Standards for Protesting...

[physioex]

Obviously there will be some protesting in New York for the upcoming Republican Convention. And I am fully aware that most DU'ers are peaceful non-violent people. But I would like to come up with some rules that should be followed while protesting in New York.

Someone last nite talked about not blocking traffic which I something I agree with. Please post some of your ideas and let's have a discussion....

[JDPriestly]

1. Demonstrations against things are not productive

Demonstrations should be pro-Kerry, not anti-Bush.

[creeksneakers2]

2. My suggestion

If anybody sees somebody breaking the law, turn him in.

It would be great if word got around that the peaceful protesters decided that everyone should do this. For one it would discourage people from breaking the law.

I think it would be fantastic if all the protests groups decided together that this would be the plan. They could all send out a joint press release. That way, if violence does take place, it won't be blamed on the peaceful protesters. Also, a release would draw plenty of media attention to the marches themselves, and away from the RNC.

It would be great if there was something like this to bring back all the people who have decided not to go. Its so sad that fear of police and fascist media attacks have convinced people not to exercise their first amendment right.

If a enough groups would join in this, pressure could be placed on the groups that don't support turning in law breakers. Those groups could be disavowed in advance.

[necso]

3. Yes,

but what vehicle is the way to move this idea forward in a short time frame? Is it even here?

To stress a point that you have already made, helping apprehend trouble-makers would be an effective way to deal with paid infiltrators, agitators etc.

Since a really ugly street scene in NY is one of the few certain ways to get this "war" President (ouch) elected (civil disruption in time of war will be viewed very unfavorably by many Americans), we can expect that there will be many hired flunkies and thugs that will try to make sure that this happens. I would even speculate (knowing the neos all too well) that there are high level infiltrators, who at this very moment are stirring up passions and arguing against common sense and keeping protest peaceful.

I believe that this should be a good natured event, and should not be allowed degenerate into anything offensive.

And as you have also already pointed out, the possibility of trouble will keep crowds away, diminishing the effect of the peaceful protest and highlighting the violence that does occur.

But then again, this is certainly part of the neos plan --- dirty, low and evil tactics are the only way that they know how to play the game.

But you have 2 or 3 good points that I think should make it in any list, and I hope that these will find some life in another thread.... should this thread garner any serious interest.

Thank you, for responding so well and in the spirit of this thread.

We have a real chance of winning this thing, people, lets not let paid agents of the other side blow this thing for us.

....

We are generating like zero interest. Perhaps we should put a link to this thread in GD 2004 and keep it kicked. Or maybe this is really only a place for vanity posts -- as all the infiltrators would certainly like to make it appear.

I am somewhat "off my feed" today, so I will not be contributing any more tonight.

Best wishes,

necso

[Vincardog]

4. Fighting the NeoCon's

Why not keep a video resorder handy? Tape the Protest Warriors in the act of disrupting your event and give 1 copy to the Police and give another copy to the press.

[MaryBear]

5. I'm unclear, Vincardog,

what cause would be furthered by your suggestion?

[Lenape85]

6. Also, dress more conservatively....

Instead of looking like this...



dress a little more like this...

http://pix2.hotornot.com/pics/HL/HR/KU/KY/GLEQEMNGQDKR.bmp



Just to give a guideline