This from Bob Grimac:

Knoxville Police today effectively shut down our peaceful, anti-war protest today by forcing us to take down all signs except the ones we were holding, at about 11:30 AM. They threatened to have my car towed, saying it was parked in a dangerous place, which was not true at all. The three of us protesting (myself, Rich Henigen, and a woman named Vivian), complied with the two officers, packed up our signs, and stayed for only another 30 minutes, completely soaked at that point anyway.

This, our 48th Sunday protest, was the first to be harassed by police in such a manner (two years ago professor John Bohstedt was issued a citation for allegedly blocking traffic,something later dropped, I think). Since July 2005 when our Sunday vigils began, 100s of police cars have cruised on by and have ignored us.

I have consulted with lawyer Carol Nickle, who participated in the
protest the first 30 minutes, and she will be thinking about strategies to proceed. Thanks to TVUUC member Bill Dockery, who witnessed the incident and observed, for legal purposes, from his car. We also plan to consult with Bob Becker, city councilman, who has participated in more than one anti-war protest.

As Carol said, "All the more reason to have more people there to hold signs!" Yes, if you would like to raise your voice against this immoral war of aggression, please join us on Sunday May 18, at our new summer hours, 9 AM until 1 PM. Your presence is especially needed on May 18 as I will be in Boston, attending a Tufts University graduation ceremony. Our signs will be at the corner of Kingston Pike and Concord, so please come hold one!

Sunday, June 8 will be our 50th such action, and may be a good time to consider joining us on the streets, 9 to 1. On that date we will likely put our signs back on the street and see what happens. We certainly feel we have a right to free speech and that our signs are not obstructing pedestrian traffic, as the officer charged.

Donations are also needed at this time to cover room rentals incurred this winter, and for Daily Beacon ads. Checks should be made to People for Peace, and sent to me at 3961 Greenleaf Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919. If everyone reading this sent a $5 donation, our bills would be paid.

Thanks to all who supported us today with waves, words, and honks.

Sincerely,
Bob Grimac
grimac@discoveret.org