March 26, 2003
Save the Peace Camp
According to this post on Portland Indymedia, the Peace Camp might be in trouble again:
I just came from the Peace Camp where inhabitants have been asked to move their property from federal land. They now have all their stuff on the sidewalks and have been advised by homeland security that they can stay there, can stand on the grass, as long as their stuff doesn?t touch the land (shoes on the lawn and sign-holding are permitted). The sidewalks are city property so the jurisdiction has been shifted to the PPB to enforce the laws (sit/lie/stand ordinance). The 15 or so determined campers show resolve and vow to stay there until they are picked up and carried away by force. This is the latest development in a situation where the rules are being changed daily. The campers were initially told by homeland security troops that they could camp with tents as long as they kept the property clean (the leave no trace philosophy that is applied to all federal lands, forests or not). But every day, the rules change. Right now, they need your show of solidarity more than ever. Food, smiles and additional peaceful campers are always welcome!
So, while you're making those calls to the Mayor's office, indicate your support for the continued presence of the Peace Camp, which has been in or just ourside of Terry Schrunk Plaza for days now, directly across from City Hall. If the city is concerned about violents protests, they can help support the alternative by not enforcing the sit-lie ordinance (or any other law which might be used against the campers) against the Peace Camp occupants.