I got arrested yesterday at the White House. Ask me anything.

[meganmonkey]

:)

(My first 'Ask me anything' thread ever!)

[Crazy Guggenheim]

1. Hey! How are you doing???

[meganmonkey]

9. Great!

:D

[Dastard Stepchild]

2. What does it feel like to rock?

Cuz, really, you do.

:headbang:

[meganmonkey]

10. Oh, my!

:blush:

:hug:

[Dastard Stepchild]

17. now, now...don't be modest....

That took some serious guts. :)

[peacefreak]

3. meganmonkey--you ROCK!

I hope you're safe & weren't too mistreated by the law.

[meganmonkey]

11. The cops were awesome!

I never thought I would say that, but it's true.

My arresting officer nicknamed me Margarita Girl because I asked the last woman to enter our paddywagon 'Weren't you supposed to bring the margaritas?'

They were very kind, patient, and gentle. The system is set up so there is no easy way to process 370 people quickly, but it wasn't the fault of the officers, you know. They did their best, and aside from a few who were cocky and had bad attitudes, most of them were very very nice.

[TroubleMan]

20. DC cops are usually pretty cool, comparatively.

Also, thank you for your brave act.

[KitchenWitch]

4. Did they mace you

or use a taser?

[meganmonkey]

12. No and no.

We were all willing, and they were expecting us. It really just demonstrated how absurd it is that sitting on the sidewalk in front of the White House is a crime.

[Left_Winger]

5. I admire your courage to take a stand

:yourock:

[meganmonkey]

14. Thank you!

It was easier knowing that there were hundreds of us, and there was so much media there they couldn't have gotten away with anything abusive. Physically it was uncomfortable, but the sense of comaraderie and knowing it was important made it pretty easy.

[evlbstrd]

6. How was the food?

[meganmonkey]

18. There wasn't any

at least when I was there - they may have fed the folks who were there all night.

I guess since technically we hadn't been booked into jail (we were in a cell, but we were being 'processed') they didn't have to feed us. Some people felt really dehydrated and asked for water, they were given water. I am sure that if anyone said they needed food they would have gotten some.

But being thirsty and hungry for 5 hours or so is a small sacrifice compared to what the Iraqis and soldiers are experiencing, and I just kept that in mind the whole time.

[evlbstrd]

64. I applaud your protest.

I couldn't stay for Sunday and Monday. My daughter wouldn't let me.

[GOPisEvil]

7. Are you blowing off the fine, too?

I saw you on truthout's video.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4904915

:yourock:

[meganmonkey]

21. I'm not sure yet.

I doubt I will be able to get back to DC for my court date, so I may just pay it. There is also a possibility that the cases could be dismissed, so I will try to find that out over the next couple of weeks.

In principal, I don't want to pay it, because I don't think I am guilty of anything in a democracy. But I would like to keep the possibility open to this type of thing again, so I don't want to completely blow it off or next time they will keep me in jail longer.

I can't believe I am in that video! I need to email it to my mom :)

Hope you got home safe!

:hug:

[JimmyJazz]

8. You are my hero!

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[meganmonkey]

22. Hey you!!

:loveya:

What an amazing weekend! I am so glad I finally met you, and with my zipper up and everything...

WATCH OUT!

SPEED BUMP!

:P

[JimmyJazz]

27. HA HA HA! I need to use that line!

:rofl:

[Sugar Smack]

121. "Speed Bump at .01 mile per hour!"

And if you hadn't warned me, I'd have landed on my face!

:yourock:

[philosophie_en_rose]

13. Are you okay??

Question 2: do you realize how many people support and admire your courage? :)

:hug:

[meganmonkey]

23. Thank you so much!

I am amazed at it all, last night I heard there were folks talking about me here, I guess my relative anonymity at DU is over. I was lucky that the 'best case scenario' came true, it really wasn't bad at all. The scariest thing was thinking about for days before it happened, but the actual event was very positive, and empowering, and not scary at all.

I recommend it to everyone :)

:hug:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

15. I hope you're not labeled a felon because of that

Your vote is needed

[meganmonkey]

25. No worries, it was like a traffic ticket. Aside from the handcuffs, anyway

;)

It's just a misdemeanor, and it helps that I had a clean record going in (which is a miracle, really).

:hi:

[Misunderestimator]

16. Megan! You absolutely Rock!!

You weren't handcuffed, were you?

