YOUR COMMENTS

Wow, talking John Birch Society Blues...and here I thought we were living in the 21st century now...maybe not all of us. Paranoia strikes deep.
- Deirdre Doyle, Deerfield, NH

Wow, I grew up in Raymond and join the army out of high school. I have 13 years defending our country and it's freedoms. I have absolutely no ill feeling towards events like this. Peace is the whole idea people. This was not an anti-war rally nor and anti-troop rally. Last time I checked New Hampshire's motto was "Live free or die".
- Bailey, Raymond

Instead of a peaceful yoga class, the Selectmen may find a First Amendment rally on the Common Sunday morning instead. A "yes" vote would have been easier, gentlemen.
- a citizen, Raymond, NH

A peace demonstration, following a successful missile attack on Manhattan and the Pentagon that we have not finished redressing, is ridiculous--and a working majority at the UN overtly aims to weaken the United States.

Nevertheless, the selectment disapproved this assembly because of its theme, which is government control of speech. Restricting speech because it might arouse controversy or violence means the only speech permitted is vapidity. It lets me shut someone up by threatening a violent reaction.

That government should curtail our liberties until it can guarantee that nothing will go wrong is just another day at work for Sen. Barnes, whose 2009 voting record in Concord, according to NHLiberty.org, is comparable to a coin flip. We in NH are losing our culture of liberty (even liberty for leftie anti-war chanters!) because Barnes and the supposed defenders of the individual would rather posture that We are in control here.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

I agree with Colleen West-Coates' comments. The town denied a peaceful, undestructive, progressive gathering on town owned land, but instead, in the same meeting favored loud, environmentally-unfriendly machines and guns on town owned land? Hmmm, personal agendas in action here? Thank goodness our dictatorial selectMEN still grand us the right to vote in this town. They've sealed the deal with me.
- Kathy, Raymond, NH

This board needs to refocus its priorities on issues that bring the town together and be respectful to opposing opinions.
- Mike, Raymond

Jean Coutu, Jaffrey,

Will you run for President? Please?
- Tim K, Jaffrey

I'm with you, Arlene. This makes me embarrassed to live in Raymond. "What kind of people will this attract??" Give me a break, Barnes.
- Ann Caron, Raymond

Oh No, look at that, those people are, no they coutln't be, Jack I believe, No, NO. My God, These people are BREATHING DEEPLY. What is happining to our community. Oh, and look,I can't bare it, they're, they're . . . Flexible. Oh, my country is in ruins. And worst of all, look, you can just tell, oh no, they're not republicans either, oh sob sob,sob. Long live the Soviet Republican States of America.
- Will, Curtis, MI

Last time I vote for Jack Barnes...
- Rob, Sandown

Jack Barnes, Selectman, Senator and one of the dimmest bulbs in the good ol' GOP's crop of political "stars". I'm sure Sen. Joe "tailgunner" McCarthy is smiling in his grave as Jack carries the torch of paranoia. Look out Jack, there under every bed!
- mike pucci, brentwood

fpc in Bedford - that's exactly what they fought and died for. They also fought and died for you to say stupid things like Obama is a Muslim.
- DM, Hampton

Hey fpc

Ummm. Maybe I'm missing something, but didn't our brave men and women fight for just that-the ability for all to have free speech? Apparently you have no problem with the concept provided it is you who have the ability to talk. And oh, what wise, informed things you have to say to us ignorant folk. Your probably right, clearly this is all the conspiracy doing of our "mulim" president. Keep em coming bud, and I'll keep laughing!
- Carl, Concord

'Chabis, Peace isn't "sympathetic to how you think"? Don't know what to make of that."
- jane, londonderry

Fair enough Jane. I'll explain. Much of what is done in the name of "peace" is counterproductive. Many "peace movements" tacitly approve of dictators and tyrants and/or create the conditions that allow them to gain control of people's lives.

Personally I learned this the hard way after years of acting in such movements.

I was, btw, a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam war era. How much blood guilt do I carry for the slaughter of innocent men and women in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos whose defense I worked hard to prevent?

