I'm about to head out to defend 1st Amendment rights locally in my town!

[Pachamama]

This is truly incredible that I and other neighbors are having to do this. More amazing is that its happening not in a red state, not in "Kansas" or some rural area but rather right here in liberal Marin County in Northern California 25 mins north of San Francisco.

The neighboring town to mine, San Anselmo, CA, a place long known for liberal thought and "freedom" is under attack from right-wing Repukes. In the town of San Anselmo http://www.townofsananselmo.org (right next to Ross) near a major intersection is a large sign on a building that is owned by an attorney named Ford Greene. He's an interesting and colorful person who was once a member of the Moonies, managed to stop drinking the Kool-Aid and now as an attorney challenges the various "cults" in lawsuits. Anyway, he is very opposed to Bush's War and the fascists running this country and he lets it be known. Weekly he changes the messages on his sign that is about 12ft x 15ft and they can be quite witty and humorous. On the day after the 2004 election his message was a simple gesture of hanging the US Flag upside down in the int'l sign of distress. This apparentely was the final straw for some right winger named "John Newell" who started a group called "Protect San Anselmo" (as if we need protecting from what exactly, the truth?)

Anyway, tonite is a town council meeting at 8 PM where they plan on hearing the case of whether to prohibit Ford Greene from hanging his sign and messages from the side of his buiding that he owns. What is scary is there are a few right wing Republicans on the San Anselmo town council including a very controversial one by the name of "Paul Chignell". He's pretty high up in the San Francisco Police Dept and is a big Bush Supporter. Ofcourse, if Ford Greene was a right wing Republican (as opposed to being a Bush Critic) leaving messages like "Suuport the Troops & Bush" we wouldn't be having this meeting tonite. I am going there to support Ford Greene and every fellow citizens right to free speech tonite. What ofcourse is so incredible to me is that I'm even having to do this, especially in the community I live in, liberal Masrin County. What it shows me is that we are "under attack" from the right wing nuts and Bush Fascists and we can't assume for even a moment that our so-called "rights and freedoms" are safe and guaranteed.

Here is more info for those of you curious to find out more:

http://www.fordgreene.com

I'll report back later as to what happens at the town council meeting and their vote as to whether the 1st amendment rights of my neighbors remain in tact.... :patriot:

[Suich]

1. I can't wait to hear what happens; be sure to let us know! n/t

[havocmom]

2. Is there a sign ordinance in town? Sometimes they use that sort of...

selectively to shut down messages they don't like.

Let us know what happens!

[Pachamama]

4. I will...I think what is happening is that the Opponents are trying to get

the "rules" and ordinances changed from what they are,so that this man Ford Greene can no longer have these signs out...

Just like the fascist thugs they are, they change the rules when they don't like them, especially if they protect people's civil liberties and allow them to speak out. :grr:

[gratefull4u]

3. Good Luck!

Just hearing this makes me ill. I hope lots of people show up on his side. Thanks for getting involved!

[Pachamama]

6. I normally would stay home, but I really believe we can't turn our back

these days and take for granted our liberties....I really believe they are under attack from all over! And while we all focus on what's happening on an int'l scale and national level, we can't forget what may be happening in our State's and own backyards if we don't pay attention!

[OrwellwasRight]

5. Best of luck!!

Go Ford Greene. :applause:

[thecrow]

7. Aha!!! Some great signs on that website!

Should be an inspiration for all protesters and freeway bloggers!
Go catch a gaze !!

[Pachamama]

24. The signs are great...they have people in our town talking & thinking...

I guess that's what John Newell wants to "Protect" us from.... :eyes:

PS: Ford loves suggestions for signs! :hi:

[lateo]

8. I'm fighting that battle myself...

I got a ticket for a political sign in my yard a couple of weeks ago. It was one of 5 that were issued to people in my town. Court date is set for the first week of September.

[RPM]

9. hey - did you take a read of Ladue v. Gilleo

god - i love that case :D

[lateo]

29. Yes, I did...

It is slightly different than my case but I believe it could still apply. In Ladue v. Gilleo the town had an almost absolute ban on signage. That isn't the case with me...although I believe we can use it as a reference showing intent by the Supreme Court that any law that restricts political signage is unconstitutional.

