How Not To Protest

AmericanProtest.net Weekly Column ^ | 4/2/2004 | Wayne Boettcher

[\/\/ayne]

How Not To Protest

by Wayne Boettcher
Posted 04/02/2004

In our haste to find new and exciting ways to protest liberal agendas and let the majority voice be heard in America, we should consider not just "how to protest" but also "how not to protest." And of course we have many fine examples available to us. The liberals provide complete instruction at no charge! One sort of protest is where you physically appear at a location and protest a person, company or government department with signs, songs and supplication.

Let's take recent examples of two similar protest incidents where a high-ranking government official was protested at their place of residence. In the first case, elected official Vice President Al Gore was plotting and hatching schemes to steal the 2000 election, using his government assigned house at the U.S. Naval Observatory as a base and office. Many who closely followed Democrat election fraud news stories posted on http://www.freerepublic.com/, known as "Freepers" decided to object to these illegal activities. Before they came to protest, however, they checked with local government for any permits needed. They set up on public property (about 200 yards from the house) and did not trespass or invade any personal space.

Although the stalwart citizens sang, chanted and held signs, they did not curse, scream or damage property. (In a later interview with Barbara Walters, the Gores later claimed cursing and screaming occurred but protester David Frum denied this assertion, calling it "hyperbolic.") After the protest all trash was picked up and the Freepers left the area cleaner than when they came, as usual. Civility and polite but firm dissent were the rule of the day. After all, children were present and active in the protest. They needed an example of good behavior.

In the second case, a coalition of liberal protesters calling themselves the "National People's Action" went to the house of Presidential advisor Karl Rove to advocate legalizing illegal aliens who graduate from high school. But Rove is not an elected official. He cannot take any action on his own, but may only advise the President. Protesting Karl Rove was nonsensical and made the protesters look foolish. They should have protested President Bush. Also, the house he was in was his own personal property, not a government building. Furthermore, he was not using it as an office for a major project at the time, but living there. This is Karl Roves personal space! In spite of the ineffectiveness and illogic of this protest, the liberals still could have followed the law and promulgated good manners had they chosen to.

But this was not to be. Obviously they had not checked on local ordinances for protest rules because some police would have been there. Instead of remaining on the public sidewalk, they criminally rushed the house, pounding on doors and windows, screaming like banshees and trespassing on private property! By breaking the law, they endangered the children they brought with them! (What if the police had decided tear gas was necessary!) What an example set for these endangered children. Not to mention the children aged 10 and 14 inside the house being terrorized by the screeching liberal mob.

What could have caused such behavior? These liberals acted as if they were drunk or on illegal drugs such as methanphetamine. Ever since the '60s liberal protests have always been known for having drugs and alcohol present. In fact, sometimes the main purpose of the protest is to legalize recreational drugs! We don't know, of course whether these particular protesters were on drugs. But remember, when going on a protest, especially with children, drugs and/or alcohol should never be present.

I really don't have that problem since I don't drink or use drugs at any time. No, I'm not a recovering alcoholic or addict, although I have a great deal of respect for those who fight that daily battle. I simply noticed that a lot of clear thinking, moral, intelligent people I know have made the decision to maintain self-control and discipline over their own lives and decided to join them. If you drink or use drugs recreationally, why not try stopping for a month? You might decide the same. It's worth a try.

But I digress. Let's go over some more things not to do at protests. Remember that liberals at a protest will often dress in weird and strange clothing, or have no clothing at all. That's no way to protest! Dress neatly; although you don't have to wear a tuxedo. Just look somewhat presentable. Protest Tshirts are perfectly acceptable. In fact, you can get some great ones right here on this website. Imagine that!

Don't make crazy signs like you see at liberal protests, although there's nothing wrong with a well-made hand written sign. Check the spelling, neatness and grammar. Liberal protest signs usually will be crude, vague and may contain spelling errors, cursing and/or name-calling. Don't be like them. You want your sign to be something you can be proud of. Think about an intellectual but basic and witty message that conveys your point simply but effectively. For instance, instead of just a sign that said "Al Gore you cheater" protestors at the Al Gore house used a well done parody of a Wheaties cereal box called Cheaties with Al Gore pictured on the front. That excellent sign impressed even liberal media.

It's extremely important to pray and seek wisdom before protesting. This will keep you on the right track and give you strength. If you pray for God's help He's not going to tell you to trespass or terrorize kids! He'll help you stay out of trouble and get your message across. How will you know if your message is good and your protest a righteous one? Humble yourself before the Lord and accept His guidance.

Remember that average Americans can easily see the difference between loopy left-wing liberal louts screaming communist slogans and logical literate liberty lovers who are proclaiming justice, morality and American values. Although the "National People's Action" sang America the Beautiful when the police showed up in attempt to look less communistic, it was more perverse than patriotic. When conservatives sing patriotic songs we really mean it, and it shows! So get together with some friends and plan or join a patriotic protest today! It's time to stand up for America!