Btw2 - I also practiced yoga. :)
- Chabis, Peterborough

WHOA NELLY!! For all of you not familiar with federal 1st amendment & state bill of rights art.32 protection rulings, here it is in a nut shell: If this was a demonstration gathering in the form of yoga to express their beliefs with a cause on public property and was a non commercial venture (all free or donated), THEN, their rights were directly violated. It is illegal for the Town to refuse, impose police detail costs, any fee's, bond's or restriction's other than it be peaceable. I would need more details, but, their welcome to contact me.
Jean Coutu, NH CAACP, 532-6711
Annual NH Live Free Or Die Rally
- Jean Coutu, Jaffrey

Since it was to be done as part of a UN sponsored celebration, the selectmen were afraid of the black helicopters.......
- Jim B, Manchhattan

Jack, I will gladly inform you of the sort of crowd that attend yoga classes for peace. First, they are not a group that require any sort of police presence. They are a passive bunch, as a matter of fact. It has long been apparent that you are not familiar with peace; it looks like this ignorance holds true for yoga. If you honestly believed that “a gathering to promote peace in our community and our world” posed a threat at all to anyone or anything, I am flat out baffled by your thought process.

Not all of our town’s citizens are barbarians. Just because some of our town’s citizens actually feel some compassion toward other human beings and understand that aggressive conflicts are wrong does not mean you should treat them any differently then you would have if they had been a capitol punishment rally or a McDonalds'get together.

Denied? How could our town selectmen, our elected representatives, and our voice, behave so maliciously toward the very people that entrusted and empowered them?
- Craig Dyer, Raymond

Dang hippies and that yoga nonsense, get a haircut!
- JeffD, Salem

I think the selectmen should have asked for more information - instead of just choosing elimination. If they had they would have found that this event had taken place in the past - without incident. This is NOT a protest or a rally, it's a gift Molly gives to her community to celebrate Peace Day. The selectmen chose instead to spend amply time discussing people using town property unlawfully - their solution - change the law, so they can continue doing what they are doing , but won't be braking the law anymore. I think the biggest change we need here is in selectmen.
- Diana, Raymond

Yo, whatz yous guys afraid of. Us wise guys need to stretch out toos. And if any undesirables decide to cause trouble my boys will be there for crowd control. Love Tony
- Tony Soprano, RAYMOND

I find it strange that the town will allow a parade where the featured guest, Mike the Donkey,is allowed to participate. However they deny a request to gather for peace sponsored by the United Nations.Maybe it would of been okay if Mike the Donkey brought a few of his friends some jackass's and elephants such as the republicans and democrats that run this town. Its a good thing that Raymond has some good selectwomen!
- hee haw, RAYMOND

I bet the Selectmen wouldn't hesitate to support a war rally- any war, any time, any where. Peace is soo not American.
- Gary, Bedford

True peace only comes when – we each sit down and examine our own hearts about our own fears, anger and judgments. Perhaps we should sit down with each other and have a conversation about our different points of view, asking questions about what it is that we’re so scared about and how we can find a new way of living in cooperation. It may seem crazy that yoga would be helpful to generating peace in this world but, if you haven’t tried it – maybe now is a good time to do so. It can’t hurt… You may come to know a peace an serenity – in your life that you have never experience! Bombing the heck out of each other hasn’t worked very well so far. I’ll take my chances with yoga – and sharing a cup of tea after class with anyone that cares to join me…. Namaste – Kat
- Kat Donahue, Manchester Nh

I for one will be looking up the official roll call on that vote and I will be there on Election Day to vote these abusive selectmen out of office. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves with that staged display of pure unconstitutional BS. You waited until everyone was gone to bring it up and then voted it down based on pure political bias.
You knew she did the same thing last year and there was no problem but you didn’t like the message so you voted it down. You do not get to pick and chose who speaks and who doesn’t the Constitution clearly states that.

Kodos to Cheryl Killam and Joyce Wood for supporting the constitution the rest of you have no business running our town affairs if you’re not going to act like Americans.

Not only was this poor judgment you’ll be lucky if you don’t get us sued, that’s all we need is a huge law suit for violating someone’s civil liberties. All they have to do is show that last year it was approved and that you’ve approved another event under the same general circumstances and as a town we’re screwed.

