[via omjp]

I had a meeting with the Washington State Patrol on Friday to discuss the demonstrations on Monday. Below is information on our meeting, expectations that the Washington State Patrol has sent to people in Unity in the Community and workers at the Capitol, and demonstration guidelines that the peace keepers will be handing out to participants.

PEACE
M. R. Rossi

Summary of Meeting With Washington State Patrol

I have had a lot of meetings with police officers, and believe that the meeting I had with Captain Curt Hattell went very well. Mostly Captian Hattell and the other officer expressed a desire to ensure safety and to respect all demonstrators right to free speech. Regardless of what I think of WSP’s approach, after our meeting I was convinced that those intentions are sincere. As far as I know, the WSP plans to have a 100 – 150 foot barrier between counter protesters and supporters of the Nationalist Socialist Movement. The barrier will be drawn around the grassy area with the flagpole between the Temple of Justice and the Legislature Building. The NSM will be allowed to occupy the side with the Legislature Building – on the steps, where they got the permit – while counter demonstrators will have the area around the Temple of Justice. I have heard some remarks that the WSP plans on erecting a fence or wall between demonstrations. None of that was mentioned to me at our meeting. I was told that there will be a line of police tape with the WSP, probably in riot gear, guarding the line. Anyone crossing the line without police consent from either side will be arrested. I was assured that the WSP would not interfere with our rally, that they plan on letting things take their course and wind-down as the day goes on, and that they will let us resolve problems internally through our own peace keepers. For more information, you can read the official statement that was sent out below:

Read more:

National Socialist Movement Rally
July 3, 2006

On July 3, 2006, a chapter of the National Socialist Movement (NSM) will stage a rally at the Capitol Campus on the Legislative Building steps from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. NSM has a valid and lawful permit issued by the General Administration for this rally. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is responsible for providing law enforcement services and security on the Capital Campus. The goal of the WSP is to provide a safe environment for all groups to exercise their first amendment rights in addition to the protection from injury and protection against property damage.

Due to the anticipated attendance from multiple groups with opposing viewpoints, the WSP would like to provide some information to attendees to enable them to understand the parameters of behavior needed to ensure a safe environment on July 3. WE NEED THE COOPERATION OF ALL ATTENDEES TO ENSURE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

First, let it be completely understood the WSP and other partners who have worked to provide a safe atmosphere for this event can not and will not take a position on the viewpoints expressed. The expectation of lawful behavior applies to ALL attendees.

• Violence of any sort cannot be tolerated and will result in appropriate and necessary police action to ensure the safety of ALL attendees.
• Failure to comply with necessary and lawful orders given by law enforcement to ensure the safety of all can and will result in appropriate and necessary response by law enforcement.
• The actions of attendees dictate law enforcement response. We are anticipating persons to voice their opinions in or outside the clearly marked, designated areas while respecting the areas of others.

It is the sincere goal of the WSP and other partners to provide a safe environment and ultimately be a part of an event that results in no injuries, property damage or arrests. That being said, we are however, prepared, if needed to take appropriate and necessary action to ensure safety.

We are confident that attendees will stay true to their responsibilities of lawful conduct and not resort to any unlawful activities to voice their viewpoints. Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated and needed to ensure ALL parties rights and safety are protected.

KEEP THE PEACE, CREATE THE JUSTICE
Guidelines for Demonstration

There will be no nazi rally on the steps of the Washington State Capitol Building today. Instead, there will be a living festival and demonstration to celebrate unity and diversity, to create freedom and security, and to foster justice and peace.

In order to make this happen, we will need the cooperation of all participates.

Please, out of respect and for the safety of everyone, please follow the guidelines listed below.

CREATE THE PEACE AND REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE: With the understanding that emotions are high, it is important to keep your cool and remain calm. Don’t throw things at others, avoid physical altercations – whether with the Nationalist Socialist Movement, their supporters, other protesters, or the police - and try to refrain from mean-spirited taunting or provoking people you disagree with. Do keep things creative and positive; participate in street theater, sing songs, use chants, play music, and engage in other fun and playful activities.

WORK OUR SYSTEM: We have organized "peace keepers" for this event. Please use them and be willing to communicate when necessary. If you are experiencing a situation with anyone (a nazi, a fellow protesters, the police) that you feel uncomfortable in and can’t resolve yourself, contact a "peace keeper" right away. You can identify them by the ORANGE VEST.

KNOW THE BOUNDARIES: The Washing State Patrol (the police) have informed us that anyone crossing the perimeter that they have set-up without approval will be arrested. Please keep this in mind when choosing your actions.

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE: Our goal is justice, let’s make it happen! Please do your best to keep your attention on providing an alternative to the hate and making our demonstration fun, worthwhile, and productive. Try to avoid spending too energy on getting into unnecessary arguments and conflicts.