There are a few things that i would like to say about this. The Raibow people have managed to do more for these disaster victims then our supposed governmental agencies that are designed to provide relief in disasters. They are true movers and shakers! They have gained my respect, as well as those that they are serving. I watched them feed, clothe, and counsel these people, all with a smile on their faces and the purest of love for these victims. They are some of the most amazing people i have ever met in my life.

Additionally, i would like to state that the medical unit at the "New Waveland Cafe" is and had been providing a whole lot more then basic first aid. I served in the medical until from Oct 24 - Oct 31, 2005.(*****MSN - Please post the picture that you took inside the midical unit- or at least send it to me so i can share it with those of us in the picture*****) We averaged seeing nearly 50-75 patients per day. Yes minor first aid was provided, but minor surgical procedures were performed, preventative care, as well as seeing numerous sick patients who would otherwise would not have received care. We saw pateints that Hancock hospital turned away. We filled perscriptions of life saving medications that these people could not have obtained otherwise. All on donated medical supplies, and donated medical staff time. We shared our donated supplies to Hancock hospital when they were short on supplies.

A special thanks to Clovis, Jimmy, Monty, Doc Mark, Diana, Doc Sarah, Bridgette(CALM), and many others - you are all angels walking on earth, thank you all for allowing you hearts to be so open...............

You the un-organization are just beautiful.

I heard yesterday that this had been closed. I'm from Waveland, working in Houston & going home whenever possible. I have "dined" at the New Waveland Cafe & the food was excellent! The volunteers are cheerful & welcoming, & seem to be very organized. They are great!

Wow! Way to go folks! Finally someone who is doing some good. I'm sure that your efforts have made a world of difference in the area. I commend you on your efforts to help the folks down there. Keep up the good work. If I want to donate some money to your group is there anyone I can talk to?

I was here volunteering the medical team from Burbank, CA in week eight of the disaster and saw this entire operation at work. Americans helping Americans--it was awesome and we hope to be back in six months to give send half of Hep A shots. Bless you all for your great work! Love you!

COOL!
LJ

Just to clearify- we offer more than first aid. For 6 weeks we have had a fully functional family medicine/urgent care clinic. Doctors come from all over and we've been seeing between 50-100 patients a day. It's all totally free with a lot of medicines and supplies donated from all over. Special kudos to Pfizer and International Aid for facilitating the donations of much needed medications.

Amazing what people can do when they work together! Keep up the great work New Waveland Cafe!
Best wishes,
JoAnn Bush
Los Angeles, CA
www.generation2b.com

thank God for Rainbows of all descriptions, the Rainbow Family says it all!

WOW!And people have always said that hippies are unorganized and lazy!Being from the pacific northwest,we have always known this not to be true,they have usually been some of the most organized groups to offer help in a time of crisis.Maybe George and buddies could use a little tye-dye in their lives! Keep up the good work Rainbow peoople!!!

I think it is great when we lay aside the titles and red tape and just become humans helping humans without looking to who gets the pat on the back! Hooray for the Rainbow Family.

Beautiful intentions produce beautiful results

There area many, many Rainbow people in the world, working in their communities, trying to make a difference, praying for world peace as they go . . . . .

The beauty of this movement proves anarchism is a functional alternative. We can provide for eachother in ways that no one group, no government organization or institution, can hope to help people. We don't need the government for assistance, we need the will of us all to recognize social justice and injustice. We can help eachother in times of crisis, and we can help eachother in times of peace and harmony. Join hands and join the movement.

This makes me very proud and happy to see this kind of action by a group of people who have usualy been described as useless and either been laughed at or savaged by the right for their well intended effort to bring peace,harmony,and beauty to the world they live in. All my Love brothers and sisters

cast a wide net
find the commen thread
let life flourish
just keep it organic
Welcome to the rainbow family
a big family getting bigger
Be back soon
Diamond Dave Whitaker

I am thrilled to read of the great work that can happen when there is a will to do great things. I am truly amazed at the result a disorganized group can accomplish. Amazing that the military and government organizations couldn't pull together as quickly. If they had, the doctors on the Navy Ship Comfort may have actually been able to see patients< rather than twiddle their thumbs because they weren't liscenced to practice in Mississippi. with a few more rainbows and alot less beurocracy we may be able to fix a thing badly in need if repair, our country.

We want to work with you. call us soon!

