EMERGENCY!!!!COPS ATTACK MISSISSIPPI GATHERING!!!!
From: Pronoid Central
To: gathering@cygnus.com
Subject: EMERGENCY!!!!COPS ATTACK MISSISSIPPI GATHERING!!!!
Help Needed Immediately!!!
The National Forest Service, supported by the Copiah and Heinz
County Sheriff's Departments have agressively assaulted the
Dixie Regional Gathering in Homochitto National Forest in
Mississippi.
A multi-agency roadblock with approximately 40 vehicles set up in front of the
gathering entrance last night, complete with K-9 units and
a regular goon squad. I am currently in touch with a local brother
with e-mail 2 hours from site and a sister with a pager on site.
We have numerous law enforcement abuses documented. A pregnant sister
was tied to a tree by law enforcement. Another sister with a 7-year-old
daughter was verbally abused by law enforcement officers and told they
were coming back to get her daughter. One brother tried to video
tape the abuses and was assaulted by officers and had his video
camera seized. Others were taking down names and badge numbers
and were assaulted by police and had their lists seized.
As far as we know, there have been numerous arrests at the roadblock
and in the gathering itself. We are currently confirming all of these
reports, although I have been in phone contact with one person
from the gathering already.
The current movie is this: Folks are faxing me their stories and
I am preparing a TRO to take to Federal Court in Jackson, MS on
Monday. After that, further legal action will be considered against
agencies and individuals in law enforcement.
Here's what we need:
1) Gas money for me to get the order I'm preparing from my
home in Florida to Jackson on Monday. There will also probably
be a filing fee for the TRO (from $50-$120). I don't have it.
Donations can be Western Unioned in my name or mailed to my home
address. This is a dire emergency, folks. Dig deep! We have
every reason to believe we'll get 'em here and it will help
the Florida case and future litigation with the feds.
2) Any legal contacts you might have in Mississippi who can help
to argue the case should it come to a hearing. We also need to
know the local rules for filing such an order in Federal Court
in Mississippi. Attorneys are good for that.
3) Any supporting documentation you might have that would help.
4) Please forward this message to other newsgroups that you
think would be interested and would help.
We're mobilizing as you read this. We didn't expect this kind
of shenanigans in Mississippi, but there it is!
Donations can be Western Unioned to me, Arjay Sutton....
or mailed to:
Arjay Sutton
110 E. Cowpen Lake Point Rd.
Hawthorne, FL 32640
(Keri will be here to forward them to me)
I can be reached by phone until Sunday late afternoon.
Please call if you are wiring money so we know it's there:
(352) 481-2489
Use that number for helpful suggestions and contacts
in the Mississippi area. Updates will show up here.
Thank you in advance for your support.
In Loving Service to God and Family
The Good Folks at Pronoid Central
and Arjay
=========================================
Put your money where your freedom is!
The Ocala Defense Fund
c/o The Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice
PO Box 90035
Gainesville, FL 32607
Make Check Payable to FCPJ *for* Ocala Defense Fund
=========================================
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 21:49:49 -0800 (PST)
From: "Marcus L. Endicott"
Reply-To: gathering@cygnus.com
Subject: Mississippi Media Fax List
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Herald Biloxi MS
1-601-896-2362
Brookhaven Daily Lea Brookhaven MS
1-601-833-6714
Press Register Clarksdale MS
1-601-624-5125
Bolivar Commerical Cleveland MS
1-601-843-1830
Daily Corinthian Corinth MS
1-601-287-3525
Delta Democrat-Times Greenville MS
1-601-335-2860
Greenwood Commonweal Greenwood MS
1-601-453-2908
Sentinel-Star Grenada MS
1-601-226-8310
Clarion-Ledger Jackson MS
1-601-961-7211
Leader-Call Laurel MS
1-601-426-3550
Enterprise-Journal McComb MS
1-601-684-0836
Meridian Star Meridian MS
1-601-485-1275
Democrat Natchez MS
1-601-442-7315
Oxford Eagle Oxford MS
1-601-234-4351
Picayune Item Picayune MS
1-601-842-2233
Starkville Daily New Starkville MS
1-601-323-6586
Northeast Mississipp Tupelo MS
1-601-842-2233
Vicksburg Post Vicksburg MS
1-601-636-6711
Daily Times Leader West Point MS
1-601-494-1422
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 21:13:00 -0800 (PST)
From: "Marcus L. Endicott"
Reply-To: gathering@cygnus.com
Subject: Mississippi - Local Television
Subject: TvRadioWorld.Com - Mississippi - Local Television Broadcast Stations
http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/ms/ms-tv.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.fs.fed.us/intro/directory/rg-8.htm
Homochitto
Ranger District:
Homochitto/Bude ... Gary Bennett, Meadville, MS 39653, 601-384-5876, DG:
R08F07B
http://www.fs.fed.us/intro/directory/email_dg.htm
=========================================
Put your money where your freedom is!
