I got a phone call on Tuesday night from an activist friend about an initiative to take to the streets happening on the following day.

"You've heard the news that the DC Metro Transit Police will begin conducting random searches of customer's bags to ride metro?"

"Yes, and its awful! What are you planning to do?"

Steve from FlexYourRights.org let me know that he had organized protestors to gather at various metro stops and hand out flyers containing information encouraging citizens to refuse having their personal property searched.

"Well, I have to go to my jobby-job, so I can't be physically present," I replied. "But I'm happy to promote your cause online."

Coverage of the event by local news media resulted in some necessary stories published, including video footage aired on ABC 7 News.

Two of my good friends are in the clip: Steve was interviewed directly, and Tom is seen protesting in action.

Also, Charlene from another group I work with nobly held this sign by the Dupont Metro Station:


NBC Washington News: Critics Protest Metro's Plan to Search Bags

WJLA ABC 7 News: Protesters Oppose Metro Bag Searches (with video clip)

FLYER: How to Flex Your Rights on the Metro

The College Park City Council is trying to take away one of the few fun, quirky, bohemian places in College Park. The College Perk Coffeehouse has been host to various local musicians, as well as supporting monthly Pagan Band Jams hosted by the Open Hearth Foundation, as well as the annual DC Pagan Pride Day, among other various cool events.

Save the Perk!.

( more info behind the cut )