And :hug: to you for doing that. :loveya:

[meganmonkey]

32. I had those awful plastic handcuffs on for a few hours

and when they were putting them on me I flexed my wrists because someone mentioned that you get a little more room that way. Well, the guy putting them on me didn't like that so he made me relax my hands and pulled them extra tight. I have minor bruises on both my wrists, but that's a small price to pay for freedom. It isn't free, you know :silly:

:hug:

[BikeWriter]

19. Thank you, Megan, you totally rock!

:toast: :yourock: :patriot:

[meganmonkey]

33. It was my honor to participate

:patriot:

[Generic Other]

24. Can I just shake your hand and give ya a hug?

You got bragging rights, girl!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[meganmonkey]

34. Indeed!

:hug:

I got arrested! :woohoo:

[wovenpaint]

26. You are a true patriot

and I salute you. You are a very courageous person.
:applause: :patriot::applause: :hi: :hi: :hi: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :patriot:

Oh yeah, and :yourock:

[meganmonkey]

35. That's not a question!

:P

But thank you very much :hug:

[no name no slogan]

28. Congratulations, and a huge THANK YOU!!!

Sugar Smack told me you wild wimmen had a great time in DC! I only wish I could have been there-- but with such amazing women marching, I now we were in great hands!

And look at it this way-- after you've been arrested for civil disobedience once, the next few times are a breeze! :toast:

Can't wait to see the photos of you wimmen... :D

[JimmyJazz]

30. Can I just tell you that I had the best time with Sugar Smack,

meganmonkey and MrScorpio on the march? It was awesome. I hung with other people throughout the day, but those were the people I was with the most during the actual march. It was one of the most amazing experience of my life and I am honored to have shared it with them.

[no name no slogan]

36. She's pretty darn swell, IMHO

and she speaks VERY highly of you, too! She promised to share all her DC stories with me when we see each other next (nine more days-- I CAN'T WAIT!) :hi:

[JimmyJazz]

41. She is the sister I never had.

:)

[Sugar Smack]

124. JimmyJazz, you helped make the day

one of the greatest days of my life. I loved being with you, LynneSin, MrScorpio, meganmonkey, Ty, and Stephanie. And I will never forget the excitement, the focus, and the fun we all felt as we expressed ourselves!

:woohoo:

[meganmonkey]

39. Yep - I can't wait until the next time!

Who ever thought I would look forward to being arrested?!

I heard good things about you :)

I had a blast with Sugar Smack - she's a wonderful gal!

[no name no slogan]

103. Y'know, it's been several years since I've been arrested

I really need to keep doing it every so often. Not only is it a good way to document your opposition to the war, it also looks pretty "bad" when your draft # comes up.

And Sugar Smack has said many good things about you, too! :) I can't wait to see her pictures!

[xmas74]

29. Jail wasn't too bad, was it?

(used to work in a jail-I'm sure most of the officers treated you as nice as they could).
Real question is: Would you do it again?

[meganmonkey]

40. I would definitely do it again. I hope I don't have to

I hope the war ends tomorrow. But in case it doesn't, I am prepared to do this again. And again. And again. As long as I can get the time off work ;)

And no, jail wasn't too bad. The police were surprisingly nice and patient, aside from a few.

[xmas74]

61. Most are pretty nice.

Just a few are power hungry.
They knew you were nonviolent and that you were there to prove a point. They are usually pretty nice to someone in that situation.

And good for you! I hope you don't have to but will give my moral support anytime it is needed.

[WCGreen]

31. Didja get printed and a mug shot.....

[meganmonkey]

42. Yes, and I want to look into getting a copy of my mug shot

I had a shit-eating grin on my face, and I did a 2-finger peace sign with my left hand while I was holding the board in front of my chest. Even the cop taking my picture was laughing with me (or maybe at me, but whatever)!

:hi:

[WCGreen]

45. They always put the funny ones in the back room......

Can't be funny out there on the street.....

I got arrested a long time ago.... Same situation only they cops just rounded us up, took us away from our protest and let us off.....

[progmom]

37. damn, woman. i am impressed. are you back? wanna grab a beer?

:hi:

[meganmonkey]

43. Hey there!

I'm in State College, PA right now at my sister's house. I'll be back home Thursday night or Friday, so maybe this weekend we could meet for lunch/drinks or something?

:hug:

[progmom]

47. that sounds excellent

so you have my number?

[meganmonkey]

49. Check your PM

[crispini]

38. YAY! YOU ROCK! Nominating this thread.

Because it deserves to be on the GREATEST page!

:yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock:

[meganmonkey]

44. Thank you!

It was such an amazing experience.

:loveya:

[Liberalynn]

46. Congratulations

to one of the Susan B's of our time. :patriot: :hug:

[meganmonkey]

51. Wow - I don't think I qualify for that club,

but thanks for the sentiment :hug:

[saged52]

48. you are awesome, girl!

