This is the way it REALLY is...

Back before so many people had computer access to keep such close tabs on what was going on, We travelled to the Rainbow Gatherings on FAITH. Not knowing what was in store, but just knowing that we needed to gather. There have been numerous hassles in the past, but we overcame by numbers and faith. Now unfortunately, the "information age" is upon us, and as we all know, situations can be controlled simply by enough people saying a certain thing, and others believing. That is how the Iraq war came into being. Need I say more? Quitters do us no good. Negativity does us no good. From reading all these posts (and the posts on AGR), I would have to say that the Rainbows are becoming their own worst enemy. The Forest service is like the annoying fleas, but we are like the very large rabid dog that they are on. What happened to people standing up for what they believe in? Doesn't matter how much you stand up if you're not there. The arguement over sites is redundant. The National forest is a big place.
This thing is always do-able.
For those who are "scared", I will say that I have lived in WV for over 30 years, and while there could be a few who don't want us here, as could be the case anywhere else, there are VERY MANY very cool folks, both "hippys" and"hillbillies" alike, living in WV. Perhaps more per capita than many other states. There have been NO problems with "White Supremacists" or the KKK in a very long time. The biggest problem in this state right now is too many people with the desire to get high on bad drugs. Most of these folks could be helped by attending the Gathering, and alot of them probably would attend if they were aware, or had a ride.
WV is a tremendously beautiful state. Environmental groups, run mostly by very hip folks, some of whom I happen to know, keep the coal mining companies on their toes. This is due to persistance and being in the right. We win nothing by deciding not to come. We only show that we are beaten. So stay home already, then the Rainbow Gatherings can be a thing of the past. That should make the whiners and the Forest Service happy. Or go, on Faith as in the past. Stay in the right. Allow the thing to work. Because it will. Life is an adventure. Stay open to it. Stay open to whatever lessons we can learn from this. Don't feel so special. You can expect things to be harder since the big 911 fiasco. Harder for everyone.
Don't let your hardcore belief system put you in a box, or you are no different than the president and all his henchmen, no different than the Forest Service, no different than the Feds, you get my drift. And besides, no matter where we gather, it's home.

 

nicely said.....We Love West by God Virginia!!!!!!

 

well im commin home one way or another ....and sans cellie .....jus tryin to flow in at a time when it wont put a burden on those already there ...

 

i for 1 am excited to see how this all turns out, i have faith in the stregnth of family, & i know we are in the right & our srength will always carry us thrugh any difficulties.
i'd urge all family new & old to go, as soon as possible, but especialy old family needs to get there now!
those going for the 1st time, i'd urge you to take part in the council provccess, experience 1st hand the magic of how we make things happen,
listen with open minds & hearts to what the more experienced have to say, but don't le yopur inexperience prevent you from speaking your mind.
note to new gatherers, you may be approached and asked to sign a permit...do not sign! they only wan you to take responcibility & make you a leader of the rainbow, & ultimately financialy responcible
if you must..accept a ticke (some accept them under false names which is fine) i know i am willing to be ticketed if needed,
seek that fine line between standing strong & avoiding conflict.
ok, thats enough talk about the hassles of dealling with the fs & leo's i think we need to stop talking about that & start talking about the bliss again, & the pure joy & wonderment that is the gathering of he tribes..
come home, be happy, share love & light & all good things..live your bliss, be free,
i love you all & can't wait to see you on the land..

 

Thank you Earthmother,
I was reconsidering whether or not to come but your words helped restore my faith.

It's true that there have been many problems in the past leading up to the main events but we didn't have cell phones and computers to broadcast every nuance and rumor.

May we find the wisdom, courage, kindness and strength to move forward