Dann and Rob, et. al. I would like to start with a bit of a history lesson for all. The following excerpt is from a web site that describes the significance of Stonewall to the GLBT community:
http://members.aol.com/matrixwerx/glbthistory/stonewall.htm "On June 27, 1969, a raid by New York City police on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village resulted in the first ever gay riot in the United States. Raids on gay bars and other "bawdy" establishments weren't uncommon in that day and age, in fact they usually preceded without much resistance. The reputations, and even the lives, of the people who frequented these bars were often destroyed when they found their names posted in the newspapers the following day. Something was different that hot summer night, as the community mourned the death of gay icon Judy Garland. While many fled the police in defeat, a handful of drag queens stood up for themselves and began to resist and taunt the police. They began to throw pennies from broken parking meters and stones. The police barricaded themselves inside the bar for protection. A growing number of mass street demonstrations followed for the next several nights. This stand inspired other homosexuals to stand up for themselves. Over the next few years a plethora of gay and lesbian rights organizations began to spring up all over the country." Every June, members of the GLBT community gather in cities across the country to celebrate our right for equal protection under the law, to make a renewed statement of commitment for our rights and to remember our past victories and defeats. In the 1990's, a group of GLBT DFLers formally organized the Stonewall DFL caucus whose name honors the beginning of the modern GLBT rights movement. GLBT Pride is at its CORE a political event - a protest event - a celebration of spirit. This year, as in years past, GLBT Pride/Twin Cities will host the official Pride Festival on June 25 & 26 in Loring Park, the pride boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka on June 18th, the annual Pride Picnic at Como Zoo on June 19th, the Pride Block Party at 9th & Hennepin on June 26th and the Ashley Rukes Pride Parade on Hennepin Avenue on June 26th. (www.tcpride.org) DD: "Regarding marching in Gay Pride, the Park Board and Park Police have no jurisdiction over 98% of the parade route or maybe none, since the parade is on Minneapolis City Streets and only ends at Loring Park. I am not sure the parade route even goes into Loring Park. Having marched in PRIDE with both Paul Wellstone and Mike Circisi, I would advise any candidate to march in the PRIDE Parade, as it is one of the largest turnout of people in Minneapolis at any event during the year." PRS: The permits for the PARADE are not under the jurisdiction of the parks board since the parade itself is on city streets. The GLBT Pride parade is the largest parade OF ANY TYPE in the entire Midwest - Minneapolis Aquatennial events, I believe hold second place honors. RL: "I hope that the courts will be able to successfully make a ruling on Superintendent Gurban's interpretation and enforcement of Park Board Policy before the PRIDE Festival two weeks from today. If Mr. Gurban is correct, then all candidates and all political parties that have traditionally had booths in Loring Park during the 2-day PRIDE Festival will not be able to participate because of the restriction of candidates to campaign on Park Board property." PRS: Point me to the front of the 'hand-cuff line' because I have full intention of 'breaking the law' over Pride weekend then. They better have a couple hundred-thousand extra pairs of handcuffs, too...and a fist full of lawyers because I am speculating that the City of Minneapolis could be liable for a host of contracts that would not be honored including the fees for booth space by Stonewall DFL (to Pride/Twin Cities) for the specific purpose of participating in the festival in Loring Park and advocating for our endorsed and acceptable candidates. Not to mention ticking off candidates for Mayor, City Council, Library Board, PARKS BOARD and the Board of Estimate and Taxation that Stonewall DFL has endorsed. I'm guessing that this is not a crowd that will go quietly. ;) The permits for the Pride FESTIVAL would be under the jurisdiction of the Parks Board (obviously). I'm just waiting for this one to hit the mainstream media. It will be interesting to see how this one is spun, retracted or covered-up... Peace & Pride, Paul R. Skrbec Chair, Stonewall DFL Inver Grove Heights, MN [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dann Dobson Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 10:33 PM To: Ron Lischeid; Minneapolis Issues E-group Subject: Re: [Mpls] Court Opinion Needed Regarding Gurban's Ruling Prior toPRIDE I had not heard that Gurban had issued this opinion / order. Was this before or after he tried to have Jason Stone arrested for passing out campaign material on Park Board property? I would advise any candidate who asked me, to just ignore this clearly illegal and unconstitutional edict. Maybe write the Park Board in advance that they intent to ignore this illegal policy, but one should not have to go to court IN ADVANCE to exercise their First Amendment Rights. Make the Park Board enforce this asscinine rule and look stupid in front of the whole world Regarding marching in Gay Pride, the Park Board and Park Police have no jurisdiction over 98% of the parade route or maybe none, since the parade is on Minneapolis City Streets and only ends at Loring Park. I am not sure the parade route even goes into Loring Park. Having marched in PRIDE with both Paul Wellstone and Mike Circisi, I would advise any candidate to march in the PRIDE Parade, as it is one of the largest turnout of people in Minneapolis at any event during the year. It's great for name recognition. If the Park Board and Gurban want to try and enforce this restriction they will look as stupid as hell and could be subjecting taxpayers to a huge liability. If the Park Police are stupid enough to arrest anyone who is politicking on Park Land it is a clear violation of 14 USC 1983, Federal Civil Rights Law. If Gurban issued this opinion, on top of trying to have Stone arrested he clearly needs to be placed on leave, until Gurban and the Park Board understands that the Constitution applies to Minneapolis Park land, as much as certain members of the staff and board want to treat it as their own private Kingdom. Dann Dobson Saint Paul Ron Lischeid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I hope that the courts will be able to successfully make a ruling on Superintendent Gurban's interpretation and enforcement of Park Board Policy before the PRIDE Festival two weeks from today. If Mr. Gurban is correct, then all candidates and all political parties that have traditionally had booths in Loring Park during the 2-day PRIDE Festival will not be able to participate because of the restriction of candidates to campaign on Park Board property. We might also have to get a ruling to see if it is okay for candidates to participate in the PRIDE parade on Sunday since it is held on public streets within the city of Minneapolis. It sure is going to be a different atmosphere at Loring Park during the PRIDE Festival if none of the candidates can be there because Superintendent Gurban is correct in his interpretation of Park Board Policy. Then again, maybe we will find out that someone should be arrested for impersonating a Park Superintendent. Ron Lischeid University Neighborhood (Stirring the pot a little to make sure that it doesn't boil over) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 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