I see on July 20th you all approved a religious group to hold ceremonies on town property. I have no problem with that but the same principal applies were you not afraid someone might protest a religious event on town property? It’s that whole separation of church and state thing but according to the minutes the issue was never brought up.

You darned well better hope she doesn’t call the ACLU because if she does it’s an open and shut case of violation of constitutional rights based on prejudice and bias.

If you live in Raymond it’s time to get local and remove these bums their ignorance and arrogance is going to eventually catch up to them and when it does we will end up footing the bill for it.
- Jim, Raymond NH

Please remember it was good Senator Barnes that also said we should put anti-war demonstrators in concentration camps during his last election, and flat out told some of his constituents they had "no right" to call him and complain about some of his votes in the Senate, namely the ones that raised our taxes while he was the Senate Finance chair. Please, Raymond, eject this dottering old fool from office - no number of free cheeseburgers given away by him in the past is enough to keep him around.
- Corey, Manchester

I practive yoga for peace of mind. Sunday I'll practice for peace and the selctmen can come and judge me. What are you guys afraid of ?????
- Richard T Lee, Raymond NH

ian of bedford...obama IS a mulim and a corrupt politician. you are the ignorant one. as far as yoga for peace...that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard of. brave men didn't die so hippies could light candles and stretch their muscles while bad mouthing the USA!
- fpc, bedford

Since when is a peace rally the same as not supporting our troops? I support every soldier we ever sent to fight for US. - That doesn't mean that I would not love to see peace in my lifetime! Stupid ignorant people are the cause of more anger and war. I left Raymond years ago because of the closed mindedness. Let the woman have her rally - the only people it will hurt are the ones who will never understand no matter how hard we try.
- CB, MAnchester, NH

Well it has been a long time since I was embarrassed to live in this town. It is a shame because there are wonderful people in Raymond and Molly is certainly one of them. We are a progressive town except I have to say this was a HUGE step backwards. HUGE, way to go selectMEN
- Arlene French, Raymond, NH

This country needs to take a giant CHILL-PILL.

It's not like Animal House, They are not going to be yelling YOGA YOGA YOGA...
- Mary Mags, Bedford

It doesn't really matter if the UN is a joke, the town select'men' are obtuse and/or some people don't agree with the purpose. The simple facts are that the selectmen who voted against this gathering have stepped upon the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Raymond residents and anyone who would have attended the event. The idea that several small-minded individuals have taken it upon themselves to suborn the deepest tenets of what our country was based on... frankly makes me sick.

Thankfully we live in a state with the infamous Article 10 ensconced in our state Constitution.

[Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.]
Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

While I certainly don't see this as a cause for revolution... I do see it as a perfect opportunity for a little "resistance". I (for one) will be in the Raymond common practicing Yoga this Sunday.
- Mike, Deerfield

Raymond's narrow-minded members of the Board of Selectmen could definitely stand to learn a thing or two from Exeter.

http://www.peacedayexeter.org/
They don't seem to have any issue with the concept of the UN International Day of Peace.
- a citizen, Raymond, NH

Of Course they are banned from doing it. Anything that gives anyone a reason to gather scared those in charge who like to intimidate people into not asking questions as to why their rights are being stopped. They have the right to gather, they are doing a good cause, no violence or anything and yet the thugs in charge say no.
Of course no, they wanta police presence because such police details get the officers more money and to impart a "oh no look at the scary officer" view of the whole situation.

Cops and town be shamed.
- Shawn, Manchester

Key words: Yoga for PEACE. I am thinking that maybe...just maybe....they will be a peaceful group. Call me crazy but that is one thought.
- Mike, Manchester

Let's please keep in mind that this archaic attitude does not belong to All of us that live in Raymond. And that 2 of the Selectmen voted for it. The other 3 voted against it. And most of us know that Bill Hoitt has not voted against Frank Bourque since taking office. We replaced one puppet (state rep) with another. And who do we think is going to want to run for office next year??
- Kevin, Raymond, NH

This is totally blown out of control. The intent was to have peace. I think people fear what they are not fimiluar with. Why is it when there is a crisis we all seem to come together... I live in Raymond and love where I live but when seats come up for re-election we should think about our rights. Let's just STOP being so politcally correct and enjoy life and freedom we have in America.
- Terri, Raymond

...Are you kidding me? We have someone that's willing to take a step toward peace, and she gets shot down? Technically, as said before, we are not at war. I guess yoga and self-peace aren't good enough for society.