First of all - thank you! I am 53 years old and one of my missions in life is to be arrested while peacefully protesting - just an old rebel, I guess. Your experience gets the juices flowing again - soooo wish I could have been in D. C. this past weekend. I'm so proud of you! question - do you feel like you have done something important - - - 'cause I surely think you have!

[meganmonkey]

53. I do feel like I was part of something important

It was soooo much bigger than me, though, if you know what I mean.

There was so much media, and I haven't had a chance to explore the coverage yet but I am sure that we got some, especially since Cindy S. showed up and got arrested too.

I hope it helps make a difference, it feels like the movement is very strong, and very motivated. I think the peace movement will help end this war and the last few days were a very important step.

If you get an opportunity to participate in something like this I highly recommend it. It was amazing.

[Dukkha]

50. Why do you hate America?

j/k :P

as a proud member of the pastic handcuffs club kudos to you! I'm a three timer myself.

[meganmonkey]

54. Good for you!

Maybe I'll see you on the line sometime!

:hi:

[Catchawave]

52. Good for you !

I almost signed up for that class too :toast:

[meganmonkey]

55. Next time youshould!

It was great!

:toast:

[LynneSin]

56. So did you make someone your bee-yotch in prison??

:pals:

Glad things worked out fine and you made it home safe. Thanks for doing that!!!

[LaraMN]

57. Were there drunken-frat boy-president pee spots on the lawn?

Seriously, though, you done good!:yourock:

[meganmonkey]

58. Bwahaha!

:rofl:

No, but I impressed everyone when I peed in the cell with my Supergirl panties on!

:pals:

[LaraMN]

93. Wow!

Where is the "we're not worthy" emoticon!

[In_The_Wind]

125. indeed

[bliss_eternal]

59. Who sprung you and are you alright?

:hi:

Hope so... :hug:

[meganmonkey]

62. I am just fine, and I sprung myself -

When I got out, and made my way to the Metro and back to my hotel, I was exhausted, sore, and THIRSTY!!!! But I showered and ate and drank and I feel fine today. A couple little bruises on my wrists, and some low back pain, but not bad at all.

To my knowledge they let everyone out, although for some folks the whole process took about 10 hours because there were so many people. I was lucky to be among the first arrested so I got out at around 6pm. I think the only reason they would have held people longer is if they had other warrants out for their arrests, and that was discussed at the training so I doubt anyone in that situation crossed the line.

:hug:

[bliss_eternal]

70. Oh, so none of you had to post bail or anything like that?

I didn't know that.

I recall after the Democratic National Convention, they made MANY arrests, and a lot of those people were held so much longer--and needed BAIL!

I'm so glad that you are alright!

So, you went through trainging, and the training teaches about arrests? That's so interesting!

[meganmonkey]

75. We got a fine, almost like a traffic ticket

and we have 30 days to pay it.

There was a training in general nonviolent civil disobedience, whgich I skipped because I have gone through that in Michigan so I could be a march monitor/security. then there was a legal briefing on our specific plans from an attorney who works with protestors in DC.

The training was important so people would know what not to do, like argue with the police or resist arrest. It was very peaceful.

[bliss_eternal]

95. Wow--it's so cool, that everything was so organized

in preparing people beforehand. I'm so glad it was peaceful.

Sorry about the fine, hope it wasn't expensive. :eyes:

Does this go on a record of some sort?

[indigo32]

60. Wow Megan

that is awesome. Thanks for putting up the good fight

[meganmonkey]

66. I'm just glad I was able to do it.

It was incredible!

[TK421]

63. All I can say is.....

I think I'm in love :loveya:

[meganmonkey]

67. Hee hee, - that's exactly why I did it!

To impress men!

Just kidding :P

But just think, if you go to the next one, you'll meet hundreds of women like me!

[TK421]

69. That's incentive enough to save up for bus fare

since I doubt my car could make the trip ( even if it's only 2 hours away )

[UrbScotty]

65. How is the sanctity of your marriage?

:evilgrin:

[meganmonkey]

68. Well, I'm not technically married, but

I do share a mortgage with my long-term boyfriend, and I would say it's pretty stable...

:shrug:

[tyedyeto]

71. I Thank You

from one of the many who could not be there and applaud your actions.

[meganmonkey]

99. You are welcome. You were all there in spirit and that helped

me stay calm, knowing that so many people were supporting our actions

:hug:

[JimmyJazz]

72. I JUST SAW YOU ON THE DAILY SHOW CLIP!

:hi:

[meganmonkey]

73. Are you fucking kidding me????

Holy Shit!!!

