California peace gathering marred by violence and Indian complaints
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 16,000 people from eight nations gathered in a forest in California yesterday to hold hands in a circle and silently pray for world peace from dawn until noon.
More than 16,000 people from eight nations gathered in a forest in California yesterday to hold hands in a circle and silently pray for world peace from dawn until noon.
It was the high point of the annual Rainbow Family Gathering in the Modoc National Forest, held by a group that insists it has no organisers, leaders or members.
But this year's peace love-in has been blighted by violence. One participant has been jailed for allegedly beating another nearly to death with a shovel for driving too fast through the camp ground.
Marijuana is everywhere but alcohol is discouraged. However, by Saturday afternoon, there had been 11 arrests, most for "interfering with a police officer".
In the 30 years the event has been running, law enforcement officials have had an uneasy relationship with the hippies. But most tangles with the law are down to recreational drugs, occasional nudity and unleashed dogs. The Rainbows' choice of a site also drew protests from a local Indian community council, which said that digging latrines could harm ancestral artefacts. That was particularly galling for the group, which considers itself a tribe and draws on Native American traditions.
But most were determined that their party would not be spoilt. "It's about love, it's about community, it's about family," said a man known as Lucky Sunshine Day. "We're here to restore the Earth to its natural state."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments