I need your help to determine how to handle situation- re rotary blogging

[PuraVidaDreamin]

What should be my first course of action?

Seems that on the Bourne Rotary where I have stood vigil
5 times over the past year decrying the illegal and immoral
invasion of Iraq there is now a new NO TRESPASSING sign.

Here is a link to the report on Sunday's blogging to give you
a better understanding.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=158x8117

I've gone to my town by-laws on-line and everything is quite vague.
Have also sent a letter to my state rep (as this will affect future
candidates for office whose supporters stand out there every election
cycle)

Suggestions, input, advice would be truly welcomed.
Thanks

[mike_c]

1. frankly, I suggest you get together as many friends as you can...

...put all the local newspapers on speed dial, and go stand on the Rotary. If it's civil disobedience it will get more attention. If the sign is an illegal attempt to limit your first amendment rights then THAT will get attention. Make them arrest you for trespassing and see if they can make the charge stick.

[chelsea0011]

2. Bourne, Mass? Isn't that public property? I don't think "no tresspassing"

should be used unless it is dangerous to be at. It could be the town has determined the rotary to be a dangerous area. Is that the case?

[PuraVidaDreamin]

6. Drivers don't slow down for no freakin rotary

It has been an area known for traffic accidents.
It's got high danger potential.

How does one go about determining if it is town land
or state controlled. The Town does the upkeep landscaping,
I do know that. I kind of want to quietly gather facts before
taking this to officials.

[EFerrari]

12. Call the Tax Assesor's office and find out who pays the taxes.

That should tell you who owns it. :)

[Untermonkey]

3. Is the Bourne Rotary private property?

If it is, then I don't know that you have much recourse. If it's private property and they've posted a No Trespassing sign then you could be cited for trespassing if they ask you to leave and you do not.

If it's public property then I believe you have the right to peacfully assemble and protest, as long as you are not creating a public disturbance or safety hazard. Remember, unless there is a law that says you can't, then you can.

[Gormy Cuss]

4. Call a Globe columnist or two

Whichever ones have been writing against the war or free speech issues the most. Offer to send your photos too.

Isn't the rotary under state control (on a state road, not a local one?) Check state law too.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

16. This could be an option down the road

On a high profile day- like Labor Day.

I've already got some action planned that
may land me in the clinker next month.

Stay tuned....
I think it's gonna be big

[TAPat]

5. Public property...

if the rotary is public property (which it should be - it would be an unusual piece of land for an individual to own!) then there is no reason for a no trespassing sign to be there.
You could find out who owns the rotary by going to the county records department and looking it up...
If it is public property then I agree with mike_c - it would appear that they're just trying to shut you down, or UP.
Another suggestion from my friend - send someone out with PRO war signs and see if the cops hassle them...

[PuraVidaDreamin]

7. The rotary's in Barnstable and Mashpee are known to house messengers

And I believe they are considered public domain.

I have the day off Friday and will go to county records.
Have you done this before, and how does that work. Someone
there looks it up for me? Computerized? I'd just like
to be prepared.

Next week I'll protest on the side of Rte 28 behind
my house with signs and see what the outcome is.

[Ian David]

9. I can come out and join you if it's during a weekday from 10-2 n/t

[PuraVidaDreamin]

14. Ian- I'll be at it all summer!

Come on down when we can make it a day-
With Unhappy too- and after our work is done
we can take a dip in the ocean
have a bbq- bring the fam!

[TAPat]

10. I've never done it myself

but I do know from my former life as a paralegal that most records people are very, very helpful - like librarians :)
Just let them know what you are looking for and they'll set you in the right direction.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out - can't wait!
:yourock:

[Ian David]

8. Meanwhile, perhaps find another location to use?

Preferably, in the same jurisdiction so you'll still be pissing-off the same cops. But you won't be standing next to a "No Trespassing" sign.

Also, before any municipality can put up a sign, they need to file paperwork with the highway commission or department of transportation or something.

Maybe they can fine who ever put up the "No Trespassing" sign illegally?

[PuraVidaDreamin]

15. I've already got plan B ready

There is a nice public sidewalk that crosses the Bourne Bridge.
Thinking a nice Friday afternoon long slow stroll across on
say perhaps Memorial Day weekend when the traffic backs up
for miles. Oh yeah and the sidewalk begins at the bottom
of the state police barracks! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Generic Other]

11. You are doing a public service keeping those cops from their donuts

Sheesh. Can you say "outta shape," guys?

Your sign looked super.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

17. Sheesh, no kidding

I think he was hidding his little manhood
somewhere underneath all that bravado.
sorry- couldn't resist

Thanks- Your peace sign is quite beautiful too!

[spag68]

13. protest

Is there anyone with info about some protest being organized on Long Island. Sure would like to se one put together

[PuraVidaDreamin]

18. Small Update- perhaps significant

My local state rep, the WONDERFUL Matt Patrick
e-mailed me (within one day folks) to tell me
he would be looking in to this!