..I tip my hat to you all that have responded to the need as well..I may even forgive you for that incident back at Travis AFB Calif. in May 1969..when I was just a young Marine doing what was asked of me by my country..we that served our nation above all understand the concept of what it is like to want to live in a world with out war..You are all doing a fine job..Thank You and Keep it up..

Way to go, Rainbow People. I love you all. Thanks so much from a transplanted MS Coast native.

Attorney Brian Michaels has been practice law in Eugene, Oregon for over a dozen years. He is licensed to practice in State, Federal & Supreme Courts. His practice focuses on criminal defense, constitutional law, Mass Gathering, and Land Use.
Attorney Michaels, is associated with a group/gathering of the Rainbow Family (http://welcomehome.org/rainbow/index.html). Mid November, he is going to Waveland, MS & NO to work with this group serving Thanksgiving dinner and aiding relief work.. They are running New Waveland Café & N.O. Welcome Home Café (http://www.remarelief.net/)
His office has organized donations of supplies and money. Brian spoke to Stone and Arjay, October 31 and was told that all of the help/aid has moved out of the area. They are now the only place left serving hot meals and providing medical care to both relief workers and casualties al through donations. People’s hopes are dwindling and the holidays are happening please help out!

Welcome to Waveland, Mississippi, where a thirty foot wall of water and 150 mph winds have forever altered the physical and cultural landscape of this devastated gulf coast community. Located at Katrina Ground Zero, the New Waveland Cafe serves free hot meals and good vibes from the parking lot of Fred's Discount Store located at 790 US Rt. 90 to the good people of Waveland, MS, as they dig out of the rubble and rebuild their community.

Contact
259 East 5th Avenue Suite 300-D,
BRIAN MICHAELS, Law Office
contact: Sephra at 541-687-0020
Legal Assistant For Attorney Michaels

For information see the links below:

http://www.remarelief.net/
http://www.welcomehome.org/rema/
http://ashevillecommunity.org/hawker/katrina/

You may call it an un-organization but it looks like it could teach FEMA the meaning of the term anyway.

Hi everybody,

I was at New Waveland Cafe for about 3 wks. Everyone was awesome, The Rainbow People, Dusty and Onyx Robin, Floppy, Pete and Faye, Goat and the others. Also, all the church grps and individuals who just came from all over. W/i 12 Hrs from arriving I had Goat' yellow tent sleeping bag and hot food and friends. What a great group!

un-organization?...i do not understand help someone and you will be helped in your time of need...did none of you fokes ever chase the dead? GO FOR IT RAINBOW we love ya!

This is my home and I love it. If it hadn't been for the rainbow un-organization and others we would not have made it. If the government would take a few tips form people such as this we could be on our way to recovery by now.

I spent a week in October working at the distribution center next to the Waveland Cafe.

The Rainbow Family has provided much more support the local community with fewer resources than our federal government. FEMA should take notes.

This group has truly been a gift to the people of Waveland.

Hi Everyone:

If it weren't for the total kindness of BCOC, Rainbow, Organic Valley, and other volunteers who made me feel welcome, I would have probably not stayed the 10 days or have thoughts of returning. I love them all and can't wait to return sometime this week. I am leaving tonight. Everyone got a long and I tell you, I have never seen an individual or group of people work so hard to help others. If trucks (sometimes 1 to 4 semis) pulled in at the same time - everyone would chipped in to unload; sometimes lasting way into the night or early morning; only to get up in the morning to do it all over again. I can't wait to get back because I heard that the place has grown and it makes me feel so good inside knowing that there is a wonderful place for the survivors to gather to forget their troubles. I heard about the play area for the children. Way to go ladies, I heard about your wonderful work. Clovis,there will be lemon pepper chicken spice. Arjay, Hawker, Arron and the rest of you, GROUP HUG when I get there. I am driving with God in the passenger seat. Twenty-four hours is worth it to return to my second home. The EMT tent at the time I was there saved lives. And now to read how it has grown into a clinic - WOW. Then there is the Tornado Lounge I have yet to mellow out in. Bringing candles to add to the atmosphere and an electric key board. I hear the entertainment is the best around helping to lift everyone's spirit which is so important. We all share the devastation and at times we become overwhelmed by it all. I am so proud of all (past and present)who are working hard to keep it all together. God Bless each and everyone of you. Love Gayle aka Mama Celeste

we the rainbow family are definitely everywhere!!!
i am glad the rainbow family got some good press that is totally unimpeachable!!!

