How to circumvent the “free speech zones” at Bush* gatherings…

[rexcat]

If you have a sign protesting Bush* at an event where he is at you are currently asked to go to a “free speech zone” which I truly believe is unconstitutional but until the SCOTUS gets it act together and decides that it is unconstitutional we need to approach this problem in a more thoughtful manner. What I propose is having large groups of protesters go to the Bush* events dressed like the repugs (to blend in), without signs (so we aren’t moved to the “free speech zones”) and in unison start chanting against his policies when he is in earshot of the crowd. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

[JohnyCanuck]

1. How about making signs that have pro-Bush slogans,

but which are made in such a way the pro-Bush slogans can be peeled away or taken off to let your true feeling show through by the anti-Bush slogans underneath. I'd make sure I went with a group if I was to try this tactic. You'd want someone to cover your back for sure, knowing how dedicated to free speech your average Bushbot freeper is.

[ochazuke]

13. Hmmm. Trojan Horse. EX-cellent

How about this sign:

AMERICA IS FREE SPEECH ZONE

[salinen]

2. Dressed like a repug?

I haven't any lizard skin cowboy boots.

[rexcat]

4. I wouldn't go that far...

but if the SS had this happen too many times they would ban everyone along the routes. Bush* would be isolated and it would really look bad for him.

[carols]

3. I always wanted to infiltrate the actual rally and then...

Start snickering when he said stuff like how swell the economy is doing. Every time he touts and accomplishment, you laugh a little harder and so forth. This would work wonders if you could get a large enough crowd to participate. See Laughing Tailors Bloc for a full explanation of what I envision :-)
Carol

[nannygoat]

10. carol, that is great! You just know that a well-placed laugh

would shake that insecure, vindictive moron to the core.

[jansu]

24. This gray old head!

It does not look good to be arresting, hounding and beating up on old, lined, gray haired ladies....ask us to surround you!

[trogdor]

28. Can you laugh uncontrollably on cue?

With tears and everything? HA HA HA HA HOOOO HOO HOO (guffaw) That's a good one, George! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAW HAW (snicker) Stop it, you're killing me! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA You're too much! HA HA HA HA!

[Bandit]

30. They have laugh boxes that do that. Have everyone carry one and on

cue everyone start their laugh box. Could be fun. They are quite humorous and could actually get some of the crowd to laugh also.

[bloom]

32. College Commencement speakers

I've been worried that someone from the Bush* administration will end up speaking at my son's graduation and I would be sick if I had to listen to them. I didn't really want to be screaming and heckling.

A laughbox sounds like just the thing. I'll have to remember that.

[lastknowngood]

5. Why not try some Bob Blanding lines on the signs

I'll bet you anything they'll let pass, they are that dumb.

[phaseolus]

6. or maybe this --

Paint a sign on cloth that can be rolled up. Make it something like "Hey George -- What part of FREE SPEECH don't you understand??" Make sure you're in view of avid videotapers/photographers. Unfurl the sign. Refuse to put it down when asked. Get photographed/filmed being forcibly handcuffed for the "crime" of noting that free speech is a fundamental human right.

[sithknight]

7. Dis Con, speech, and pepper spray

Unfortunately, there might be grounds to arrest you on a charge of disorderly conduct...(shrug)it might work, might not. But if you do get arrested you might just be able to force the issue to the Supremes regarding the free speech zones. So 1) get arrested 2)assert that the arrest is invalid because it is premised on speech and not conduct 3) when they reply that you could go to the "free speech zone" you respond that violates freedom of assembly... Heck, the ACLU would probably hook you up and what's a little pepper spray for justice?

[nannygoat]

8. Remember the young repuke in the audience when Dean

appeared on Hardball? This kid was sitting behind Dean and during the first part of the show he had a long-sleeved shirt on and then later in the show he took it off and he had a pro-* t-shirt on. Maybe we could do stuff like that?

Edited to add:

There have been some protests where protestors carry satirical, outlandish signs that on first glance could be taken as pro-* (because they are actually things that * supports--more death, more war) but would hopefully cause the average American driving by or watching TV to do a doubletake and cause them to think * and his supporters are kooks (which they are after all).

[IronLionZion]

11. didn't he get beat up?

if you go in a group it could easily turn to riots.

[Lone_Wolf]

9. Instead, why not give him the Heil Hitler salute?

Sounds from the gathering probably won't be played on the 6 o'clock news, but footage from the gathering probably will be shown.

[alfredo]

14. Just turn your back. You can pretend you are praying. that would look bad

If you were arrested for praying.

[kalian]

12. Take along a lawyer or two....

I'm sure that would make for some interesting confrontations with
those jack-booted thugs... :evilgrin:

[Sugarbleus]

15. All EXCELLENT ideas...fine tune them then LETS ROLL...

:hi:

[Cleita]

16. I like the idea, but be prepared to be arrested, beaten on

or both. It happened in the sixties. Better take Martin Sheen with you. He's a veteran of these domestic wars.

