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There's this circle in the middle of the main plaza in front of the Administration Building on Cal Berkeley's Campus. It (I believe) is in honor of the protests that went on in the 70s for the Free Speech Movement. The text on it say something like it being a completely free space, dedicated to no notion of sovereignty. How does that actually work? Could I go on there and drink from an open container in front of a cop? What if I stood there naked? Is the monument just a dedication or can they really do that? |
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The 'monument' is actually the empty space at the middle of the granite circle. The inscription reads: "This soil and the airspace extending above it shall not be a part of any nation and shall not be subject to any entity's jurisdiction." So it's referring to the empty circle, 6 inches in diameter, at the center, and the virtual column of space extending above it. If you can fit your open container, naked body, and weapons-grade plutonium inside that circle, go for it! You've clearly got powers over matter and space beyond the 'authorities' of this plane. I sometimes stand in it on the toes of one foot, so that some small cross-section of me -- including perhaps 1/3 of my brain volume! -- might experience true freedom for a just moment. (That is to say: it's a think piece, whose assertion is conveniently unfalsifiable in the real world.) 2
I figured it was, but this is helpful. Thanks! Good to know my plans would be foiled before I try it :D
(14 Apr '10, 00:12)
4grim
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No. It's a place where cops won't freak if people start protesting, but you're going to get trouble otherwise. Expect trouble if you protest with organized public alcohol consumption! On being naked - it's only illegal if someone is offended. Berkeley is home to the naked jogger, who used to take his morning jog in the nude...for the past 30 years. Never been arrested. |
great question!