Take care of yourself
Take care of each other. Take care of this place.
I am about to go offline for a couple of weeks while I travel to visit family. I will be back in the saddle for my June 27 column. I made these plans before Trump sicced the military on the communities in Los Angeles. We are well into our constitutional crisis, whether anyone in Washington D.C. and the legacy media admits it or not.
There’s plenty to worry about, but one of my greatest concerns has been the possibility that Trump would take his first opportunity to invoke the Insurrection Act and declare martial law. As I write this, he has skated up to the bleeding edge of that but has not quite crossed it. Trump’s rhetoric and behavior for the past decade have conveyed that he is itching for a battle in the streets. As of this moment, the streets of Los Angeles still belong to the people. Of course we’re all nervous as we head into the weekend.
I feel nervous right now, even though I have always known it could come to this. I’ve also known all along that the only ones who can stop Donald Trump and MAGA are us. So, while Trump is raising the stakes for protesters, we need everyone who can to join a No Kings march on Saturday, June 14.
Be prepared for the possibility of a showdown. June 14 — Trump’s self-aggrandizing military parade combined with thousands of marches planned across the nation — could bring things to a crescendo. We need to meet that moment while also staying calm, being careful, and promoting non-violence in every possible way.
Remember this: Donald Trump is easily frightened. Pushback always works. It’s time once again to call his bluff, stare him down in his pasty eyed face and demand an end to the constant assaults on democracy and human decency.
Stay safe, be smart
In the unlikely event that someone instigates violence during your march, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Indivisible.org’s website has guidance on maintaining safety in marches.
Here are some tips, many of which are included in Indivisible’s list. They may sound over the top and will probably not be necessary, but it’s better to be prepared for all contingencies.
Personal Safety and Health
Wear Protective Clothing:
Cover as much skin as possible to protect against chemical irritants and projectiles.
Use comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking or running.
Avoid contact lenses and makeup, as these can trap irritants like tear gas.
Eye and Face Protection:
Wear shatter-resistant goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from tear gas, pepper spray, and surveillance cameras.
Use a face mask or bandana to protect against both chemical irritants and facial recognition technology.
Bring Essential Supplies:
Carry water in a squirt-top bottle (for drinking and rinsing eyes/skin).
Pack snacks, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, emergency medications, and tissues.
Consider a small, durable backpack or belt bag for your essentials.
Write Down Emergency Information:
Write emergency contacts and legal aid numbers on your body (e.g., forearm) with a permanent marker in case your phone is lost or confiscated.
Digital and Privacy Protection
Secure Your Phone:
Fully encrypt your device and disable face/fingerprint recognition.
Put your phone on airplane mode when not in use to limit tracking.
Back up important data before attending the protest.
Limit Identifiable Exposure:
Wear a hat, mask, and sunglasses to obscure your identity from cameras and facial recognition.
Cover tattoos and unique features with clothing or makeup.
Be Careful with Photos and Social Media:
Avoid posting identifiable images of protesters online; blur faces and remove metadata before sharing.
Do not livestream others without their consent, especially if their faces are visible.
Legal Rights and Interaction with Law Enforcement
Know Your Rights:
You have the right to protest in public spaces and to record police activity in plain view.
Permits are not always required unless you obstruct traffic; police can ask you to move for safety but cannot restrict you based on your message.
If Stopped or Detained:
Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and do not physically resist.
Ask if you are free to leave; if not, ask what crime you are suspected of.
You have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer.
Do not consent to searches of your person or belongings.
Document Everything:
Write down badge numbers, patrol car numbers, and witness contact info.
Photograph any injuries and file complaints if rights are violated.
Situational Awareness and Group Safety
Use the Buddy System:
Attend with friends and agree on a meeting point if separated.
Let someone not attending know your plans and check in with them.
Stay Aware:
Continuously monitor your surroundings for changes in crowd mood, police movement, or signs of escalation.
Follow instructions from trained organizers, especially those trained in de-escalation.
Avoid Getting Trapped in a Mob
If at any time, you feel the crowd becoming volatile or sense that it’s marching too fast for you, calmly work your way to the right or left until you’re out of the crowd. Trust your instincts. Any time you begin feeling unsure or unsafe, step out of the march.
Prepare for Chemical Exposure:
If exposed to tear gas or pepper spray, do not rub your eyes; blink and rinse with water.
Change clothes as soon as possible if contaminated.
Additional Tips
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
Drink water regularly and eat protein-rich snacks to maintain energy.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs:
Do not bring or consume substances that could impair your judgment or put you at legal risk.
Mental Health:
Protests can be stressful; practice self-care and reach out to your support system afterward.
We are called to this moment.
In all likelihood, the march you attend will be joyous and exuberant. You are more likely to feel inspired and empowered than you are to feel threatened or frightened. In crowds as large as these marches attract, there may be smatterings of misbehavior or provocation. Your job is not to feed into it. Follow the march leaders instructions and keep near to the majority of people who will be ready to de-escalate any impending crises.
This is your country. These are your streets. You have the Constitutional right to assembly and speech. Stand your ground. Let’s make America America again.
Song of the Day
“Everyone’s In The Street” — Dispatch
Support songwriters and support musicians by purchasing this track here or here or from a reputable vendor of your choice.
Keep on keepin’ on,
Cindy
Excellent. Will pass this along.