Wayne Boettcher is the owner of AmericanProtest.net

Related Links

Protester David Frum denies Gore claims.

Rules for Protesting by the Free Republic DC Chapter

Free Republic DC Chapter

CNN story about Rove Protest

[boxerblues]

protestors at the Al Gore house used a well done parody of a Wheaties cereal box called Cheaties with Al Gore pictured on the front. That excellent sign impressed even liberal media.


I still have copy of the pic hehe

[Support Free Republic]

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Thanks for donating to Free Republic!

Move your locale up the leaderboard!

[FourPeas]

Bump!

[marlon]

I still the best way to protest is to take Belly Girl with you. Sorry to the boyfriend of Belly Girl from Protest Warrior.com but your girl is one hotty!

[weegee]

Also from how "not" to protest (using this offensive liberal's poster as an example):

PLAN AHEAD. Try to layout your text so that you have enough room to say what you want. Don't bunch all of the letters on one side. Neatness counts.

[rageaholic]

Darn, I thought this was gonna be another story about Rachel Corre. She's still good for a few laughs.

[bassmaner]

I really don't have that problem since I don't drink or use drugs at any time. No, I'm not a recovering alcoholic or addict, although I have a great deal of respect for those who fight that daily battle. I simply noticed that a lot of clear thinking, moral, intelligent people I know have made the decision to maintain self-control and discipline over their own lives and decided to join them. If you drink or use drugs recreationally, why not try stopping for a month? You might decide the same. It's worth a try.

A perfectly good article, ruined by prohibitionist sanctimony.

[Angelwood]

Memories - FYI.

[Taxman]

Thanks for the post, \/\/ayne. Good find.

DC Chapter of FReerepublic Rules!

OUR street theater is better than their street theater. And, we are neater, cleaner, more polite and stay on point, to boot!

OwlBore's comment about cursing in FRont of Cheney's house, was, as pointed out, nonsense. We don't do profanity -- but the LIEberals do, including directing profane gestures at our side.

LOL! We get flipped off everywhere we go. Which means all of our FReeps are successful, of course.

I mean, what is a LIEberal to do when the argument is lost? Flip off your FReepers antagonist and run away, of course!

Eagles Up!

PS Mr. Boettcher forgot "Sore Loserman." Personally, I think that phrase/artwork (Thank you, Registered!) was THE most telling protest sign of the '00 election.

[Sender]

A couple of specific protest items that always turn me off:

1- Whatever and however noble your cause, arranging naked bodies to spell out words on a grassy knoll is not effective, unless you are a fundraising cheerleader squad.

2- Any signs with swastikas or pictures of Hitler are a dead turn-off unless you are specifically addressing the Holocaust (yes, the WWII one).

3- Four words: "No blood for oil". If you can't do better than that at slandering Bush, get a job. Better yet, outsource your protest to India.

[Billthedrill]

I've been doing my best to convince my liberal friends that the classic way of protesting is to douse oneself in gasoline and then light up a joint. So far no takers, but I'm trying, I'm trying...

[ryanjb2]

"A perfectly good article, ruined by prohibitionist sanctimony."

From that fragment you excerpted, he never advocated the prohibition of drugs. He just said people who use drugs lack self-control and intelligence, which is IMHO, quite true. People who consume drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, etc., are almost always lazy, stupid, and/or violent.

[discostu]

Nothing prohibitionist about it. Just good sense. I'm a drinker, and I had my fun in school. Then and now I take a month here and there to dry out, it's good practice and helps make sure you're consuming your psycho-active of choice because you want to not because you need to. And he's right that psycho-actives and protesting don't mix, go by a lefty protest sometime, there's a 90% chance you'll smell pot smoke and a 100% chance they'll leave empty beer cans behind (usually cheap nasty beer that no one with self respect would drink).

[Wacka]

When I got the finger in SF when we were supporting Bush after the election, I would blow them a kiss and say "Thank you- we're #1!!!"

[Poohbah]

Four words: "No blood for oil". If you can't do better than that at slandering Bush, get a job. Better yet, outsource your protest to India.

BWAHAHAHAHA!

[Poohbah]

When I got the finger in SF when we were supporting Bush after the election, I would blow them a kiss and say "Thank you- we're #1!!!"

I did that to a young lady.

"Thank you, ma'am, you're Number One with us, too!"

Her response: "F*** you!"

Me: "That's very flattering, ma'am, but I'm happily married, and my better half might not understand."

Ever see anyone literally turn purple?

One guy put on a Scottish brogue and said, "Cap'n, she canna take the strain! She's gonna blow!"

[Tennessee_Bob]

Being nice to those who wish you evil - I've found that that is the best way to deal with anyone, protestors, angry customers, you name it. Let curse and scream, and just smile and be nice.

[Exit148]

Thanks for the ping. The description, by the author, brought it all back!

We sure have seen the 'tolerant' liberals for what they really are. I think the worst thing we have thrown back at them is that wonderful chant ---"Mean-spirited, arrogent, condescending liberals"!!