Live free or die? More like 'do what we tell you.'
- Ashley Hovatter, Raymond

If approval is not needed, you should just go ahead and do the Yoga peace demonstration, especially with this kind of advertising!
- Carol, Raymond

I guess this pretty much rules out the possibility of holding a tax cap yoga class on the town common.
- Chuck, Chester

Perhaps it's time to issue the challenge of researching what our (I will always view NH as home no matter where I am residing) state motto means to our local selectmen. Obviously they don't understand it. These types of events are taking place in hundreds of cities and towns around the world. Even if we are at war, we should always strive for peace! After all isn't the old AF motto for Strategic Air Command...Peace is our profession? Well it was!
- Dawn, Hudson

TYPICAL of Raymond. They are SO scared that a liberal might show up. I remember years ago they refused to advertise a local civic group's "pig roast" -- not because they didn't like the group, but because they were afraid PETA would show up to protest the roasting pig! Seriously, the people live in such fear there, it is appalling. These are the kind of people who still think Obama is a Muslim. Straight up ignorance.
- Ian, Bedford

Worth noting also is that Jack Barnes is incorrect when he says we are 'at war'. Well yes...we have troops in combat in various places...but Congress has not declared war. That fussy kind of legality is apparently not necessary anymore (and this is a shot at both parties, by the way).
- Eric, Manchester

Amendment 1 - Ratified 12/15/1791.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Those are the words our elected officials should be expected to support. I wasn't aware the Constitution didn't apply in Raymond, although watching the three men on the Board each week, it's hard to believe they ever heard about it. What do they think they support when they pledge allegiance to the American flag?
They advocate hunting and OHRV use on town property, but fear a peaceful assembly. What a pompous, unenlightened, closed-minded group of people. Raymond residents should stand up and make it clear Bill Hoitt, Frank Bourque and Jack Barnes do not represent them.
- Leslie, Raymond

This is not about the UN or not supporting our troops. It is about small town politicians abusing their positions.
Why wasn't the woman given the opportunity to be present at the selectmen's meeting?
- M&M, Raymond

John from Manchester, You are going to need a burn permit and the Fire Department won't issue you one to burn an American Flag! Be sure to let all Veteran's know when and where you plan to do this should you feel the need.
- Brian, Boscawen

I'm sorry, I'm still chuckling at "yoga class for peace." That's "doing one's part?" lol

I mean, they ought to have the freedom to do it--just as I should have the freedom to gather across the street and laugh.
- William Smith, Manchester, NH

Yes Jason, we must be wary of those violent pot smokers.

Yes Mike, people who do yoga are terrorists.

John, you want to have a pro-war rally at which you burn the flag?

Molly, have the event in the common anyways and next time, don't ask permission.
- William, Manchester

I am invitng everyon to the raymond town common for a "peaceful
rally to show the 3 bone headed selectman how ignorant and niave they are.
10 am come one come all!!!
Oh bring your ATV!!
- peaceful American, Raymond

It's the town common. Use it to peaceably assemble as is your right; no permission required.

If people gather and make trouble, arrest them.
- Pat McCotter, Meriden, CT (formerly Concord, NH)

Wow! I didn't realize how ignorant the selectmen are in Raymond. If you can't assemble peacefully for a 45 min yoga event, what would they actually approve??
- Matt, Manchester

Yeah but you get a bunch of people together advocating peace through yoga - it's not hard to see how the fights would begin...

"Hey get off my yoga mat - this is my space"

"Was it you who knocked over my chai tea?"
- Frank, Dover NH

"Peace" rallies have been violent in the last few years, just look at Code Pink. They're also populated by pot smokers.

