As we watched these 10,000 or so "bitter gun-toting Grandmas (and other Republicans) clinging to McCain and Palin" drive and walk by us as they headed into the rally in Blaine, Minnesota, this last Friday, I couldn't help but remember this old video showing what happens to blindfolded people who stay the course.
Our small but clear-headed group of protesters did its best to wake up a few of the clueless grandmas heading in to cheer Palin-McCain with questions about the moneyed group's nearest and dearest interest: "What's happened to your 401K?" A younger Republican woman, obviously speechless at the painful memory of her poor 401 K, was only able to shoot up her middle finger. But who knows if it might have also started a flicker of brain activity?!
The American flags waving next to our "End the War" banners must have also sparked a thought or two. One lady was overheard whispering to her friend: "Watch out Gladys. They're trying to confuse us with them flags."
What perhaps was even better than the flickers of brain activity we witnessed with some of the Republican crowd heading into the Palin Rally, was the comparison between the community policing style of the Blaine peace officers with the Rent-a-Robo-Cop style of the RNC-directed version that occurred in the Twin Cities just two weeks prior. Whatever the reason, whether just due to succumbing to their own distorted, fear-based hoopla and then over-reacting, some 3,700 police SWAT guys in the Twin Cities had decided they needed to be equipped with $50 million of the latest in black riot gear, helmets, visors, tear gas and tasers. Dozens of pre-emptive raids and 800 arrests later, including of reporters and journalists like Amy Goodman, the poor public who just wanted to exercise their first amendment rights, was effectively intimidated and victimized. And the peace was not even kept! Just ask any of the St. Paul residents shown in this video who actually initially thought their being surrounded and arrested on the first day of the RNC was a joke.
The RNC in St. Paul did in fact turn out to be a joke but it was a terrible one on We the People.
By contrast, the peace was perfectly kept outside the Anoka County Airport in Blaine on Friday, effectively protecting thousands of similar Republicans but with NONE of the police intimidation! Our peaceful questioning of the seemingly mindless procession of Palin-McCain supporters, many of whom passed within a foot or two of our signs and banners, took place with only a half dozen Blaine police officers present. All the peace officers, moreover, were in their proper, normal uniforms, and fully identified. The police officers dutifully stuck to their roles in directing traffic and allowed us our full First Amendment rights to free speech on the nearby bike path. They remained courteous even when surprised about the volume of car and and foot traffic. A couple of raised voices were the most that resulted from the close interaction. Remarkably enough, no police tasers, tear gas, or bullhorn order to disperse went out. Not even a police eyebrow went up!
Compared to the violence done to people and their rights in St. Paul just two weeks ago, our anti-war protest of Palin-McCain on Friday was an exceptionally constructive and non-violent exercise in doing democracy. Civility AND vigorous participatory debate/dialogue is key to what a true democracy ought to be about in these situations, not tasering, pepper spray and intimidation.
Based on this experience, may we suggest that the next RNC be held at the Blaine Airport!
Additionally it was that lady going in with tickets for Palin-McCain who called herself a "Bitter Gun-Toting Grandma". I only highlighted that phenomenon.
I did say it was a "mindless procession" and perhaps if we had tape for you to hear of all the derogatory terms and sound bite slogans (like the "Drill Baby Drill" and "NOBama" ones), that emanated from the procession, you'd agree with that description.
We'd all prefer a much loftier dialogue of ideas but we do have to start somewhere. In a couple of instances where people temporarily pulled out of the procession to actually talk to us, the dialogue improved. Establishing wide "no free speech" perimeters and use of police intimidation around events like the RNC only make any dialogue harder.
If ever a Campaign for President didn't have a leg to stand on- this is it.
Everyone should try it once.
Go ahead.
Make a sign.
Pick a time and a street corner.
Stand there.
It is the most revealing and freeing experience!
The last time I did this, over 30 people joined in - inpromptu.
Smiles all around, and a true sense of satisfaction.