I participated in a candlelight vigil near ground zero on friday night - in memory of the victims of 9/11 and its aftermath, to stand for freedom of religion, and against the hatred being directed at muslims. a committed group of about 2,000 were present.

disconcerting, as always, is the pen in which the police put you to carry out your freedom of speech rights. you have to ask for permission (ie. file for a permit) to express yourself and then you're given something the size of a postage stamp on which to dance - fenced in and surrounded by police. feeling like sitting ducks. the paradox is nauseating. it's an ongoing struggle - but obviously well worth the effort...

the photo was found at:  the gothamist