FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY ALERT!

May 20, 1993

On May 6 the US Government published a PROPOSED REGULATION. The government portrays this regulation as nothing more than a measure to "protect resources" and "to prevent conflicts." In fact, it substitutes "official authorization" for FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION and ASSEMBLY in National Forests (Fed. Reg. Vol. 58, No. 86, pp. 26940-26946, amending 36 CFR Parts 251 and 261).

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

Please WRITE A LETTER!

A high quality letter will be legibly written and will succinctly explain why the proposed rulemaking is factually insupportable, unreasonable, irrational or unnecessary. In the box at right, you'll see some highlighted concerns which you might want to mention, preferably in your own words. It's best if you can read the whole regulation, of course, as we may have missed some point you might catch!

In your letter or phone call, be sure to oppose the proposed rule and to request an Administrative Hearing.

MAIL YOUR LETTER BY AUGUST 1st TO:

Recreation, Cultural Resources, and
Wilderness Management Staff (2340)
Forest Service, USDA
POB 96090, Washington DC 20090-6090

Preferably with a copy to:

DC Legaliaison.
POB 27217
Washington, DC 20038
e-mail: prop1@uujobs.com
or call 202-265-5389

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!
August 4, 1993 is the deadline!!

* In the rulemaking proposal the government contends that it may "abridge the freedom of speech and the right to assemble peaceably," through the use of "reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions," if the abridgement furthers "a substantial government interest." Fed. Reg. pg. 26940.

* There are no facts supporting the government's "substantial interest" in requiring "authorization" for the First Amendment right to assemble on public lands.

* There are "seven criteria" which officials may use to deny "authorization." As it happens these "seven criteria" are the same things that always worry the officials - but that never really materialize - at Rainbow Gatherings. Fed. Reg. pgs. 26945-26946.

* Officials would be empowered to deny authorization "without unreasonable delay," which really means that officials can take as long as they like before denying authorization.

* There is no reason to burden the distribution of literature, which is a very important right.

* Violations are punishable by six months in prison, and a $500.00 fine. 36 CFR 261.1b

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