THOMAS v. REAGAN

USDC Cr. No. 84-3552

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WILLIAM THOMAS, et al    
     Plaintiff Pro Se    
                         
versus                          CA 84-3552
                                Judge Louis Oberdorfer
UNITED STATES, et al     
     Defendants

DECLARATION OF ELLEN THOMAS
RE MARCH 22, 1987

I, Ellen Thomas, hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the following is true and correct to the best of my knowledge:

1. On or about March 22, 1987, I was maintaining a round-the-clock vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House, as I have done regularly since April, 1984.

2. At 7:30 a.m. I was seated at my signs, reading a book and wrapped in blankets against the early morning chill.

3. U.S. Park Police officer Deriso approached me and handed me two "camping" tickets, one for me, and one for William Thomas, who was not in the park at the time.

4. Officer Deriso said "I'm sorry I have to give you this."

5. "Were you given orders?" I asked.

6. "Yes."

7. "Who ordered you?"

8. "We've all been told to strictly enforce the regulations. It doesn't matter whether I agree with it or not. The only way to get rid of a bad law is strict enforcement, so the court can decide what to do with it."

9. "But we're already in court. Officer Ward had the same idea."

10. Officer Deriso shrugged and went to deliver a ticket to Robert Dorrough.

11. Also ticketed were Concepcion Picciotto, Scott Galindez, and Stephen (Sunrise) Semple. Dr. James Evens, Betty Unger, and a man known to me only as Michael had also spent the night in the area, but did not receive tickets.

______________________________
Ellen Thomas
1440 N St. NW Apt. 410
Washington, D.C.
20005


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