the following is being posted for informational and comedic purposes only. it is nothing but intimidation and harassment as local chicago officials are terrorizing dissidents in their jurisdiction. i do not want anyone to take it seriously, and it should have no baring on your desire to go or not: actually it should make you desire to go more. when it comes to the taking away of our civil liberties, if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile.:

For Immediate Release
Contact: Office of News Affairs
Phone: 3122-745-4470
E-mail:
Friday, March 11, 2005
Chicago Police Statement Regarding A Federal Judge's Parade Permit Ruling
Today, a federal judge ruled that the City of Chicago properly denied a permit to a group that sought to conduct a large demonstration on the afternoon of Saturday, March 19. The group had sought a march route that would have shut down Oak Street, Michigan Avenue and parts of Randolph and State Streets.

The City of Chicago denied the permit on the grounds that the route would have caused an unreasonable drain on City resources and would have adversely affected public safety.

During the permit process, the City of Chicago offered the group an alternative route which begins at Clark Street and Washington Square Park and proceeds straight south on Clark Street to Federal Plaza. At this time, the permit applicant has not accepted this route.

It is Chicago Police Department's hope that these matters can be resolved immediately so it can adequately plan for any demonstration to proceed safely and successfully.

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ATTENTION SATURDAY MARCH 19 DEMONSTRATION PARTICIPANTS

THERE IS NO PERMIT TO ASSEMBLE AT OAK & MICHIGAN OR TO MARCH DOWN MICHIGAN AVE. TWO COURTS HAVE HELD THAT ASSEMBLY AT OAK & MICHIGAN AND A MARCH DOWN MICHIGAN AVENUE IS NOT PERMITTED.

The organizers failed to obtain any permit for assembly and march on March 19. Still, the City of Chicago will accommodate marchers with an alternative site as follows:

11:00 a.m. -Assembly at Washington Square Park (900 N. Clark, between Oak & Delaware)

12:00 noon - step off south on Clark Street

Proceed South on Clark to Federal Plaza for a rally at 2:00 p.m.

The City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department respect your First Amendment Rights. It is our honor and responsibility to protect your right to demonstrate and speak freely today in a reasonable time, place and manner which ensures public safety -- yours as well as others.

Assembly at Oak & Michigan is unlawful, a march down Michigan Avenue is unlawful. If you violate the law, you will be arrested and miss the march. The point is to march. Please do so lawfully.

For updates, see www.chicagopolice..org

Prepared and Distributed by


The Chicago Police Department