I was planning on going, and even bringing my husband, who can only walk about a block, then I remembered (from long experience) that the primary qualification for participating in a demonstration is MOBILITY--up, down, forwards, backwards. Have you been shot at or beaten? Can you count the number of times you've been tear gassed? Can you bail people out of jail? I lived in Berkeley in the Sixties and Seventies, and I know what peaceful demonstrations and marches can turn into. Since I still live here, I'm pretty sure I'll stay home... Ever had a helicopter fly over a penned in crowd of 2000 people and drop tear gas on them?
Must admit that these protests will be a first for me. I’ve not been shot at, beaten or tear gassed. I imagine that would color your perception of protest marches, birdwatcher. I can and have bailed people out of jail…and I’ve been bailed out of jail, several times back in the drinking daze, err, days. And I never ever had a helicopter drop tear gas on me when I was penned in. Sounds to me like you’ve earned your stripes at protest marches and have earned the right to take this one off.
Normally, as a member of the "Substack police", your words, I would not offer this advice to you, but I would suggest low heeled Frye boots (do they still make them?), heavy jeans, a heavy leather jacket (I don't care how hot it is, you need upper body protection) and a bandana, in case of gas, and a plastic bag with a dampened handkerchief/bandana in a pocket. If you have long hair, tie it back and tuck it under your shirt. I knew guys who wore their motorcycle helmets... You may think you're going to be peaceful, but you're not the ones making the decisions. For the ladies, and there are some experienced ladies on this thread, I believe, NO high heels, and I don't care how hot it might be, NO tank tops. This may not be a fashion show. Otherwise, the clothing is the same as the same of the opposite sex. Make sure long hair is tied back and tucked in. Wear a bandana on top of the head (better they pull it off than yank your hair.) And please people, it's probably better not to put the bandana over your face until they start throwing/shooting tear gas. Finally, make sure you know where you are. NO running down dead end alleys! The safer you think it is (a courtroom), suits and heels are acceptable (I used to wear a purple corduroy suit) for women and suits for men. Don't wear these last two suggestions to a police station, it's their territory, and suits don't impress them. It helps to have a phone number of a lawyer on you and some change. I'm really not up on current contact stuff, since I've never owned a cell phone. You're on your own. I also don't think California has bail anymore, but I don't know for sure... As some TV show used to say, be safe out there.
Happy Birthday! I hope you're younger than me (75) so you can risk protesting.
Hey birdwatcher! We septuagenarians still got some fight left. Participate in the April 5th protests and let’s get this big ball of democracy rolling!
https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/764186/
I was planning on going, and even bringing my husband, who can only walk about a block, then I remembered (from long experience) that the primary qualification for participating in a demonstration is MOBILITY--up, down, forwards, backwards. Have you been shot at or beaten? Can you count the number of times you've been tear gassed? Can you bail people out of jail? I lived in Berkeley in the Sixties and Seventies, and I know what peaceful demonstrations and marches can turn into. Since I still live here, I'm pretty sure I'll stay home... Ever had a helicopter fly over a penned in crowd of 2000 people and drop tear gas on them?
Must admit that these protests will be a first for me. I’ve not been shot at, beaten or tear gassed. I imagine that would color your perception of protest marches, birdwatcher. I can and have bailed people out of jail…and I’ve been bailed out of jail, several times back in the drinking daze, err, days. And I never ever had a helicopter drop tear gas on me when I was penned in. Sounds to me like you’ve earned your stripes at protest marches and have earned the right to take this one off.
Normally, as a member of the "Substack police", your words, I would not offer this advice to you, but I would suggest low heeled Frye boots (do they still make them?), heavy jeans, a heavy leather jacket (I don't care how hot it is, you need upper body protection) and a bandana, in case of gas, and a plastic bag with a dampened handkerchief/bandana in a pocket. If you have long hair, tie it back and tuck it under your shirt. I knew guys who wore their motorcycle helmets... You may think you're going to be peaceful, but you're not the ones making the decisions. For the ladies, and there are some experienced ladies on this thread, I believe, NO high heels, and I don't care how hot it might be, NO tank tops. This may not be a fashion show. Otherwise, the clothing is the same as the same of the opposite sex. Make sure long hair is tied back and tucked in. Wear a bandana on top of the head (better they pull it off than yank your hair.) And please people, it's probably better not to put the bandana over your face until they start throwing/shooting tear gas. Finally, make sure you know where you are. NO running down dead end alleys! The safer you think it is (a courtroom), suits and heels are acceptable (I used to wear a purple corduroy suit) for women and suits for men. Don't wear these last two suggestions to a police station, it's their territory, and suits don't impress them. It helps to have a phone number of a lawyer on you and some change. I'm really not up on current contact stuff, since I've never owned a cell phone. You're on your own. I also don't think California has bail anymore, but I don't know for sure... As some TV show used to say, be safe out there.
Oh, Jeez! I never thought of myself as a Septuagenarian until now. Thanks, Walt! 🤦♀️😂