What's the most effective way to demonstrate at a townhall? (Vanity)

Vanity | August 3, 2009 | Me

[cripplecreek]

I’m guessing that torches and pitchforks would quickly be classified as weapons.

[BGHater]

[Uncle Ike]

” My only worry is that it is easy for the Democrats and the media and the more “non-politically inclined” voters to dismiss loud protests. “

Lacking a well-financed central organization (this being a true grass-roots movement), the only way we can get our message out is through the media — and the only way to get the media to even acknowledge us is to be over-the-top...

Loud and boisterous it must be....

[jennyjenny]

Didn't you know—this is a well organized effort sponsored and paid for by the huge fringe right wing machine. You should have received several emails by now telling you when, where, how, what to wear and say, etc., etc. The checks come 60 days after the event. Free hot dogs, too. ;)

[ExTxMarine]

I have started making signs with pictures of torches and pitchforks! All of my representatives in Washington are Republicans, but I am fed up with them TOO!

If they don’t grow a pair and start pushing back, then they are letting the liberals run the asylum! I am tired of that! Now is the time for CONSERVATIVES - not political ideologies!

[Tarpon]

Speeches, ask them questions. There is plenty of material on FR to pick good ones from. Nothing makes a point better than to ask a question the congressional clunker can’t answer.

Small signs inside, line the streets outside with people with very large hand made signs. We tried other methods, these proved the most effective. Surround the ACORN tea shirts.

Back on April 15 we had near 3000 people line the street for blocks. It was marvelous honking good time. We had near 5000 up the road at a park location. By far the street was better, got more attention.

Remember your plan should be to get on local TV and in the face of your clunker. If that doesn’t work, prevent your clunker from getting the message(lies) out. Your sign is your message. Be polite, make a point.

Bring water.

[1000 silverlings]

Try to look like democrats, wear obama tshirts, look moonstruck and pie-eyed. They’ll call on you and then you zing them with your questions.

[ClearCase_guy]

My recommendation is to stake out at least 3 locations. Perhaps one location could be a group (not loud and obnoxious, though).

Let the group try to make a point. If they are obstructed, then have an individual in location #2 stand up and say "Hey! That group seems to have a good point!"

If blocked again, have an individual in location #3 stand up and say "Why aren't you letting people make their point? Don't we have free speech anymore? What's happened to our government???"

[1000 silverlings]

Even better let’s show up wearing Acorn shirts, where can we get some?

[cripplecreek]

You’ve given me another idea for a protest sign.

Cap Taxes and trade congressclunkers.

[Tarpon]

You can always do what we did in 1994 de-foleyate, make your own radio ads. Set up a PAC, collect funds, make up ad, give to radio station, enjoy.

Of course many would see this as the nuclear option of community organizing. I recommend you do it, just for giggles. Hone those organizing skills.

I provided a critique review of a whole lot of ads in 1994. This is a great place to post ads before you buy time. Set up a blog to host off of youtube.

[Tarpon]

LOL .. trade in your congressional clunker. That’s funny.

[nathanbedford]

I think the best weapon at the Townhall meeting is a camera the knowhow to upload the footage. Before the meeting Twitter might be useful in drumming up attendance. I think Free Republic can be very helpful in setting forth a series of questions or, yes, even talking points which can be handed out as flyers. Free Republic is also great for after action reports especially if accompanied by photos. Twitter can be used to alert the community or the congressman's district that interesting footage is available on YouTube.

On the whole I think we want to keep disruption to a mininum. Especially disruption for its own sake. But spontaneous and honest reaction should not be discouraged.

[MrB]

Yes, for now, SIGNS with pitchforks and torches on them would be the best.

Don’t take real weapons until you’re ready to take REAL WEAPONS.

The peasants took the pitchforks because the nobles disallowed them anything better. These were the best available weapons.

We’ve got better.

[New Jersey Realist]

Townhall meeting!!!!! I wish the coward demorats in NJ would hold a townhall meeting. I’ve never seen an AD for them. These creeps hide in the Garden State. Things might change after Corzine is outsted. I have to bear the shame that my congressman voted FOR the climate change bill. I can’t live with the shame.

[STARWISE]

Lib lady caller on Rush today was saying that
Michael Wolff reported on MSNBC that our groups
were organized, being bussed to the town halls,
(acting like the Democrats and Acorn nuts .. LOL)
and she was implying how deceptive that was for
the Pubbies.

Rush’s response: Great! ‘bout damn time!!

[SoConPubbie]

The louder the better!

Put the fear of God into their souls!

They work for us, not the other way around!

[Tarpon]

Not sure about the disruption. A nice chant or two would be fine when your Congressional Clunker starts spouting their lies.

Nothing gets attention like a well time chant of modest length. Just stay under the annoy limits, so others won’t tune out.

Don’t forget to show for the 2010 election.

[ballplayer]

Your thinking to Much just get out there and let them Have it