What the Frack?! Free Speech Shakedown on Paterson's Campaign Trail
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Just yesterday, I heard about Governor Paterson coming to Rochester to announce his bid for reelection. A few concerned friends who are working to raise awareness of the dangers of hydrofracking in the Marcellus shale brought it up, and two of us were able to get over the union hall in time to get seats. We brought signs that simply had the word "FRACK" in a circle with a line through it, and we put them under our seats, waiting patiently for the public event to begin. Within minutes, an organizer asked us to bring our signs and speak with her, saying "you're not in trouble." She explained that this was a "happy event" and they wanted to make sure it stayed "peaceful," then offered us a couple of minutes with the governor after the speeches if we allowed her to take our signs away during the event. Surprised by the direct request, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk it over, but she said no, we had to relent right then, and she did not present us with other options. Another aide came over, saying "this isn't the time or place for you to bring up your issues." I disagreed, pointing out that clean water is a critical issue for as long as we exist, and this is an important time to take a stand for it. But we gave up the signs.
Additional Information: Shaleshock | Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force | Letter from an EPA whistleblower concerned about fracking contaminating underground aquifers | Congress Launches Investigation Into Gas Drilling Practices