Is there a "manual" of sorts on proper etiquette, sign ideas, etc. here on FR for those of us who've never done this before to refer to?There is.
From the veteran FReepers of the well-respected D.C. Chapter, at www.dcchapter.com:
RULES FOR PROTESTING
You are welcome to join us in our protests, but if you do, you need to observe the following rules:
No violence, no threats, no profanity, no racism, no law-breaking. Law enforcement officers must be treated with respect. Stay out of the street at all times, except when using a crosswalk with the traffic light. Do not block the sidewalk to pedestrian traffic. Keep your signs from hanging over into the street. Do not block the signs of, nor get within 10 feet of, our opponents. Do not interfere with any media coverage of them. Our First Amendment rights are their rights, too. Any arguments should be at 10 feet away to avoid conflict arising from passions on both sides. If you choose to get close to them physically, do so in friendship as fellow Americans only. Do not give the middle finger, call people jerks, tell them to go home or get a job. Take the high road. Be civil, but resolute, when you are cursed at or given the middle finger; point out the rudeness of the leftists by chanting, "Mean spirited arrogant condescending liberal." Remember, we are here to support the rule of law under the U.S. Constitution.
These protest rules have stood us well for the past four plus years and have earned us the respect and friendship of conservatives everywhere.
Thank you for standing up for America.
The D.C. Chapter of FreeRepublic.com