To be honest we don't need Ladue v. Gilleo because what this guy did is pure, unadultered political retribution...aimed at stiffling free speech. Abuse of power in the worst way.

The Indiana Constitution goes even further than the US Constitution to garantee free speech so we will probably use it as the basis for our case.

[NoSheep]

10. Best wishes for your endeavor. Let us know what happens. I'm really

blown away by this. I have seen so many billboards along the highway when I was in Virginia with a picture of the "virgin" or the three crosses in folks' yards or on private land that had high exposure. These people have to be stopped. Go get 'em! :bounce:

[Pachamama]

22. I'm absolutely convinced that if it was a Republican who had this sign,

this whole debate would never be taking place....

And yes, I've seen the kind of signs you are referring too....nauseating and scary....

Hey, what's up with the "three crosses"? What is that symbolism? I saw that recently off the highway? :shrug:

[NoSheep]

30. As the story goes, Jesus was on the cross with one thief on either side

of him. His cross was taller than the others and well centered, naturally, befitting a king. Kind of like the gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the Olympics! So you see the three together with the one in the middle higher and often painted a different color. Someone started it as a personal mission; dotting the landscape with this horrific reminder of an execution (or death cult, whatever you want to call it) and then everybody got in on the act. Now, at times, I see the middle one draped with a purple (color of royalty) cloth. Or cloak, whatever. That is a particularly tacky addition to the scenario that seems a bit trite to me. I always thought Jesus wore tasteful, neutral colors.

Now I like Jesus, don't get me wrong. I like "some" of what I've read about him. His pacifism, good works, healing the sick, promise to the meek that they shall inherit the kingdom and hanging out with beggars and prostitutes. I ignore the stuff I don't like. As do most who read the Bible.:hi:

[IdaBriggs]

11. Keep us posted! nt

[Pachamama]

18. Hi Ida! Just got back a little while ago....report posted below...

They basically made a "non-decision"...they are upholding the "appeal" by John Newell protesting Ford Greene's signage rights, but only until they together over the next month can decide on possible options/alternatives that they can all agree too between the parties (and thus avoid Ford Greene taking the town to Federal Court).

It was sickening to hear the Repukes there wanting the sign to be banned....:scared: There are fascists in our midst...literally...

[lonestarnot]

12. Are you home yet? Waiting to hear what happened! Did you give that

"Paul Chignell" a piece of hell?

[Pachamama]

17. I'm home! I posted below a report....I didn't give Paul Chignell a piece

of hell directly (he's one of the council members who is a right winger) but I got to get the microphone and make a statement and I very clearly talked about freedom of speech and also that I would have been there for Mr. Newell if the table's were turned, I'd have been there for him too.

I still can't believe that in liberal Marin County that we even had this kind of meeting taking place. If they force him to take that sign down, I will really be afraid for the future of our country.

[Suich]

13. Inquiring minds want to know

:kick:

[Rosco T.]

14. I'm on pins/needles on this one myself... n/m

[Pachamama]

15. Well, I'm finally home! The meeting had standing room only pouring out of

the town hall!

I don't think there has ever been a turnout at a council meeting like tonite's meeting!

Ford Greene was great...he spoke both in legal terms about freedom of speech and his rights as a property owner. But his Freedom of speech comments were awesome...when the transcript is available, I'm sure he'll post it on his website.

The meeting started out with the "Appellate" Mr. John Newell (the Repuke) who wants Ford Greene's sign which was previously approved to be revoked. He gave his reasons, primarily "safety" reasons (he and the rest of the opponents say its "unsafe" and can cause accidents from cars slowing down to read), to "aesthetic" reasons (the opponents say its ugly and doesn't follow the "look" of the town) and finally the "law/rules" argument (claiming that an exception had been made for Ford Greene, so it should be reversed and that we are a country and society of "rules").

