I’ve been to three Rainbow Gatherings in my life in recent years – Arizona (1998), Montana (2000) and Utah (2003). Originating in the 1960’s and 1970’s, this unofficial event takes place each year in a national forest somewhere in the country in July. Tens of thousands of people gather in the same place and learn about basic economics, non-violence, cultural diversity, and social justice. It’s an amazing experience. What’s even more amazing is that folks make it a point to make any repairs necessary of damage caused by humans in the forest, including replanting of grass, in an effort to leave it as it was prior to people camping there.
This year it appears that the National Forest Service is going to attempt to cite campers going to this year’s gathering with a $5,000 ticket and a potential of 6 months in jail if they get cited and then refuse to pay. When I heard this it made me want to take time off to go to this year’s gathering just to exercise my right to camp in a national forest.
I have some friends to traveled to this year’s gathering. It will be interesting to hear how their experience was, especially with regards to this situation.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 