My Blessings to you on this first day after Samhain. The veil was close and led me to you. Keep up the good work-I WILL be sending monies for the people I only can wish to know.

It is a common belief that government will save America from the trials that mother nature brings. OBSERVE these are everyday people who are NOT senators, presidents, elected lawmakers or people who were assigned top notch positions due to their education or political alliance. Imagine what the Waveland Cafe model could perform to offset WAR.
MEGA Thousands of KUDOS

This goes to show that too much time can be spent planning and not enough doing. But this group just did it, and the difference it made in the lives of these communities is astounding! I applaud everyone doing the work down there to help family and friends of those of us who can't (but want to) go.
This also proves that the alternitive communities of the world, the Rainbow Families, the Wiccans and Druids, the Burning Man tribes, the Gays and Lesbians, all of us whom the mainstream have ridiculed for so long, really have an un-guessed at worth; that of hope, honesty, and true love for humanity. We are your neighbors and friends, we are your parents and children, we are your doctors, nurses, teachers, and armed forces. Know the love we have for you through our actions, not through the prejudices you have been taught. Thank you all for this great gift.

A friend of mine and I have been to the Cafe several times to bring them food and supplies that are desperately needed, and the story of the Rainbows is something that no one would believe until you visit their operation and experience it for yourself. These kids are up at 7 am getting hot coffee and breakfast (yes, they serve three meals daily) and work non-stop through the day. All the kids sleep in tents or in the converted school buses they arrived in and take cold showers in a make shift facility and use port-o-lets for restrooms. The communal washing machine to clean their clothes is hot wired into the generator from the reefer converted into a bunk house with twenty or so beds inside to get a cool night sleep for a select few to escape the 90 degree heat and constant infestation of mosquitoes. They provide their own entertainment from improvised musical groups to fashion shows from clothes they have gathered from the donation pile in the parking lot next to the cafe. It is truly inspirational to see kids, mostly 19-25 years old, working unitl 10 or 11 o'clock each and every night preparing meals for the next day and having the time of their life in the worst conditions that that you cannot possibly imagine.
They are known as the "Rainbows" by all the people in Waveland whose lives they have given hope when there was none, but I have seen them for what they truly are, Angel's that were sent from heaven, and Waveland MS was lucky enough to received its pot of gold.

From a old wore out hippie with my peace sign held high! BRAVO!!!

I think that this is just wonderful and I'm glad to hear that burners are taking it out to the rest of the world when it needs it the most everyone can learn a thing or two from this and spread it to someone else the world would be a better place for it.

It's great to see what can be made possible using compassion and optimism. Organic Valley and Sanderson Farms also deserve a "thank you". I know that I'll continue to buy Organic Valley, and keep an eye out for Sanderson Farms because of this.

Isnt this quite the shame??? heres a group of ordinary people doing the extraordinary right off the cuff, and on the other side of the coin, the "FED" which to date has either botched, fouled up, screwed up, messed up, thrown up,. given up, and jsut about every other derogatory phrase you can think of done or in the proces of doing or is thinking about or has a plan too, not do anything even ramotely close to this. Its amazing how people can pulll together and get this off the ground and working , not to mention no political in fighting, no political backbiting, no politacla string pulling, no political anything. Just joe helping jane out in a pinch, you know to tell you the truth I cant stand Michael Moore because I think hes a big part of the mentallity thats wrong with our nation today but to coin the pahrase of one of his books, "Dude where's my country" well Mr. Moore its right here in the faces and actions of the people manageing to pull off this very successfull soup kitchen effort wihtout the goveernments interference or billions in federal aid dollars that will ultimately increase the budget next year on the tax dole, and without any of big hollywoods money fron those of the "elite" crowd that seem so ready to berate our president and the american public in general, maybe if more of those of us who griped and complained all the time got off their collective fat lazy ass's trurned of the TV an got out there to give a hand up, insted of telling the government to give a hand out we would be the once great nation that we were a long , long , long time ago, our forfathers have to be rolling over intheir graves to see what we have done qwiht what they fought and died for to obtain at great price to pass on to us as a cherished gift for all to partake in. I am damn proud of these people, hippies or not, they deserve a resounding echo of applause and a hearty slap on teh back along wiht a cheerfull "well done thou good and faithfull servent". This is the kind of thing that has helped us get throught some of the toughest tiems in this country in the past, where is it now when we ned it most????????

