See Leonid's report on the NYC Demonstrations at the NYPL.
As you might know, Dmitry Sklyarov, a Russian computer scientist, was arrested and imprisoned on July 16 after presenting a report at DEF CON computer security conference. His only crime was to point out the flaw in Adobe's software used to protect the content of eBooks and share his expertise with his American colleagues.

He was charged under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a piece of legislation that takes away the rights of individuals for fair use of the content that they legally own.

All decent minded individuals dedicated to the freedom of expression and security in ones property are called upon to apear, verily, at the NY Southern District Federal Courthouse on July 17th to protest to destruction of our freedom under the wrath of the DMCA. Requested Dress might best be 18th Century Colonial and Indian custom, but Tee Shirt and Sun Tan Lotion would be accepted.

All Yee ready to attend, send up the Lantern, and be ready on a minutes notice, and by all means -

DETAILS: 10:30-5:00PM 500 Perl Street at the Federal Court inside the Court Yard. We now need Public Relations Releases to the Times, News, Post and TV and Radio Media (WINS). We are expecting up to 500 Protesters. Please make time to be there. I need volunteers now with Paraphernalia, Press Releases, and sign making. SIGNS CAN NOT HAVE WOODEN STICKS NO ELECTRIFIED SOUND We also need a few speakers. BTW - the officer who gave us the Permit was blown away that one can be arrested for playing a DVD on Linux.

EMAIL ME

Sir Mordichai Gist:: AKA Ruben Safir

From Ruben I. Safir:

Yes

The 17th

The server is down so please spread this far and wide the old fashioned way:

On Tue, 27 Jun 2000, Ruben I Safir wrote:

Hello Everyone:

I just got off national television on Good Morning America with the Linux Mall people - if you didn't catch my 4 seconds of fame - holding a Linux Rules sign behind Al Rooker. Anyway - I need a show of voices for everyone planning to attend the Demonstration at the Court House on July 14th???

Ruben

Jim Gleason wrote:

Your timing is impeccable. We just started to organize ourselves at last week's NYLUG.org meeting. Our primary organizer is Ruben Safir (212-998-9806, ruben@wynn.com, ruben@sruben.dental.nyu.edu) I've copied him on this mail, so he should be getting in touch with you today. Ruben does need help today with regard to permits. Who can he reach over at the National Lawyers Guild. The main question is - shall we march outside the courthouse on July 17th? That has been our tentative plan for sometime, but we are looking to you for your comments.

Please watch for correspondence from Ruben since as he will be handling the logistics and the organizing for NYLUG.org. We all look forward to meeting you and Emmanuel,

- Jim

On Fri, 23 Jun 2000, Don Marti wrote:

If someone is already organizing an event outside the courthouse on the 17th, it would be a good idea to mail Jim, since he has a good-sized list of Linux users who can come out and participate.

Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 13:59:38 -0400 (EDT)

As Jay and Billy indicate, the trial MPAA vs 2600 begins on July 17th.

As discussed at the last meeting, NYLUG.org seeks a volunteer to lead a protest on this day. This person would be enabled with decision-making authority and sanction on behalf of NYLUG.org to build team if needed, secure permits on behalf of NYLUG.org, put the call out to standby-marchers, and assemble the protesters in an appropriate spot, if not the courthouse, for that day. I work just 5 blocks from the courthouse and will surely be there. However, I know that I will be unable to organize the effort. Many people have expressed interest and also want to prioterst, but I am looking for someone to rally these troops.

If you are interested, please write me back with "I CAN GET THE PERMITS" in the subject line.

- Jim