Perhaps you ought to look at your own PR and denounce that sort of group that's giving you the bad image, instead of blaming people for seeing it?
- Jason Entres, Hollis

So much for the right to peacefully assemble...
- Jeff, Manchester

I'm glad they stopped this demonstration. If she was allowed a peace protest, then I want a war rally held on the following Saturday. You can't deny one and allow the other, and while I'm there I'll burn the american flag. Just because it's my right, and I can!!
- John, Manchester

This is just awful. Here's what happens at this type of event. People do some yoga poses. They meditate. They mentally send "peace" (call it calmness, tranquility, ease of well being to remove it from the word PROTEST) into the world. It is not about protesting anything whatsoever. It is just about gathering and releasing positive energy. Please join like-minded folks in Exeter on Sept. 20 for their take on Peace Day; just google for peacedayexeter dot org.
- Natasha, Epping

I wish I would have seen that discussion take place. Bet it came across as a Saturday Night Live skit.
- Wendy, Manchester

Hmmmm......I wonder if there was a rally to support the troops in our foreign wars these selectmen would squash it because they "wonder if this is is going to bring a crowd of people into town on both sides of the issues and whether we need police down there". Somehow I doubt that. Whatever happened to rights of speech, assembly, association, etc.?
- JGE, Deerfield

If she owns a Yoga studio, why not just do this in the studio? Why do you need to do it in the town common unless your looking to stir up something? Attention grabber
- Peter, Goffstown

And people think Manchester has problems!!!!!!

What if they do yoga in camo? Would that make your narrow minds more happy?
- Maria, Manchester, NH

"The land of the free and the home of the brave..."
- pascal, wolfeboro, nh

No Freedom of Speech in Raymond? They won't see me or my business anymore either.

Live free (of stupid politicians) or die!
- Larry, Derry, NH

Am I reading this correctly: The Raymond Selectman are afraid that true Americans might come along and beat up a bunch of peace loving people doing yoga because they are exercising their right to free assembly on the town common? Is that right? So, people, don't try to go out in your town and speak your mind because other people who don't agree with you might not like it and in America they might come along shoot you or otherwise cause a problem, therefore your town government will deny you a permit to assemble. Hmmm....
- Julie, Hopkinton

Peace!
It's not just a passing word you say in church when prompted by the Preist. Some people actually try to live it.
Don't be afraid. Unfortunately it's not contagious.
- Kathy Daskal Lee, Raymond, NH

Chabis, Peace isn't "sympathetic to how you think"? Don't know what to make of that.
- jane, londonderry

So, appearently the Raymond town board missed the whole part of elementary, middle, high school where we learned the constitution... anyone right to peaceful assembly? It seems like the principles that this country was founded on have been lost to selfish power hungry politicians... sigh
- Nick, Kingston

I think this is unbelievable. Like others have said, why do people need permission to gather on a "common" ground? This is for PEACE...which Sunday is the international day for peace...it isn't for NOT supporting our troops or our country, it is to express that we want peace...yeah...and a peaceful low impact yoga class outside is really going to get out of control. This is whats wrong with our country...not being able to want peace and show that. When did wanting peace turn into a problem? This is very upsetting
- Kelly, Hooksett

they were worried about what kind of people would show up for this event. I think they just sterd up more problems than if they would have just let the event take place.
- denise, manchester

I'm a conservative and I don't like the U.N. either, but this is ridiculous. Free speech should still mean something. (I also do yoga, by the way.)
- Eric, Manchester

What a joke. Go do your yoga. It's public land. Here is a citizen who tried to do things the right way, only to have some ignorant power-mongers get in the way.

I love the "don't have enough information" line. Take a look below your beltline for what you need to make a decision. Typical small town bureaucrats. Nice job burying the item 3 hours into the agenda.

My political stance: I am a lifelong republican and voted for McCain.
- JP, Milford

Finally, something both liberals and conservatives (for the most part) can agree on in the Union Leader! I cannot fathom how the town of Raymond can think they aren't inviting a civil rights lawsuit with this one. And the best part? The WILL lose if they are challenged in court.