What the New Waveland Cafe is doing is beyond words! But it isn't free. Where can funds be sent to support their heaven-sent efforts?

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

May God continue to bless you.

Kudos to the Rainbow Family...on the otherhand...keep "plugging" away Attorney Brian Michaels...geeeesh...hmmmm...just a second...looking up "self-serving".

Having attended several gatherings myself in the past and working in the Rainbow kitchens, I know how effective they can be. Looks like some of the family has really found a calling. When my kids get a little older, I'm taking them to a gathering to show them how people can REALLY live.
Blessed be and keep up the good fight

Perhaps a Category 4 hurricane should hit Washington D.C. and wipe away the red tape of our government. From my history and government classes, it is supposed to be government of the people, by the people and for the people. WAY TO GO Rainbow People!!! Don't let them stop you from your wonderful work. May Divine Blessings be yours forever and ever

As a fourth year medical student I worked for 3 weeks at the New Wavelandand Medical Clinic and without a doubt, left Waveland as a better person. The rainbow people, all of the volunteers, and the local citizens are amazing, selfless people. God bless all of you. Miss you all very much. The memories I take will last a lifetime.

Reading this makes my heart sing. It shows me that there is something from my generation that was not lost. It also shows the continuing success of grassroots, common-sense, coming-without-being-asked help that far exceeds the ability or willingness of official voluteer or government organizations.

It is simply unbelieveable to hear of yet another instance from the Waveland area about volunteer organizations who had come to provide help that were attempted to be shut down by the government (a very similar situation to what happened when organizations came down to provide communications services to hospitals and other local infrastructure there).

Everywhere in the US, underneath the depressing blanket of government bureaucracy, still lies the heartbeat of an independent nation of empowered caring individuals.

Didn't know this blog was still up...keep going, because Katrina recovery on the MS Gulf Coast has a long way to go, and many are still without a home, winter is coming on, and it is a hard time for many.

And for the others from who posted, blessed be!

Thank You! I'll be back down to MS in a few weeks - I hope I can experience Waveland Cafe and volunteer some time. My family lost their home, mine is only damaged - but so much more has been lost. It also seems that much has been gained. I sincerely hope that the people of my area look at the Waveland Cafe group for WHO they are. Since moving to MS from the northeast I have seen a fair amount of narrow views of the world beyond our borders. Very conservative, Republican South. I would guess that most of these incredible people helping out in such an amazing way do not share many of the views of the locals. However, I hope it is a learning experience for all. Don't judge others by the way they dress, their religion, their personal choices in life. Those are not the things that matter. This group of people from all over the US, likely pretty liberal, has made the biggest difference to Waveland, BSL and beyond. I truly hope you can learn from this experience to accept all others - remember what the Rainbow group did for US when the government let us down.

New donation account for Waveland (Submitted by rob on Tue, Oct 18 2005

A new bank account and address has been started for the New Waveland Cafe. Donations can go to:

The New Waveland Cafe
PO Box 2631
Bay St Louis, MS 39521

Please make checks payable to "The New Waveland Cafe". These are being processed through a legit 501c, so all donations are tax deductable.

from: http://www.welcomehome.org/REMA//?q=node/26#comment-1

In the words of John Prine "some humans ain't human".....but most are. Hats off to the Rainbow folks and all the generous people that acted selflessly in response to the needs of their humans.

remareinforcements.blogspots.com
There comes a time in a persons life that they feel the need to do for others...These people that have come from so many different walks of life, have shown pure unselfish giving...And has greatly inspired me and my husband...I was lucky enough to go and join these hard-working down to earth folks...The power and Inspiration that these people give to those around them is just incredible, and everyone that could ever experience this energy should...I have lived a pretty full life but there is a lesson to be learned that no words can convey, that has been created without intention...If we could all learn this lesson, the world would be a better place...I miss everyone so much, and wrapping everything up here feels like it's taking too long, but I shall return soon...And I hope that anyone who can should go and work in the kitchen...There are so many ways to help those hard working people even from home...But you wouldn't want to miss the Last Band Standing, the awsome 'Wailin' Wally and the Killer Whales', that comes and helps everyone wind down a few nights a week...I sure miss working my fingers to the bone with such wonderful people...From BCOC,and Organic Valley to the Rainbow family, the local police, and other groups that are helping make this happen...Let the world be a better place, and let it begin with me...

