Thread by @nonsequiteuse

Going downtown to protest the NRA & GOP in #Houston tomorrow? Please be prepared and take care of yourself. Allow me to offer tips based on my decades of experience as a lawyer (tho this is NOT legal advice), activist, and person who hates hot weather. A thread:

Practically speaking, be prepared for the weather. Hydrate, wear sunscreen & a hat, sturdy walking shoes, have a minor first aid kit (bandaids, mostly), a soft plastic water bottle, and a couple of small quick snacks in case you have a dizzy spell.

Commit to be safe & nonviolent, but have a plan for things getting bad. Have a place to meet your friends if you have to disperse quickly. Don't wear jewelry or baggy clothes that can be grabbed and yanked. Let someone know if you are going alone & check in when you get home.

If you want to commit civil disobedience, which is legit but which can get you arrested, do it only as part of pre-arranged plan with a group of people providing support. Don't risk you own safety or others' safety by making this up on the spot. Seriously, just don't.

Do not bring or carry ANYTHING that the police or an opponent can claim you used or construe as or treat as a weapon. Assume it will used against you. That means no wooden flagpoles. No wooden stakes on signs. No metal water bottles. No umbrellas.

Remember, you may not intend to use anything as a weapon & you may be committed to nonviolence. You cannot control what the police might claim about your intentions. Sorry to be cynical, but this is the NRA. It'll be hot out. GUNS WILL BE PRESENT.

And look, even if you assume the absolute BEST intentions about the police, very, very few are well-trained or experienced with managing protests. Hope for the best, but assume the worst. And consider that even if you are willing to risk something, those around you may not be.

For real. This is critical. Don't make a decision that can affect others. Don't do something that gets someone else arrested, trampled, or shot. You can't make those decisions for other people.

I'm not trying to tone police or tell people what they should and should not do. Civil disobedience is a legit option in many cases and for some people, but it includes an obligation to the larger crowd.

Respect the role of legal observers. They are not there to take sides or provide legal advice. They are there to document what happens so that if things go wrong, there is a record and people will have recourse.

Likewise, respect the requests of demonstration organizers. They may know things you do not, as they are connected to a network of people who can see different parts of the crowd. They're trying to keep you safe and keep the focus on the targets of the demonstration.

When in doubt, step out of the way and sit down. If you're sitting with your back against the wall away from the action, it is hard for anyone (cops) to falsely accuse you of instigating violence or breaking other laws.

Here are some tips specifically about filming at demonstrations. nonsequiteuse.wordpress.com/2020/06/07/ten…

And here's a reminder that Discovery Green is not exactly public property. Different rules apply there. And keep in mind that while you can be on a public sidewalk, rules change once you are on private property or in the street. nonsequiteuse.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/pub…

The First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Note that it has limits.

The @ACLUTx is an amazing resource - aclu.org/know-your-righ…

And @eff as well has great info on digital safety & security at protests. eff.org/deeplinks/2016…

I'll add to this if I think of other things but please:
- Be safe.
- Speak up.
- Demand accountability from elected officials who again and again ask for thoughts and prayers, but prioritize Guns Over People.

OK adding to the #Houston #NRAconvention demonstration thread - do not get into spaces so tight they prevent a quick exit. Think of how quickly (horrible to say) the Astroworld concert turned deadly because of barricades & loud crowds.

Be very aware of your exit routes when you protest, and do not let yourself get trapped against a barricade.
Watch out for others.
Don't press in.
Don't push through or push anyone.
Step back.
Don't get swept up.

Background -
psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-at…

Sincere or not, some are asking about eggs & fruit as weapons. Assume a bad actor will misconstrue or weaponize that tomato before you make the decision to throw it. A pie in the face is battery, even whipped cream on a paper plate.

Whatever it is, remember:
1- you can't control how others will react.
2- you don't get to opt anyone else into civil disobedience without their consent.
3- if your protest goal is holding people accountable, consider whether it serves that purpose to become the story yourself.

And as someone else whose account is locked points out, if you're wondering about tampons & pads, when we protested at #txlege, they made su throw those out to get into the capitol.

And there are laws against assaulting people with (or battering, or even mailing to people) any bodily fluids. That starts with spit and gets, well, more, um, substantial.

Another good point (sorry to the person who added - can't find you) - phone chargers/extra batteries are great to have. Just have a place to stash them so no one calls them projectiles/weapons.

Other things to carry-Sharpies for writing key info on your arm, your ID and a few bucks but not your whole wallet. Your necessary keys. but not your whole key ring. And a backpack is fine, but pockets are better. Bags can be grabbed and (broken record) used as a weapon.