This weekend, as we have done for almost 4 years, members of East End Women in Black will stand in a vigil against the war in Iraq and the occupations of that country and of Palestine. The Vigil is at 5pm Sunday at the Monument in Bridgehampton.
We hope to see all those who are aghast at the actions of our US government in our name, including the torture, acts of war against innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the monetary support our government gives to the horrific war against the Palestinians, most who have not resorted to terrorism but are the victims of same.
Also this weekend we hear from Michael O'Neill that the Southampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee has been refused participation in the July 4 parade if they carry any flag but Old Glory (no UN flag) or voice anything other than "Support Our Troops". We had a conversation with Mayor Mark Epley about this. He thinks protests at this parade are "not appropriate". His lawyer says they have the right to keep people out.
A special hearing at Federal Court in Islip on Monday, July 3 will be held to determine whether the BORDC can march. The court house had been schedued to be closed. The issue appears to us to be whether the Village has the power to suspend our first ammendment rights of free speech and assembly.
Meanwhile, the group has called for all to join them on Tuesday July 4 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Poland Church on Maple Street south of the
Southampton Railroad station the assembly point for the march.
As our friend Kathy says "our rights are like muscles - they need to be excercised or they will atrophy". This weekend we hope you will continue to excercise yours!
tony
631-259-2482
