which I don't believe is listed elsewhere

[NYC]

2. Thanks for posting re Rockefeller Center skating rink.

* In New York "The world is on thin ice with Bush." That's why we hope that you'll gather with us at Rockefeller Center on January 20. At noon, when Bush is getting sworn in, we will display our "The World Is on Thin Ice with Bush" t-shirts.

We will gather at the rink at 11:15 am. I'll be wearing a lavendar
bubble down jacket and leopard-print gloves.

You can make your own t-shirt or decorate a hat, jacket, or glove with the slogan: "The world is on thin ice with Bush." OR you can wear one that we'll provide.

Rockefeller Center Rink website http://www.therinkatrockcenter.com/sessionsrates.html
* Email me with any questions. [e-mail]