Update 10/28

[Angie McMahon]

Hi Rally members, as promised this is your daily update.

I'm gonna cut to the chase cause you guys are gonna read about it if
you haven't already. Our permit has been denied by the Chicago Park
District. Based on the letter I submitted a few weeks back stating
our First Amendment wish to have fees waved we are still allowed to
assemble. I spoke to the Park Dist at length and we are still allowed
to have our speakers, amplified sound, jumbotron, the whole nine.
Basically we ran out of time to get things reviewed and they said we
were very close to meeting all the requirements but we fell short on
some paper work. I still have all of Friday to try to meet additional
requests they have made that would have gotten us 100% approval. But
they have said we have run out of time to review any of it. The Park
Dist staff is still expecting us, they will be onsite as well as other
city folks to make sure the event runs smooth, safe, and well. I was
told the Police will not shut us down unless there is an emergency and
they do not for see that happening.

I did my best guys, but we just ran out of time.

They are still expecting us, so do come. It is all still happening as
planned.

Now on to other stuff.

We raised the money we need to cover costs! YEAH! So now everything
we raise above and beyond this point will be going to the Chicago
Public Schools. It is my intention after the rally, checks are clear,
and security deposits are returned (assuming you will all behave and
not break anything) to email everyone who has donated with my top
three schools that I want to give to, I will ask all those who have
donated for feedback and take it all into consideration. I have some
research to do and have some friends who work with some South Side
High Schools that will help me with that research. More on that
later.

Also Gov Quinn has asked to speak at the Rally, and we are happy to
have him. Everyone who is running for Gov was asked if they would
like to speak. Rich Whitney was the only one who accepted our
invitation until this morning when the Gov office called and said they
would like to be a part of things as well. ALL speakers have been
told about the spirt of the event and that they are to speak about
what that means to them and NOT lobby for position or votes. They
have all agreed to that request. As I said before I want to bring
these hot button issues to center stage for us to discuss...that is
why we are having this event...so we can come together and agree or
disagree in a SANE and reasonable manner. These hot button issues are
the ones that make the emotional hate speech come to life and I want
us to bring out the topics for discussion and show ALL that we can
achieve a reasonable public discourse without name calling and hate
speech. That is the point to all of this...come from a place of love
and respect...so hippy of me :)

Lastly THANK YOU! I appreciate each and everyone who is part of
this...even Scott from Ohio :)

Till morning.

Angie