[rexcat]

18. As Bushco*would say...

bring them on! If there is a large enough anti-Bush* group that stays together the group has a better chance of not being beaten upon.

[rasputin1952]

17. Most of those that get 'arrested' for anti-bush activity...

are moved from the scene, and then either let go with a summons, booked on some banal charge and allowed PR, or just taken a few blocks away and let go.

What is appalling, is that this can happen at all in this country.
"Free Speech Zones"? "First Amendment Zones"? The entire nation is a Free Speech Zone!

You'd have to do something pretty outlandish to actually get into a situation that would get you before the Supreme Court. Long before you could reach that level, the charges would be dropped or overturned on appeal at a minor court.

By NOV '04, bush will be a lame duck pres anyway...that is when we REALLY have to watch him!

O8)

[rexcat]

20. Large groups are the key

and no signs, just anti-Bush* chants. We have to start somewhere and the SOB is not getting our message. He is being "protected" from all dissent. It is time to show him that there are a lot of people in the US that don't like him and what he is doing, by forcing people into "free speech zones" is unconstitutional. If you remove people for protected speech he is toast!

[rasputin1952]

21. I agree...

he is definately being 'protected' from dissent. He would crumble if he knew how much the country really despised this SOB.

:evilgrin:

[rustydog]

19. Hide flags in your clothing and produce them as Bush approaches

Then it would be too late.

[bvar22]

22. Make sure a friend with a stealthy video cam is nearby..

....to record everything. Maybe even wear a wire to record everything that is said.

[Must_B_Free]

23. Carry Blank signs

this will demand that people know that the protestors are forbidden to speak.

[uncle ray]

25. should be easy to fit in...

get some surplus fatigues, or any military looking clothing, or some good old desecrated flags draped over yourself...

bush*:winning the war in Iraq!

you(patriotic soldier): coughBULLSHITcough!

[truthspeaker]

26. rolled up cloth signs so the press and Shrubya can see them

For clothing, suggest either the frat-boy look or the business suit look. I have a suit I never wear and this would be a perfect opportunity to whip it out.

As for beatings, I'm 6'1" and 275 pounds. Bring it on.

[duhneece]

27. When B*** was in our town

I wore a sweatshirt over a neon-lime-green t-shirt that said, "Not in our name." I pulled off the t-shirt (keeping the sweatshirt covering me) and held it over my head. My fiance was sure I would be removed, but I wasn't. B*** definitely saw my protest shirt.

[Brian Sweat]

29. Here is what we need to do.

We need to make signs that are pro-Bush on one side, but one the back side for a huge anti-bush sign when you put them together as tiles. Nine people, nine signs and there is no way bush can miss it. This needs to take place at public events on public property. If they come to take you away, make sure they arrest you. It would help to have a lawyer present and video cameras.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

31. Use signs that say "Bring Back the Constitution." If cops ask you to move

than they are the ones who are saying that Bush and the Constitution are at odds, not you. Ask "how does this make me against Bush?"

Kind of like Capt. Kirk using loop logic on a renegade robot to make it think it is its own enemy.

Because that's exactly what the GOP have accomplished. They've convinced The American People that government Of By and For the People is their enemy. We are not our own enemy. They are.

[Jose Diablo]

33. Be visible

A key to non-violent disobedience is to be visible. There are camera's that can be worn and hidden. There needs to be coordinating activity to make sure what happens is visible and published. Those with the camera's should not partake in the acts of disobedience.

Dress for the occasion, look like model citizens. Neat and clean is the order for the day. It is important the audience targeted for the act of disobedience have empathy for the demonstrators. The audience is John/Jane Q. Public, not the administration.

Above all, no riots or any violence whatsoever. The demonstrators must be viewed as exercising their constitution right of expression of opinion. It is important the demonstrators maintain the 'moral' high ground.

If agent provocateurs infiltrate, try to get camera views of their actions and some shots of them getting to/from the police line, pictures that identify them and can be used later to identify police causing any violence can be used in court to discredit the authorities version of what happened. Don't try to interfere with the agents, it can only work to escalate violence. Ignore them. Move away from them to physically separate them from the crowd.

Expect some lumps. Disobedience pisses the police off, royally. The police are not the enemy though, they are just people trying to do their jobs.

If you obtain a scar, were it in the future proudly, you earned the right to say you believed in freedom so strongly that you risked safety so others could have freedom. You are the true patriot.

[truthspeaker]

34. kicking for South Carolina DUers

Bush is down there right now!

[CaptainClark23]

35. Take back our flag

All excellent strategies here. I would add the one suggestion of placing the US flag prominently on whatever signage or banner might be used.

They might take you down, but the resulting image could be VERY effective.

My own dream vision is a sea of protestors, and for every person carrying a message, there is another next to him/her carrying an American Flag.