What do you take to a protest?

[Laurelin]

I keep reading the lists of what the insurrectionists brought to their attempted coup, or, as they say, "first amendment protest."

I've been to many protests and marches, so here's my equipment list:

Water bottle, breakfast bar or nuts or snack of some kind, antihistamine and epipen because I always carry those, hat, cash for parking garage, ID, cell phone, a sign maybe but they are sometimes banned. If I'm talking to an elected official or hearing a speaker I'm especially interested in I bring something to take notes with.

Due to white privilege I've never carried a toothbrush or lawyer contact info, but I probably will in the future. Milk might be a good idea too.

The police I've seen at protests tend to be polite and bored, not violent, so maybe I'm lucky. Protestors are usually a mix of races so that's not just white privilege.

Things I'd never bring include sledge hammers, weapons, bear mace...

Also, if I ever saw a fellow protestor break a window, trespass, start a fire, attack someone... I'd leave and call 911.

Anyone have a different list?

[woodsprite]

1. Sounds pretty much like my list, although add that the bag or backpack is "see through"

so all contents are visible.

[Rorey]

2. Why milk? nt

[Bobstandard]

4. Pepper spray/tear gas antidote n/t

[Rorey]

5. Good to know!

Thank you!

[lindysalsagal]

3. I've been demonstrating since 2003: NYC, at the UN, the Feb before the Iraq invasion

And I've always felt safe. Millions of people all crowded together, showing our elected officials what matters to us.

We were angry, but not then, not as we walked together. We found solace in each other. Usually it was about enjoying all the clever slogans on the signs, the fantastic artwork, and the references to great people and great past statements.

That was an organized attack, and bears no resemblance to the protests I've attended.

[Walleye]

6. I want to know where they got the lumber to build that gallows

[Nevilledog]

7. Why is there no video of them building the gallows?

Are you telling me no one thought that was interesting enough to film?

[Walleye]

9. Excellent question. Would be helpful if we could hear what they were saying at the time

[Laurelin]

12. I wondered about that, too

Someone must have filmed it, surely.

[keithbvadu2]

15. One excuse is that things 'got out of hand'.

One excuse is that things 'got out of hand'.

Gallows and zip tie handcuffs require planning,,, not spur-of-the-moment.

[Chainfire]

8. In my case I would want the cell phone to be a burner, just in case I had to break bad on a Nazi. ;

No your honor, I was nowhere near the victim.

[Cobalt Violet]

10. Flex cuffs and baseball bats.

[LakeArenal]

11. As recently as 2010, we protested Scott Wanker and we took CHILDREN.

Because... peaceful protest was actually possible.

[sinkingfeeling]

13. Your list, plus cash or credit card to buy souvenir tee shirt.

[keithbvadu2]

14. Details of the buildings we intend to conquer?

Details of the buildings we intend to conquer?

Weapons disguised as flagpoles with appropriate American/Blue-lives-matter flags?

Communications with like-minded Congressfolk?

Recognition with like-minded cops?