 I returned to the building today (Sep 7th) and got surprised! I'd started walking around the plaza with my small placard. Two Homeland Security officers approached and presented me with a US District Court Order from 2002 which limited my actions.
This was from previous NonViolent action to petition Senator Clinton and Schumer (click here for detailed BLOG, check date of Jan 15,2003). They told me if I didn't stop, I would be arrested and charged with violating the order.
I tried to explain this was a simple free speech activity. Holding a small placard, walking quietly, staying out of  the way, and not approaching anyone unless they talked to me first. No GSA permit was required. I continued my activity and was handcuffed, given a ticket, and released.
Legal arguments aren't the issue here - the big issue is NO OTHER PARENTS were present, not even as spectators. In all honesty I don't expect two US Senators to make Family Rights an important issue on their busy schedules -- when we, the people who have been hurt, don't have time ourselves???
We've had some success at getting parents involved, but not as well as hoped. I personally feel bad for just not being able to encourage local people to be present.
I'll be going back to the Federal Building Friday, Sep 14th, at 1 PM. Some of you live in the local Syracuse area. Email/phone is nice, but nothing substitutes for meeting in person. It would be great to meet you in person! Please try to make it downtown Friday. There is easy parking around the Federal Building. Can't make, plenty of other ways for you to help.
Need more details, just contact me.
Best regards!
John
"Love is not unarmed, but also wields a sword."
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