You may wonder why I've chosen to use this photo from one of the first demonstrations at the corrner of Kappel Drive and W. Florissant, coming out of Ferguson into Dellwood? Our childhood home was two houses from this corner. My point:
Peaceful Demonstrations become violent
when outsiders purposefully infiltrate the peace and incite violence.
THIS, is my concern as I head to the Women's March in DC. Frankly, it has been my concern from the moment I knew I had to go. It has been brought to my attention by: friends in DC; news reports; and elsewhere, that this outsider agitation is expected and that every march should be prepared to confront these situations.
I've seen it in Ferguson. We've seen it in Baton Rouge. Residents and locals with the intent of peaceful demonstration are left scratching their heads. How did this happen? Now, we know...outsiders with varying intents and purposes confuse and damage the peaceful.
I've asked myself over and over what to do if confronted with outside agitators? As much as I've wanted to compare these crowds to Mardi Gras and joke that it has "readied me" for the March; I'm not nieve enough to believe that this is remotely the same thing. I have concerns. My friends and family have concerns. Their resounding words are:
BE SAFE!
I am as prepared as I'm going to be, when you have absolutely no idea what you might need to be prepared for. In addition to expressing my views and carrying those along with me who I love that can't come along, I'm:
- Making sure that my hands are free;
- I'm bringing my health insurance card along with me;
- I have phone numbers and contact information for local friends, in case there is trouble;
- I have DC Emergency Numbers, in case there is trouble;
- I have my own emergency contact numbers;
- I plan to stay on the edge of the crowds;
- I plan to talk to and pay attention to everyone around me (knowledge is power);
- If I sit, I will sit with my back to a wall with an ability to watch everything around me; but, above all-
PRACTICE VIGILANCE...the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
I am saddened that this degree of vigilance is necessary.
In spite of this sadness: I am excited; I am ready; and, I am practicing what I preach. We stand together!
Thanks, Niels-I'll be taking lots of photos and taking comfort in how many countries around the world stand with us in SOLIDARITY for the MARCH. Love to you and Bodil-Laury
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | January 20, 2017 at 05:01 PM
take care, you are together with many good people there, that's the good thing ! and all of you show the world that there is hope !
Posted by: Niels | January 20, 2017 at 03:30 PM