Red Tape and Restrictions Part 3: The Tampa Approach
Across the country, activists are mobilizing to be in Chicago in May to protest the NATO Summit, Tampa in August to protest the Republican Convention, and Charlotte in September to protest the Democratic Convention.
All three cities are rolling out the red carpet for the official participants, but rolling out red tape and restrictions for people coming to exercise their First Amendment rights.
The Tampa City Council is considering an ordinance to create a Clean Zone where protests are limited to one hour, and marches are relegated to one 'official parade route; and many objects may not be possesed. Among the prohited items: pieces of string longer than 6" and pieces of wood bigger than a ruler. Ironically, while squirt guns will be forbidden, real guns will be allowed. (This is Florida after all....)
The city of Tampa is hosting the Republican Convention as a way to raise the city's profile and attract more tourists. They want to look good.
Let's show the City Council that the eyes of the country are already on them, and this unconstitutional ordinance is not the way to make the city look good.
Please send an email to the entire City Council, we recommend that you edit our sample language to make it your own.