The Ocala Defense Fund
c/o The Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice
PO Box 90035
Gainesville, FL 32607
Make Check Payable to FCPJ *for* Ocala Defense Fund
=========================================
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 21:31:31 -0600
From: Rain-in-the-Face
Subject: Re: Dixie Gathering: To Go or Not To Go?
I just returned from the Dixie Regional. Yes, the cop scene there is quite
intense. Yes, the worst of the things you may have heard -- like the
pregnant sister being tied barefoot to a tree over a fire ant hill -- are
true: I took her deposition personally.
Still, despite everything, spirits are high and there are some killer drum
circles and awesome kitchens. We have maybe 250 good people out there. I
say, come; just remember three things:
1) You _will_ be stopped going in; expect your car to be surrounded by 10 to
20 cops peering through windows with flashlights. Expect intimidation;
expect to be ordered -- not requested -- out of your car. DO NOT TRY TO
BRING ILLICIT SUBSTANCES -- including beer -- through the roadblock.
2) When ordered _or_ requested to do ANYTHING, say: "Am I being detained?
Am I free to go?" Repeat this question as necessary. If they say "We'd
like you to answer a few questions, say "I'm in a hurry right now -- may I
go?"
3) Do NOT, under any circumstances, let cops inspect your vehicle or person.
Illicit stuff may turn up mysteriously. If you think they are going to do
it anyway, let it be over your protests and without your permission -- but
they almost certainly won't
So, come. Refuse to be intimidated. If you don't come because of the
police, you're already oppressed: they've already taken away your rights.
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 10:31:45 -0800
From: Karin Zirk
Subject: Re: Dixie Gathering: To Go or Not To Go?
It pays to be prepared. Make sure your car is 100% legal. Headlights,
turn signals, etc. If Mississippi has mandatory insurance make sure you
have it. Have a 100% legal, licensed driver. If you have children in
the car, make sure they are in car seats. check the laws in MS first.
In California any kid under 4 or 40 pounds needs to be in an approved
seat.
Don't carry anything illegal. Drive 100% sober. Now your rights.
Politely refuse to have your car searched. Don't have stuff tied to the
roof that's unsafe.
Be prepared to take down the name and badges #s of any officers who you
interact with. Don't arrive during the wee hours of the morning.
Caravan in with other folks so you can bear witness to each other.
But if we stop going, then they win!
Love,
Karin
Date: 23 Mar 1998 15:06:37 -0800
From: B J
To: gathering@cygnus.com
Subject: Re: Dixie Gathering: To Go or Not To Go?
May I also add an often times neglected thing to do ....... WIPE OFF
YOUR LICENSE PLATES!
Going to and from a gathering, the roads get dusty. So do your license
plates.
This is a common excuse law enforcement uses to pull you over when they
can't find any other excuse (couldn't read the tags or numbers).
So at your last stop before coming in or just before a town run... wipe
them off...... BJ
RIGHTS ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW
(from Voz Fronteriza)
When You're Stopped By The Police:
What you say to the police is always important. It can be used against
you
and give them an excuse to arrest you. Don't play games or try to rap or
joke with them.
In certain situations (suspicion, etc.), the police may stop you for
questioning. Ask the officer why he is stopping you.
You must identify yourself if asked. Always carry an ID card (school,
Dept.
of Motor Vehicle, etc. )
In dealing with the police, be polite, but firm (you don't have
When You're Stopped By The Police:
What you say to the police is always important. It can be used against
you
and give them an excuse to arrest you. Don't play games or try to rap or
joke with them.
In certain situations (suspicion, etc.), the police may stop you for
questioning. Ask the officer why he is stopping you.
You must identify yourself if asked. Always carry an ID card (school,
Dept.
of Motor Vehicle, etc. )
In dealing with the police, be polite, but firm (you don't have to kiss
ass). STAY CALM.
If You Are In A Car:
Have license and car registration ready to show to the police.
Give only the required identification.
DO NOT make any sudden moves before or after being stopped. Don't give
them
an excuse to harass you.
Do not give the police permission to search your car. If police search
your
car (without your permission) and find something illegal, chances are
that
it can not be used against you.
Do not carry anything like open containers (beer, wine, etc.) or any
illegal substance in your car: always play it "trucha."
If police do not properly identify themselves, ask for ID number/badge.
If your are arrested, REMAIN SILENT and request to speak with a lawyer.
Always remember names of police, badge number, location where you are
stopped etc.
If Police Come to Your House:
Always ask for police to identify themselves.
Do not allow police to search your home unless you see a warrant and
items
covered in the warrant.
Police can search your home without warrant under certain conditions,
such
as: if they are in hot pursuit of someone, emergency situation, etc.
If police have a search warrant, you have a right to witness the search,
Keep notes and remember details (you will need this information if you
go
to court).
If You Are Arrested:
Remain silent, until an attorney is present (always request that a
lawyer
represent you).
