We, the people of the United States, have been assembling, talking, writing, and collaborating in a wide-spread attempt to peaceably "petition the government for a redress of grievances." Local governments across this nation have repeatedly interfered with this process through acts of police force and violence on multiple occasions, some quite publicized, and others, less publicized. Last night they raided Zuccoti Park in violation of a restraining order.
Because the grievances are so broad and so deep, and the corruption of our current system is incompatible with simpler forms of intervention, these peaceable assemblies require long-term commitment and occupation on behalf of the citizenry--a right granted to citizens by the First Amendment of the United States.
Because of these numerous alleged acts of police brutality against peaceful protesters gathered for a redress of grievances against the government in numerous cities across the United States, and because even Mayor Bloomberg, himself, violated a temporary restraining order, evicting the citizens gathered at Zuccotti Park, we, the people and citizens of this country, call upon you, and legislators, president, and mayors across this great land, to reaffirm by legislative and executive acts, the rights of American citizens everywhere "peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" in order that citizens are able to continue gathering for the purpose of addressing the wide-spread corruption in our current governmental system through peaceful and democratic action.
Why is this important?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