:wow:

[JimmyJazz]

74. Were you wearing a light green shirt and standing somewhat near

Cindy Sheehan?

[meganmonkey]

76. I had a light green shirt on

and I was near her in the park at one point, and probably again later soon before they started the arrests...

Wow - my sister is setting her VCR to tape the rerun tomorrow!

[JimmyJazz]

82. Sweetie - I'm pretty sure that was you I saw!

:hi:

[qnr]

77. Did you use your call to phone the White House and ask for answers?

Just wondering.

[meganmonkey]

80. Heh - I wish!

We didn't get to make phone calls, although I don't know what would have happened if we asked. They may have allowed it. But we were never officially booked in to jail - we were just being 'processed' for a few hours. Which included things like sitting in a cell...along with the fingerprints and mugshots and stuff. There were just so damn many of us (yay!) and the park police isn;t really set up for mass arrests.

[merh]

78. Can I have your autograph?

I just love true patriots! :patriot:

You are a hero to me! So proud to be a part of the DU community with you! :hug: :loveya:

[meganmonkey]

81. Thank you, dear!

I am glad to see you posting again - I can't imagine what you've been going through and I hope things are getting back to some sort of normal for you

:hug: :loveya:

[merh]

87. I'm creating new normals - it makes it easier.

Thanks for the good wishes. :hug: :loveya:

[EstimatedProphet]

79. Instead of asking, I'm telling:

GOOD FOR YOU! We're proud of you! It was good to meet you this weekend too!

[meganmonkey]

84. It was great to meet you, too!

:hi:

I'm glad I could represent DU - IN JAIL!!! :rofl:

[Aristus]

83. meganmonkey, I'm so proud of you!

I could just kiss you! I think I will! :*

And hug you! :hug: ((((((((((meganmonkey)))))))))) :hug:

:loveya: meganmonkey! :hi:

[meganmonkey]

86. Thank you!!!

:hug:

[6000eliot]

85. Was the story about you all being held on the bus true?

[meganmonkey]

88. Well, tomorrow I will post the whole story in GD

I can't really deal with writing that much tonight. But to sum it up - I was lucky to get arrested right away - I was in the first set of 3 paddywagons, we went right after Cindy (who got to go alone in a police car). The park police are NOT set up for this sort of thing, and their processing system is ancient (no computers!!!) so everything took a really long time. Even just the part before we got into the wagons. I got arrested at about 1:30 and I got out at about 6pm. When I got out, there were full city buses still pulling in with more of the arrested. They would have been held on the bus until the previous busload was finished being processed because there was no where else to put them. Yeah, it sucks, but it isn't the cops fault really.

[meganmonkey]

89. Okay, I'm going to bed in a minute here

but tomorrow at some point I will post my whole story in GD.

Thank you all for your kind words! I'll check back tomorrow.

:grouphug:

[Darth_Kitten]

90. Did you buy me a t-shirt?

Seriously though, you okay? How do you feel now? :D

[meganmonkey]

98. I really feel good

My voice is gone from 3 days of singing and chanting and screaming. I am a little sore in a few places but I feel revitalized on many levels after participating in all the events of the weekend. I hope that I can get back to DC for the next one. Unless of course immediate withdrawal from Iraq is announced. ;)

[sasquatch]

91. Will you post your mugshot?

:D

[meganmonkey]

100. If I can get it, I definitely will

I think I must have had the silliest grin on my face and I was flashing a peace sign. I imagine it must be available, since Smoking Gun can get all the famous people's shots. I will look into it in the coming days

:D

[NMMNG]

92. You rock! Did you have hot prison sex?

No, that's not my real question--that was my sensationalistic question I asked because I'm 2.5 sheets to the wind. My real question is, would you do it over again?

[meganmonkey]

101. I would definitely do it again.

No question. As long as I can get the time off from work :)

[NMMNG]

120. Good for you!

I was at the protest on Saturday, but didn't get arrested (though my grandfather was quite afraid I would). Kudos to you for being the brave one!

[RagingInMiami]

94. Did you get a sense the cops were on our side?

It was nice meeting you and I'm glad you're all right. I hope this is the beginning of something huge.

[meganmonkey]

106. For the most part, I think they were on our side

They were gentle, they had a sense of humor, and they were doing their job. And they had probably been working overtime all weekend thanks to us ;) so we were patient with them too. There were a couple of cops who were sort of arrogant/power-tripping, and one guy I would say was a flat-out asshole, but of the 20 or cops I encountered directly he was the only one like that.

