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A McCarthyite America: Sacramento's Threat to the 1st Amendment‏

Related: The Declaration of Independence: Fanfare for the Common Man and Woman", which is about how the average person truly believed in freedom (not the modern day cliche) and free speech. And, Shattering the Modern Day Myth of what the Boston Tea Party Was Really About, which is about how the Boston Tea Party Patriots were really an 18th Century version of Occupy Wall Street

    Folks,

    http://sacramento.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=21&event_id=21&meta_id=387073

    I thought you would be interested the the latest city attempt to quash free speech rights. The City Hall exception to the park curfew is about to be radically changed - in effect, it appears any free speech, or other, activities on City Hall grounds will not be allowed unless and until the City Manager approves it, and then only with insurance and permit fees.

    There does not appear to be a free speech or "spontaneous demonstration" exception, as there is even with the parks.

    This has been rumored for weeks. The News and Review and Bee have done pieces on it. The city has responded this is not because of the 24/7 Occupy protests in front of old City Hall, but even the reporters I've talked to do not believe that to be the case.

    This proposal to - which effectively ends free speech activities without approval on City Hall property. It will be heard this TUESDAY, July 24, at 3 p.m. before the City Council Law & Legislation Committee at City Council Chambers. It is being recommended for passage by City Staff.

    thanks,
    Cres Vellucci


Proposed Sacramento ordinance would restrict actions outside City Hall

    Strumming a ukulele on the front lawn of Sacramento's historic City Hall on a sunny afternoon last week, Michael Hanson broke one proposed law after another.

    He was making noise with something other than his voice. He had signs, a table and a chair. He was harming what's left of the front lawn by, well, standing on it.

    [...]

    Under an ordinance to be considered by the City Council's Law and Legislation Committee later this month, violators would be subject to fines of $250 to $25,000 for breaking laws set forth in the proposed "Use of the City Hall Facility" ordinance. Those who defy the rules would be guilty of misdemeanors.

    [...]

    Helium balloons and confetti would not be allowed on City Hall grounds. Neither would fireworks, or drawing on the sidewalk with chalk. Banging on cowbells during the day, leaving items unattended and cooking on the property would be outlawed.

    [...]

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/02/4604047/proposed-sacramento-ordinance.html