a bizarre but powerful suggestion for inaugaration protestors...

[Lerkfish]

This occurred to me last night. I can see several downsides to this idea, but I also see it as a very powerful statement.

What if, all the protestors, en masse, as the motorcade passes by, shout "sieg heil" and shove their arms upwards?

If thousands upon thousands do it, it will get airplay, it will send a message that Bush is becoming Hitler, AND it has the added benefit of making it difficult for police to arrest people apparently paying SUPPORT to Bush....

I dunno. I just feel like we need to something big and powerful, but I'm not sure that's it...any other ideas?

[WLKjr]

1. do that and start that damn lockstep high march too along the motorcade

[ArkDem]

17. It's called goosestep.

[WLKjr]

19. oops, my bad :)

I was just waking up when I posted that, and it was the first word that came to mind.

[LostinVA]

2. Excellent Idea

Several of us were planning to go to DC that day and do something, and I think this would make a point. I agree, however, that more than a few people need to do it to make that point... and to get airplay.

BTW -- I'm a long-time lurker, and this is my first post! Yay!

[Karenca]

5. Welcome

to DU...LostinVA

:hi:

[katmondoo]

6. I would war black and cover my face with a death mask

[hobbit709]

3. I like it

The best way to protest is to make fun of the opposition. they can handle anger and brickbats, but lose it when people make fun of them.

[Karenca]

4. Its bizarre

but I like it! :mad:

[elehhhhna]

7. It'll be like 2000. Didn't you see F911?

Those limos will be RACING DOWN THE STREET. I'm already predicting he'll helicopter in, since the common man HATES him, and he loves to use big-boy toys whenever possible.

[UL_Approved]

8. I had thought of another protest

Mine involved a million people (or more) all dressed in skeleton outfits like the ones worn during Halloween. Everybody just stands there, silent, not moving, not making noise. Then, when Bush has been at it about 10 to 15 minutes, the people slowly walk toward the motorcade and surround it. They just stand there and block it. No violence, no outcry, just solitude. This happens for about 10 minutes. They then break it off, go back to the side of the streets, and let the motorcade finish. Any thoughts?

[deutsey]

9. Unfortunately, enough of us probably won't get close enough to do this

In 2001 the security and police/military presence were so tight only a small fraction of the protesters in DC that day got through. Even those who did received scant airplay in media coverage.

That was 2001. They've come a long way, baby, in their police-state tactics since then.

[annabanana]

10. They will probably roll some busses in from MS, or Alabama...

To make up a "suitable for filming" advance on the WH. They sure aren't going to let what happened last time happen again.

[stellanoir]

11. a la Eminem's "Mosh"

black hoodies under winter coats. Take off coats when motorcade approaches and passes. Salute. . .?

[H2O Man]

12. I still prefer silent

prayer/meditation ..... but your idea is a very, ver close second. It has the symbolism and theater that is really needed. Maybe there is an opportunity for both: the silent protest on the left-hand of the streets, with people dressed in white; and brown-shirts doing the mock salute on the right.

[Options Remain]

13. i had an idea

can we get a fireworks display of an upside down american flag? Something huge and visible launched from outside the security ring?

not sure if its technically possible.

TearForger

[H2O Man]

15. I don't know.....

I'm not from that area, and wouldn't know ..... but I think that using symbols in a way that is going to get the point across is always a good option. Not quite the same as the upside down flag would be for as many protesters as possible to carry a copy of the Constitution with them. If a person is arrested for reading the Constitution in public, it speaks pretty loudly.

[deutsey]

14. Who here plans to be in DC on January 20?

Just curious.

There are a couple organizing efforts under way that I know of:

http://www.counter-inaugural.org

http://www.internationalanswer.org/

[flobee1kenobi]

16. If you do the salute

dress up complete with W armbands
really put on a show-the press will eat it up!

[deutsey]

18. One of my favorite protests in 2001 was SUDS

Students for an Undemocratic Society

They joined Bush supporters and would take whatever insults Busheviks hurled at them and turn them into chants. For example, a Bush supporter would hell at them, "Shut up, you commies." And SUDS would all start chanting like sheep, "Shut up, you commies! Shut up, you commies!" They apparently had Bush demonstrators really flustered.

[loudsue]

22. Now THAT's a great idea! Using the principals of Martial Arts....

Move in the same direction as the aggressor to throw them off balance.

:bounce: I like it!! :bounce:

Carry signs in exaggeration of extreme right wing policies; make the freepers see just how hateful and ignorant they are. Sort of like the "Billionaires for Bush" crowd did....mocking them so they have to finally look at themselves.

:kick::kick::kick:

[TNOE]

20. I like it

you are right - it will be powerful and it will have to make the news - and maybe even wake up a "few" people.

[Fleshdancer]

21. The only thing I don't like about it is....

is that there are still living survivors of the Holocaust who might see it. Does that make any sense at all? My bleeding heart couldn't take reminding them of their hell for the sake of protesting an inaguration. I can't stand Bush either, but he hasn't yet risen to the level of evil that Hitler possessed. Fortunately, I don't think Bush is smart enough to be THAT evil.

I wouldn't be opposed to the black hoodie thing though...copying the Mosh video.

[Lerkfish]

23. right. that's the downside to it, which I already know.

it would be reminding people of the holocaust......which would be hurting/offending the wrong people...HOWEVER, part of the lesson of the holocaust was to never forget, live to remember to prevent it from happening again.

Even though you disagree with me, I see it happening again.