It warms my heart to see my family (The Rainbow Family) helping those in need, for years, the Federal Government and the Forest Service has tried to shut down the gatherings, have harassed the Rainbow Family, and now we are working with them, at least in some scale or another. But be assured that when the Rainbow Family is at their next gathering, the harassment will begin once more. We strive to teach others how to pitch in, recycle, be kind to Mother Earth, and how to be Community. The New Waveland Cafe is an act of love and understanding, something the Federal Government could take lessons from, if they would only open their minds to change and common sense. My hat is off to all of you participating, so keep up the good work and good vibes.

Greetings,

I am inspired by what I've read about the activities
at the New Waveland Cafe. My first Rainbow Gathering
was in the Modoc mountains in northern California in
1984. I will never forget the experience of being in
a circle of over 20,000 human beings holding hands for an hour of silent meditation and prayer for world
peace. Now 21 years later the animating spirit of such gatherings is manifesting in practical help for human beings in need. I am so proud of the Rainbow
family folks who are helping show us how to have a
loving based human society, here in America.

I worked in the early days of the recovery efforts in September as a Public Health and Safety Officer to support the SMAT Mobile Hospital from North Carolina, and had the distinct pleasure of working with the folks at the Waveland Cafe as they were supplying food to a huge number of folks. We supplied them with food thermometers, sanitizer test strips, and coordinated with the CDC to get them fans to relieve some of the miseries of the heat, and suggested ways of working with things in these primitive conditions that could make the operation safer, although they were doing great already. I found these folks to be tremendously cheerful, willing, and hard-working. Meeting Dave McCrary, his wife Daphne, and Mike Myers, Nick, Amy Wood, and others was something I'll never forget. I hope to have the opportunity to meet these folks again and let them know how inspiring they were; until then, I've got my pictures and great memories. I would love to hear from any of you folks when you've got the time. Bless you all; you're amazing!

How refreshing to read of a philanthropic endeavor's success, especially when the present climate would have us believe you have to belong to an "organization" to be of any worth. This group of humanity shows us that we can all be contributors to the common good by simply following our hearts or our sense of reason. The "moral compass" that comes from within is the one that should be your guide.

How proud I am to know somebody that has enough heart to go there and make a differance in those peoples lives. I wish I could have done the same.

I had the privilege of serving beside these folks at the New Waveland Cafe for one week, along with our team of 13 from several United Methodist churches in northern Kentucky. I realize the Rainbow people describe themselves as non-religious, but they (and the other volunteers from all over the US) are among the best examples I've seen of living out Matthew 25:35-36 -- "for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." The Church of today stands to learn a lot from people like these, if it will only open its eyes and hearts, get out of its dad-gum pews and JUST DO IT.

Mr. Siemon, I'm confident that God is personally on-hand in Waveland, and is blessing the efforts of everyone serving, especially the Rainbow people. That's largely how it's happening.

The gang from Bastrop, including Pete and Faye, are to be praised for helping to get this distribution center running, and offering their leadership. May God continue to bless everyone's efforts for those on the Gulf Coast.

Thanks Rainbow. . . .. . May all the blessing of the Universe be with you all. . . . .

I'm leaving for Louisiana on Nov. 15. I want to help and join you guys. I used to live in New Orleans and can be very helpful. Where are you physically located. I am driving from California. Please let me know how to find you.
zcatcreative@aol.com 310 774-6696 (cell) Thanks John

I have just returned from two weeks of serving as a volunteer at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Wavekand MS and Long Beach MS. Your photos are fine, but it is not possible to appreciate the extent of the devastation until you can actually see it.
The people of Waveland and the Mississippi gulf coast are magnificent. Their courage and good will in the face of such incredible loss is astounding. I was incredibly impressed with the compassion and work of the FEMA staff and related agencies including HUD, USDA, and the Small Business Administration.
It was truly an honor to have served in the area. Please continue to support these people - they have a long road to travel to recovery.
Elizabeth Arnett

All who are fans and supporters of the New Waveland Cafe, my mom checked on them yesterday, while delivering turkeys she had collected for them for Thanksgiving meal. The guy she met told her they will be closing down after Thanksgiving, that the county officials have told them they need to shut down in order to not cause local businesses problems. Sure would like to hear from any of you county officials out there - or any locals - if there is any way we can support these folks staying on if they wish? If not - I'm going to suggest that my mom hook them up with Randy's Rangers - a very similar un-organization that is serving as a point of distribution over on 2nd and Menge in Pass Christian - I imagine those folks would appreciate the "New Pass Christian Cafe" if the good folks of Waveland don't need their help anymore.
Regards
Sonja Burt - who has a life-long love affair with all things coastal - even while in the mountains of Virginia

