Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 21:42:29 -0500
From: txliberty@hotmail.com ("Terry L Parker")
Subject: [libs4peace] PROTEST: Every Friday 5pm Guide
To: utliberty-owner@yahoogroups.com, LibertyList@topica.com, LibertyGeneral@topica.com, libs4peace@yahoogroups.com ("Libertarians 4Peace"), adpj@lisa.zopyra.com, austinagainstwar@yahoogroups.com ("Austin War"), austindemo@yahoogroups.com
Cc: tps@trailerparkshow.com, TheAustinReview@netscape.net ( "The Austin Review"), thc@eden.infohwy.com ("Texas Hep Campaign" ), TCLPActive@yahoogroups.com ( "TCLP Active"), sns@austin.rr.com ("Sylvia Shihadeh" ), rep.paul@mail.house.gov ( "Ron Paul"), LibertyAction@yahoo.com ("Liberty International" ), chair@tx.lp.org ("Chair Texas LP")
Protest US govt tax payer support of violent aggression abroad every Friday,
starting at 5pm in what ever place you live!
Here in Austin it happens in front of the Texas state capitol at 11th St &
Congress Ave. It started with a guy named Andy and just a couple of protesters;
and now it's up to over a dozen or more each Friday; and growing. By
not calling it a 'rally' it is still a 'success' with just a few people 'demonstrating'
The protesters often come from different perspectives. They
have agreed to disagree on other issues while supporting opposition to US
govt backed initiations of violent assault abroad. There is no need to feel
like anyone is endorsing a comprehensive agenda of anyone else. Each protester
demonstrates on 'points of unity' or displays whatever poster that reflects
that individual's view. No need for any one to feel responsible for anyone
else's view. As a matter of fact, there is often a 'counter protest' and
that's better than fine. Actually encourages more media attention. But,
keep the contentions focused on the issues instead of the 'messengers' Since
this is a 'public' eventthere may be news and other photographers; some
who are just tourists. It's ok to ask a photographer what the pics will
be used for; but it can be counterproductive and pointless to let it get you
very upset.
Contact people and/or groups that you know who may be amenable to a Friday
after work street demo for about an hour or so. You can even promote more
interest by encouraging the 'opposition' Pick a location that has a lot of
visibility and is as appropriate to the 'cause' as you can find that has 'going
home' traffic. Generally, as long as you don't block pedestrian 'easement'
on a public street sidewalk there is no need for any 'permit' It *is*
still America ya know! As long as you don't impede traffic or endanger
anyone, you are free to use the public street sidewalks of America to express
political dissent; as is the case for your opponents too :)
It helps for it to also be convenient to good places to go after the demo.
By adding some socialability you avoid 'burnout' and make/renew acquaintances
with people of conscience and compassion. After all, it's a Friday eve
and some of those co-protesters (of whatever viewpoint) can be enjoyable company
:)
And, don't forget the children! If possible, pick places where kids can be
brought along. What a wonderful 'civics' lesson for them; as well as an exciting
event to share with both established and new found friends. But make
sure that you keep an eye on little ones who may forget themselves and run
out into the street without looking. :(
BTW, Kids (of all ages) LOVE to make poster signs! Bring inexpensive poster
boards, and BROAD tip marking pens. Pick 'slogans' that convey a lot in
just a few words. Ad pros say try for 7 syllables or less. Samples can be
'US out of Israel' or 'US out of Middle East' or 'End US backed violence'
or 'Not with my tax dollars' or 'Stop Killing With My Money' or 'Stop the
Cycle of Violence' and so on.
Today's protest here in Austin was a wonderful hour or so of sun, good people
and playful kids; and yours can be too.....
Some Resource Links:
PeaceInTheHeartOfTexas,
Terry Liberty Parker
AustinVoiceCall 1.512.494.9176
Find 21st Century 'War&Peace' via
'Search' at: www.austin.indymedia.org
Confer at: www.topica.com/lists/LibertyList
And, In Austin Every Sunday 7pm - ?
I host informal discussion of
current ideas & issues at
Hickory St Grill on 8th & Congress
http://profiles.yahoo.com/txliberty