It was great meeting you too - I think this movement is strong and continuing to grow :)

[LeftyMom]

96. Did you get to keep your plastic handcuffs?

I'd want them for a souvenier but I'm a packrat.

[meganmonkey]

107. No, I didn't get them, but I got my wrist tag and copies of

all the paperwork, and the property bag they used to hold my stuff. I'm going to hang it all on the wall :)

[IN-dem]

97. Did you go limp?

And Thank you so much for being there.

[meganmonkey]

108. I didn't, although lots of people did

I pretty much stepped up and volunteered. I just wanted to get it over with, and I am glad I did because people who waited until the cops picked them up were there until 5am the the next day since the processing was so backed up.

[_Winston_Smith_101]

102. Good Show!

Keep up the good work!

You remind me of me back in 1970 -- I got busted by the Pigs a dozen times back then and spent over six months in various jails!

Right on, Brother!

[meganmonkey]

110. Good for you! I'm glad it was more like 6 hours

instead of 6 months. But if I keep doing this, they may start holding me longer...

btw, I'm your sister, not your brother! :hi:

[Sugar Smack]

104. meganmonkey! Hey, WOW-

what an adventure! You and Joani have the BEST sense of humor. OK, and I'm going to tape the rerun of Jon Stewart tonight. This is too good to be true. I really enjoyed marching and hanging out with you this weekend, and despite any apprehension you had about being arrested...I knew on some level you were ready.

:bounce:

You're the best.

[meganmonkey]

111. You're the best!

I had so much fun with you on Saturday! The whole weekend was amazing, and Monday was the happy ending. When I woke on Monday I had no misgivings or doubts, I knew I was going to do it and it was going to be okay. And it was!

:hug:

[jane_pippin]

105. How does it feel to be totally bad ass?!

I'm so happy to hear you are ok and that everything went relatively smoothly. Thank you for takin' one for the team, so to speak.

:loveya: :toast:

[meganmonkey]

113. Ha! It's easy to pull it off when you look as innocent as I do

Little do they know...

}(

:hi:

:toast:

[GreenPartyVoter]

109. Did you know that you are my hero? *hugs*

[meganmonkey]

114. Thank you! But it really was easy to do

especially knowing there were a few hundred of us doing it, and thousands watching and sending support.

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

115. :^D I am glad it all went well *high five*

[Stockholm]

112. When will you be posting your mugshots?

[meganmonkey]

116. I have to figure out how to get it

I am at my sister's house right now, and will be heading home tomorrow so I will try to figure it out over the weekend.

If I can get it, I will gladly post it. I think it was my proudest moment of my life. Who woulda thunk getting arresting would be my proudest moment? :silly:

[Stockholm]

117. That´s the spirit!

:yourock:

[atomic-fly]

118. Thanks for taking it to the streets. (or lawn)

[meganmonkey]

119. Sidewalk, to be exact

It is illegal to sit on the sidewalk in front of the WH. :wtf:

[MrScorpio]

122. Was it fun?

Did they treat you well?

[meganmonkey]

128. Hey there!

It really was fun. There were periods of physical discomfort but the people I was with were all excellent, and we made the best of it - singing, chanting, joking with the cops. And almost all the cops were very nice to us.

I'm glad we got some time to hang out together Saturday, I hope you got home safely!

:hug:

[LisaLynne]

123. Woo hoo!!!!!!!

I've been thinking about you since Saturday. I'm glad it wasn't too bad. You did a great thing -- something you can be proud of!

[meganmonkey]

129. Thanks!

Even my mom is proud of me :)

[Bassic]

126. Did you get tear gased? nt

[meganmonkey]

130. Not at all - nothing of the sort

the police were expecting us, the organizers worked closely with them so it was very peaceful and mellow.

[Bassic]

133. Oh well you're lucky then.

[4_Legs_Good]

127. Are you so f*cking awesome that I can worship you now???

:yourock:

Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOO much!!!! I wish I coulda been there.

david

[meganmonkey]

131. LOL

I would rather you didn't worship me, but I appreciate the sentiment!

:hi:

[bigwillq]

132. Thank you meganmonkey!

For fighting the good fight. Hope all is well with you. Hope they didn't treat you that badly!:hi:

[meganmonkey]

134. You are welcome!

I am glad I had the time and energy to participate. I am heading home today and I will hopefully get my whole story written down to post in GD...

:hi:

[Lady Freedom]

135. There is only one thing to feel about this!

[Mutley]

136. No question. Just a comment.

That was so completely cool! You are a hero. I wimped out on the Monday festivities, but now I wish I hadn't. Next time, I won't.

:yourock: :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

137. Do you have the DC cold?