One of the first steps towards true "peace" is agreeing we can disagree. This is something that many people are challenged to do, unforturnately.
- Tom, Pepperell, MA

Interestingly, the agenda of the selectmen's meeting that evening included an hour long hearing on the potential change of Raymond Law to allow ATV's and hunters access to town owned land. That request was given a great deal of debate and attention. The 3 selectmen who voted not to allow a town resident - a woman known as a local volunteer and innovative school nurse - to use the town common (town-owned land) appeared to very much favor the idea of allowing anyone, town resident or not, to access the town-owned land with loud, environmentally-unfriendly machines and guns. Ironic, don't you think??? Perhaps even a case of advocating for personal agendas while denying the rights of others.
- Colleen West-Coates, Raymond Nh

When did peace become a dirty word? I must have missed the memo. What is wrong with people practicing a peaceful assembly in their own town, where they pay taxes? What is wrong with living with the hope that all wars could end peacefully, and that our men and women in the military can come home and be with their families and live in peace? Peace is not a dirty word. Peace is the light at the end of this very dark tunnel.
- AL, Manchester

I don't even like yoga, but I now have the sudden urge to drive to Raymond this Sunday and perform a "downward facing dog" on the Town Commons.

What a joke.
- Justin, Manchester, NH

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Maybe these idiots in the town should be shown a copy of the contitution, what country are they from anyway?

Molly Schlangen should really just go there, gather and do what they set out to do. Their local property taxes are paying for that common and residents do NOT need permission to use it. If she was SELLING something, then maybe there would be an argument
- AC, londonderry

I hope people show up to protest the actions of the town!
- Jay, Manchester

They have a car show on the common coming up...that shouldn't be allowed either! Whomever said it before me was right, Live Free of Die no longer means anything in this state!
- Kathy, Raymond

Yoga and being healthy is in direct conflict with the McDonald's restaurant in Raymond that is owned by Jack Barnes.
- DM, Hampton

Susan from Raymond is right. Free people don't need to ask permission.
- SOJ, Lebanon

Every month (the last Tuesday) we have held Peace Yoga at Dragonfly since Jan 2009. We star with setting intent, a brief dharma talk, 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation ending with Metta Sutra. To this point it has been in the studio but you've inspired me to want to take it outside to the city park at the MO river at Sunset.

It is a free event but we ask people to bring donations or items to donate from a "wish list" of various charitable groups around town...prganizations helping homeless people, Youth in Need, Crisis Nursery, Food Banks from the area, groups helping kids with autism... Its been well attended and we look forward to doing it monthly.
http://www.dragonflyhealthspa.com/

In St Louis we've done mass sun salutations in the park many times. Its always well attended and well received...just do it!
- Tom Fogarty, St Charles (St Louis), MO

The most harmful part of this story is the violation of the Constitution. Freedom of Assembly is a distinct part of the 1st ammendment. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" Ben Franklin
- Dave, Chester

"Terrorists do yoga in iran an iraq, not in america.
- HunterMike, Raymond"

Wow. This is why I love the UL online.
- Thad, Dalton

Mac Wade in Newmarket, WELL SAID. The UN has some of the world's nastiest thugs. Why else would idiots like Quaddafi be on a "human rights" council?!

And indeed, they disarmed the helpless citizens who needed weapons most to fend off warlords. It'd be as if someone took all the Brown Bess muskets away from the American revolutionaries in 1776 and left them at the mercy of the British. But, you see, genocides are over quickly, protracted wars, (especially against a warlord that's on their human rights council) are embarassing.

It's long past time the US kicked the UN out. They are the enemy. And "yoga for peace". What a joke. You want peace, go out and do some WORK for it.
- Mike R., Bedford

There is no Peace in Raymond! "what kind of people will show up. " Please to me "What kind of people run the place?"
WOW just amazed they can actualy say it out loud.
- Maureen Grace, Manchester

Thank you Mr. Barnes for protecting the citizenry from dangerous yoga types. How many more people must be endangered by the potential for mass demonstration by such gatherings? Why, people are probably all planning bus trips down south in Massachusetts as we speak. LOL Jeesh, maybe the town should be a little more "flexible".
I would just show up and do it anyway.
- Carl, Concord

Why should citizens even have to request permission to gather on the common? There will be no electicity use, no loud noises, no equipment, except maybe mats... Individuals gather on the common often without permission. Are the police going to arrest 20 individuals for showing up on the common Saturday? I say, just do it!
- Susan, Raymond

Absolutely the right decision. Pacifists doing yoga can be VERY dangerous. Definitely would have required a police presence, tasers, maybe a SWAT team or two in case things really got out of hand. And lots of donuts in case, you know, nothing actually happened...

