Federal offense to Protest in any Public Space

Imagine an America in which the government can prevent protest in any public space it deems fit. Where wearing a dissenting shirt around an elected official could be construed as a felony. Where First-Amendment protections become privileges subjectively doled out by the state. Sadly, that America is pretty much here.

In March, Congress passed HR 347, a bill that limits Americans' ability to protest in public and on government grounds. Mainstream media didn't raise peep, but now there's finally some anger building. The bill, passed almost unanimously, makes it a federal offense punishable by up to ten years in prison to "knowingly" protest in the vicinity of the Secret Service -- that is anywhere the Secret Service "is or will be temporarily visiting."

Click here to demand that Congress reinstate -- and safeguard -- Americans' right to engage in protest.  This campaign is being run by WatchDog.net, a side-project of Demand Progress.

It also makes many public events impervious to lawful protest. Any "National Security Special Event" (NSSE) requires Secret Service protection. NSSE-designated events have proliferated since 9/11 to include Super Bowls, concerts, campaign events, and now any public event that Very Important People want protest-free. 

Most dangerously, it criminalizes protest. Under the bill, "disorderly or disruptive conduct" or activities that "impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions" could warrant felony charges. What constitutes such "disruptive conduct" rests in the eye of the beholder--or the eye of Eric Holder. To put it plainly: the government can decide where and when free speech is allowed and severely prosecute any "disruptive" activity, while we're confined to "free speech zones." We can help fix it, however!

Will you click here to sign WatchDog.net's petition to protect our speech rights?

Let's keep on fighting.

-Demand Progress

Paid for by Demand Progress (DemandProgress.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Here are the local Teabaggers at their bigotry and racist meeting

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/content/tar-river-tea-party-rally-1205701

The Tar River Tea Party sponsored a 'Wake Up the Town' rally on Sept. 6 at the Gateway Convention Center.

These folks don’t like the fact the America Voted for a Black man to be president..

Protest Mitt this weekend

@bluencJoin us as we protest Outsource Mitt this Sunday In three NC towns::
Mitt Romney claims to be a job creator and... bit.ly/MC3dT9

City to Take more private land via city’ code enforcement

At tonight city council meeting they will be voting to take the following properties, that the city code enforcement had tore down. Cause many of these homes didn’t meet the city code enforcement ideal of being a fixable home or property that wasn’t worth to be fixed up.

Also for those of us, who live in RMT, all of these homes are in the older parts of the city, where income level is at or below poverty. Where the Code Enforcement officers spent every day riding through these neighborhoods looking for a way to rise money for the city. While ignoring the richer parts of the city.

6. Public Hearing Relative to the Preliminary Assessment Roll Prepared to Recover Costs Incurred by the City in Connection with Housing Code Enforcement on the Following Properties:
a. 604 Clark Street
b. 1001 S. Franklin Street
c. 1014 Gay Street
d. 1229 Griffin Street
e. 205 Home Street
f. 734 Long Avenue
g. 1208 SW Main Street
h. 1017 Shearin Andrews Road
i. 700 Tarboro Street
j. 635 Woodland Avenue
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution Confirming Assessments.

Which the city is getting all these properties between 4-8 thousand dollars each. Which they will turn around and sell for high prices.. Most of these aren’t being taken for long overdue taxes..

Mayor David W.Combs to issue State of the City Address.

For Immediate Release

February 8, 2012

Media contact: Kim Weaver,interim Public Affairs Manager

252/972-1274 kim.weaver@rockymountnc.gov

 

Mayor David W. Combs will address the community and City Council regarding the State of the City prior to the City Council Meeting on Monday, February 12, 2012. Mayor Combs will assess the challenges and opportunities of 2011, and how the City responded to them.

Hurricane Irene, the local economy, and public safety issues top the challenges of the year 2011. However, the city excelled in the vast improvements downtown including the Douglas Block Revitalization, the Downtown Streetscape, and WI-FI in downtown City venues. The City began an EnergyShare opportunity for the citizens of Rocky Mount. This program will continue into 2012 to provide rebates for attic insulation and/or HVAC replacement.

The mayor will also discuss the exciting Twin Counties Visioning and Strategic Plan Project and how it will open up new opportunities for the City.

The Mayor anticipates making the State of the City an annual event. The community is encouraged to attend. All are welcome to the George W.Dudley City Council Chamber at 7 pm to hear the Mayor’s comments.

CALL TO ACTION: I-95 Widening Project Public Hearing

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a series of seven (7) Public Hearings in several facilities near the I-95 corridor, throughout the state of North Carolina, beginning at 4:00pm and ending at 7:00pm. The Rocky Mount area meeting will be held:

• Thursday, February 16, 2012: City of Rocky Mount,The Imperial Centre (Studio Theatre), 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, 27804

Interstate 95 is a vital stretch of highway through North Carolina serving commuters, accommodating vacationers and connecting area residents. The road has distinctive meaning to each and every user, as well as to the adjacent communities. The NCDOT is working to determine how best to renew I-95 through our state.

The purpose of these Public Hearings is to provide information regarding the proposed project and to obtain public input. The I-95 Corridor Planning and Finance Study proposes to provide the ideal approach for improved safety, connectivity and efficiency along the I-95 corridor.

Interested citizens may drop by anytime between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm and view project information, maps and the approved Environmental Assessment on display.NCDOT representatives will be available in an informal setting to answer questions and receive comments relative to the proposed project. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will also be provided.

For additional Information, Please contact: Kristine O’Connor, P.E., NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis
Phone: (919) 707-6034, Email: kaoconnor@ncdot.gov 
Craig Young, P.E., NCDOT Consultant, with Michael Baker Engineering, Inc.
Phone: (919) 459-9041, Email: cmyoung@mbakercorp.com

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Ms. O’Connor as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.