Your rights

By Rick Yencer
 Occupy Wall Street is a genuine phenomenon of First Amendment issues not seen since the days of civil rights and other 1960s protests, according to Ken Falk, the lawyer that represents the American Civil Liberties Union in Indiana. "Occupy gets people thinking about wealth distribution, but also about the First Amendment," said Falk. "I love people thinking about the first amendment." The lawyer believed Occupy Muncie was on good legal ground, in a public place that has no restrictions. Delaware County Commissioners have continued to allow the occupation on the county building plaza. Falk, and Gil Holmes, ACLU executive director, were in Muncie on Thursday to raise awareness and money for the group. Alice Bennett, a retired Ball State University professor, hosted the gathering attended by about 25 people some who support Occupy Muncie and participated in the Oct. 19 march. Retired teacher Pat Helms was among those marchers who want to see wealth equality and a better quality of life. ACLU operates on a shoestring with a lawyer and other support staff. Holmes, a former BMV director, was brought in help get the word out about the work the ACLU does to protect the rights of Hoosies. Just because President George Bush left office, it did not mean an end of civl rights violations, Holmes said. The Indiana Legislature recently impose restrictions in immigrants and women that courts deemed unconstititional. Falk explained how lawmakers changed the law to allow authorities to detain aliens who had no more than an action notice from immigration. There seems to be no end to the complaints about civil rights. The organization gets about 1,000 calls a month and juggles about 35 cases. And it has a rich history, existing since 1920. Falk got his start in Muncie, years ago, recalling his acquaintance with Dr. John Peterson and others as a young ACLU lawyer. "We represent everybody from the KKK to the NAACP," said Falk. The goal of the ACLU is to increase its members and resources to make sure the First Amendment and Bill of Rights are upheld An easy contact is to go online at www.aclu-in.org or by phone, (317) 635-4059.

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