Seriously, what the **** happened to the right to peaceably assemble?
- R.P., Kingston

Wow, have we really sunken this low? I honestly cannot believe the level of ignorance and vindictiveness flowing from these people.. Block and censor the presidents speech to school kids, block and censor a small yoga peace gathering, I’m sure a good ole book burning will be the next big event.. they can call it " Were just Burning up for Freedom" Way to go! Live free or die
- Kyle, Atkinson

Maybe if she called it a yoga "Town Hall" she'd get approval because we know what kind of crowd that type of gathering attracts. Shame on you Jack Barnes.
- Mike, Whitefield

We don't need people out there not supporting our troops in public. it sends the wrong message to them and they are fighting to keep us safe from terrorists. Terrorists do yoga in iran an iraq, not in america.
- HunterMike, Raymond

As the event was held last year with no problems, it should have been allowed to proceed.

It looks like she was not connected to any of the council members...The only way to get anything from city government now is to know someone in office...

Of course, they could have approved it and had SWAT teams and K9 units standing by for the 20 or 30 participants. You never know when an angry mob of yoga participants will go on a rampage and loot and burn your city down...

Well done City Council. Protect our City and make our state proud....
- William Tharp, Manchester

As the event was held last year with no problems, it should have been allowed to proceed.

It looks like she was not "connected" to any of the council members...The only way to get anything from city government now is to "know" someone in office...

Of course, they could have approved it and had SWAT teams and K9 units standing by for the 20 or 30 participants. You never know when an angry mob of yoga participants will go on a rampage and loot and burn your city down...
- William Tharp, Manchester

Wow, have we really sunken this low? I honestly cannot believe the level of ignorance and vindictiveness flowing from these people.. Block and censor the presidents speech to school kids, block and censor a small yoga peace gathering, I’m sure a good ole book burning will be the next big event.. They can call it "Were just Burning up for Freedom" Way to go! Live free or die
- Kyle, Atkinson

Yoga is now a national threat?
- Harry, Atkinson

Raymond is not exactly the most progressive place in NH, so this is no surprise. It takes a special kind of closed mind to disapprove of "peace yoga."

Mac Wade, I have a foil hat to sell you if you think it would help protect you from New World Order government, or you can call up the LaRouche folks and they'll help you out.
- Johnnie, Manchester

Not my kind of event, likely not attractive to my circle of friends or sympathetic to how I think. Maybe that is also so for the majority of people in Raymond. But that shouldn't matter. Free thought. Free speech. Free gatherings. All are necessary for a free state to prosper. Government interference is wrong and counterproductive.
- chabis, peterborough

So much for the 1st Amendment.
- Tom, Newmarket

I think there needs to be some clarification on the process of "needing approval". Some folks on this board have been known to drive their personal agendas.......like the use of ATVs on town property. Otherwise, it is another liberal not living in the real world event.
- John, Raymond

Please....since when does the UN actually promote peace?

It's comprised up of some the worst civil rights abusing countries. It’s a total façade.

Ask the people of various African nations how well UN disarmament worked out for them. The UN international gun control confiscated the weapon out the hands those who needed them most – the people. It left millions of people at the mercy of powerful, violent, well-armed warlords, & religious terrorists. Can we say Somalia? The Congo?

You want to promote peace – more power to you. Just stop promoting the UN fallacy. It’s time the U.S. pulled out the one-world-government UN / World Bank. UN treaties are a dangerous threat to our national sovereignty and our Constitution – stop selling us down the road to the New World Order government. Do our own research on this subject, the lasting they actual want is peace.
- Mac Wade, Newmarket

Just read how the yoga event was not approved. I am teaching in China this year and it seems that live free or die has lost its meaning.
- Davis, Nottingham