By Andrea Miller, Inform Progressive Virginia
David Swanson, Laura Flanders, Norman Solomon
It has been a very bizarre week for the American government (and a pretty terrible one for the American people). The Senate refused to pass legislation that would give the troops as much time at home as they spent in combat, and officially condemned an organization that supports free speech for pointing out an obvious lie. I found it interesting that they didn’t exactly deny the charges, the Senate Republicans were upset about the language. I think it’s time to seriously revisit the United States Constitution.
That’s why Chris and Christine Dorsey along with Mary Delicate, Rain Burroughs and a number of other local Richmond folks decided we, the people, would take back two symbols of freedom in America, the American Constitution and the American Flag. For up to date information and to make much needed donations, visit http://www.concertfortheconstitution.us
Our panel of speakers, David Swanson of afterdowningstreet.org, Norman Solomon, filmmaker, War Made Easy and author Made Love Got War and Laura Flanders, of The Nation Magazine and Air America will help us understand how we got here and more importantly the steps we can take to get ourselves and our country back on track.
Join us on October 6, 2007 between 5:00pm and 8:00 at Dogwood Dell to celebrate freedom of speech (which gives us the right to impeach) with a stellar panel of speakers and music from several local bands. Dogwood Dell has a special significance to all members of the local organizing committee. On July 4th, Independence Day, Rain Burroughs and her seven year old daughter Summer were “detained” for carrying an impeachment banner to the front of the stage at the fireworks display. I read a “Letter to the Editor” where someone wrote that Ms. Burroughs had a right to free speech, but she had just exercised poor judgement in her choice of a time and place. According to the Constitution, free speech is 24/7, anytime and anyplace. Free speech is such a delicate yet powerful concept that there can be no limitations placed on it, because then freedom isn’t free.
Right now we are in the middle of an occupation and on the brink of another war. The American President (not mine) announced that we would continue in Iraq for at least another decade and possibly several more decades. As individuals, Richmond residents and American citizens we need to revisit our Constitution and exercise our right and our duty to abolish an unjust government that does not represent us.
We will be distributing copies of the United States Constitution, every American should have one. Bring your own flag.
The concert is free. Books by Norman Solomon and Laura Flanders will be on sale at the event, along with DVD’s and t-shirts. Donations are gratefully accepted.
To volunteer contact Mary Delicate at mdelicate@comcast.net
DIRECTIONS:
Directions
North of the James
Take State Route 161 South (the Boulevard) until it changes to Blanton Avenue. At the intersection of Blanton Avenue and Pump House Drive (immediately in front of the mall leading to the Carillon Tower), make a left turn then an immediate right turn into the entrance drive. Cobblestone driveway leads to the parking lots (on the right) adjacent to Dogwood Dell.
South of the James
Take State Route 161 North (Belt Boulevard/Westover Hills Boulevard) to the bridge (25 cent toll). Cross the Bridge. After passing the Toll Booths, take the second left onto the entrance drive (The parking lots are on the left adjacent to Dogwood Dell).
From North and West of Richmond/I-95 South & I-64 East
Follow signs for I-95 North to Washington and Interstate 64 and Interstate 95 will join; take Boulevard exit. Turn left (Hermitage) under overpass and go to the first stoplight. Turn right (Robin Hood) and go two blocks to stoplight. Turn left onto Boulevard. Proceed along Boulevard approximately 2 miles. You will cross over the downtown expressway (still on Boulevard). Shortly after crossing over the Expressway you will see tennis courts to your right and a fountain lake with paddleboats to your left. The road will bend to your right at a statue of Christopher Columbus. Follow road to the right (name changes to Blanton Avenue at this point). Proceed on Blanton for 6 blocks to a T intersection and turn left. Then make an immediate right into the park.
From West and East of Richmond
Taking Route 360 and Route 60. Go East to Belt Blvd., turn left and follow Belt Blvd. & Westover Hills Blvd. (name changes) to Boulevard Bridge and cross the river. Take the second left after the toll booth into the park. Turn left on the first paved road (on the left) to circle above amphitheater.
From South of Richmond
Follow Powhite Parkway North. Take left fork and first exit after fork (Douglasdale/McCloy) to stop light. Take a left at the light onto Boulevard. You will cross over the downtown expressway (still on the Boulevard). Shortly after crossing over the Expressway you will see tennis courts to your right and a fountain lake with paddleboats to your left. The road will bend to your right at a statue of Christopher Columbus. Follow road to the right (name changes to Blanton Avenue at this point). Proceed on Blanton for 6 blocks to a T intersection & turn left. Then make an immediate right into the park.
For additional information, please call 804-646-1437.