You have a right to know what are the charges against you.
Do not sign any written statements/documents.
Remember details: if you are harassed or brutalized, try to remember as
much as possible (you will need it later).
DON'T talk to anyone about your arrest, many times, the police plant
"rats"
in your cell.
Don't many any decisions about your case until you have spoken to a
lawyer
and you understand what your choices are.
IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD A LAWYER, the court will get you one.
After Leaving The Police Station:
If you were beaten by the police, go to a doctor or emergency room and
get
a record of your injuries.
Take picture of your injuries.
Make notes (write down) of all rights that you feel were violated; do
this
before you forget anything.
Get a copy of charges/records of your arrest.
Your Rights In School:
Personal Search: you are protected against "unreasonable" search.
However,
a school official may search you if they have a "reasonable" suspicion
(not
rumors, hunches, etc.).
Suspicion: you must be told exactly why you are being suspended and you
have the right to tell your side of the story.
You have a right to a hearing (appeal) with the principal and (later)
with
the Board of Education.
You have a right to have a lawyer present during all hearings or
meetings
with school authorities.
Dress/appearance: you may dress as you please as long as your appearance
does not cause a "disruption" in the educational process (disrupts
class,
halls, lunch areas, etc.). Caution: certain "colors" and style of dress
have been determined to be gang or violence related an you can not wear
them.
Freedom of Speech:
your right to freedom of speech (oral or written) is
protected by the constitution as long it is not proven to be disruptive
to
the educational process (vulgar language, or words that can lead to
fight,
ect.). The school officials must prove that your speech (oral or
written)
interferes with the right of others or the education process.
Personal Belongings: you may bring/hold personal belongings in school
unless they violate school code, school officials must let you know what
the rules are.
======
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:13:19 -0600
From: Jay Purselley
Subject: Re: NEED MORE INFO. ON DIXIE REGIONAL GATHERING!!!!!!
Hello family,
Some brothers have returned from the gathering earlier tonight with
news.It seems that the roadblock is still up,but the feds and deputys
are no longer checking so much for drugs and just to hassle.They are
checking id to catch people with warrants.They have stopped going into
the gathering to bust people.The gathering is going on and is
strong.Much beauty,harmony,fellowship,learning (several workshops)and
love is being reported.The family and the unity felt is strong and
growing.
It seems that some of the locals are upset because it is the middle of
the turkey hunting season and the gathering is right in the middle of
traditional hunting grounds.On the other hand other locals support the
gathering.The owner of the only store/gas station in nearby Pleasant
Hill has donated much food to the gathering,as well as hung out at
kitchens and drum circles.Several local farmers and ranchers have come
to the gathering and liked it.
Also it is reported that the gathering has mellowed out more as the
a-campers have run out of booze.
We will post more updates on the Dixie Spring Regional as they become
available.I and a couple of folks from my house may still try to go up
tomorrow.It would be safer for me though to go after the TRO comes into
effect, because of my probationary status. My p.o. will be back
Wednesday and I will reapply for permission to go. I do know most of the
back doors to the gathering,but they are long walks after the dirt car
trails end.Also I have to ride with someone else as my car is funky
mechanically and legally(lost the windshield sticker,and has only one
headlight).Today we were to ride with a sister,but she decided not to
go.Then another sister had a ride,and then she too dropped out from
going.Then some young brothers were going to go and give us a ride,and
then they too changed their mind.The first sister decided not to go as
her van was not really legal with her windshield sticker missing too.The
others all just finally froze up because of all the circulating rumours
from the Rainbow Mill.Ha-ha! Oh well, maybe something is telling me to
wait.I really want to go,and feel an obligation to go to the gathering
that I helped focalize and scout for.I also just want to meet more
family than what has come through Cara Galadon here (though there was a
substantual amount of folks through here).To be in the woods and river
with family at this time is super!
So all you wonderful sisters and brothers with questions on whether
to go to this Dixie Family Union (gathering); just go!!! You will have a
Great time at Home!!! I agree with brother KaHa; it is important to go
to show our strength,support,fortitude and our Heart Love. It is our
God/Goddess given Right to gather on the Earth to celebrate the Goddess
and the Gift of Spring.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!
Blessings to All in Sweetness,Goodness,Light,Hugs,Love,
and Laughter-
Arrowstar
CONTACT THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice
pronoid@gator.net
Rain-in-the-Face
pchelp@I-55.com
"Ahimsa Child" (Legal Aid Dept.):
ahimsa@webtv.net
Raza Rights Coalition (619) 280-8361
American Friends Service Committee (619) 233-4114
IMPORTANT:
Challenging practices that violate your rights (by police, migra, school
official, etc. ) can be costly. Oftentimes you will be harassed because
of
your action. But we must always remember, our "rights" are meaningful
only
if we exercise them.
Que Viva La Raza!
______________________________________________________