PCU //\ Free Assembly Project /
21 Feb. 2023
Reviving Raps on the Regs…
Statement to T-Counsel, undelivered
September 2021 -> September 2022… a solid year of renewed work on the Forest Service ‘Group Use’ permit regulations – mostly my own, going banzai gangbusters for a real solution. Folks had to wake up to this dormant dilemma still afflicting the gatherings and our rights, to cooperate and create momentum for real policy change.
It commenced with a catalyzing move – relaunching the CFR Petition submitted to USDA (June 2018, Sept. 2021), daring to push for definitive amendments to correct the constitutional defects, demanding the fair rules we would get by winning the decisive First Amendment case. New rounds of public info went out on the issues and this initiative, culminating in two Zoom seminars – on FS Regs Hipstories from the Gatherings, and the Petition Strategy to save them (Jan.-Feb. ’22).
In followup on the proposal, we requested a routine conference with the USDA UnderSecretary – but this got diverted into a series of 3 virtual meetings with FS officials, protracted into March in a classic display of stall tactics, ineptitude & stonewalling. Then in May came the short letter Denying the Petition, with no real review. So the 50th Anniversary Rainbow Gathering in Colorado was made unwelcome in Routt National Forest and declared illegal… not what we hoped for, but this game was Not over:::
A Vermont regional set for August presented an opportunity to prove our solution for fair authorization of free gatherings: The ‘volunteer’ tactic succeeded, a good legal Win, but the flawed hippie ‘process’ on the backside raised flak… the facts on this project & controversy were outlined accountably in a 9/15 public report: “Vermont gathering gets an Operating Plan” . This set important precedents for the 2023 Gathering and the future, if confusions could be surmounted.
As the Thanksgiving/Harvest Counsel approached, I encouraged friends who could attend to bring this discussion to that circle. At the last minute, one sister offered to carry a simple message, if I would write one up – so I did…
But it was not delivered, and the Counsel ducked the whole issue of the Regs and what gatherers could do.
The problem is not going away by ignoring it.
That brief statement is now offered for the record, from the heart:
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We have the right to assemble lawfully as individuals… it has been deprived and is still subverted by the USFS Group Use regulations.
I have been deep in this struggle for decades, and we have created solid grounds for real progress.
This is a crucial time to work together proactively.The recent initiative in Vermont was a real step forward: It succeeded in getting an Operating Plan in accord with the traditions and long aspirations of the Gatherings, and having a legal event, protecting the personal standing of attendees in First Amendment exercise. I take responsibility for suggesting and assisting this effort, but be clear that it was left in the hands of people headed for the land, reliant on their communications and choices. I am saddened that the ‘process’ broke down and controversy arose. These are important lessons.
The 2023 Rainbow Gathering should not be deemed “illegal” by the Forest Service/IC… It would be foolish and perilous to keep falling into that trap. Folks are encouraged to build and improve on the model in Vermont, which was always designed to enable volunteers in cooperating openly and safely with responsible Foresters – without fear of prosecution, infringement on others, any fictional group or fraudulent agents.
The intent is to support and strengthen the consensus process in this way.
This is how a fair and constitutional rule for public assembly would work…
we can walk in these shoes to make a new path forward, and make that future real.
When we gather, we are all volunteers in service and respect – this vision is in harmony with that spirit.
Let informed and constructive discussions proceed.
Inquiries and ideas are welcome… as always, I will do my best to help.
_scottie addison__(St. Louis MO…
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