A question about the DC March on 27 Jan...

[Squatch]

Hey, all,

I want to show my support for you guys at the March in DC on the 27th, but as it is my first one ever, I have a concern. If I go, I will bring my family...I have a pregnant wife and a 20-month old son. Seeing some of the horror stories on DU about peaceful marches turning for the worse, I was hoping you all could give me some insight as to whether or not it would be a good idea to attend.

The last thing I want to do is show up to a peace rally with my family, only to have the Gestapo put the wood to us or have the Reichwing Volksstrum hurl nastiness at us.

In any case, I could sure use some advice on this.

S

[shadowknows69]

1. I admire your resolve, and your wifes

but I don't know if I personally would. Too many variables.

[Squatch]

5. Yeah...tough call to make.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. I went to the one in NY and there were no problems

I think your biggest concern would be the weather. Dress that baby warmly.

It is such an awesome experience. I highly recommend it. I have been to a lot of protests and the people are actually very peaceful.

If you come, PM me and I will give you my cell number. We can hook up and hang together if you want. I will be with the Camp Casey crew. And they are AWESOME.

[LostinVA]

3. I've never had problems in DC

Except for when some Anarchists were needling a cop. I just beat a hasty retreat to another part of the march -- just in case.

[Nay]

4. We went to the last DC march where half a million people showed

up -- me, Mr. Nay and Sonny Nay (age 22). We had a great time and the crowd was totally peaceful. Even the cops seemed to be having fun, at least the cops I saw looked perfectly happy. Now this is not to say that things can't go to shit in 2 seconds flat, but we sure felt OK going and being there all day. We felt as high as kites, seeing all the people against the war.

Go to some of the sites that tell you what to bring in case things go to hell -- bottled water and a bandanna for your face (in case of tear gas); name and phone of an ACLU lawyer to contact in case you get hauled off; cell phone; etc. We were slack and just brought water, and we were fine.

I wish I could go to the one on the 27th. I have a damn previous engagement.

[stephinrome]

6. I shouldn't reply since...

...I've never been to a demo in the U.S., don't have kids and have never been pregnant :) but let me just pipe in to say I have heard the police in DC are much more relaxed than in NYC.

If you really feel uncomfortable about the march, an option, if you are free to be in DC on Sun and Mon would be to join the Lobby Day. Training on Sun, meetings with your senators on Mon. More on the UFPJ site: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/modinput4.php?modin=121

But I do hope to see you at the march!

Steph