LOL!

[Lady Jag]

Condescending, my ass!

[TexRef]

Check the spelling, neatness and grammar.

[Roscoe Karns]

lol- I tell them they would be more effective and have better visibility if they'd protest on the highway.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ROTFL! Oh, that is precious!

[lowbridge]

Instead of remaining on the public sidewalk, they criminally rushed the house, pounding on doors and windows, screaming like banshees and trespassing on private property!

Firing a warning shot over their heads would have put an end to it.

[WhiteyAppleseed]

There are times when I wonder if some of the protesters, anywhere they are protesting, are there because it is the equivalent of a picnic to them, an event like going to the mall and sniffing merchandise.

I remember grade school, during the 60s, and watching the hippies get their skulls cracked with black sticks, occupying the mall, and with the downfall of religion, seems a new guilt needs to occupy the Swiss cheese of our minds.

John Knowles, author of A Separate Peace, chronicled the doings of teenaged boys at a New England prep school during WWII. They played hard, jumping from trees, preparing for the inevitable.

In grade school, we played hard, climbing down railroad trestles, conducting mock wars. But we also immitated those hippies protesting the war--nine-year olds marching around the schoolhouse chanting "down with Nixon" sounds trivial--and rolling gigantic snowballs five feet in diameter to place in front and in back of the teacher's car.

[MortMan]

I still have copy of the pic

Care to share? ;-D

[boxerblues]

[Flyer]

Bring lots of flags and smoke ceegars. . .

[MortMan]

Thanks!!

[TaxRelief]

An example of a very good sign by FReeper Flora McDonald.

[Redbob]

"A perfectly good article, ruined by prohibitionist sanctimony."

Amen!

On a separate subject:
Signs: Try lettering your sign in high-contrast colors, then go out in daylight, have a friend go to a reasonable viewing distance, say 20 - 30 yds, and take a digital photo.
Download it and check to see if the message is legible.

Many photos of signs I see posted here from well-planned Freeps are completely obscure.

[Redbob]

LOL!

Keep this in mind about Rachel Corrie:
A D9-R Caterpillar weighs about 107,000 lbs., and
has a 1.66" ground clearance.

[Free_at_last_-2001]

Excellent sign!

[HEY4QDEMS]

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Of course! It's a "classic" by Registered!!!!!!

[God luvs America]

bump

[God luvs America]

That is a great sign!

[Flora McDonald]

There is just something therapeutic about making statements on cardboard. I've got to get to work on some Kerry signage for the coming months but I don't want to make too many in case he gets bumped at the convention.

As soon as I can find some cheap flip-flops I'm going to glue magnets on the soles, write "OFFICIAL KERRY 'O4 FLIP-FLOPS" on them and stick them on the back of the car.

It's going to be a fun campaign!

[PurVirgo]

Hey!! I know where that's at!!!

Is that you with the cigar?

[Kudsman]

Great stuff. I do love your sign

[King Prout]

down here, the polite "dis" is to say, very sweetly and with heartfelt conviction, "God bless your heart."

drive 'em BONKERS.

[King Prout]

niiiiiice...

ah, Registered.
shoulda known it.

[King Prout]

scattered, smothered, covered.

[Cultural Jihad]

Excellent post.

[Flyer]

Hey!! I know where that's at!!!
Is that you with the cigar?

That's humblegunner with the cigar - I was behind the camera.

[Tennessee_Bob]

Kind of off topic, but not really. I work as a customer service rep for a pharmacy benefits manager - lady calls in from one of the Jersey plans we manage, mad as hell because we followed her instructions to the letter. She starts off the call yelling at me, and one of the statements she makes is "And you people down there are so damned nice, it makes me sick!" To which I reply, in my good old thick as honey Southern accent "Well, ma'am, I apologize for that - is there anything else I can do to help you today?"

Her response, as she slammed down the phone, is unprintable here. :)

[GEC]

Keep in mind that the liberals already invented all of the great chants for protests, so to taunt liberals, all you have to do is tweak them a bit:

"All we are saaayyyy-ing, is give war a chance."

"We will kill bin La-a-den"

"The U.S. united, will never be defeated."

or just sing the national anthem.

Your best bet if you're in a large public space is to use a bullhorn.

Make sure that you say hi to the cops before you get started.

[exDemMom]

You want your sign to be something you can be proud of.

Yep, I was very proud after one of the Bush rallies, when the local Fox affiliate featured my sign not just once, but twice during their broadcast.

"Keep counting until Gore wins? Is that democracy???"

[Little Bill]

DC is DC, NYC is NYC, Boston is Boston, do what you have to do, each place is different. In Boston we like chaos, wouldn't work in DC or NYC, rules are different, people are different, you have to adapt to the area.

[endthematrix]

For all the ruckus I enjoy, that one is likely to stir quite a debate among the Trotskies! Or is it neo-Trotskies now?