Then they opened the microphone for public comment...over 50 people spoke - I'd say well over 75% of the people were there in support of Ford Greene. People spoke passionately about there support for the sign and for Ford Greene. Some great comments....Creepy ofcourse were the Rethuglicans who were there in support of the neo-fascist John Newell who was bringing the petition - they went along with the above mentioned arguments of safety, aesthetics and following established rules. I followed one of the Repukes, a man and his wife who said they were concerned for their "children's safety" in the car because of the traffic slowing to read the sign. I basically laughed at the notion that the traffic was endangered by the "reading of the sign slowing traffic"...I said that as a Mom with kids in the back seat arguing, that me handing cookies to them or turning to stop them from a commotion or me on my cell phone was a far greater danger to safety than "the sign". I said if the town council wanted to be worried about safety, lets talk about an ordinance for talking on cell phones while driving. To the people who whined about "aesthetics", some answered with "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I also emphasized that I would have been down there defending John Newell's right to have a sign (even with Republican messaging) if the situation was reversed. I also responded to the people who talked about the "charm" of San Anselmo and wanting to keep it that way, by saying that charm is one thing, having San Anselmo being "Stepford" was another.

The net net unfortunately was that the 4 members of the 5 council members who were there voted to uphold the appeal of John Newell against Ford Greene and have further discussions to see how they might come to some kind of resolution. Ford Greene has meanwhile filed a lawsuit against the town of San Anselmo in Federal Court (justifiably so in my opinion) and it is costing the town $$$ to defend. It was suggested that the city not spend resources on a lengthy court battle and instead come to a resolution with Ford Greene. But what this John Newell wants and what is being proposed is ridiculous.

My take in a nutshell: The turnout for democracy tonite was great, but it remains to be seen what will be the conclusion of this council and what it agrees to doing with Ford Greene. I will say that I walked away feeling very apprehensive about our "freedoms"...It was weird seeing some of the "neighbors" who were clearly supporters of John Newell and seeing them speak out against the sign in the way they did. To look at these people and to know that they are probably the very same people who think that torture is okay and that giving up our civil liberties is okay too.

[Swamp Rat]

20. Oi Pachamama!!!

:hi: :hug:YOU ARE AWESOME!!! :yourock:

Some of your "neighbors" could be psychos like their beloved Bushler.

[Pachamama]

23. I made sure to get a good look at some of those "neighbors" that are

fascist Bushler supporters....

When the day comes that Bushler and the rest of the Cabal are in prison and there is a "reconciliation" commission for our nation, I'll admit, I'll have a hard time being the peaceful buddhist who forgives these people for their "trespasses" against us and our country...kinda like how East Germans finding out after unification that the gov't/state was paying friends to spy on friends and family members....where can you ever trust people again or forgive them? I don't know...I'll have to really become a changed person to forgive these people...there's stupidity and ignorance which is forgivable and then...then there is what has taken over these Bushler supporters....its just wrong....

On note: As I write this, I'm listening to Mike Malloy go a little crazy on the radio about Rumsfeld...pretty funny.... :hi:

[Swamp Rat]

26. If you like Mike Malloy,

You might be interested in joining our weeknight soiree in GD sometime: :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4300706

I was working on this pic during his show (a remake of an earlier one), but the show ended before I finished. I'll post it tomorrow. ;)

[Pachamama]

27. Ooh! I'm a truthseeker! I'd love to join the party!

:bounce:

Btw - speaking of "parties" - wanna go to Crawford? :shrug:

My friend the great Marcia Ball is going to go down to support Cindy next week when she gets back from her tour in NE....she's a great combination of Cajun zest and Texan Sass.... http://www.marciaball.com

I'm trying to figure out how to get down there next week....I also am thinking about taking in Sept. the Peace Train from New Orleans...then I figure for sure to meet up with the old "swamp rat" :hi:

[FreedomAngel82]

16. Good luck to Mr. Ford Greene!

Please let us know what happens!

[Pachamama]

21. Hi FreedomAngel! I posted above an update! I also know that Ford Greene

would love emails of support and comments (as well as ideas for messages to put on the sign).

He's an interesting guy and a true fighter for democracy and freedom of speech....

[SammyWinstonJack]

19. Good Luck!

Go get 'em!

[Sgent]

25. Make sure you tell

Mr. Greene to contact the ACLU -- he might want to amend his complaint if he hasn't already. There is a way that if/when he wins the lawsuit, he can get all legal fees (including att. time) paid for by the defendent government entity on civil rights cases and other issues.

I'm not entirely sure how this works though, and if he isn't either he should contact the ACLU to get more info.

[Pachamama]

28. I'll mention it to him...I also know he loves getting email in support as

well as suggestions...

I frankly would be surprised if he hasn't contacted ACLU yet....

Excellent suggestion and I believe he is looking into all angles to protect our 1st amendment....