Gathering of Eagles denied roost at NH state capitol
The upcoming Blue and Gold Star Mothers of NH's "Gathering of Mothers Who are Supporting the Gathering of Eagles in D.C." is not without controversy.
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After deciding to hold an event in Concord, NH at the state Capitol building in support of the Gathering of Eagles event in Washington, DC this coming Saturday, a phone call was made to the proper authorities to obtain an assembly permit. This email describes what happened next:
I just received the call from the State House regarding our application to rally there. We were DENIED. I then talked with the supervisor and because of the issues between the groups, they have been told it will be first come, first serve and the peace activists had sent their request in first, so they get it..He told me that the sidewalk on Main Street belongs to the city of Concord , and we can try to get a permit there if the activists haven't already, however, we couldn't walk under the arch and onto state property. He did say that he wishes he could allow us to rally for the Troops, because he understands, he's got three kids in the military and two already served two tours in Iraq , but he just can't.
That's right. NH Peace Action got the permit first. You see, the reason that a demonstration is taking place in Washington this Saturday is to protest the war in Iraq, held at the anniversary of its start 4 years ago. The local NH antiwar group is holding a rally in Concord to coincide with others nationally.
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What's interesting is that while competing groups converge on Washington DC, one to denounce war and the military, the other defending the honor of our troops and supporting victory, a parallel situation will simultaneously occur right here in NH.
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So, the Blue Star Moms must have gotten their assembly permit for the sidewalk from the City of Concord, right? After all, as noted in this prior post, they're having the big rally at the State House this Saturday, starting at 11 AM. Well, not exactly...
The peaceniks got the only available assembly permit for the sidewalk at the State House too!
Following this second denial of a place to rally, the Blue Star Mothers tried to get the use of the inside of the Legislative Office Building for an invocation and an indoor place for those in attendance who might be handicapped. Again, no dice.
And yet, the rally is scheduled for Saturday. How can this be?
Enter Blue Star Mother Karen Thurston and Bob Jones of the Northeast POW/MIA Network, along with Holly Haas, Karen Testerman, and others. After a flurry of emails about what to do about an event with no place for it to occur, it was decided to have it anyway...
with NO assembly permit.
"But Doug, isn't that against the law?" Not really, as Bob and Karen, neither of whom are ever daunted when it comes to supporting our troops, came up with the solution. Wrote Bob in an email:
Nothing say's they can't get together and walk around the Block,around the State house
Suggestion....WE GO WITH IT !!!! Hey,don't need a permit to walk around the block that the State House sits on. We Walk,We Sing,We do whatever in hell you wish...we are there "together" supporting the "Gathering Of Eagles in DC.."NH's Gathering of Mothers and Supporters"....Hey,I got nothing against Peace!! People have the Right to do and Say what they wish!! I fought for that right BUT Don't tell me I Can't !!!!
I Vote...we go with it AS IS. Everything that WE TOGETHER, we were going to do we still do. We do it walking..All in favor say,"GET ER DONE!!!"...
So, those who go to Concord Saturday in support of the Gathering of Eagles in DC will be walking... around the gathered antiwar protestsers and peaceniks.
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The walk will feature prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, banners of support for the troops... through to victory, and patriotic military (and an Irish tune or two) songs will be sung.
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Like our brave troops in the field, the Blue and Gold Star Mothers of NH, along with the Northeast POW/MIA Network NEVER GIVE UP.
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Now, it is up to the rest of us to join them in support of their fine work on behalf of our brave soldiers. Click here for the latest on the event.
