Freeping lessons please

4/2/02 | Mensch

[Mensch]

Pardon the vanity, but does anybody know where I can obtain information on carrying out a successful Freep? Slogans, chants, taunts, street theater, tactics those sorts of things.

I know the left holds inumerable seminars on this stuff, but I believe right thinking individuals are pretty much bereft of such resources. Any help is appreciated.

Mensch.

[Cindy]

Run "Freep" in the search engine. You will get a lot of great ideas.

[WillaJohns]

I think you might be able to help here.

[Spunky]

Who and where are you going to Freep?

[WillaJohns]

I just paged someone who may be able to help.

My experience a few weeks ago was a freep of the Red Cross. I was moved by extreme disgust at the Red Cross for not letting a high school singing group sing their songs because they included "God Bless America," etc.

I found out that the Red Cross was having a luncheon at a local hotel, called the hotel and got the time of the luncheon, posted on a thread that I was going there to freep the Red Cross, pinged all the local freepers I could find, and then made my signs. There were only four of us (plus two kids), but it was GREAT!

[bluesagewoman]

"Freeping Lesson?" Make a sign, pick a corner, stand on it, smile and wave at the honkers. Usually works pretty good. It is more fun when there is a group, but a crowd of 1 with a good message works fine. My personal favorite is, "Greater Love Has No Man Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For a Friend. Support Our Troops."

[GEC]

Check with Kristinn and Angelwood for appropriate rules and advice.

Mine follow:

1. It depends upon who and where you are freeping.

2. Bring a bullhorn if you think they will: $85 at Radio Shack.

3. No justice, No peace.

4. All we are saying is GIVE WAR A CHANCE

[Mensch]

I had in mind a certain treasonous clot of useful idiots, who have the unfortunate habit of blighting our state capital on Fridays.

Don't know what they call themselves.

[Mensch]

Noted and thanks.

[bluesagewoman]

Forgot to mention, with only 1 or 2 FReepers, try a spot about 1/2 or 1 block before a peacenik protest. That way, the honking occurs before the traffic reaches the peaceniks and it drives them nuts. Watch out though, they get really testy when they come down to see what is going on there and they find a FReeper. They say bad things. Imagine!

[Buckeroo]

Yeah.

When you hold a gigantic demonstration and 99.9% of the people are on the right side of the issues, the .1% of the lefties get all the newscoverage.

When you hold a small demonstration and 99.9% of the people are on the left side of the issues, the 99.9% of the lefties get all the newscoverage.

I know the truth on this one.

[DouglasKC]

How not to do it... Freeping Miss Daisy

[nunya bidness]

Don't forget the permit.

[kristinn]

The D.C. Chapter has basic rules of civil behavior for protesting: No violence, no racism, no threats, no provocations, no profanity, obey the law and treat all law enforcement officers with respect.

Make sure your signs can be read from a distance. That means large thick lettering (spelling counts!). Use short, blunt phrases on your signs to get your message across.

Know your subject matter. Whatever it is that motivated you to go out and protest should be your main message.

Take a large American flag with you to hold or mount on a pole in the ground near you--especially if you're countering an anti-war demonstration.

Be passionate, but not obnoxious. Be vocal, but not overbearing.

Speak the truth.

There's more, of course, but that's it in a nutshell. Hope it helps.

[brat]

Try to keep your message short and sweet. Use LARGE letters (in black) so people can read the sign as they pass by. Too many try to crowd too much info and it ends up illegible.

[diotima]

OK, Here is the lates version of FRN rules for protesting, I asked that the other post be pulled to avoid confusion. Free Republic Network, Code of Conduct and Practices

PREAMBLE

Free Republic Network (FRN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, education, tools and resources to independently formed and operated activist organizations. It is our hope that individuals and groups who utilize FRN resources to assist them in their efforts, pledge to adhere to this code of conduct and practices. In doing so, conservative community activists will provide a sense of continuity to their activities, encourage a stable and professional working environment, and inspire public confidence and trust in your organization and it’s activities!

GENERAL CONDUCT

Maintain proper decorum and the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.

Treat each other and the public with courtesy, consideration, and a friendly demeanor.

Treat all duly elected or appointed authority, with courtesy and respect.

Project an image of hope and optimism.

Maintain the highest standards of behavior in public. Do not engage in, promote nor encourage unlawful actions.

Uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. Expose all corruption, misuse of official authority or any action that harms the public interest whenever possible and prudent.

VALUES

Demonstrate the following values in all your personal and group efforts:

Honesty
Integrity
Respect for others
Responsible citizenship
Pursuit of excellence
Fairness
Accountability
Self-restraint
Leadership by example

GUIDELINES FOR PROTESTS, RALLIES, MARCHES OR WHEN MEETING THE PUBLIC

NOTE: The following are general guidelines. Laws governing such events vary from city to city. In the case of a spontaneous street corner demonstration, a permit is not required, but your local law enforcement is the best source of information.

Contact local law enforcement and let them know your plans. Give them the name of a contact person for the event that will be in attendance (and a cell phone number, if possible.)

Obtain a permit whenever required by law

Obey all local laws, ordinances, traffic laws and the conditions of your permit

Treat law enforcement officials with respect

Stay on sidewalks and keep moving. Do not block the sidewalks or prevent pedestrians from passing Signs should always be in good taste. When at all possible, utilize humor as opposed to anger as it is more effective in getting your message across.

Most people find out they are on your side, once they hear your story in a reasoned manner! So, be informative, educational and a great representative of your group!

If counter-protesters or hecklers are present, do not engage them with insults, obscene gestures or profanity Respect the First Amendment rights of others. Keep a distance of at least 20 feet between your group and any counter-demonstrators.

Do not interfere with media coverage of their actions. Never resort to threats, violence, profanity, vulgarity or racist remarks as they will cement peoples opinions against you.

Dress and behave in a professional manner.

When the protest is over, make sure the area is free of trash and other protest items. Local law enforcement will remember who was respectful of public property!

Remember, your mission is to support the rule of law under the U.S. Constitution.

Thank you to Roger Hunter and Pete Kessler who wrote the original "rules for protesting" in 1998 and from which much these guidelines were derived!

These are suggested guidlines.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Know your subject matter. Whatever it is that motivated you to go out and protest should be your main message.

The DC Chapter's Warlord speaks with the wisdom of experience. Stay on message. Remain civil in your discourse (I always forget that one). Break off your discussions when they go circular. Use wit as a rapier.

[Mensch]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Now I have another question. It looks like I'm pretty much going to be conducting this freep solo. I am however blessed with three son's (ages 14, 10, & 5) who I can press into service, if I so desire. I have ruled out takeing the youngest, but I'm considering bringing the other two. In your opinions, do children belong on a Freep? Does FR have a policy on this?