Posted on 04/19/2020 1:02:01 PM PDT by chicagolady
Protest prioritizes emotion over effectiveness unless *highly* disciplined and targeted. Otherwise, it can play into opponent narrative.
I attended Operation Gridlock Springfield. I am writing this because it went all wrong! I am hoping others will heed this warning so the upcoming Rallies will be Fun, encouraging and successful.
I learned right here on FREE REPUBLIC, what was acceptable behavior when Conservatives attend a Protest! THANK YOU FREE REPUBLIC! I beg you please Publish them again, so Newbies can HAVE A CLUE!
I just FLED OPERATION GRIDLOCK in Springfield Illinois, because I did not want to be a part of what was erupting! Giving the cops a Hard time.. Telling them WE PAY YOUR SALARY! and just being obnoxious.
The Cops were very nice, saying to the big mouth woman with the microphone, Hey we are on your side, BUT you cannot do this... (Block the Street with her vehicle.)
The woman with the Microphone convinced other Folks with flags and signs to come into the street with her and block a pick up truck who had a liberal driver who screamed some choice words at the Gridlock attendees.
All this chaos is ending up stealing the message of the event. If I hear the woman was arrested and got her car towed, it will not be a surprize.
I apologize to all Law Enforcement that was there enduring these Lame Pro-American Protesters, they played right into the hands of the leftists! SO SAD. PLEASE folks, If you are going to any kind of Rally, Contact the Organizers and make sure they express the rules for attendees! It is always a good remind to be Considerate, while having fun, getting your word out and Saving AMERICA!
Personally YEARS ago in Chicago, with the FREE REPUBLIC Chapter we had a HILLARY CLINTON PROTEST! I was approached by Secret Service, I answered their questions, of why we we there, I was Polite and he ended our conversation with " HAVE FUN"
I also remember attending a Protest with Kristin in Washington DC, The Good Ole days!!
exactly. I’ve been to a couple huge Tea Party rally’s in DC, the Virginia 2nd Amendment rally this year and we go to March for Life every year.
I make it a point to pick up and encourage others to clean up their stuff and also to thank most of the police officers who are there.
For the most part they seem to really enjoy these rally’s because there’s not much for them to do.
Good times — if you don’t count the Obama factor.
How do you know everyone there is a Conservative?
So true! I remember rallying in DC to protest the health care bill. People were very considerate of each other, and left everything very clean. There weren't enough trash cans available, but people piled the trash next to the cans and bagged it as best they could to make it easier on the trash crews. It was like the old days in America when you didn't need to lock everything up and there was a well-accepted standard of behavior.
Yes they were!
Be prepared to be arrested, but don’t resist if you are. Have your bail money ready.
As someone posted before, here are the D.C. Chapter's basic rules:
No violence, no profanity, no racism, no threats, no provocations, obey the law and treat all law enforcement officers with respect.
We made requests on flags to only bring US, Gadsden, state or military branch flags. At Walter Reed we also had our allies' flags. Kept us out of trouble.
I'm out of action these days, but I was thinking the same thing as you today. GMTA.
The Tea Party rallies a decade ago were so similar in conduct to FReeper protests because many of us were involved in organizing them and many participants had attended our protests over the years. I guess some of that has been lost to inactivity over the years.
LOL! Well, as long as it was just “a little”...
Yes, that has been the rules since the first Free Republic demonstration called, March For Justice.
Also, always clean up afterwards. We don't leave our protest grounds trashed like the left does.
In 2003 I solo protested 50+ peaceniks one night downtown in my city. I held an American flag and waited until they had their minute of silence holding candles begain. From across the street I spoke and oratory about terrorism and Saddam Hussein that sent them into a mindless shouting rage.
A man walked up, showed his badge and said, “We have several undercover officers in that crowd and they’d sure like to go home tonight without having to arrest any of them.”
He was polite in asking me to back off so I did. I was a good time on my side of the street.
was AWR in your chi-town Freep group?
things are warming up!
Thank you darlin!!
Greetings! Hope you are well!
1. Be prepared to be arrested.
2. Do not resist if you are.
3. Have your bail money ready.
4. Have any critical meds on hand.
5. Bring water and food.
6. Know where and how you can go to the bathroom.
7. Keep your celly charged with a portable battery.
8. Go with friends or make some quick.
9. Let your significant others and family know your agenda.
10. Do not rely on public transportation.
11. Basic first aid supplies would be nice.
12. Take into consideration all factors re: being armed.
13. Bring a couple of extra large heavy duty trash bags.
14. Must have a knife and universal tool, aka leatherman.
15. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and cleaning wipes. Prolly bring TP as well.
16. A really really good attitude and one that is resilient AF.
Still kicking and I remember that Hillary protest at the bookstore!
Killarney heard and saw us big time!
Best ever!
The Dictator, eh Governor of Michigan said the People attending the Rally in Lansing were carrying Confederate Flags. Anyone see any of these Flags she was talking about?
What fun.
LOL! My long Term memory is GREAT! It’s my short term memory that needs a little work!!
Great Post, Chicago Lady! I remember well our pro-Israel / anti-Hamas protest before I was golux. Somewhere there is a great thread with pictures of so many greats including Kristinn!
YES! I remember too! The Good Ole Days!!
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