For all you rowdy protestors:

[MAlibdem]

I thought this would be slightly informative but mostly funny. This is a link to an online copy of Abbie Hoffman's (of Chicago 6 fame) book, Steal This Book.
http://www.mindmined.com/public_library/nonfiction/abbie_hoffman_steal_this_book.html#3.03.0

(snip)
DRESS
Most vamping is accompanied by clubbing, rough shoving and dragging, gassing and occasional buckshot or rifle fire. The clothing you wear should offer you the best protection possible, yet be light weight enough to allow you to be highly mobile. CS and CN are by far the most commonly employed tear gas dispersibles. Occasionally they are combined with pepper gas to give better results. Pepper gas is a nerve irritant that affects exposed areas of the skin. Clothing that is tight fitting and covers as much of the body surface as possible is advisable. This also offers some protection if you are dragged along the ground. Gloves come in handy as protection and if you want to pick up gas canisters and throw them back at the pigs or chuck them through a store window.

Your shoes should be high sneakers for running or boots for kicking. Hiking boots sold in army surplus stores serve both purposes and are your best selection for street action. Men should wear a jock strap or protective cup. Rib guards can be purchased for about $6.00 at any sporting goods store. Shoulder pads and leg pads are also available, but unless you expect heavy fighting and are used to wearing this clumsy street armor, you'll be better off without it.

(/snip)

(snip)
WEAPONS FOR STREET FIGHTING
Spray Cans
These are a very effective and educating method of property destruction. If a liberated zone has been established or you find yourself on a quiet street away from the thick of things, pretty up the neighborhood. Slogans and symbols can be sprayed on rough surfaces such as brick or concrete walls that are a real bitch to remove unless expensive sandblasting is used.

The Slingshot
This is probably the ideal street weapon for the swarms of little Davids that are out to down the Goliaths of Pigdom. It is cheap, legal to carry, silent, fast-loading and any right size rock will do for a missile. You can find them at hobby shops and large sporting goods stores, especially those that deal in hunting supplies. Wrist-Rocket makes a powerful and accurate slingshot for $2.50. The Whamo Sportsman is not as good but half the price. By selecting the right "Y" shaped branch, you can fashion a home-made one by using a strip of rubber cut from the inner tube of a tue as the sling. A few hours of shooting stones at cans in the back yard or up on the roof will make you marksman enough for those fat bank windows and even fatter pigs.
(/snip)


I wonder how different NYC 2004 will look from Chicago 1968? Hopefully a lot safer.

Disclosure: 1) I won't be in NYC. 2) Please don't be violent, this was meant as sort of a "remember when" bit.

Hoffman is fascinating though.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. Be safe, don't be violent, large numbers count, surround vandals and photo

Be safe, don't be violent, large numbers count, surround vandals and photograph them.

Wear camouflage: white blouse or shirt and tie.

Support the first responders (police, firefighters) in their contract negotiations.

All that said, Abbie is a good read because he stimulates the imagination.