Sorry this is way off topic...NYC Petition, please have a look

Question

I know this is WAY off topic for this forum, but this is the only forum I follow and contribute to. And since we will ALL be affected by this at some point or another if we visit NYC I think it is worth all of our attention.
Here is the text from the email I got from the APA...(link at bottom)
The Mayor's office in New York City is seeking to instate a new rule that would require permits and proof of insurance for any group of 2 or more persons using a camera in a public area. The regulations would require that anyone using a tripod or shooting in one location for more than 30 minutes (including set-up and break down time) must obtain permits and show proof of insurance of at least 1 million dollars per occurrence. Read more about the new rules here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/080107_proposed_permit_rules.shtml
We all need to act now to fight these proposed regulations which will place absurd restrictions on the freedom to photograph in New York City's public spaces.
This affects not only professional photographers but the First Amendment rights of anyone with a camera to spontaneously document what happens on the streets of this city.
Due to pressure from advocacy groups, the Mayor's Office has agreed to extend the period that it will allow public commentary until August 3rd.
Picture New York has initiated an online petition opposing the new rules, which over 12,000 indidivuals have signed so far. The petition is closing on August 3rd. Please take a moment to sign if you have not already done so.
Here is the link to sign the petition:
http://www.pictureny.org/petition/index.php

Answer 1

you have to be careful with your variables:
the declared variables inside the actionlistener(s) are not these in your main class!!
what you might do:
a) let your main-class implement ActionListener
public class MainClass extends PARENTCLASS implements ActionListener {
   public static void actionPerformed(ActionEvent ae) {
}b) create your own event handler
public class MainClass extends PARENTCLASS {
   public MainClass() {
      insert.addActionListener(new YourActionListener(this));
public class YourActionListener extends ActionListener {
   private MainClass main;
   public YourActionListener(MainClass parent) {
      main = parent;
   public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent ae) {
      main.year = "abc";
      main.id = "id";
      // or implement setXXX methods -> main.setYear("abc"); main.setId("id"); ...
}hope it helps...