GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT
Take Action to Defend Free Speech

In an unprecedented action, the ANSWER Coalition today received citations fining the organization $10,000 for the placement of posters announcing the September 15 March on Washington DC. The fines come after a campaign led by
FOX news calling for the DC government to take action against those putting up posters for the September 15 demonstration.

They have told us that we have 72 hours to remove every poster, or the fines will go into effect. Tens of thousands of dollars in additional fines are
expected in the coming days. Bush's Interior Department is threatening similar actions against ANSWER. The September 15 posters are legal and conform to city regulations. We will not allow the government's intimidation tactics to slow our outreach or silence the antiwar movement.

We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help.

This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war. Iraq war veterans and
their families will lead this dramatic march from the White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the government wants is to see the
streets of Washington DC fill up with throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But we will not be stopped. Organizing for this demonstration is taking place in cities and towns throughout the country.
Buses and car caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns.

Please send a letter today:
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=Ajb5YjlKcE7Dv142Ij0Dvg..

to Washington DC Mayor (Adrian M. Fenty) and to the Director of DC Department of Public Works (William O. Howland, Jr.) demanding an end to the
fines, harassment and repression of the anti-war movement. We have a right to publicize the September 15 March. Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a
mockery out of the First Amendment.

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TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND THE FINES BE LIFTED!

The best way to take action is to call the Director of Department of Public
Works, William O. Howland, Jr. at 202-673-6833, and the Mayor of DC, Adrian
Fenty, at 202-724-8876. You can also send a letter or fax by clicking this
link
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=Yx7AZVIDE-TJnamaYVg6Ig..

We'd suggest saying something along the lines of: "I am writing to protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial and business interests that plaster Washington DC with posters. It is outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, are attempting to suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines."

Let us know how your phone conversations go by emailing us
info@internationalanswer.org

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A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
www.answercoalition.org
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New York City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 323-464-1636
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311

If this message was forwared to you and you'd like to receive future ANSWER updates, click here:
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=tYwCI4Fruk5wgCoVuImkiA..

compton's keishia brunston, aunt of unarmed deandre brunston who was shot 81x by l.a. county sheriffs, was outspoken against police brutality & her demands for justice, was just sent the fine by the city atty for flyers posted over the last 3 years. keishia has never posted any flyers & most of them were unrelated to her family's case.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LINDA GRANT

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 (202) 671-2375/desk

(202) 497-1080/cell

Linda.grant@dc.gov


DPW STATEMENT REGARDING FINES LEVIED FOR IMPROPERLY POSTED ANTI-WAR POSTERS


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DC regulations (DCMR Title 24, Section 108) provide guidelines
for posting signs in public space. The regulations balance free speech
with keeping the city neat by: 1. supporting the right to free speech
by giving people access to public space to express themselves; and 2.
Keeping the public space from appearing cluttered by limiting the
number of signs per block. The District hosts marches and protests all
the time and we never weigh in on the merits of the issues, rather our
role is to keep the city neat.


*

DPW asks people to respect District of Columbia residents by
following the guidelines.


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These posters were improperly placed for the following reasons:


o

More than three signs were posted on one side of a block,
the guidelines limit the number to three. (108.10)
o

The posters were placed on more than lampposts, which is
the only place where they are allowed. (100, which says if the site is
not mentioned, posters cannot be placed there.)
o

The posters were fixed to lampposts and utility boxes
using an adhesive, which is not allowed. The larger posters are taking
20 to 30 minutes to remove. (108.9)
o

The posters do not provide the date they were placed. (108.7)
o

No one filed two copies of the materials with the Mayor's
DC government designee (Office of Surface Permits). The filing should
be made within 24 hours of posting each sign and include the name,
address, and telephone number of the posters' originator. (108.11)

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Stop Government Attacks Against the Anti-War Movement!

Take Action to Defend Free Speech