I just got back from the New Waveland Cafe (Nov. 12, 2005), where I contributed a bit, from washing pots and pans to stirring up some mashed potatoes and gravy and biscuits to grating zucchini for zucchini fritters. I also checked folks in and served them from huge containers. I went to see my son, who has been attending Rainbow gatherings for a few years now. My point was to see him and see for myself what he was telling me about this particular place and what he has been telling me about Rainbow.
I went as an anthropologist with only 1/2 of the discipline in mind - observation. But I ended up in a field study with the other 1/2 of the discipline - participation. There are very young people in Rainbow who know more than I do in the kitchen and I've been working in my own kitchen since I was 19 and I'm 61. What an eye-opener in their dedication, knowledge, skills and abilities and the best - their kindness. If a Rainbow Gathering comes to you, check it out and participate. It will be the best think you've ever done, I'm sure. Thanks, specially, to Jessica who taught me much.

we are leaving after thanksgiving for many reasons but first and foremost is that this is a date that we gave to the county and not the other way around.
the rumor that we are being kicked out was spread by one disgruntled person who was not even a part of the cafe. (aahh the power and danger of rumers.)

although the cafe will not be here there will still be other resources available to the people of waveland and hancock co food pantries being one example.

A couple years ago I attended a National Rainbow Gathering. I was curious after hearing magical stories of how they operate in rustic conditions and I wanted to see first hand the form of consenses government I heard that they employ, since they have no leaders. I consider myself a "straight" from the "real" world but what I saw there in terms of love and respect for each other and the EARTH amazed me.To get a deeper picture of the unorganization when I returned home I got a book called, " People of the Rainbow: A Nomadic Utopia" by Michael Niman. He gives a realistic view of the unorganization and the learnings they have achieved in 30 years of Gatherings. There is both wisdom and heart in this unorganization with no preachy hidden agenda. If you want to more about what they have to share with the world in these times ahead check out the book and others.
Also a huge recognition should go to all the corporations that supported these efforts. I wish someone would begin to list them. I for one received immediate attention and samples to give away from Alacer, The company that makes Emergen-C packets to mix with water. Ray-O-Vac sent batteries and of course Organic Valley. I wish I knew more. Great going American commerce with heart.

Will the Waveland Cafe be serving Thanksgiving Dinner (a form of)?

you go guys!!!!!!!!

I love you guys!

Credit should also go to the Youth Initiative High School, a Waldorf high school in Viroqua, Wisconsin (http://www.yihs.net/) Clovis is a grad of that school and from the very early days, groups of parents, students and community members traveled to Waveland to set this up. Many of the families from YIHS are associated with Organic Valley and the mobile kitchen is also family-connected.

When you have lost all faith in humanity people go and do something like this. The government has its arms tied behind its back and its eyes blindfolded. This is a step in the right direction on the part of social, and human evolution. You are appreciated more than you know..

The Rainbow Family Gathered in Colorado this last July.
To camp in the wilderness of the National Foresst and leave the place cleaner than we found it as in years past. This year the Family was blocked from the Gathering by Forest Rangers with rifles.
Fema might be more disorganised than the Rainbow Dis-organization, but the US Forest Service was much more organised with a massive encampment, horses, and a disinformation group. They primed the locals saying we were comming to their small town to rape and Pilage. We here this every year. But upon leaving the locals are finnaly turned around to the truth about this generous family.
Love You All.
Just Tom providor of Rainbow HOT SHOWERS!

Great collection of posts and thanks for recognizing the ethics issue. We are starting the discussion on what, if any, standards should be developed. Please weigh in.

What a great story and great posts! So much positive vibes! I went to Steamboat in 2006 and it forever changed me! I was just researching the rainbow family online, and found some interesting info; that is, the negative impact of the rainbows, which the Forest Service, Feds, and local authorities were primarily focused on; i.e. hygiene, sanitation, disease, safety measures, permits, insurance, environmental impact, panhandling, health care costs, the straining of local resources, etc. These are a legitimate concern, but I think they're missing the point. I notice that, a few days into the gathering, the forest service was beginning to lighten up and have a great time. It's contagious!!