[SeenTheLight]

Hi,

I just wanted to throw some information your way about the situation at the SF City Hall counter-protests. We don't really have our own staging area, just the City Hall steps and even so, they're not really ours. Last time, the peaceniks surged up into our ranks and insisted on trying to drown/push us out. It didn't work, but it made for some intense moments. According to the police officers right behind us, anyone can be on the steps, so they can't really protect us and "our space" (unless violence breaks out).

For that reason, I don't think we can hold a rally like you seem to have in mind. I checked and we do need a permit if we have loudspeakers or anything electrical, and they won't give us a permit if one's already taken for that area. So music and speeches are probably out. Mostly we just do kind of a stand off, which involves the lefties staring at us and nashing their teeth, while we calmy stand out ground.

I still think it would be great to have media coverage, so if David is interested, I'm all for it. But it will probably have to consist of a "roving reporter," type approach, since a van isn't really feasible (at least as far as I can tell).

Not trying to rain on the parade, just to inject some local experience into the discussion. And I hope the Sacramento FReepers will join us anyway!

STL

[comwatch]

Trust me... your clarifications aren't raining on anyone's parade... you are, after all, our gracious hosts in hostile territory. Any of our core Sacto group will understand that and not cause a problem. We're there to support you!

You said, "We don't really have our own staging area, just the City Hall steps and even so, they're not really ours."

Has the opposition camp applied for and been granted a permit for City Hall? Can we make some calls? There's a First Amendment equal rights issue at play here. As liberal as the SF powers that be are, the last thing they would want is media reports that they might be violating someone's First and Fourteenth Constitutional Rights!

I find most police officers root for us behind the scenes even though they are obligated to be impartial. When you noted "According to the police officers right behind us, anyone can be on the steps, so they can't really protect us and "our space" I can offer you living proof what happens here, when the opposition tries to mess with our message or get their mugs in our television coverage.  More Photo and the story at Patriotwatch.com

As far as my intent to circle the wagons (if possible) I'll take my chances on getting a ticket for using a P.A. on my truck to give a few shots at the anti-everything bunch.  You folks can't be held responsible for some out-a-town pissed off middle aged white guy leading a convoy around the unwashed masses main protest space.  Their permit will not likely include blocking traffic.  we'd need to do some planning as to the best routes.

[davidtalker]

It would be impossible to do a remote out there. I'm just hoping to get reports from you guys. Thanks for what you do!

David

[Jerez2]

STL, I remember reading on FR from the last SF protest, that the cops actually opened the City Hall doors and had the 'counters' (counter-protesters) come in for their own safety.

Well, in the worst case, if the 'peaceful' ones attack us we will definitely get on the news! :-E

[Jerez2]

Another concern is that we know DUers and others lurk here and will know our plans. They may try to 'take the hill' before we do. Just a warning... Some communications should be offline! hint hint!